A review by warlocksarecool21
Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Overall, Let’s Talk About Love was a sweet story about growing up and learning how to navigate relationships. I had some mixed feelings about some things in this book but I did like it. The strongest part of this story for me was Alice. I thought she was a fun character and her problems were very realistic and relatable for young adults. I liked the balance between Alice’s steadfastness in knowing what she wants for herself (in both her career and relationships) and her learning to be okay with doing things that might upset others. I really appreciated the asexual rep, a lot of Alice’s experiences with being ace are very similar to my own. All this to say, Alice is a very real and sweet character. (Updating this a little to make a comment inspired by a very angry and insecure review I saw: Not every asexual person is the same. If Alice’s experiences don’t match your experiences being asexual that’s ok, it’s not for you but it doesn’t mean it’s bad representation.) 

Now, for the parts I had issues with. I will preface that I did really like her relationship with Takumi, they were really cute and sweet together. I did wish more time was given to address some of the conflicts they had (
Mainly, her expecting him to be perfect, and Takumi figuring out what a relationship would look like for them.
). They were talked about, but it happened very quickly so it was a little dissatisfying. I did enjoy the rest of their relationship though.

I had minor issues with the writing style but I was able to look past it. The technical skill was there I just didn’t vibe with all of the humor and pop culture references. It was very reminiscent of Tumblr culture several years ago (when this book was written) that didn’t completely come across now. Not that it aged poorly in a problematic sense but some of the references/jokes (and there were a lot) just weren’t funny to me 😂. But if you really like that style of humor it might be for you.

My biggest issue was regarding Alice’s friends (Feenie and Ryan) she deserves so much better 😭😭. Their whole situation was so unhealthy and toxic at times and I just didn’t like their friendship. Alice’s individual dynamic with Ryan was fine but I did not like Feenie. To me, Feenie did not treat Alice that well?. I think Feenie acted really unfairly and that there was a double standard when it came down to how each one of them was allowed to act. The main issue was how possessive Feenie got when Alice started being friends with Takumi.
It just felt so toxic to me that Feenie was allowed to live her own life and do whatever she wanted but when Alice decided to branch out and make new friends (because she was tired of being a 3rd wheel) Alice was being unreasonable and selfish?? Make it make sense. And then when the whole thing was resolved most of the onus fell on Alice and she had to take accountability for Feenie’s insecurity but Feenie couldn’t acknowledge the hurt she caused. She even continued being possessive in their little reconciliation scene when she said that she needs Alice because she’s the only person who can make her calm (like girl that’s not healthy).
. It was not handled well and I did not like their friendship. Basically, I don’t think the conflict resolution was done very well in this book and it did make me rate it lower than I was hoping. 

That being said, I did enjoy this book, I liked Alice and Takumi. There were a few too many issues for me to want to rate it higher but it’s a cute book and worth the read. 
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