A review by spicycronereads
Please Excuse Our Confusion by Jasmine Cartwright

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was a really sweet little YA romcom that centers on multiple characters coming to terms with their identity. I don’t want to say too much because I think it will spoil it. But suffice it to say that our FMC Bowie is smart and confident on the outside, but is dealing with a lot of insecurities on the inside. We spend time with her friend group, and with her romantic interests. 

There was one point when the narrative starts to deal with an issue that I am very passionate about and is one of the few things that will make me automatically DNF a book. I hung with it, hoping that it was going to be more nuanced than it appeared initially, and while the characters didn’t quite come around and explicitly deal with the difficulties of the issue, it got to a place where I was OK with finishing the book and with recommending it. Gave me a scare there!
The issue is abortion and one of the characters was having an extreme anti-choice reaction. I don’t know if she comes around per se but she does figure out how to be ok with her friend.


There is lots of diverse representation - the main characters are all people of color and there is a set of queer dads among the important secondary characters. 

YA so no spice but lots of swooning. πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–

Overall I recommend it for a light angst, feel good about the challenges and benefits of knowing who you are and owning it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–

Expand filter menu Content Warnings