Scan barcode
james1star's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
This was a very cute and enjoyable read that I would recommend. The book starts with Arthur, visiting New York from Georgia for the summer, having a chance meet-cute with native New Yorker Ben. Both thinking there was something there and sensing a connection, they set out to find one another and when they do, struggle to nail down the ‘perfect’ first date. There’s more but I won’t say more for spoilers.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, there was diversity, relatability and on the whole nice people to be around really making the reading experience a pleasant one. Both MCs were sixteen (I believe) with Arthur having ADHD but this isn’t really explained/explored that much, he’s taking a law internship but would prefer to do drama as loves musicals and broadway. Ben is an aspiring writer who struggles a lot with education and feelings of being unworthy talking summer school during the book’s duration. He’s from a Puerto Rican immigrant background and working class so the way he views money is impacted by this and something always on his mind, unlike that of others in the book which I felt was good representation. The side characters also had complexities and were brought to life by Albertalli and Silvera. Arthur’s friends from Georgia Jessie and Ethan weren’t that big but it was interesting seeing their dynamic and how Ethan seems a bit distant since Arthur had came out but it’s revealed why. Ben has his best friend Dylan who go way back, he has a heart condition and a coffee addiction and I did really love the friendship between them with a genuine platonic love. Others include Hudson, Samantha, Harriett, Juliet, Namrata and also the parents who were great in the way they dealt with their son’s endeavours and being gay not having an issue which is amazing to see.
There is some miscommunication and messiness which was frustrating at times and did mean the book felt a little too long. However, it also felt real and I would say is done well. I did like the ending and might pick up the sequel if I find it second hand but also happy to end it here. One problem that did annoy me a lot was how many Harry Potter references there were which left me eye rolling many times and just felt unnecessary.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
More...