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ecamp213's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
jkneebone's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
What a fun YA romance! Somebody That I Used To Know follows violinist Dylan, an adopted Black teen who lives in Iowa. Dylan's dream is to go to Julliard - it's the only school she's applied to - and to prepare she plays first chair in her high school orchestra, takes private lessons, and practices three hours (!) a day. But her life is thrown into chaos when her childhood best friend comes for an unexpected visit - the childhood best friend she hasn't spoken to in six years, because he ghosted her completely when he moved from Iowa to LA. Oh, and also? That childhood best friend is now teen music sensation Legendary. His stay in Iowa is just a short stopover before he departs on his first world tour.
Dylan's family and friends are thrilled with Legend's visit, but Dylan is decidedly not - she's still hurting from the way their friendship fell apart years ago. When it turns out that Legend misses their friendship too, they agree to tackle the "friendship commandments" they signed as kids. In the process, Dylan learns to re-love music and trust her own skills and creativity - and realizes that her feelings for Legend might go beyond friendship.
I really enjoyed this book! Dylan was a fun and funny narrator. The book touched on some more serious topics, such as Dylan's feelings as a transracial adoptee, but did not dwell on them. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Dylan and Legend, as well as Dylan's relationships with her other friends. It was also interesting to be in the perspective of such a serious musician, although as I am not a musician of that caliber, I can't speak to how accurate the portrayal was. There were some minor plot holes and a few things I had to suspend my disbelief for (why did Legend move to LA in the first place? How is this small city in Iowa producing so many high-level string instrument players?) but overall, this was a really solid and enjoyable read. I'd definitely recommend, especially to those who are fans of YA romance and/or enjoy classical music.
Dylan's family and friends are thrilled with Legend's visit, but Dylan is decidedly not - she's still hurting from the way their friendship fell apart years ago. When it turns out that Legend misses their friendship too, they agree to tackle the "friendship commandments" they signed as kids. In the process, Dylan learns to re-love music and trust her own skills and creativity - and realizes that her feelings for Legend might go beyond friendship.
I really enjoyed this book! Dylan was a fun and funny narrator. The book touched on some more serious topics, such as Dylan's feelings as a transracial adoptee, but did not dwell on them. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Dylan and Legend, as well as Dylan's relationships with her other friends. It was also interesting to be in the perspective of such a serious musician, although as I am not a musician of that caliber, I can't speak to how accurate the portrayal was. There were some minor plot holes and a few things I had to suspend my disbelief for (why did Legend move to LA in the first place? How is this small city in Iowa producing so many high-level string instrument players?) but overall, this was a really solid and enjoyable read. I'd definitely recommend, especially to those who are fans of YA romance and/or enjoy classical music.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Death of parent
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