maurakeaney 's review for:

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

2.0

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This was a quick listen, and I confess I didn't develop emotional attachment to any of the characters, despite having been a fat teenager myself and empathizing with the main character's insecurities. Living in the DC suburbs, I appreciated the local setting details, and I always appreciate having so many gay characters depicted in an everyday, positive light (lesbian & bisexual moms, an interracial relationship, various other gay characters). I just didn't detect any character development in the main character, aside from finally allowing herself to risk rejection in pursuit of a relationship. It was ok, but my engagement stayed barely at the surface level. Literally 10 minutes after finishing the audiobook, I can't remember a single character's name other than Molly, and I can't say I will miss them (which I usually do after any book ends when I have had emotional engagement with characters.)