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A review by this_momma_is_booked
Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I waited so long to read this book because the hype was outrageous. My favorite book is Red, White and Royal Blue and so many friends recommended I read Only Mostly Devastated. I went into this with the best intentions and it just didn't reach that elevated status I was hoping for.
That's not to say it wasn't a good book. I thought Sophie Gonzales did a great job of capturing the high school dynamics between the friends group, especially when certain characters are questioning their sexuality. However, I felt like Ollie's voice was pretty immature compared to the rest of his friends. I did love, however, the depiction of a teen boy completely comfortable with showcasing his sexuality. It's not often seen in media and I think it's incredibly important. I also really enjoyed the exploration of grief and death and I can see this book helping others who are dealing with these struggles.
I also feel like the romance wasn't really...there. We get glimpses of it throughout but, for the most part, it was pretty dry. This is supposed to be the central dilemma in the book and it just didn't feel genuine.
I still think it was a cute book and worth the read but it just didn't live up to the hype of RWRB (and what will?!).
That's not to say it wasn't a good book. I thought Sophie Gonzales did a great job of capturing the high school dynamics between the friends group, especially when certain characters are questioning their sexuality. However, I felt like Ollie's voice was pretty immature compared to the rest of his friends. I did love, however, the depiction of a teen boy completely comfortable with showcasing his sexuality. It's not often seen in media and I think it's incredibly important. I also really enjoyed the exploration of grief and death and I can see this book helping others who are dealing with these struggles.
I also feel like the romance wasn't really...there. We get glimpses of it throughout but, for the most part, it was pretty dry. This is supposed to be the central dilemma in the book and it just didn't feel genuine.
I still think it was a cute book and worth the read but it just didn't live up to the hype of RWRB (and what will?!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death