A review by marisacarpico
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Genuinely crazy that I didn't write this. A Before series structured romance set against the backdrop of the Bond franchise? Have you ever heard a more me romance plot in your life???
Anyway, I DEVOURED this thing and it impressed despite my huge expectations. The cover is perhaps a bit misleading, because I expected this to be fluffier than it was. As is, really smart character work. I believed every beat. Brilliant understanding of celebrity culture as well. Every fake article felt right to me. Sussman also clearly did her research on Bond and I was very tickled by the references.
I do think Chani engages in some negative self talk that could occasionally feel overdone, but the imposter syndrome and her lack of confidence makes sense based on the emotionally abusive relationship she spends much of the book in. I do think it's odd and annoying that she doesn't have more female friends, though. I suppose these people exist, but it feels like an odd choice. Gabe is really well-drawn. No notes from me.
I found the structure of jumping back and forth in time and meeting out information slowly really compelling and well done. Created anticipation and mostly delivered except for, I think, one choice younger Gabe made. Some of the things that kept them apart initially perhaps strain credulity, but Sussman does mostly make up for it in the way she emphasizes the characters' lack of maturity 10 years earlier versus now.
Regardless of some minor quibbles, this is one of the more solid romances I've read in the last few years. Some nice language and really smart character work. Not to keep harping on the cover (which I actually quite like, as the color palette is really lovely), but it does put it in a class with all the shitty, obnoxious and yet extremely popular romances of the last few years instead of something with a bit more heft like a Taylor Jenkins Reid joint. Give this a cover more akin to Seven Husbands or Daisy Jones and I think it would be reaching a bigger, better audience.
Anyway, I DEVOURED this thing and it impressed despite my huge expectations. The cover is perhaps a bit misleading, because I expected this to be fluffier than it was. As is, really smart character work. I believed every beat. Brilliant understanding of celebrity culture as well. Every fake article felt right to me. Sussman also clearly did her research on Bond and I was very tickled by the references.
I do think Chani engages in some negative self talk that could occasionally feel overdone, but the imposter syndrome and her lack of confidence makes sense based on the emotionally abusive relationship she spends much of the book in. I do think it's odd and annoying that she doesn't have more female friends, though. I suppose these people exist, but it feels like an odd choice. Gabe is really well-drawn. No notes from me.
I found the structure of jumping back and forth in time and meeting out information slowly really compelling and well done. Created anticipation and mostly delivered except for, I think, one choice younger Gabe made. Some of the things that kept them apart initially perhaps strain credulity, but Sussman does mostly make up for it in the way she emphasizes the characters' lack of maturity 10 years earlier versus now.
Regardless of some minor quibbles, this is one of the more solid romances I've read in the last few years. Some nice language and really smart character work. Not to keep harping on the cover (which I actually quite like, as the color palette is really lovely), but it does put it in a class with all the shitty, obnoxious and yet extremely popular romances of the last few years instead of something with a bit more heft like a Taylor Jenkins Reid joint. Give this a cover more akin to Seven Husbands or Daisy Jones and I think it would be reaching a bigger, better audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Alcoholism