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sheridankedwards's review
5.0
This book is so DAMN good!!! The aspects of exploring a late-night comedy show (basically a carbon copy of SNL) are so cool, but what really stands out is the deeply flawed but very likable (and ultra relatable) Sally and the down-to-earth, incredibly charming superstar Noah. I cried, which has never happened to me before when reading a romantic book! To have such a unique premise (famous boy meets “ordinary” girl) the relationship that ensues is so.. normal? And the addition of the pandemic as a plot device moves the story along in a topical and touching way without feeling “too soon.” I highly recommend!!!
kmesser's review
4.0
I adored the first two parts of this, and the third part was just okay. I loved how this thwarted the rom com trope and was so nuanced regarding modern relationships as a 30 something adult.
Covid plays a huge plot point so be prepared for all the feels from when the world shuts down.
Covid plays a huge plot point so be prepared for all the feels from when the world shuts down.
angieinbooks's review
4.0
Here's the thing: I've pretty much eschewed any type of media that doesn't have queer women in it. Seriously, my sister-in-law is always trying to recommend TV shows and movies to me and I always ask two questions:
1. Does it end happily? If no, that's where the conversation ends.* If yes:
2. Does it have queer women?
So a heterosexual romcom is not anything I'm seeking out to read on my own, but when you join a bookclub with friends who've had since you were 5, sometimes you don't have a choice. The good news, I guess, is that the answer to both of those questions is actually yes. The queer women just aren't front and center but they are there filling in space.
I knew before I finished the second paragraph of the prologue that I would like this book. Sally, the novel's protagonist, is hilarious, smart, and also understandably insecure. And I wanted nothing but good things for her. I don't think Curtis Sittenfeld was as successful fleshing out the male lead in this, rockstar Noah Brewster, but that may be because all of this is narrated from Sally's perspective. Or maybe he's the kind of guy straight women are attracted to? Or maybe he's just the type of guy Curtis Sittenfeld is attracted to. But her descriptions had me imagining Matthew McConaughey's face. And while objectively I know he's handsome, he also has a face I want to punch, alright (alright, alright, alright)?
The two things I really liked about the novel, apart from Sally's wit, were the glimpses behind the scenes of a live sketch comedy show--that is to say Saturday Night Live. I also liked how COVID played a part in this novel. Well, I didn't like it as much as I hadn't really encountered it before. And we're long enough into the pandemic that I can sort of stomach that it happened (or, rather, that it's happening) 3 years into this. But it was interesting how she incorporated it into the story.
Okay, I'm going to go back and try to avoid heterosexual stories again, but this was honestly a satisfactory and quick read.
*This has to do with the current state of our shit world more than anything. When I escape I want to go to a happy fantasy land, not any place where sadness or angst reigns.
1. Does it end happily? If no, that's where the conversation ends.* If yes:
2. Does it have queer women?
So a heterosexual romcom is not anything I'm seeking out to read on my own, but when you join a bookclub with friends who've had since you were 5, sometimes you don't have a choice. The good news, I guess, is that the answer to both of those questions is actually yes. The queer women just aren't front and center but they are there filling in space.
I knew before I finished the second paragraph of the prologue that I would like this book. Sally, the novel's protagonist, is hilarious, smart, and also understandably insecure. And I wanted nothing but good things for her. I don't think Curtis Sittenfeld was as successful fleshing out the male lead in this, rockstar Noah Brewster, but that may be because all of this is narrated from Sally's perspective. Or maybe he's the kind of guy straight women are attracted to? Or maybe he's just the type of guy Curtis Sittenfeld is attracted to. But her descriptions had me imagining Matthew McConaughey's face. And while objectively I know he's handsome, he also has a face I want to punch, alright (alright, alright, alright)?
The two things I really liked about the novel, apart from Sally's wit, were the glimpses behind the scenes of a live sketch comedy show--that is to say Saturday Night Live. I also liked how COVID played a part in this novel. Well, I didn't like it as much as I hadn't really encountered it before. And we're long enough into the pandemic that I can sort of stomach that it happened (or, rather, that it's happening) 3 years into this. But it was interesting how she incorporated it into the story.
Okay, I'm going to go back and try to avoid heterosexual stories again, but this was honestly a satisfactory and quick read.
*This has to do with the current state of our shit world more than anything. When I escape I want to go to a happy fantasy land, not any place where sadness or angst reigns.
slil_'s review
2.0
Was really hoping to like this one but it was a slow start. About a third of the way done, it picked up a little, but then got to a super cringe part. The last 1/3 of the book was alright and I liked the ending, but other than that, it was ehhh.
fashionating's review
4.0
Very cute and lighthearted beach read. It’s perfect for summer or for anytime you need something fun. I enjoyed this and even laughed out loud at times.
sustainabergie's review
4.0
Ok so cute. Basically about a SNL writer and her relationship with a host! Really easy read
coraliep97's review
It just wasn't hitting. It was dry. Chapters were ridiculously long. And nothing was happening. It was mildly entertaining but I didn't care enough about the characters to continue
linzercookie's review
DNF at 45% - there's way too much dialogue, it doesn't seem to find the right balance between the author's knowledge of her field and the romance development, and the way the diversity is handled is kinda clunky