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A review by cheye13
How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First of all, I really enjoyed this. Very cute, lotta heart. This being my first experience with TJ Klune's writing – this may be the weirdest thing I've read.
I think ultimately the tone was just so off-base from what I expected. I had picked it up expecting a mildly funny, tender romcom concept, and instead got an absolutely hilarious stumble into a romance. Gus was incredibly relatable, occasionally uncomfortably so. I wasn't crazy about the whole call-a-hipster-a-hipster thing, but Casey grew on me over time. It did feel like the author was throwing a bunch of things (asexuality, neurodivergence, hipsters) that he didn't exactly have personal experience with into a pot and stirring, and while I would've liked a softer/more earnest touch, the result was still tasty.
I think ultimately the tone was just so off-base from what I expected. I had picked it up expecting a mildly funny, tender romcom concept, and instead got an absolutely hilarious stumble into a romance. Gus was incredibly relatable, occasionally uncomfortably so. I wasn't crazy about the whole call-a-hipster-a-hipster thing, but Casey grew on me over time. It did feel like the author was throwing a bunch of things (asexuality, neurodivergence, hipsters) that he didn't exactly have personal experience with into a pot and stirring, and while I would've liked a softer/more earnest touch, the result was still tasty.
Graphic: Drug use and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Ableism, Cursing, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Cultural appropriation