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A review by chronicallycorporeal
Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
2.0
I am very very ambivalent so gots to do some dividing here.
Positives:
Love to see stories of queer joy rather than constant struggle and misery! I like that the transphobia is so minimal, that kids can get to read about trans people not being constantly harassed. The absence of sex and virginity plot lines is also a nice change of pace, since that's something a lot of teen and queer media put a massive focus on. It's not anti-sex or pushing abstinence, it’s just not about sex, other than parents and siblings advocating safety.
This book could be enjoyable and sweet if you're in your tweens and just want some good representation. A lot of trans media focuses on people far along in their transition and the pain that often comes with being trans. Here we see a boy who has just come out and is still getting a hang of things. There's a supportive older sibling and overall a lot of kindness and acceptance.
Negatives:
I wish I liked Noah more. He is an infuriating protagonist that significantly impacts the reading experience. It’s kind of like [b:What If It's Us|36341204|What If It's Us (What If It's Us, #1)|Becky Albertalli|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1526557760l/36341204._SY75_.jpg|57912876], where the love interest is lovely and I want it all to be about him, but the protagonist is quite unlikable for a large part of the book. Noah is that but worse.
The plot feels repetitive and drags. I can absolutely appreciate a slice of life story and a classic trope, but this is a tad too much. Although it's a cosy audiobook, I doubt I would have gotten through it as a paper copy.
- Ren
Positives:
Love to see stories of queer joy rather than constant struggle and misery! I like that the transphobia is so minimal, that kids can get to read about trans people not being constantly harassed. The absence of sex and virginity plot lines is also a nice change of pace, since that's something a lot of teen and queer media put a massive focus on. It's not anti-sex or pushing abstinence, it’s just not about sex, other than parents and siblings advocating safety.
This book could be enjoyable and sweet if you're in your tweens and just want some good representation. A lot of trans media focuses on people far along in their transition and the pain that often comes with being trans. Here we see a boy who has just come out and is still getting a hang of things. There's a supportive older sibling and overall a lot of kindness and acceptance.
Negatives:
I wish I liked Noah more. He is an infuriating protagonist that significantly impacts the reading experience. It’s kind of like [b:What If It's Us|36341204|What If It's Us (What If It's Us, #1)|Becky Albertalli|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1526557760l/36341204._SY75_.jpg|57912876], where the love interest is lovely and I want it all to be about him, but the protagonist is quite unlikable for a large part of the book. Noah is that but worse.
The plot feels repetitive and drags. I can absolutely appreciate a slice of life story and a classic trope, but this is a tad too much. Although it's a cosy audiobook, I doubt I would have gotten through it as a paper copy.
- Ren