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A review by dreamerfromthebooks
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This rom-com was inspired by Beauty and Beast. It’s set in the publishing world as our main protagonist, Izzy an editorial assistant, travels to the West Coast to help Beau Towers write his long-awaited memoir as he failed to deliver it the publishing house (called A TALE OLD AS TIME 💛).
The prose was beautifully written while also entertaining. It kept me smiling page after page. The love story was swoon worthy. Speaking of the romance I appreciated the way that Izzy and Beau started off not so enemies but didn’t see eye to eye. From there, the relationship developed into a friendship. It was refreshing to see their relationship as it seemed organic to many relationships that happen in the real world. I think it’s something forgotten in some love stories I read today on how the foundation of a friendship can make a love story stand so tall.
By the Book also tackled what it’s like being a woman of color in publishing. Izzy is the only black employee at her publishing house. It was moving to see her journey to get the promotion she’s wanted for so long.
Overall great book! It’s on the shorter side so it can be a quick read. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sarah Hollis. They did an amazing job!
CW: toxic relationships with parent, toxic co-worker to protagonist, gaslighting, death of a parent (mentioned)
The prose was beautifully written while also entertaining. It kept me smiling page after page. The love story was swoon worthy. Speaking of the romance I appreciated the way that Izzy and Beau started off not so enemies but didn’t see eye to eye. From there, the relationship developed into a friendship. It was refreshing to see their relationship as it seemed organic to many relationships that happen in the real world. I think it’s something forgotten in some love stories I read today on how the foundation of a friendship can make a love story stand so tall.
By the Book also tackled what it’s like being a woman of color in publishing. Izzy is the only black employee at her publishing house. It was moving to see her journey to get the promotion she’s wanted for so long.
Overall great book! It’s on the shorter side so it can be a quick read. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sarah Hollis. They did an amazing job!
CW: toxic relationships with parent, toxic co-worker to protagonist, gaslighting, death of a parent (mentioned)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent