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toonyballoony's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This is it! The western aroace rep I’ve been looking for! All of Jo and Sophie’s discussions and monologues felt were incredibly relatable, and every character had a genuine voice and personality that I could imagine encountering in my daily life. A bit ham-fisted in its explanations, which I assume were for folks unfamiliar with a-spec identities, and its bias for Wellesley College, but never too distracting. I’m so happy this book exists.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
nutmeag's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Super cute, fun book about the aro-ace experience
nannyofoz's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
martapsalvado's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
I didn't want this book to end 😭😭 I had so much fun!!
A story about the importance of community, representation and platonic love mixed with college drama and references that I think really speak to gen-z and chronically online people (me). It's funny and emotional/instrospective in the perfect amount. My only complaint is that I kept forgetting if the chapter I was currently reading was Jo's or Sophie's pov, although they have very different personalities.
Very impressive that this is Ann Zhao's debut! Will definitely keep an eye out for her next release.
A story about the importance of community, representation and platonic love mixed with college drama and references that I think really speak to gen-z and chronically online people (me). It's funny and emotional/instrospective in the perfect amount. My only complaint is that I kept forgetting if the chapter I was currently reading was Jo's or Sophie's pov, although they have very different personalities.
Very impressive that this is Ann Zhao's debut! Will definitely keep an eye out for her next release.
nagginboutbooks's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
4.0
rallythealli's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Biphobia, Transphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
hopesquirreled's review against another edition
Even adjusting for its YA audience, the characters felt very flat and superficial. I'm glad more aroace fiction is being published but this isn't what I was looking for.
bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Sophie prides herself in giving the best anonymous relationship advice she can research to her fellow Wellesley classmates, but when Jo starts a more lighthearted advice service, the two find themselves at virtual odds all while growing closer IRL. Will they forge a lasting friendship, or be derailed by their secrets? It's honestly hard to believe that this is Ann Zhao's debut novel. I loved both of the MC's and their friend groups, the family dynamics are complex and heartwarming, and the tension is palpable without seeming drawn out. This is the first book I've read that centers Aroace characters like this, and really explores what it's like to live in a romance obsessed world when you're just not interested. All the big discussions were nuanced and explored different types of intersectionality, and all the silly bits had me giggling. I absolutely love reading about philial love and I want to read more stories like this one.