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A review by theespressoedition
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, after borrowing this book from the library and reading the entire thing in less than 24 hours, I immediately put it on my wishlist. Weather Girl is an absolute masterpiece.
I went into this with really low expectations. I didn't love The Ex Talk as much as I wanted to, but a lot of that had to do with the fact that it had a lot of excitement at the beginning and then slowed down dramatically in the middle, before picking up again in the last few chapters. I worried that this would be a bit disappointing, but I was beyond pleasantly surprised. This just went on my favorites list for 2022, that's for sure.
First, let's talk about the romance aspect of the book. It wasn't angsty, it wasn't nasty, and it certainly wasn't enemies-to-lovers (praise be). It focused on a sweet work friendship that was formed over a mutual interest in reuniting divorced bosses (à la The Parent Trap) and turned into something more during the process. I loved how Ari felt the ability to open up with Russell much sooner in the book because it paved the way for really great character development as they each navigated their own fears.
Russell is a young father with concerns about dating due to challenges he faced in the past. He's worried that anyone he sees is going to either be turned off by the fact that he has a 12-year-old or they'll be uninterested in learning more about her. Not only that, but he's a plus-sized person and while he has fully accepted himself, he does worry that a romantic relationship would be uncomfortable - especially sexually. Ari reassures him pretty early on that she's more than interested in becoming friends with his daughter - and that friendship is so, so sweet. I absolutely loved the scene where they spend time together. It was super endearing and relatable. It's also precious to read her perspective about Russell and his weight because she finds that to be one of the attractive parts about him. Rather than this feeling toxic, it's really precious. As someone who personally married someone bigger than myself, it felt really relatable because I absolutely loved my husband's softness (it makes him more snuggly)!
(OwnVoices) Ari is someone who has not only been hurt by her mother (due to her mental illness) but also happens to carry that gene - and it almost plagues her with anxiety. The way this book tackled depression was so phenomenally done. I also appreciated the trigger warning and note by the author prior to the start of the book. It made diving into the story much easier for someone like myself who also battles depression. Ari learns so much about herself, relationships, her mother, and her job throughout the book. She grows so much and I can't begin to express how thankful I am for the way this book was written.
Honestly, I can't recommend Weather Girl enough. It's absolutely incredible and I can't wait to read it again and again.
I went into this with really low expectations. I didn't love The Ex Talk as much as I wanted to, but a lot of that had to do with the fact that it had a lot of excitement at the beginning and then slowed down dramatically in the middle, before picking up again in the last few chapters. I worried that this would be a bit disappointing, but I was beyond pleasantly surprised. This just went on my favorites list for 2022, that's for sure.
First, let's talk about the romance aspect of the book. It wasn't angsty, it wasn't nasty, and it certainly wasn't enemies-to-lovers (praise be). It focused on a sweet work friendship that was formed over a mutual interest in reuniting divorced bosses (à la The Parent Trap) and turned into something more during the process. I loved how Ari felt the ability to open up with Russell much sooner in the book because it paved the way for really great character development as they each navigated their own fears.
Russell is a young father with concerns about dating due to challenges he faced in the past. He's worried that anyone he sees is going to either be turned off by the fact that he has a 12-year-old or they'll be uninterested in learning more about her. Not only that, but he's a plus-sized person and while he has fully accepted himself, he does worry that a romantic relationship would be uncomfortable - especially sexually. Ari reassures him pretty early on that she's more than interested in becoming friends with his daughter - and that friendship is so, so sweet. I absolutely loved the scene where they spend time together. It was super endearing and relatable. It's also precious to read her perspective about Russell and his weight because she finds that to be one of the attractive parts about him. Rather than this feeling toxic, it's really precious. As someone who personally married someone bigger than myself, it felt really relatable because I absolutely loved my husband's softness (it makes him more snuggly)!
(OwnVoices) Ari is someone who has not only been hurt by her mother (due to her mental illness) but also happens to carry that gene - and it almost plagues her with anxiety. The way this book tackled depression was so phenomenally done. I also appreciated the trigger warning and note by the author prior to the start of the book. It made diving into the story much easier for someone like myself who also battles depression. Ari learns so much about herself, relationships, her mother, and her job throughout the book. She grows so much and I can't begin to express how thankful I am for the way this book was written.
Honestly, I can't recommend Weather Girl enough. It's absolutely incredible and I can't wait to read it again and again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming and Suicidal thoughts