A review by thebankofbooks
Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This book is SO GOOD. I was ecstatic when I received an e-arc of this book, and it has absolutely lived up to the standards I imagined. 
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Think sapphic Young Royals x Red, White, and Royal Blue, and you still don’t quite get Nobody in Particular (but if you love those, you’ll be OBSESSED with NiP!). When Danni gets a scholarship to an uber-elite boarding school in Henland, she doesn’t expect that she’ll even be running in the same periphery as Princess Rosemary, let alone joining her tight-knit friend group. And she never could have imagined that she’d fall in love - or have her feelings returned! But as the pair get closer, and their feelings become impossible to hide, there are some people who are trying to out the young princess, and some who are doing everything in their power to keep her in the closet. Rose can either follow the palace orders and hurt the one person who truly sees her, or follow her heart, potentially destroying her family’s legacy. 
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I’ve come close to crying on public transport a few times, but never have I actually shed tears on a train before. This book had me expressing emotions I try and avoid showing in public, but that’s testament to how beautiful it is. This Rom Dram (NOT ROM-COM!!) explores the pain of grief, the anguish at being closeted - and the fear of being outed - and the lasting impact of bullying, all in one. But fear not, as it is also so beautifully tied up in some wonderfully tender love - and some fantastic friendships. 
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Whilst there are aspects of this book I could NEVER relate to, Rose and Danni felt so realistic, and I absolutely saw myself in both of them. Danni’s self-consciousness and self-doubt after years of being bullied was so heartbreaking to read (as someone who’s experienced this) but the pride I felt at seeing her come into her own and find her inner strength made me want to weep. On the other hand, I, like Rose, have felt the grief-shut down before, and know how scary it is to a) not feel something, and b) have it all come into you months later. Seeing the growth that both of these characters go through - both together and individually - was so wonderful.
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Nobody in Particular comes out this June - so pre-order it now if you’re ready for a heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) experience.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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