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A review by booksoversecondbreakfast
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
I loved this book and am so sad that it's over! I sincerely hope that the author will consider writing another book featuring Chloe.
Like the author and the main character, I have fibromyalgia, and this was the first fiction book where I've seen that aspect of my experience reflected, and it was so wonderful. The struggles Chloe faces are relatable and real, and the book covers them all so accurately, but the book also features how strong Chloe is and how she can have a romance that's not all about fibromyalgia. It was also nice seeing disability representation in a way that centers accessibility rather than abelism. Chloe is surrounded by loved ones who accommodate for her, and it's heartwarming for me as a disabled woman to see this example of the kind of healthy relationships that are out there.
The romance between Chloe and Red was so sweet and so enjoyable to see unfold. It was a wonderful slow burn. I just wish we got more time with these characters and that the book was a bit longer.
I enjoyed that they featured a man who pursued therapy, and that he began attending therapy early on, rather than just as an attempted bandage when things get rough. I also appreciated how this book showed what healthy conflict lookes like between two adults with their own mental health baggage.
The only reason I bump it down a half star is because I've read many books with more elegant writing than this. It was a great story, but the writing wasn't poetic or more beautiful than average. Plus, there could have been more showing rather than telling. I read this expecting it to be a cute romcom type of book, and that's exactly what it turned out to be, so I still really enjoyed it.
All in all, this really was a cute story with very lovable characters, and I expect this is a story I'm going to think back to for a long time. Definitely recommend, especially for other chronically ill romcom lovers!
Like the author and the main character, I have fibromyalgia, and this was the first fiction book where I've seen that aspect of my experience reflected, and it was so wonderful. The struggles Chloe faces are relatable and real, and the book covers them all so accurately, but the book also features how strong Chloe is and how she can have a romance that's not all about fibromyalgia. It was also nice seeing disability representation in a way that centers accessibility rather than abelism. Chloe is surrounded by loved ones who accommodate for her, and it's heartwarming for me as a disabled woman to see this example of the kind of healthy relationships that are out there.
The romance between Chloe and Red was so sweet and so enjoyable to see unfold. It was a wonderful slow burn. I just wish we got more time with these characters and that the book was a bit longer.
I enjoyed that they featured a man who pursued therapy, and that he began attending therapy early on, rather than just as an attempted bandage when things get rough. I also appreciated how this book showed what healthy conflict lookes like between two adults with their own mental health baggage.
The only reason I bump it down a half star is because I've read many books with more elegant writing than this. It was a great story, but the writing wasn't poetic or more beautiful than average. Plus, there could have been more showing rather than telling. I read this expecting it to be a cute romcom type of book, and that's exactly what it turned out to be, so I still really enjoyed it.
All in all, this really was a cute story with very lovable characters, and I expect this is a story I'm going to think back to for a long time. Definitely recommend, especially for other chronically ill romcom lovers!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Minor: Ableism, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Alcohol