Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

You're The Problem, It's You by Emma R. Alban

3 reviews

shaipanda's review against another edition

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4.75

I really don’t know how to rate this tbh because I wasn’t obcessed with/didnt love how most of the first half of the book played out but absolutely loved the second half, probably even more than the first book in this series 
Either way, this book was a really fast and quick paced read that kept me invested the whole time and I’m so happy with how it came together and ended :)  
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samchase112's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted sad 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

3.0

There was so so so so much going on in this book — so many characters to keep track of, so many plotlines to follow, so many relationships that kept shifting, so many threads that seemed to be picked up and dropped… it was a lot. The romance was a slow-burn, which isn't a bad thing, but overall had a weird pace with the sort of slow-burn will they won't they but also they hate each other? Plus we just kind of abandoned James's crush partway through? Everything came together nicely by the end, but honestly there was just so much to keep up with that this book felt three times longer than it was.

Now let's talk as well about the picture of queer happiness here. Bobby, James, Gwen, and Beth say over and over that they just couldn't stomach hiding themselves in false marriages, etc. Of course, they are allowed to want love, and to show off their love without fear. BUT the book had such a superiority complex over contemporaneous queer people who didn't have the privilege, money, connections, community, and opportunities these characters had. For example, this quote screams patronizing, and is just one of many such moments.

If Bobby can have a great love, he wants what they [a straight couple] have. He won't be content with trysts in corners, much less a traditional marriage where he has to hide his true desires from his wife, along with the world. He won't survive trying to bury his feelings with propriety. He wants something real.

Of course Bobby wants something real, but can we consider that even though such an existence sucks, most people didn't really have another option? Anyway.

That all being said… I still enjoyed myself most of the time! The main characters were likable, and ultimately likeable together (though nothing about their personalities and characters demonstrates why that is… but we'll ignore that), the ending was sweet if a bit overly so, and the writing was mostly lovely. I'm not sure I'll try another book by Emma R. Alban again, but time will tell, as this one left me frustrated just as much as smiling.
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jordanbolker's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing tense 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

4.75

I really loved this book overall. I think they may have missed the mark a bit on some more opportunities for the actual extortion part of the story. However, the love story was beautifully developed and gradual in ways where it made sense. Overall, loved it and would recommend!
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