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A review by noellelovesbooks
The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
***This review was first posted to my blog***
Content Warnings:
-Racism
-Loss of parent discussed
Do you ever get frustrated with a character because they share some of your more frustrating qualities? *insert nervous laughter* I found myself, through the first part, becoming frustrated with how oblivious Chloe was to Jeremy’s feelings. Jeremy practically spelled out to her that he cares deeply for her and wants to marry her and yet Chloe keeps telling herself he’s looking to marry someone similar to her but definitely not her. I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her for missing huge signs.
The more I thought about it I realized I was increasingly frustrated with Chloe because, like her, I can be completely oblivious to what someone is telling me. Someone can say something plain as day to me and my brain re-arranges it entirely. Honestly, I’ve had many occasions where it was like, the person right in front of me, was having a different conversation in a different room, with the way my brain interpreted what was said.
Let’s just say picking up social cues and even understanding someone means exactly what they’re saying…well it’s hard for me to comprehend at times. This is why in life I attempt to avoid confrontation because I don’t always understand the situation that caused it let alone how to resolve it. Anyways, enough about me and my social awkwardness let’s get back to talking about this sweet story!
I have to say my favorite character from this book wasn’t actually Chloe or Jeremy but in fact, was Chloe’s dad. Honestly, though not many, the interactions between Chloe’s dad, Mr. Fong, and Jeremy always had me cracking up. You can easily picture Mr. Fong a strong and stubborn man who fiercely loves his daughter though he doesn’t express his love with words…instead he shows her through food.
This whole story was so sweet and I love that we were able to live in the bubble that is Wedgeford. Jeremy discusses the racism he, and his mother, have faced and how Wedgeford became a place he looked forward to visiting every year. Wedgeford was made up of so many mixed families he never felt out of place, like, he was constantly made to feel, back in London.
The author’s notes were also a lot of fun to read through as Courtney discusses her own family history and how she was inspired to write this story. She’s also listed a part of her site where we can see some recipes of the yummy food she mentions throughout the book. To find that list CLICK HERE to be directed to her site.
After reading this book I’m so excited to see what other couples join this series and what other cultures we might be able to explore through the sweet town of Wedgeford.
Content Warnings:
-Racism
-Loss of parent discussed
Do you ever get frustrated with a character because they share some of your more frustrating qualities? *insert nervous laughter* I found myself, through the first part, becoming frustrated with how oblivious Chloe was to Jeremy’s feelings. Jeremy practically spelled out to her that he cares deeply for her and wants to marry her and yet Chloe keeps telling herself he’s looking to marry someone similar to her but definitely not her. I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her for missing huge signs.
The more I thought about it I realized I was increasingly frustrated with Chloe because, like her, I can be completely oblivious to what someone is telling me. Someone can say something plain as day to me and my brain re-arranges it entirely. Honestly, I’ve had many occasions where it was like, the person right in front of me, was having a different conversation in a different room, with the way my brain interpreted what was said.
Let’s just say picking up social cues and even understanding someone means exactly what they’re saying…well it’s hard for me to comprehend at times. This is why in life I attempt to avoid confrontation because I don’t always understand the situation that caused it let alone how to resolve it. Anyways, enough about me and my social awkwardness let’s get back to talking about this sweet story!
I have to say my favorite character from this book wasn’t actually Chloe or Jeremy but in fact, was Chloe’s dad. Honestly, though not many, the interactions between Chloe’s dad, Mr. Fong, and Jeremy always had me cracking up. You can easily picture Mr. Fong a strong and stubborn man who fiercely loves his daughter though he doesn’t express his love with words…instead he shows her through food.
This whole story was so sweet and I love that we were able to live in the bubble that is Wedgeford. Jeremy discusses the racism he, and his mother, have faced and how Wedgeford became a place he looked forward to visiting every year. Wedgeford was made up of so many mixed families he never felt out of place, like, he was constantly made to feel, back in London.
The author’s notes were also a lot of fun to read through as Courtney discusses her own family history and how she was inspired to write this story. She’s also listed a part of her site where we can see some recipes of the yummy food she mentions throughout the book. To find that list CLICK HERE to be directed to her site.
After reading this book I’m so excited to see what other couples join this series and what other cultures we might be able to explore through the sweet town of Wedgeford.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Death of parent