emselders's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I randomly found this on Hoopla a couple years ago and recently remembered how much I liked it, so I reread it. It's a very low-key, comforting romance. There's not a ton of conflict or drama, but it doesn't feel frivolous or sanitized either. It's the perfect thing to read when you're feeling sad, sick, stressed, or overwhelmed and need a lighthearted distraction.
The thing I love most about this is the neurodivergent representation. Although no specific diagnosis is mentioned in the book itself, the blurb described Pidge as autistic and there are enough context clues to make it clear that he is not neurotypical. I'm no savant, but I can relate to a lot of his social and sensorial issues. Romance is hard enough without factoring in the different ways people's brains can function and I appreciate the thought that was clearly put into making this both realistic and wholesome.
The thing I love most about this is the neurodivergent representation. Although no specific diagnosis is mentioned in the book itself, the blurb described Pidge as autistic and there are enough context clues to make it clear that he is not neurotypical. I'm no savant, but I can relate to a lot of his social and sensorial issues. Romance is hard enough without factoring in the different ways people's brains can function and I appreciate the thought that was clearly put into making this both realistic and wholesome.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Ableism
Ableism and homophobia are issues explored in some detail. The R-word is used against a neurodivergent person and Christian-based homophobia is discussed.
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