A review by thegreatmanda
Mistletoe & Mishigas by M.A. Wardell

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

This was SO GOOD. I identify heavily with Theo, but (I think) I’ve learned to mask it a lot better than he can. Part of me adores Sheldon as a character, while part of me cringes from the thought of meeting him in real life. I was really glad that half of the chapters were his POV to show what he deals with behind his outgoing cheer. The two of them work together so well, I love them.

I also enjoyed Sheldon's interaction with his class, especially Brodie, and it fit into the story and Sheldon and Theo's relationship really well. That was something I didn't connect as well with in Teacher of the Year, but it read as much more natural in this novel.

I loved that Sheldon got some closure with Timothy at the wedding without some crazy drama, or making Theo’s appearance about Timothy’s reaction to Sheldon’s boyfriend or anything like that. Sheldon and Theo’s moment was for them and no one else, and it was so good.

Favorite Quotes:

"Part of why I'm so chipper all the damn time is to make myself feel better. Maybe if I force myself to be happy, I'll believe it. I'm living my best fake-it-till-you-make-it fantasy." I gently squeeze his hand and take a breath. "But also, maybe if other people think I'm strong, they'll be less likely to hurt me."

What will happen to me if I've murdered Theo Berenson with sex? I'll lose my teaching job and be forced to sell horrible clothes at the mall.