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aforestofbooks 's review for:
What I Like About You
by Marisa Kanter
Hi, I love this book! It was exactly what I needed to get out of this weird book slump. And I wish it was out for everyone else to read since I think it's a perfect distraction when you're social distancing. I will say though, this book is STRESSFUL. It actually gave me anxiety, but in a good way. I loved the feeling, yet also didn't at the same time, but that's one of the wonderful things about books. The fact that they can make you feel this way, and just totally immerse you into a story, is amazing!
I definitely got major Eliza and Her Monsters vibes from this book. I think there was even a little reference, though I'm not sure. It's a lot more painful for the reader though since both Halle and Nash have an established relationship online when they actually meet irl. But it's great, and intense, and also full of really sweet moments.
I loved Halle and Ollie's relationship so much! I wish there were more great sibling relationships in YA. Ollie is honestly the best brother ever. He's always there for Halle, even when she isn't always there for him. He's understanding and supportive and cares so much, yet he also tells her how it is and doesn't excuse her for her bad decisions.
I also really enjoyed all the Jewish aspects of this book. It's not something I've seen a lot in books? Though I also very rarely read YA contemporary. But it was nice to see Halle and Ollie going along to Shabbat and the other Jewish celebrations and holidays. I like how it was just a part of their regular lives, and even though they aren't super practicing, seeing them attend services and become a part of the community was just a nice touch. I like reading about characters who have that other part to their lives just because it's something I can relate to more as a Muslim.
While this book is a YA contemporary romance, I did like the focus on friendship and how difficult it can be maintaining a friendship, especially when life is a mess. I grew to love Molly and Amanda a lot. They're great friends to Halle, and I liked seeing the journey Halle goes on discovering who she is and how she can become a better friend to others.
As for Halle and Nash. They were super cute and I did love all their moments and interactions. The whole build up to the reveal was terrifying and so stressful though, and Nash's reaction was honestly perfect, but I will admit that I was a little disappointed with how things were resolved. I just felt like we needed a bit more. Halle explaining things in more detail, Nash finally listening, but also super hesitant and needing time. I wasn't expecting things to jump back to normal right away. And I honestly wanted more even after that? I wanted to see Halle graduate, maybe get a scene of her settling into college, and I wanted more backstory on how Nash convinced his parents to let him go away for college.
But overall, it was a really great read. I loved the format of this book especially. The texts and tweets and emails were a nice way to tell the story and broke up the regular prose really well. I love books with unique formats and honestly want more of them just because of how quick and easy they are to read, plus also super relatable.
Overall: 4 stars!
I definitely got major Eliza and Her Monsters vibes from this book. I think there was even a little reference, though I'm not sure. It's a lot more painful for the reader though since both Halle and Nash have an established relationship online when they actually meet irl. But it's great, and intense, and also full of really sweet moments.
I loved Halle and Ollie's relationship so much! I wish there were more great sibling relationships in YA. Ollie is honestly the best brother ever. He's always there for Halle, even when she isn't always there for him. He's understanding and supportive and cares so much, yet he also tells her how it is and doesn't excuse her for her bad decisions.
I also really enjoyed all the Jewish aspects of this book. It's not something I've seen a lot in books? Though I also very rarely read YA contemporary. But it was nice to see Halle and Ollie going along to Shabbat and the other Jewish celebrations and holidays. I like how it was just a part of their regular lives, and even though they aren't super practicing, seeing them attend services and become a part of the community was just a nice touch. I like reading about characters who have that other part to their lives just because it's something I can relate to more as a Muslim.
While this book is a YA contemporary romance, I did like the focus on friendship and how difficult it can be maintaining a friendship, especially when life is a mess. I grew to love Molly and Amanda a lot. They're great friends to Halle, and I liked seeing the journey Halle goes on discovering who she is and how she can become a better friend to others.
As for Halle and Nash. They were super cute and I did love all their moments and interactions. The whole build up to the reveal was terrifying and so stressful though, and Nash's reaction was honestly perfect, but I will admit that I was a little disappointed with how things were resolved. I just felt like we needed a bit more. Halle explaining things in more detail, Nash finally listening, but also super hesitant and needing time. I wasn't expecting things to jump back to normal right away. And I honestly wanted more even after that? I wanted to see Halle graduate, maybe get a scene of her settling into college, and I wanted more backstory on how Nash convinced his parents to let him go away for college.
But overall, it was a really great read. I loved the format of this book especially. The texts and tweets and emails were a nice way to tell the story and broke up the regular prose really well. I love books with unique formats and honestly want more of them just because of how quick and easy they are to read, plus also super relatable.
Overall: 4 stars!