A review by naomimcclaughry
This Doesn't Mean Anything by Sarah Whalen

relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I have mixed feelings about this book, I finished it but I felt a little unsatisfied with aspects. I enjoyed the concept of the book and appreciated the asexuality representation. However, I struggled a little with pacing and characters. I found a lot of the characters to be very similar, for example, they all have a 'pretending to me angry but am not' way of interacting but because all of the characters did it I found they all blurred together. Also with the two main character leads there was an ongoing narrative that Nick had anger issues but I felt that Spencer was significantly more short-tempered than him. 

<Spoilers>
The part of the book that confused me the most was Nick rejecting Spencer due to her age. Initially I thought it was because I'm not American and brushes it aside. However, I felt like the process of him deciding he could date her wasn't explained or justified and made it all feel like an obscure plot point to make the book last longer. 
</Spoilers>

I did find the book enjoyable and thought the main couple was quite sweet together.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings