A review by tessa_talks_books
Stand up guy by Nina Kaye

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 

Stand Up Guy by Nina Kaye is a contemporary story of the challenge of adult friendships in a transitory world.  I expected to tell you that Stand Up Guy is a relatable rom-com, and it is.  I loved that the story is set uniquely in a standup comedy world and that there is plenty of witty banter, as expected.

But what hit me the most was the more relatable story about the main character, Lea, and her feelings of loneliness.  All of her college friends have gone off to start their careers wherever those careers took them, except for one friend, who is married with young children.  This sums up the challenges of having friends as an adult to me.  There is so much transition - people moving and life circumstances changing - it’s hard for the modern woman to keep up, much less have the time to get out there and meet new people.

Combined with the theme of loneliness is experiencing bullying as an adult.  Those middle school bullies don’t typically have a change of being as adults - they continue bullying when and where they can.  And there are specific areas where I’ve noticed they thrive and gravitate to.  I loved how Lea handled the bully in her life.  It’s so empowering!

I’ll be honest - the romance fizzled for me - but the other themes are so powerful they more than made up for it.