A review by betweentheshelves
Kate In Waiting by Becky Albertalli

funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.5

 Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me an advanced copy of this to review! I love Becky Albertalli, and this is one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I am happy to say that it definitely lived up to the hype!

Right from the start, we get Albertalli's signature lovable characters. I immediately fell in love with Kate and Anderson and their little, diverse squad. Not only do we have Jewish main characters, Kate and Anderson (who is also Black), but also a trans character and other gay characters. Just like in Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this is a squad you'll fall in love with and their love for theater. It's honestly contagious.

What I also loved about this was Kate's journey in finding confidence in herself. At the beginning of the book, she's content to stay in the background. But through her friends and their support, she realizes that she is pretty awesome. Everyone deserves friends like that. Even though the plot points were slightly predictable, I didn't care because I loved reading about these characters.

Finally, I loved the importance that Albertalli places on platonic love. I don't feel like that's ever emphasized enough in rom-coms, but it's front and center in this book. Platonic relationships are just as important as romantic ones, and this romance gives equal importance to both. Next to the characters, that's probably my favorite thing about this book.

All in all, this will hit home with theater nerds everywhere. If you're looking for a love story focused on friendship, this is the book for you! 


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Of course this is adorable in that teen rom-com way. As always, Albertalli absolutely nails the characters. More in a full review to come on Thursday!
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