erkietheturkey's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.25
dlberglund's review against another edition
4.0
Written in two voices (but mostly Penny's), this is the story of a serious college freshman who falls for her roommate's (sort of) uncle, a 21-year-old who works at the coffee shop nearby. As many coming of age stories are, it's also about trying to find the sweet spot between pushing your mother away and staying codependently tied to her, about letting people in, and finding your voice. Though I always have some issues with age differences in YA romance, I found Penny's awkwardness and contradictions endearing, and the other characters interesting enough.
***Spoilers ahead...
I had problems with some decisions towards the end of the book. It felt as if there had been pressure to get more Issues (with a capital I) into the novel, to make it more relevant to the specific pulse of today's headlines. The immigration/documentation minor issue didn't feel real or necessary (or resolved, or resolvable), and Sam’s lack of planning on getting releases in order to film minors seemed pretty egregious. Most problematic to me was the sudden #metoo revelation. It was serious, and I believed her, but it also felt unnecessarily descriptive and personal for the level of seriousness in the book. I didn't see it coming, and it was jarring as a reader. I didn’t agree with the author's choices around these issues.
***Spoilers ahead...
I had problems with some decisions towards the end of the book. It felt as if there had been pressure to get more Issues (with a capital I) into the novel, to make it more relevant to the specific pulse of today's headlines. The immigration/documentation minor issue didn't feel real or necessary (or resolved, or resolvable), and Sam’s lack of planning on getting releases in order to film minors seemed pretty egregious. Most problematic to me was the sudden #metoo revelation. It was serious, and I believed her, but it also felt unnecessarily descriptive and personal for the level of seriousness in the book. I didn't see it coming, and it was jarring as a reader. I didn’t agree with the author's choices around these issues.
illiteratepaige's review against another edition
5.0
for some reason, i was super hesitant to read this book. i was really excited when i saw other people promote it but as soon as i owned it, i let it sit on my shelf for months. after finally reading it, i feel so full. my heart is shining, and i feel so absolutely delighted. the story was so... strange? so real? it had me hooked. i was agonizing for interaction between sam and penny throughout the entire thing and every interaction felt like a prize! i absolutely loved the love story that was carefully drawn out and beautifully woven into this novel! 5 stars for making me feel giddy and whole
ficklefever's review against another edition
2.0
i forgot how delightful it is to read YA (especially YA with characters of color!)
the beginning came off a little corny but i quickly fell in love with penny and sam and their text flirtationship - finally a book that gets contemporary texting right!!!
the beginning came off a little corny but i quickly fell in love with penny and sam and their text flirtationship - finally a book that gets contemporary texting right!!!
mgalvan's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this book is like hoping to see a bar fight but everybody is agreeable and you eat a handful of peanuts.
toma_maciulyte97's review against another edition
5.0
I so LOVED this book! The coping mechanisms Penny used, how she and Sam were there for each other, how she was almost forced to explore the relationship to her mother... I love this book, and I’m so glad I read it!
melissakuzma's review against another edition
3.0
This was fine. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. I think I might be over YA.
kitschykatey's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a hot minute to get into the story. I have recently read a lot of fantasy, and I wasn't ready to enter a world with iPhones and pop culture references. The romantic relationship between Penny and Sam was adorable. I found myself happy-cringing at the cuteness. Emergency Contact is a relateable and PG teen contemporary romance. We all need those from time to time.