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barbarab23's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
thespacejamber's review against another edition
4.0
If it takes a village to raise a child properly, then, apparently, it takes a whole college town to get two awkward lovebirds together. In Sandy Hall's YA debut, A Little Something Different, she tells the story of two young college students whose blossoming romance is more than just coincidence: it's mostly done through the meddling of everyone -- and everything -- around them. This unique contribution to the contemporary YA romance genre was a surprising delight among a genre quickly going stale.
Following two young co-eds, Gabe and Lea, A Little Something Different chronicles their burgeoning love through the perspectives of fourteen friends, professors, baristas, and squirrels. Over the course of a school year, perpetually shy Gabe has fallen head over heels for Lea, the quiet and giggly freshman in his creative writing class. Lea's noticed him, too; it's hard to miss the tall, cute guy in her dorm that places the exact same Chinese takeout order she does. But they're still unsure about pursuing a relationship. Luckily, literally everyone sees the sparks flying around them -- and they'll make sure that they're a couple before the year is out.
The most noteworthy thing is, as previously mentioned, Hall's decision to write through the eyes and experiences of all of the significant people -- and things -- Lea and Gabe have interacted with as their bond grows. Deciding to any multiple perspectives, let alone fourteen, throughout the course of one book is a great undertaking for a newer author. I commend Hall's execution on this arduous task, as it was executed in such a way that swapping between these characters did not become cumbersome as the plot moved along. Instead, the rotating perspectives helped to continue scenes and fill in gaps where they might have otherwise been lost. At no point did this device feel forced or the characters lost in translation. I really was impressed.
Additionally, her writing is so casual and easy to read. While it took me a few weeks from start to finish with this book, it mostly stemmed from me putting it down to tend to other reading projects. I'm always pleased when I can put something down for a few days and not feel like I'm lagging behind, or having to read back a few chapters to catch up. When it comes to contemporary YA romance, I really don't feel like I should have to work too hard to resume after putting the book on pause for a short time, like some of the others I've come across lately (looking at you, Twisted Sisters).
Hall also did a great job in making A Little Something Different as inclusive and diverse as possible. This book featured queer characters (married lesbian women!!!), main characters of color (Lia is Chinese, her best friend/roommate is Latinx, their other friend is black), disabled characters (Gabe is Deaf following a car accident). I wish there were a trans character, but, still, the representation here is astounding. Furthermore, Hall didn't fall into the reductionist trap that so many white writers do when they attempt to write diverse characters: making them nothing more than stereotypes of the groups to which they belong. I appreciate the effort she put in to make these folks seem as real as possible.
However, I'm not going to say that this book was the most perfect, revolutionary thing that has ever happened to the genre. While Hall hit a lot of the right notes in the foundation of the book -- the storytelling, the diversity, the ease of reading -- I did find it lacking in overall substance. There was very little chemistry between the Lea and Gabe when they did interact, but the other characters constantly spouted how perfect they were for each other. I really felt like Hall was stooping down to tell us of their attraction towards one another, rather than just showing us. If the two main characters don't really show any form of attraction or chemistry with each other, then what's the point of the book?
Additionally, I thought there were some choices made within the story that didn't really add much to it other than to add an extra quirky flair. A perspective from a squirrel? A park bench? I get that this is YA and is, realistically, trying to appeal to a slightly younger audience than me, but I just felt like some of these elements were more juvenile than anything. What are we, as readers, supposed to gain about this relationship from a park bench that goes on and on about how perfect of an ass Gabe possesses?
Overall, A Little Something Different was exactly what it says on the tin. I liked the bold choice of trying to present a cohesive romance between two characters from a litany of outsider perspectives. The book was a fun, lighthearted romp perfect for the early springtime reader. However, I did feel that there were some more juvenile elements thrown into the mix for seemingly no reason and lack of attraction between the main characters, which took away from the overall effectiveness of the book.
Following two young co-eds, Gabe and Lea, A Little Something Different chronicles their burgeoning love through the perspectives of fourteen friends, professors, baristas, and squirrels. Over the course of a school year, perpetually shy Gabe has fallen head over heels for Lea, the quiet and giggly freshman in his creative writing class. Lea's noticed him, too; it's hard to miss the tall, cute guy in her dorm that places the exact same Chinese takeout order she does. But they're still unsure about pursuing a relationship. Luckily, literally everyone sees the sparks flying around them -- and they'll make sure that they're a couple before the year is out.
The most noteworthy thing is, as previously mentioned, Hall's decision to write through the eyes and experiences of all of the significant people -- and things -- Lea and Gabe have interacted with as their bond grows. Deciding to any multiple perspectives, let alone fourteen, throughout the course of one book is a great undertaking for a newer author. I commend Hall's execution on this arduous task, as it was executed in such a way that swapping between these characters did not become cumbersome as the plot moved along. Instead, the rotating perspectives helped to continue scenes and fill in gaps where they might have otherwise been lost. At no point did this device feel forced or the characters lost in translation. I really was impressed.
Additionally, her writing is so casual and easy to read. While it took me a few weeks from start to finish with this book, it mostly stemmed from me putting it down to tend to other reading projects. I'm always pleased when I can put something down for a few days and not feel like I'm lagging behind, or having to read back a few chapters to catch up. When it comes to contemporary YA romance, I really don't feel like I should have to work too hard to resume after putting the book on pause for a short time, like some of the others I've come across lately (looking at you, Twisted Sisters).
