4.5 stars

After seeing this book get so much praise online, across multiple platforms, I had high expectations. They were definitely met.

This is honestly a story different from what I’ve read before, which is hard to pull off with contemporary. It was a quick, easy read, and a lot of fun.

Tash was such a relatable, realistic character. She was awkward and asexual (just like me), and she spent much of the novel questioning her identity and how to tell those around her. As an ace, I could relate so much to that. Even though this is the first book I’ve read with ace rep (I think), it was also the best rep I could’ve ever hoped for.

The one thing that set us apart was her obsession with Tolstoy, which you probably gleaned from the title. It was definitely interesting, because personally I don’t think I’d ever choose to read one of his novels, and also because she treated the photo of him in her poster like a real person. On one hand I suppose it’s kind of like loving a fictional character. But on the other, Tolstoy was a late 19th century Russian writer, so she was in love with a dead guy. She would talk to him, ask for advice, and consistently call him “her boyfriend,” which was just weird, in my opinion. And sometimes chapters would start with her talking about Tolstoy’s life. I just didn’t get it. Oops.

I loved the ensemble cast, and the dynamics between all of the characters. Some were annoying, some were likable, and together they were generally a lot of fun. There were many separate friendships I liked, as well as a cute, slow-burn m/m romance on the side.

I loved Tash, Jack, and Paul’s friendship; Jack and Paul’s sibling dynamic; Tash and Klaudie’s development as sisters; each individual family. The Zelenkas and Harlows were very three-dimensional and present, something I can never get enough of in contemporary. They also had their own issues, with one coping with unexpected pregnancy and the other with cancer. I really liked how all of it was dealt with. (I won’t go further in depth because spoilers.)

I’ll keep this brief, because it could also lead to spoilers, but I have to say it. I’m so disappointed with Thom. The end.

The last thing I want to talk about is the ending. For the most part, I did like it. Everything worked out, but I feel like some things were just sort of left hanging. I liked how this book ended, but I wasn’t completely satisfied.

All in all, a very good book. I loved seeing part of myself in a protagonist, and how unique the story was. Not quite a new favorite, but it’s definitely close.