A review by kat__z8
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I tried liking this book, but I'll be honest, this is one of the most frustrating books this year.
I'll start off with the things I liked.
The premise is really unique. It's my first time encountering someone with face blindness, and it's interesting to learn more about it, and how people with similar issues try to navigate life. I also really liked the main character's best friend, Sue, and Sue's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kim. And kudos to the complex family relationship that Sadie has with her father and stepmother.
On the other hand, there were two main things that bothered me so much. Firstly, the evil stepsister. I thought we've left that with Cinderella. You know, absurdly irrational caricature-evil step-sibling. The stepsister here is so one-dimensional, and obsessed with Sadie for no apparent reason. At one point there was an explanation about her having some kind of childhood trauma, but it felt more like an afterthought instead of an actual "villain origin story."
Also, I am a hater of miscommunication trope, and this book is just one miscommunication after another, so imagine my frustration. I thought that with face blindness, Sadie would be more critical in other aspects, but nope.
All in all, kind of disappointed with the book. I was just hoping for a nice, fun read, but the book instead just frustrated me.
I tried liking this book, but I'll be honest, this is one of the most frustrating books this year.
I'll start off with the things I liked.
The premise is really unique. It's my first time encountering someone with face blindness, and it's interesting to learn more about it, and how people with similar issues try to navigate life. I also really liked the main character's best friend, Sue, and Sue's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kim. And kudos to the complex family relationship that Sadie has with her father and stepmother.
On the other hand, there were two main things that bothered me so much. Firstly, the evil stepsister. I thought we've left that with Cinderella. You know, absurdly irrational caricature-evil step-sibling. The stepsister here is so one-dimensional, and obsessed with Sadie for no apparent reason. At one point there was an explanation about her having some kind of childhood trauma, but it felt more like an afterthought instead of an actual "villain origin story."
Also, I am a hater of miscommunication trope, and this book is just one miscommunication after another, so imagine my frustration. I thought that with face blindness, Sadie would be more critical in other aspects, but nope.
Spoiler
I guessed the twist early on, but it did 't matter much and I was willing to give it a chance until we reached about 75% mark and the whole miscommunication disaster happened. The more I think about it, the less sense it made. How did Sadie hangout and date her neighbour this whole time without asking anything about his job? Why would Sadie go this entire time without telling him about the face blindness, until the dude left? How did Sadie go this entire time without knowing his real name? Honestly still can't wrap my head around the stupidity and carelessness.All in all, kind of disappointed with the book. I was just hoping for a nice, fun read, but the book instead just frustrated me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Bullying