A review by glyneth
RoomHate by Penelope Ward

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Let me say up front I hate-read the fuck out of this book, I bought it cheap/free, because it takes place on Aquidneck Island, which is where I grew up. I understand the author lives in RI, probably on the Island too. 99% of my highlights are about the real places she named, and also how she changed some. Which, it’s her book, she came make up whatever she wants. But why namedrop real places? Just make everything up whole cloth! I love that another local author made up a town in RI to use - do that!

Anyway, the book itself was meh. I liked Justin, but we only got his POV in the epilogue. He seemed much more together than Amelia, and their childhood “break-up” was silly. Amelia was coasting through life, and though the book was from her POV, she was constantly undecided on every action and never really faced any hard consequences. The

Spoiler

baby was about the biggest consequence she faced, and it was an accident. I’d have appreciated her having at least a vague thought about an abortion, and was glad Justin suggested it.

.

I also hope her Nana left her a giant trust fund, because the taxes on the little beach house in the area she’s in are gonna be tremendous. lol