A review by colyforniaroll
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! The format switching from the pair meeting 10 years in the past to the present day reckoning of that event (the interview), interspersed with faux magazine articles/blog posts, made me burn through the pages and was a fun way to tell the story. It reminded me of a Beach Read by Emily Henry and Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi combo, mixed into a fluffy LA romance.
Even though there are aspects that feel totally out of the realm of believability, like the fact that in total they only spent 6 days together over the course of 10 years, the romance made sense in a weird, Hollywood way. Like, it's a story about an actor and a writer, of course it's going to be romanticized and exaggerated. That's what felt new and fun for me with this one.
The second-chance romance aspect was fulfilling to read in large part because of the more mature themes touched on throughout Chani & Gabe's respective careers (alcoholism, emotional manipulation from a marriage, imposter syndrome, familial loss), so the end result (and the two steamy scenes) were so rewarding. There could have been a bit more banter between the two for my taste, but the descriptors and how Elissa wrote Chani's thought processes made up for that.
It was a refreshing read to add for any romance reader's list, I would recommend!
Quick pros: fun setting (the Hollywood aspect) / epilogue is short, sweet, & not cringey / great side characters who give off Martin Short in "Only Murders in the Building" vibes aka Ollie
Even though there are aspects that feel totally out of the realm of believability, like the fact that in total they only spent 6 days together over the course of 10 years, the romance made sense in a weird, Hollywood way. Like, it's a story about an actor and a writer, of course it's going to be romanticized and exaggerated. That's what felt new and fun for me with this one.
The second-chance romance aspect was fulfilling to read in large part because of the more mature themes touched on throughout Chani & Gabe's respective careers (alcoholism, emotional manipulation from a marriage, imposter syndrome, familial loss), so the end result (and the two steamy scenes) were so rewarding. There could have been a bit more banter between the two for my taste, but the descriptors and how Elissa wrote Chani's thought processes made up for that.
It was a refreshing read to add for any romance reader's list, I would recommend!
Quick pros: fun setting (the Hollywood aspect) / epilogue is short, sweet, & not cringey / great side characters who give off Martin Short in "Only Murders in the Building" vibes aka Ollie
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Alcoholism
Minor: Gaslighting