A review by glischsanchez
You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.75

I am a sucker for a romance and redemption story. I think one of the lessons of Matthew Prince’s story is that we have more agency than we think, walking away from longstanding and what we think are meaningful relationships may be hard but the alternative is to allow ourselves to wither and die on the vine of those toxic relationships. We must choose ourselves, not to the exclusion of caring about the world around us, but in a way that demonstrates true self-care and -love. I love Noelle, Hector, and Grandma; their holding Matthew accountable for bad behavior, while still being kind and compassionate is a masterclass in how you can show up fully in a relationship, help someone realize the fullness of their humanity without sacrificing your own wellbeing. The tenderness of Hector and Matthew’s love and how they were learning to be there in deep and profound ways for the other was so beautiful. Although Matthew Prince was insufferable in the beginning, I really loved this story.