Scan barcode
A review by obscurepages
The Breakup Lists by Adib Khorram
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
"Oh wow, this was so good," I say as I wipe some wetness out of my eyes. 😂 THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!
One thing I always I appreciate about Adib Khorram's works is the blend of teenage experience and poignant themes. It was there in his three other books I read before, and this one, The Breakup Lists, is no different.
This was easy to read and follow, the writing is light and funny. And yet, through Jackson, we are offered a perspective of a gay Iranian-American teen who loves theater, who also happens to be hard of hearing, who's falling in love for the first time, who feels underappreciated, and still has some issues he needs to work on. I loved reading this story and in Jackson's POV. He's a compelling and relatable character, and you just want the best for him even if you know, as a reader, that he's not making the best decisions 😅
Jackson was hard of hearing, and it was nice to read about the experiences of the Deaf/hard of hearing community in his POV. Ableism was also touched upon, as well as mental health. Aroace identity was also featured (confirmed aroace minor character!), as well as other queer rep.
The plot is interesting, and though it may seem formulaic at times, it works and it's good. Adib Khorram still has some surprises for the reader and I love that. Much of the plot and Jackson's storyline revolved around being in theater and I just thought that was fun! I've never been a "theater gay", but I definitely had some flashbacks to certain Glee episodes while reading this 😂 I love it all the more!
I love the romance, too. This got me giggling and kicking my feet and I LOVE THAT. (I'm not going to say anymore in case I spoil something 😂)
Also, I have to say, Bowie is definitely my favorite character, I love them 😂
Overall, this was so so good. I was excited for this one, and Adid Khorram definitely did not disappoint.
Exact rating: 4.5 ⭐️ (Might post a detailed review on the blog!)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc! This is out April 2nd!
One thing I always I appreciate about Adib Khorram's works is the blend of teenage experience and poignant themes. It was there in his three other books I read before, and this one, The Breakup Lists, is no different.
This was easy to read and follow, the writing is light and funny. And yet, through Jackson, we are offered a perspective of a gay Iranian-American teen who loves theater, who also happens to be hard of hearing, who's falling in love for the first time, who feels underappreciated, and still has some issues he needs to work on. I loved reading this story and in Jackson's POV. He's a compelling and relatable character, and you just want the best for him even if you know, as a reader, that he's not making the best decisions 😅
Jackson was hard of hearing, and it was nice to read about the experiences of the Deaf/hard of hearing community in his POV. Ableism was also touched upon, as well as mental health. Aroace identity was also featured (confirmed aroace minor character!), as well as other queer rep.
The plot is interesting, and though it may seem formulaic at times, it works and it's good. Adib Khorram still has some surprises for the reader and I love that. Much of the plot and Jackson's storyline revolved around being in theater and I just thought that was fun! I've never been a "theater gay", but I definitely had some flashbacks to certain Glee episodes while reading this 😂 I love it all the more!
I love the romance, too. This got me giggling and kicking my feet and I LOVE THAT. (I'm not going to say anymore in case I spoil something 😂)
Also, I have to say, Bowie is definitely my favorite character, I love them 😂
Overall, this was so so good. I was excited for this one, and Adid Khorram definitely did not disappoint.
Exact rating: 4.5 ⭐️ (Might post a detailed review on the blog!)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc! This is out April 2nd!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia and Ableism