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A review by theespressoedition
I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
I Wanna Be Where You Are is your run-of-the-mill YA enemies-to-lovers "romcom." Okay, so it's more like friends-to-maybe-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, but that gets a little confusing, let's be honest.
The main character has big dreams and she's willing to sacrifice her (very sweet albeit protective) mother's trust to go on a road trip with a guy she used to have a crush on and now hates... plus his dog.
If we were supposed to feel swoony over the love interest, well, let's just say that was obliterated the second I found out he was a smoker. I could smell the ick as I was reading. He's also this very stereotypical "macho" kid who has to make the MC feel bad about every little thing - despite the fact that it's clear he's liked her for years and feels like he screwed up their would-be relationship and any friendship they could've had.
I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. They were so careless throughout the entire story - from spending copious amounts of money on car repairs without telling their parents what happened (okay truly, what 17-year-old is going to get in a car accident... something that already causes trauma... and not tell an adult it happened????) to driving all over like there's no one depending on them for anything. I don't know, it just felt off to me from the jump.
There were a few moments that I enjoyed as I was reading the book, but I don't think I'd ever pick it up again. I didn't feel any connection or care towards anyone, and that really affected my end rating. In fact, several weeks after listening to it, I'd even consider lowering the rating, since I can't seem to think of anything that actually made me like the book.
The main character has big dreams and she's willing to sacrifice her (very sweet albeit protective) mother's trust to go on a road trip with a guy she used to have a crush on and now hates... plus his dog.
If we were supposed to feel swoony over the love interest, well, let's just say that was obliterated the second I found out he was a smoker. I could smell the ick as I was reading. He's also this very stereotypical "macho" kid who has to make the MC feel bad about every little thing - despite the fact that it's clear he's liked her for years and feels like he screwed up their would-be relationship and any friendship they could've had.
I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. They were so careless throughout the entire story - from spending copious amounts of money on car repairs without telling their parents what happened (okay truly, what 17-year-old is going to get in a car accident... something that already causes trauma... and not tell an adult it happened????) to driving all over like there's no one depending on them for anything. I don't know, it just felt off to me from the jump.
There were a few moments that I enjoyed as I was reading the book, but I don't think I'd ever pick it up again. I didn't feel any connection or care towards anyone, and that really affected my end rating. In fact, several weeks after listening to it, I'd even consider lowering the rating, since I can't seem to think of anything that actually made me like the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
Moderate: Addiction, Grief, and Toxic friendship