A review by gracescanlon
Take Two, Birdie Maxwell by Allison Winn Scotch

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.75

I had conflicting feelings about Birdie. On the one hand, I thought her self-absorption, which manifested as thoughtlessness and a victim mentality despite her status as America’s cinema sweetheart was entirely believable. Her flaws were realistic, but Birdie fell into the opposite of the “Mary Sue” — I struggled to find positive or likable qualities in her. 

Elliot I found similar, though more polarizing. He’s shockingly emotionally stunted, especially for a man in his mid-thirties. At least Birdie’s immaturity can be somewhat explained by her A-list status and perpetual underdog mentality, but Elliot just read immature because…because he was, I guess? He had a few more positive/likable qualities than Birdie, which meant any regard for her past a lifelong unrequited crush confounded me. 

Elliot’s backstory

of squishy journalistic ethics was the more compelling of the two by a long shot. I’d have loved to delve into that more.

I understand that it’s a romance, but felt that many substantial issues were brought up (harassment, elitism, etc.) only as plot devices. There’s a difference between these issues being a part of the conflict that’s explored to an appropriate degree and just using them to heighten tension without actually addressing or really commenting on them. 

I did think it was realistic that Birdie would face some backlash after standing against the director, but the extent of the PR nightmare that followed — how fully the entire country turned on her and how long it went on — was wholly unbelievable. 

Kai was the most interesting character. Believable, insufferable. Carter was a sweetie, and Simon was solid.