Hall also did a great job in making A Little Something Different as inclusive and diverse as possible. This book featured queer characters (married lesbian women!!!), main characters of color (Lia is Chinese, her best friend/roommate is Latinx, their other friend is black), disabled characters (Gabe is Deaf following a car accident). I wish there were a trans character, but, still, the representation here is astounding. Furthermore, Hall didn't fall into the reductionist trap that so many white writers do when they attempt to write diverse characters: making them nothing more than stereotypes of the groups to which they belong. I appreciate the effort she put in to make these folks seem as real as possible.
However, I'm not going to say that this book was the most perfect, revolutionary thing that has ever happened to the genre. While Hall hit a lot of the right notes in the foundation of the book -- the storytelling, the diversity, the ease of reading -- I did find it lacking in overall substance. There was very little chemistry between the Lea and Gabe when they did interact, but the other characters constantly spouted how perfect they were for each other. I really felt like Hall was stooping down to tell us of their attraction towards one another, rather than just showing us. If the two main characters don't really show any form of attraction or chemistry with each other, then what's the point of the book?
Additionally, I thought there were some choices made within the story that didn't really add much to it other than to add an extra quirky flair. A perspective from a squirrel? A park bench? I get that this is YA and is, realistically, trying to appeal to a slightly younger audience than me, but I just felt like some of these elements were more juvenile than anything. What are we, as readers, supposed to gain about this relationship from a park bench that goes on and on about how perfect of an ass Gabe possesses?
Overall, A Little Something Different was exactly what it says on the tin. I liked the bold choice of trying to present a cohesive romance between two characters from a litany of outsider perspectives. The book was a fun, lighthearted romp perfect for the early springtime reader. However, I did feel that there were some more juvenile elements thrown into the mix for seemingly no reason and lack of attraction between the main characters, which took away from the overall effectiveness of the book.
allisonlhs's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book, at first I could not get the story to catch me because of the way it’s the perspective of 14 different characters and none of them are the main characters. At the same time, somehow it is just what makes the book interesting. It’s such a lovely story, I read it in one sitting.
_nazbel_'s review against another edition
hopeful
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
3.75
secretmagic's review against another edition
3.0
This book was cute and sweet and I enjoyed it, but some of those POV's were ridiculous. The squirrel and the bench? So not necessary. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was just in human POV. But overall, a cute read.
geezchloe's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Still a really fun quick, cute read! I think I’ve matured out of the writing style but it was as fun as I remember.
evelyn_4444's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.75
hyjabi_panda's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.0
A Little Something Different
******Spoilers Ahead******
I will be spoiling this book in my review. Here is your warning.
I was never a big reader growing up, but I grew to love reading and this is one of the stories I have to thank for that. I love the characters, the setting, and the dialogue. Sometimes it can get corny, but overall I would give A Little Something Different a 4 out of five stars. 🟊🟊🟊🟊
Characters
Lea and Gabe are so loveable in my opinion. Even though you don’t get their point of view, the viewpoints from the other characters show enough for you to love them all the same. Seeing how even characters like Victor, someone that can’t stand them, can still see that they are meant for each other can get old sometimes. However, the viewpoint of the barista, Lea’s friends, Gabe’s friend, and Gabe’s brother all are entertaining to hear from. The viewpoint of the bench was creepy and the squirrel’s can be hit-or-miss. The characters were all distinct and one of my favorite lines came from, of all characters, the bus driver. “I glance at them in the rearview mirror while we’re sitting at a stoplight. She’s leaning on his seat and he’s still sitting sideways, but he’s not looking at her anymore, instead he is looking at his lap. There’s something about the way she has her hands folded under her chin that makes me think she wants to touch him but she is holding back (Hall, p. 215)”. This description is given in an emotional and intense scene of the book. The way the reveal and heart-to-heart of the book is seen through the perspective of the bus driver is an interesting choice, but one I am happy the author went with. The first person perspective from other characters was a bold move on Sandy Hall’s part but she handled it masterfully. The characters have a great human feel to them. They feel believable.
Setting
The book is set at a college. This is not a dark academia book, but it is set in an academic setting. The creative writing class is not the only place we get to see though. The dorms and general campus is where most of the story is set. However, my favorite scenes are when they are in the creative writing class. This setting fits well with the confession and is perfect in every way. The seasons changing reflect the passage of time and the change in their feelings toward each other. I dislike insta-romances and the misunderstanding trope is one of my favorites. So this romance story taking place over the course of a school year makes me super happy and makes sense.
Dialogue
Dialogue can be tricky, and some lines may not land for everyone. Yet, I can not be the only one to think the final assignment reading was the best confession ever.
Romances are not all rainbows and sunshine, sometimes they discuss important topics as well. The struggle Gabe has with his disability is an important one to know before you go into this book. Gabe has trouble with his hearing and that is a main plot point of the story. I found this to be handled well. Gabe is struggling with his identity and he has to grapple with the fact that he has to alter his way of life to fit with his new circumstances. The discussion Gabe has with his brother is a perfect example of dialogue as they have a heartfelt conversation without feeling preachy. It really felt real.
I loved this book and I think it holds up to the test of time. I re-read it this year and I still found something to take away from this heartwarming and compelling story. I recommend it. Lea and Gabe are a couple I will always root for.
richarzo's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and the writing style is very unique. I loved how there were fourteen different viewpoints and none of them were the main characters. Overall I loved this book and would read it again if I am looking for a quick book to read!
jennc's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a creative way of telling a love story. It made me laugh a lot and made me get teary eyed too in the best way. A great book.