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A review by tankytoon
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
When I picked up this book, I thought having a Plus-size MC would make me identify with the character more, but I was wrong. Expecting a book about body-positivity, I encountered instead a lot of cruel and hurtful comments that repeatedly stabbed me in the chest. Worst is Bea internalizing all these negativity as justification that she really has no other romantic prospect aside from douchebags who string her along.
For all her talk on her blog that she is above all the trolls, Bea succumbs to the slightest provocation when she joins a reality TV show supposedly to champion body diversity. Bea listens to the advice of an executive producer whose main concern is the ratings for her network, yet she discards the well-meaning words of her long-time best friend.
Bea comes off as a hypocrite with a holier-than-thou attitude, who likes to lay fault on others rather on herself for the bad decisions that she makes. Like how she slept with Luc even after confessing her feelings for Asher, and expects Asher not to be mad about it. I understand that she has to pretend to like each constant equally, especially towards the end when few candidates are left to keep up the show's suspense, but she did not have to go through it if she didn't want to. Especially if it's behind close doors where nobody would be the wiser.
I thought the conclusion would be the saving grace where she rejected all the suitors and chose herself, and honestly, I would rather she end up with no one and be happy being single. , but the contrived ending where everything is forgiven wasn't enough to convince me that the relationship she ultimately chose will last.
The book has a few faults, mainly that Bea's weight is the main character of the story, and is at the forefront of every chapter. It's like an insistent salesman telling you repeatedly that your car has two doors. I realize that Bea is a fashion blogger, hence the many references to trendy designers and the latest style are necessary, but I find myself detached when the author describes all the outfits. I was as bored as reading a long grocery list.
The only reason I persevered with this book is to make sure that Bea does not end up with the one she's wasted waiting her whole life for. The hope that she finally opens her eyes and see that whatever her size maybe, Bea does not deserve to be trampled on.
For all her talk on her blog that she is above all the trolls, Bea succumbs to the slightest provocation when she joins a reality TV show supposedly to champion body diversity. Bea listens to the advice of an executive producer whose main concern is the ratings for her network, yet she discards the well-meaning words of her long-time best friend.
Bea comes off as a hypocrite with a holier-than-thou attitude, who likes to lay fault on others rather on herself for the bad decisions that she makes.
I thought the conclusion would be the saving grace
The book has a few faults, mainly that Bea's weight is the main character of the story, and is at the forefront of every chapter. It's like an insistent salesman telling you repeatedly that your car has two doors. I realize that Bea is a fashion blogger, hence the many references to trendy designers and the latest style are necessary, but I find myself detached when the author describes all the outfits. I was as bored as reading a long grocery list.
The only reason I persevered with this book is to make sure that Bea does not end up with the one she's wasted waiting her whole life for. The hope that she finally opens her eyes and see that whatever her size maybe, Bea does not deserve to be trampled on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming