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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
Really 4.5/5 but I prefer to round up for this book. I really enjoyed it. As intense and deep as it got, I still remember best the fluffy, sweet beginning parts, and the relatable fandom discussion, and the focus on really strong friendship… of course, the line between friendship and romance gets blurred, which was also interesting to see in a book (Normally blurring the line between friendship and romance pretty much always means "they were friends, now they're becoming a couple, oh look now they're a couple" and this was just a more interesting dynamic). I mean, it also got pretty intense and oh wow I just wanted a happy ending for these characters so badly, why do authors torture me so much… (also if you need to check trigger warnings for mental health stuff, definitely do so for this book)
My first thoughts on finishing this book? Wow. I've seen this book around the interwebs, featured on people's WoW posts, etc, and I've had it to read for a little while, but finally decided to jump in and what a freaking read. Epistolary novels are rare, and very hard to get right, but Gena/Finn is almost perfect in every way. It had it all. The fandom (which I suspect is based on Supernatural, not that Hannah would tell me when I asked), two AMAZING characters, and some pretty heart-wrenching scenes and secrets.
I'll get the not so good out the way first - the ending. Like 80% into the book there's this entire twist, something happens, and while it was horrifying and had me staring at my screen to see if it was correct, it also left me with tons of questions and a rather unexciting ending. This book was light & fun for sooooo long, and then it all of a sudden got very serious, and I would have just gone in a different direction, because I wasn't honestly sure what it was supposed to accomplish.
Now, the good stuff, and there's a lot of good stuff. I've genuinely got no idea if this was supposed to be a F/F romance with Gena & Finn, BUT that's what I was shipping. From when Gena and Finn first meet each other, they just click. And to be able to bring that across in blog posts/emails/text messages is something not many authors can pull off but the pairing of Moskowitz and Helgeson pull it off effortlessly. I was flipping the pages, desperate to read more, more, more. It was intoxicating, like being pulled into your favourite TV show. It's the kind of friendship I would love to have, to be able to talk about anything with somebody, any time of day, no matter what. Even better was when they DO meet IRL, it was so not weird, I've never genuinely read a book with two characters who just clicked like Gena and Finn.
Their relationship went from like 0 to 100 superfast, but it never felt forced. It just seemed natural, and sometimes it is so much easier to talk to someone behind a laptop than it is someone face to face. It's the kind of relationship you can't get enough of, and I never knew where it was going, but I wanted to be along for the whole ride. It's a book you literally devour, I carried it everywhere with me and read it in one sitting, because I just wanted more, more, more, more, more. It was so intense, so all-consuming. I can't WAIT to get a physical copy of this, to read it again, and see the artwork. See how it was supposed to be formatted all good and proper, because I am so buying myself a copy of this book. Maybe the ending let me down a little bit, but a lot of this book is amazing. This is a special book, and I loved it.
I'll get the not so good out the way first - the ending. Like 80% into the book there's this entire twist, something happens, and while it was horrifying and had me staring at my screen to see if it was correct, it also left me with tons of questions and a rather unexciting ending. This book was light & fun for sooooo long, and then it all of a sudden got very serious, and I would have just gone in a different direction, because I wasn't honestly sure what it was supposed to accomplish.
Now, the good stuff, and there's a lot of good stuff. I've genuinely got no idea if this was supposed to be a F/F romance with Gena & Finn, BUT that's what I was shipping. From when Gena and Finn first meet each other, they just click. And to be able to bring that across in blog posts/emails/text messages is something not many authors can pull off but the pairing of Moskowitz and Helgeson pull it off effortlessly. I was flipping the pages, desperate to read more, more, more. It was intoxicating, like being pulled into your favourite TV show. It's the kind of friendship I would love to have, to be able to talk about anything with somebody, any time of day, no matter what. Even better was when they DO meet IRL, it was so not weird, I've never genuinely read a book with two characters who just clicked like Gena and Finn.
Their relationship went from like 0 to 100 superfast, but it never felt forced. It just seemed natural, and sometimes it is so much easier to talk to someone behind a laptop than it is someone face to face. It's the kind of relationship you can't get enough of, and I never knew where it was going, but I wanted to be along for the whole ride. It's a book you literally devour, I carried it everywhere with me and read it in one sitting, because I just wanted more, more, more, more, more. It was so intense, so all-consuming. I can't WAIT to get a physical copy of this, to read it again, and see the artwork. See how it was supposed to be formatted all good and proper, because I am so buying myself a copy of this book. Maybe the ending let me down a little bit, but a lot of this book is amazing. This is a special book, and I loved it.
Not sure entirely what to make of this book. I basically read it in one sitting, so I clearly enjoyed it, but I wasn't super happy with the resolution and also I think it thought it was deeper than it actually was.
3.5
The first half of this book for me was 5 stars. I loved it and found it super relatable. Up Below reminded me a lot of Supernatural (and considering the authors' included Sam Winchester and Castiel in their favourite characters lists in the back of the book, I'm guessing this was a big influence) and I think they really nailed the tone and voice of people writing about fandom. I've read so many books that try to write teen-style blogs and completely fail at making it sound realistic, so I was really glad this book managed to do it successfully.
However, the second part of the book felt like a total 180 for me. This gets spoiler-y, so I'll hide it: I felt like that accident came out of no where, and suddenly the whole tone of the book changed. I guess I should have realised more serious themes were going to crop up seeing as Gena's childhood hallucinations were a plot point, but it felt so sudden. And I really feet left hanging with that ending - I feel like Gena's last post (the fic) was meant to be some kind of closure, but it felt kind of abrupt to me. All I'm thinking is, what happened after? Did Gena get better? What happened with this Gena-Finn-Charlie situation they've got going on? I'm a little disappointed that the story didn't end with Gena and Finn getting together, but that's probably just because I like a good happy ending haha.
So overall, I really enjoyed it, but feel like the second half kind of let it down for me.
The first half of this book for me was 5 stars. I loved it and found it super relatable. Up Below reminded me a lot of Supernatural (and considering the authors' included Sam Winchester and Castiel in their favourite characters lists in the back of the book, I'm guessing this was a big influence) and I think they really nailed the tone and voice of people writing about fandom. I've read so many books that try to write teen-style blogs and completely fail at making it sound realistic, so I was really glad this book managed to do it successfully.
However, the second part of the book felt like a total 180 for me. This gets spoiler-y, so I'll hide it:
So overall, I really enjoyed it, but feel like the second half kind of let it down for me.
I received a copy of this book for review, this does not influence my thoughts on the book or this review.
I am always on the look out for unique storytelling so when I heard about Gena/Finn, I knew I had to pick it up. Told through emails, fan journals, some art and photos, private messages and other mediums, Gena/Finn is the unique story of fandom and how it brings people together.
Gena and Finn are in completely different stages of their lives; Gena is almost done high school and is looking at colleges while Finn is done with her education and just trying to get a job so she can pay half the rent on the apartment she shares with her boyfriend. Soon, Gena and Finn bond over their love of a buddy-cop show, Up Below. Soon fandom talk turns into real talk turns into meeting at a con. Gena/Finn is the story of fandom, and how it bonds people together and has real consequences, and emotions, that go beyond the computer screen.
I loved Gena and Finn so much. Damn, they are wonderful characters. Gena totally resonates with me in terms of her expectations about college vs. reality and Finn related to the scared and unsure part of me that is constantly in overdrive.
While their relationship starts off happily, things inevitably get complicated. I don’t want to spoil too much because this novel is so fast-paced and awesome and I loved it. In terms of plot, there was a twist! I was so pleasantly shocked and surprised and I am perpetually amazed.
For fear of spoilers, I will just say: READ THIS BOOK. It will hurt your soul and maybe a piece of you will die but it will be so worth it because it is amazing.
Overall, Gena/Finn is one heck of a novel that I can’t wait for more people to read. If you love novels that are very character-focused and have a unique narrative, I highly recommend Gena/Finn.
I am always on the look out for unique storytelling so when I heard about Gena/Finn, I knew I had to pick it up. Told through emails, fan journals, some art and photos, private messages and other mediums, Gena/Finn is the unique story of fandom and how it brings people together.
Gena and Finn are in completely different stages of their lives; Gena is almost done high school and is looking at colleges while Finn is done with her education and just trying to get a job so she can pay half the rent on the apartment she shares with her boyfriend. Soon, Gena and Finn bond over their love of a buddy-cop show, Up Below. Soon fandom talk turns into real talk turns into meeting at a con. Gena/Finn is the story of fandom, and how it bonds people together and has real consequences, and emotions, that go beyond the computer screen.
I loved Gena and Finn so much. Damn, they are wonderful characters. Gena totally resonates with me in terms of her expectations about college vs. reality and Finn related to the scared and unsure part of me that is constantly in overdrive.
While their relationship starts off happily, things inevitably get complicated. I don’t want to spoil too much because this novel is so fast-paced and awesome and I loved it. In terms of plot, there was a twist! I was so pleasantly shocked and surprised and I am perpetually amazed.
For fear of spoilers, I will just say: READ THIS BOOK. It will hurt your soul and maybe a piece of you will die but it will be so worth it because it is amazing.
Overall, Gena/Finn is one heck of a novel that I can’t wait for more people to read. If you love novels that are very character-focused and have a unique narrative, I highly recommend Gena/Finn.
TROPES GALORE but also it's been a while since I've read YA and enjoyed it and an even longer time since I've read contemporary YA and enjoyed it so here we are. I liked this book. Refreshing. Gave me a good dose of emotion. Also nice seeing fandom portrayed realistically and nice seeing a fictional fic writer.
I liked this. The relationship between Gena and Finn was intense. I really loved their dynamic, and I loved the relationship that Finn and Gena also had with Charlie, Finn's long term boyfriend. I also liked the writing and formatting - such as texts, blog posts, emails etc. I enjoyed the fandom aspect, but not as much as I would have hoped but that is probably because I'm not massively involved in fandom anyway. Overall a good, enjoyable, and quick read.
I got interested in reading Gena/Finn after hearing it's written in alternative format and that the main charters are queer ladies.
My review will be in two parts (very original, I know, shhh):
•what I liked (about 60% of the book from the beginning, parts 1&2 in text)
•what I disliked (the rest of the book which is part 3)
•
I liked the alternative format! Gena/Finn is told in texts, e-mails, notes and blogposts. I loved reading them and I loved that this medium of communication was still relevant after Gena and Finn met each other.
I liked the fandom part. The main characters are in the fandom for the popular there cop drama. It's still unclear if this tv series had paranormal stuff, but the resemblance with Supernatural was obvious. I liked seeing characters fangirl. The novel shows how interconnected fandom with the rest of the life and how important it is for fans.
I couldn't connect to the characters on deeper level, but they were enjoyable to read about. Gena and Finn are both attracted to both men and women, it didn't stated in the text if they identified as bi or pan or smth else, so for convenience let's say I appreciate queer woman lead in the novel. Also Gena has schizophrenia, she had hallucinations when she was younger and she's on meds. Disability rep is appreciated too!
PROS:alternative format, fandom portrayal in its woes and glory, queer ladies, disability rep.
•
I disliked the 180 degree turn in the second half of the novel. The story lost its charm of texting and fandom stuff, because things got heavy. Gena is dealing with PTSD and her mental health isn't ok.Finn tries to take care of her but it's not easy. I don't know why the authors decided to kill that guy and give us 40% of a new story. The mood became different, the storytelling consisted mostly of long dairy entries and melancholic poems.
I dislike the implication of bisexual-people-are-cheaters trope.Hear me out, bisexual people can and do cheat as much as everyone else. It is possible for a bi woman to leave her boyfriend for a woman? Yes, of course. However, it's been a sensitive topic in social media lately, with raging biphobia on every other corner. As a bisexual myself, I take it all close to heart. This intro was about Charlie. Charlie is Finn's boyfriend, she lives with him, they've been solid for 3 years, there's talks about marriage but nothing definite on Finn's part. So while having a boyfriend, Finn developed this more than friendship with Gena and her boyfriend is still on the picture... Without getting into too many details, Finn is all over the place and I do not appreciate this bi/pan rep, tbh.
I disliked that Finn has to pay for Gena's medical appointments and medicine, when Gena's aunt is alive, well and can help more, I disliked the trope of absent parents, who were totally ignorant to anything that happened with their daughter. I disliked that 22 year old Finn has to take care of 18 year old Gena.
Gena's suffering from PTSD can be triggering, it's rather explicit. Going into the book I didn't know about this aspect.
Finn/Charlie/Gena dynamic doesn't look healthy to me. Finn called Gena her and Charlie's "kid". Charlie is bonding with Gena, sort of. Finn is jealous a lot. Meanwhile Gena and Finn call each other "best friends". Can I call it polyam? Or is it some form of relationship that I shouldn't try to label?
In two words, I didn't like characters' dynamic.
The ending was very abrupt and anticlimactic.
CONS: sudden darker themes, unappealing to me characters dynamic, biphobia and reinforcing stereotypes (my personal opinion, I felt like it's what happened here but it's up to debate, especially when co-author Hannah Moskowitz is bi herself), unsatisfying open ending.
