Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Funny You Should Ask

I didn’t know quite what to expect when I picked up this novel, but reading it was truly a special experience. As a writer myself, I loved reading Chani’s thoughts on writing and the discussions of the impact of fame. Gabe and Chani’s story was wild and contemplative and captivating. I know this may not be everyone’s favorite type of story, but I love the quiet types of novels. The ones that are slow and more introspective—and this one was just that, at least in my opinion.

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savvyrosereads's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Rating: 4/5 stars

Writer Chani Horowitz and movie star Gabe Parker had a whirlwind weekend together ten years ago that led to a viral magazine profile, before both ended up married to different people. Now, their teams want a follow-up interview that will bring them back together for the first time in a decade.

This book wasn’t at all what I was expecting—in my mind I was in for a rom-com with the celebrity trope, and instead I got something I would call more akin to literary romance. The writing was absolutely BEAUTIFUL, and I loved the commentary on Los Angeles and feminism and all the small lovely moments that this kind of intricate writing allows for.

That said, I didn’t feel like I got the kind of deep connection to the characters that I normally expect in a romance, and I was never really sold on Gabe—though his willingness to buy books for the people he loved was definitely a check in the plus column. Overall, I would recommend this for anyone looking for a more character driven and literary read!

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: second chance romance; celebrity romance; literary romance

CW: Death/loss of parent; alcoholism/addiction; sexism/misogyny

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rickireadss's review against another edition

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3.5

this was just okay for me. the then-now perspective on this one was a little difficult to follow on audio, and i had to restart the book like 15% in because of how confused i got. i honestly don't remember much of what happened in this (this review is being written like 3 weeks later), but i know it just wasn't for me. i was bored a lot, but i think i will read elissa's next book.

⚠️: alcoholism, addiction, death of parent, misogyny, body shaming, homophobia

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carla20's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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atamano's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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annabananadel's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

"there is nothing just about you."

Bought this book earlier this year and it's been bumming me out that it's been sitting on my TBR for that long already so I decided, finally, to grab it and read it at the start of August. For some reason, it took me a while to finish this book just because I was not being pulled to reading it. Imagine I was on a vacation and I wasn't able to dent it so hard during the trip, that's already speaking a lot. Story-wise, it was a whirlwind, both in a good way and in a bad way. In a good way, because that's how the story is intended. In a bad way, because it was a then and now kind of book set-up and sometimes some Then chapters does not correlate with the Now chapters. I was lost at some point in the story wherein, I was confused what really happened between the two of them. In my opinion, it could have been solved simply by talking about it. But little adults like us don't immediately talk to solve a problem and that's how a book is made up.

To be honest, it's a love and hate relationship for me for the both MCs. I didn't love them but I also didn't hate them. I'm just there listening on how their stories unfold and I'm just existing as a reader. Somehow I didn't feel anything positive when I was reading this book? If that makes sense?

On the positive side, I understand why it's on the pricier side of the books, the physical quality is dead on, the best I've ever held on my hands. I'm also happy that I've read this because I don't have to look at my TBR again and see this on my unread pile. :3

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fionasmith's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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