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merlesstorys'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? Yes
4.0
“Something to talk about” by Meryl Wilsner is a lovely book that is easy to read (which I read in one day because I just couldn’t stop).
Both Jo and Emma felt age appropriate and, even though I’m a tad younger than Emma, I could heavily emphasize with her. Their relationship with each other built up more or less nicely, even though the lack of communication really fucked me up sometimes (like I wanted to tell Jo that she should tell Emma things that the latter was related to) and with that also a lot of missed character understanding for each other.
Their relationships with other persons in the book were rather in the background/they kinda only ever talked about their love interest.
I do loved that their running gags were happing out of situations on and not off page (re: Asthma)
What I definitely didn’t like were the things teased but never or way less detailed - why I’ll briefly mention because I don’t want to spoiler anyone.
The leak and the persons behind. Emma’s personal thoughts on Avery/her feeling left behind. The pretty uncomfortable scene with Emma’s idol. Search for new assistants. Life on set. Writing a script. More Hollywood glamour.
And that’s probably not even all I kind of missed.
But, in general, I enjoyed Jo and Emma’s story very much.
Both Jo and Emma felt age appropriate and, even though I’m a tad younger than Emma, I could heavily emphasize with her. Their relationship with each other built up more or less nicely, even though the lack of communication really fucked me up sometimes (like I wanted to tell Jo that she should tell Emma things that the latter was related to) and with that also a lot of missed character understanding for each other.
Their relationships with other persons in the book were rather in the background/they kinda only ever talked about their love interest.
I do loved that their running gags were happing out of situations on and not off page (re: Asthma)
What I definitely didn’t like were the things teased but never or way less detailed - why I’ll briefly mention because I don’t want to spoiler anyone.
The leak and the persons behind. Emma’s personal thoughts on Avery/her feeling left behind. The pretty uncomfortable scene with Emma’s idol. Search for new assistants. Life on set. Writing a script. More Hollywood glamour.
And that’s probably not even all I kind of missed.
But, in general, I enjoyed Jo and Emma’s story very much.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Xenophobia, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, Sexism, Outing, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
storykath's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
When rumours begin to fly about the relationship between child-actress-turned-showrunner Jo and her assistant Emma, the two women begin to find it harder to navigate their professional and personal lives with each other.
First of all, it was super refreshing to read a queer romance where the queerness is (almost) never the focus. Taking away the queer aspect would change the story significantly, but there's next to no conflict regarding coming out, homophobia, etc. Wilsner did a great job balancing a distinctly WLW story with the necessary lightheartedness of a romance novel.
The alternating perspectives provided an effective insight into the protagonists' inner thoughts and feelings, while also amping up the frustration with every miscommunication and missed opportunity. Their inner monologues were realistic and relatable, if a bit repetitive. Then again, who doesn't mull over the same worries over and over in their mind? Jo and Emma were equal parts endearing, sympathetic, and agonizingly frustrating as they tried to understand themselves and each other - that is to say, they're typical romance novel characters and typical human beings.
The focus of the story was absolutely on the characters and their growth, which left the setting as more of an afterthought. Descriptions of the award shows, business trips, and day-to-day demands of the television industry fell flat, and it was hard to tell if they were unrealistic or just poorly fleshed out. While Jo and Emma's relationship is, of course, top priority, it would have been a nice touch to have more details about the characters' workplaces and homes to round out the story.
Altogether, as a general avoider of romance novels, I came for the queer representation, I stayed for the sympathetic characters, and I only sometimes wished for a more literary experience.
First of all, it was super refreshing to read a queer romance where the queerness is (almost) never the focus. Taking away the queer aspect would change the story significantly, but there's next to no conflict regarding coming out, homophobia, etc. Wilsner did a great job balancing a distinctly WLW story with the necessary lightheartedness of a romance novel.
The alternating perspectives provided an effective insight into the protagonists' inner thoughts and feelings, while also amping up the frustration with every miscommunication and missed opportunity. Their inner monologues were realistic and relatable, if a bit repetitive. Then again, who doesn't mull over the same worries over and over in their mind? Jo and Emma were equal parts endearing, sympathetic, and agonizingly frustrating as they tried to understand themselves and each other - that is to say, they're typical romance novel characters and typical human beings.
The focus of the story was absolutely on the characters and their growth, which left the setting as more of an afterthought. Descriptions of the award shows, business trips, and day-to-day demands of the television industry fell flat, and it was hard to tell if they were unrealistic or just poorly fleshed out. While Jo and Emma's relationship is, of course, top priority, it would have been a nice touch to have more details about the characters' workplaces and homes to round out the story.
Altogether, as a general avoider of romance novels, I came for the queer representation, I stayed for the sympathetic characters, and I only sometimes wished for a more literary experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Homophobia, Alcohol, Racism, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent, Outing, Cancer, Cursing, Lesbophobia, and Medical content
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