A review by hyjabi_panda
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

emotional funny hopeful 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? No

4.0

 

A Little Something Different

******Spoilers Ahead******

I will be spoiling this book in my review. Here is your warning.

I was never a big reader growing up, but I grew to love reading and this is one of the stories I have to thank for that. I love the characters, the setting, and the dialogue. Sometimes it can get corny, but overall I would give A Little Something Different a 4 out of five stars. 🟊🟊🟊🟊

Characters 

Lea and Gabe are so loveable in my opinion. Even though you don’t get their point of view, the viewpoints from the other characters show enough for you to love them all the same. Seeing how even characters like Victor, someone that can’t stand them, can still see that they are meant for each other can get old sometimes. However, the viewpoint of the barista, Lea’s friends, Gabe’s friend, and Gabe’s brother all are entertaining to hear from. The viewpoint of the bench was creepy and the squirrel’s can be hit-or-miss. The characters were all distinct and one of my favorite lines came from, of all characters, the bus driver. “I glance at them in the rearview mirror while we’re sitting at a stoplight. She’s leaning on his seat and he’s still sitting sideways, but he’s not looking at her anymore, instead he is looking at his lap. There’s something about the way she has her hands folded under her chin that makes me think she wants to touch him but she is holding back (Hall, p. 215)”. This description is given in an emotional and intense scene of the book. The way the reveal and heart-to-heart of the book is seen through the perspective of the bus driver is an interesting choice, but one I am happy the author went with. The first person perspective from other characters was a bold move on Sandy Hall’s part but she handled it masterfully. The characters have a great human feel to them. They feel believable.

Setting

The book is set at a college. This is not a dark academia book, but it is set in an academic setting. The creative writing class is not the only place we get to see though. The dorms and general campus is where most of the story is set. However, my favorite scenes are when they are in the creative writing class. This setting fits well with the confession and is perfect in every way. The seasons changing reflect the passage of time and the change in their feelings toward each other. I dislike insta-romances and the misunderstanding trope is one of my favorites. So this romance story taking place over the course of a school year makes me super happy and makes sense.

Dialogue

Dialogue can be tricky, and some lines may not land for everyone. Yet, I can not be the only one to think the final assignment reading was the best confession ever. 

Romances are not all rainbows and sunshine, sometimes they discuss important topics as well. The struggle Gabe has with his disability is an important one to know before you go into this book. Gabe has trouble with his hearing and that is a main plot point of the story. I found this to be handled well. Gabe is struggling with his identity and he has to grapple with the fact that he has to alter his way of life to fit with his new circumstances. The discussion Gabe has with his brother is a perfect example of dialogue as they have a heartfelt conversation without feeling preachy. It really felt real.

I loved this book and I think it holds up to the test of time. I re-read it this year and I still found something to take away from this heartwarming and compelling story. I recommend it. Lea and Gabe are a couple I will always root for.