A review by wanderlust_romance
Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi

funny hopeful reflective medium-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

2.5

Once I got it into my head that this came across as Taylor Swift fanfic as told from the perspective of a broke, anxious, funny, delusional, and really quirky male "love interest," I just could not shake that thought. Did I enjoy the characters? They were interesting and funny and very much Gen Z in their concerns and speech patterns. The MMC, Pablo Neruda Rind, had an interesting plot and character arc overall. But again, a large portion of this book is dedicated to Pablo's relationship with mega pop star/actress Leanna Smart. (And get this, her fanbase is called "Smarties," if that doesn't convince you IDK what will.) It's alternately trying to cultivate empathy for celebrities ("their lives are SO hard" / "You just don't understand what it's like" / "only *I* get to see this side of you") and condemning the behavior of fans, paparazzi, and the capitalist spectacle that surrounds it all. Pablo never really wanted a relationship with Leanna Smart though, he just wanted an escape from the drudgery of his overnight shift at a Brooklyn bodega and a means of avoidance for making decisions regarding his future and dodging reminders of his student loan and credit card debt.

I enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook. However I fear I would have shelved this as DNF had I attempted to read it with my eyeballs. Would recommend this book to all the Swifties out there who are looking for a read with a diverse and entertaining cast of charcters.
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