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A review by enchantingreads_rosyreviews
What It Means to be Brave by Andrea Andersen
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Meaningful relationships could absolutely have an expiration date. Just because a relationship didn’t end happily ever after, doesn’t mean that it was a wasted experience. My soul craved Joshua Madey, as more than just a fake boyfriend and more than a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am situation. I wanted something real with him. Even if it had a deadline.”
🎤
If her previous book felt a little emotional for you, then Andrea delivers this one that’s pure fun. Of course, ASL/disability and mental health are represented in this story too. But Courtney is a wild one, unapologetically so, and Josh's nerdy, rockstar confidence really seems to complement her outgoing self.
As individuals, I LOVE these characters: Court is that blunt friend that every introverted person needs & adores; while Josh is that nerd who turned hot, but remained nerdy on the inside... and he’s bisexual, so he talks about how sexy Logan is (like everyone else agrees). Their infatuation with one another is hilarious to watch as their feelings unfold… and even more hilarious when she finds out he had the biggest crush on her in high school (trust me, that scene WILL have you laughing out loud).
The addition of the band/side characters makes this book so much fun because, man, this is a GROUP! Everyone elevates their get-togethers in hilarious ways... the towel scene... read the book and you'll get it. 😏 It’s incredibly adorable how both of them can’t believe the other actually chose them, even if it takes acts of bravery on both of their parts to get to that point. This story had me laughing, clutching my heart saying “aww!,” and even took me by surprise (I guarantee, you won’t predict exactly how this one ends). Plus, I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a rockstar fantasy world for a little bit? This book felt like a movie as the “rockstar” element added a sparkly quality to this realistic world I totally enjoyed. It’s just pure entertainment. I loved it!
If her previous book felt a little emotional for you, then Andrea delivers this one that’s pure fun. Of course, ASL/disability and mental health are represented in this story too. But Courtney is a wild one, unapologetically so, and Josh's nerdy, rockstar confidence really seems to complement her outgoing self.
As individuals, I LOVE these characters: Court is that blunt friend that every introverted person needs & adores; while Josh is that nerd who turned hot, but remained nerdy on the inside... and he’s bisexual, so he talks about how sexy Logan is (like everyone else agrees). Their infatuation with one another is hilarious to watch as their feelings unfold… and even more hilarious when she finds out he had the biggest crush on her in high school (trust me, that scene WILL have you laughing out loud).
The addition of the band/side characters makes this book so much fun because, man, this is a GROUP! Everyone elevates their get-togethers in hilarious ways... the towel scene... read the book and you'll get it. 😏 It’s incredibly adorable how both of them can’t believe the other actually chose them, even if it takes acts of bravery on both of their parts to get to that point. This story had me laughing, clutching my heart saying “aww!,” and even took me by surprise (I guarantee, you won’t predict exactly how this one ends). Plus, I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a rockstar fantasy world for a little bit? This book felt like a movie as the “rockstar” element added a sparkly quality to this realistic world I totally enjoyed. It’s just pure entertainment. I loved it!
"I am never leaving you. You’ll always have me... How do you still not know for a fact that I am completely, painfully in love with you?... because whether or not we get married, I’m yours. Fully, completely yours. I’ll be the most stable thing you’ve ever had. Whether or not I’m on tour couldn’t possibly change that, because we already know that almost a decade of separation didn’t... I just need you to be brave, love."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Drug use, and Sexism
Although both of our main characters do not have disabilities, there are side characters who require communication through ASL (American Sign Language). There is a scene where ASL accommodations fail, leaving characters unable to enjoy an event, until our female main character steps in to interpret. This opens larger conversations about accessibility, especially among the deaf & hard of hearing community.