Trigger warning: PTSD, trauma, hallucinations, prescribed medication
P.S. Parts 1&2 are 4 stars, Part 3 is 2 stars = final rating is generous 3 stars, it should've been 2.5 but I did enjoy the first half of the book so I'm upping it to 3 stars.
My review will be in two parts (very original, I know, shhh):
•what I liked (about 60% of the book from the beginning, parts 1&2 in text)
•what I disliked (the rest of the book which is part 3)
•
I liked the alternative format! Gena/Finn is told in texts, e-mails, notes and blogposts. I loved reading them and I loved that this medium of communication was still relevant after Gena and Finn met each other.
I liked the fandom part. The main characters are in the fandom for the popular there cop drama. It's still unclear if this tv series had paranormal stuff, but the resemblance with Supernatural was obvious. I liked seeing characters fangirl. The novel shows how interconnected fandom with the rest of the life and how important it is for fans.
I couldn't connect to the characters on deeper level, but they were enjoyable to read about. Gena and Finn are both attracted to both men and women, it didn't stated in the text if they identified as bi or pan or smth else, so for convenience let's say I appreciate queer woman lead in the novel. Also Gena has schizophrenia, she had hallucinations when she was younger and she's on meds. Disability rep is appreciated too!
PROS:alternative format, fandom portrayal in its woes and glory, queer ladies, disability rep.
•
I disliked the 180 degree turn in the second half of the novel. The story lost its charm of texting and fandom stuff, because things got heavy. Gena is dealing with PTSD and her mental health isn't ok.
I dislike the implication of bisexual-people-are-cheaters trope.Hear me out, bisexual people can and do cheat as much as everyone else. It is possible for a bi woman to leave her boyfriend for a woman? Yes, of course. However, it's been a sensitive topic in social media lately, with raging biphobia on every other corner. As a bisexual myself, I take it all close to heart. This intro was about Charlie. Charlie is Finn's boyfriend, she lives with him, they've been solid for 3 years, there's talks about marriage but nothing definite on Finn's part. So while having a boyfriend, Finn developed this more than friendship with Gena and her boyfriend is still on the picture... Without getting into too many details, Finn is all over the place and I do not appreciate this bi/pan rep, tbh.
I disliked that Finn has to pay for Gena's medical appointments and medicine, when Gena's aunt is alive, well and can help more, I disliked the trope of absent parents, who were totally ignorant to anything that happened with their daughter. I disliked that 22 year old Finn has to take care of 18 year old Gena.
Gena's suffering from PTSD can be triggering, it's rather explicit. Going into the book I didn't know about this aspect.
Finn/Charlie/Gena dynamic doesn't look healthy to me. Finn called Gena her and Charlie's "kid". Charlie is bonding with Gena, sort of. Finn is jealous a lot. Meanwhile Gena and Finn call each other "best friends". Can I call it polyam? Or is it some form of relationship that I shouldn't try to label?
In two words, I didn't like characters' dynamic.
The ending was very abrupt and anticlimactic.
CONS: sudden darker themes, unappealing to me characters dynamic, biphobia and reinforcing stereotypes (my personal opinion, I felt like it's what happened here but it's up to debate, especially when co-author Hannah Moskowitz is bi herself), unsatisfying open ending.
Trigger warning: PTSD, trauma, hallucinations, prescribed medication
P.S. Parts 1&2 are 4 stars, Part 3 is 2 stars = final rating is generous 3 stars, it should've been 2.5 but I did enjoy the first half of the book so I'm upping it to 3 stars.
I really wanted to love this book, and I really did love the format with all the emails and texts and livejournal-esque posts etc, plus the concept at a base level is really great. They certainly do get at what it means/feels to be part of fandom. However, the execution just didn't like up to the promise. The plot is all over the place and the characters simply needed to be developed more. It is a very short book, especially given how much of it is formatting, not story (like oodles of space taken up by email headers/addresses/timestamps), and I was left wanting a lot more.
well. that was a ride.
what an amazing book. the epilstalatory style worked so well, leaving some things hidden and revealing some things later.
man though i cant even write a proper review cause im just so full of emotions. holy shit. like.
i just wanna say that charlie and gena and finn are all precious and need to be protected at all costs.
what an amazing book. the epilstalatory style worked so well, leaving some things hidden and revealing some things later.
man though i cant even write a proper review cause im just so full of emotions. holy shit. like.
i just wanna say that charlie and gena and finn are all precious and need to be protected at all costs.