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A review by bekacrook
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Charlie and Dev felt like real people, they had flaws and personalities that weren't skirted over or just added in to make them seem relatable. They were sweet and sensitive, and there was a mix of genuinely funny moments and moments that made me feel so sad and heartbroken for both of them.
I liked the premise of the book, and the setting of a reality TV dating show and how that interfered and added a different dynamic to the whole thing. The side characters really added to the story and honestly they each had a little bit of surprise with them and felt really human. Naturally, it was a little bit predictable in what was going to happen but I found that comfortable, not boring.
The mental health representation is great, it feels honest but still hopeful with an onus on you getting help for yourself and because you want to, not because other people want or expect it. It explains why people behave differently but never uses it as an excuse for people to be rude or mean.
I just really liked Dev and Charlie together, they strengthened each other and helped each other without fundamentally changing who the other person is. There was so much acceptance and hope within them both. I thought the ending was super cute, I just really enjoyed reading it.
I liked the premise of the book, and the setting of a reality TV dating show and how that interfered and added a different dynamic to the whole thing. The side characters really added to the story and honestly they each had a little bit of surprise with them and felt really human. Naturally, it was a little bit predictable in what was going to happen but I found that comfortable, not boring.
The mental health representation is great, it feels honest but still hopeful with an onus on you getting help for yourself and because you want to, not because other people want or expect it. It explains why people behave differently but never uses it as an excuse for people to be rude or mean.
I just really liked Dev and Charlie together, they strengthened each other and helped each other without fundamentally changing who the other person is. There was so much acceptance and hope within them both. I thought the ending was super cute, I just really enjoyed reading it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Homophobia