this took me months to read. it didn’t hold my attention at all! the main character felt flat and all the other characters that filled out the story did nothing for me. the saving grace? Lucien: simply because he was hilarious.

theatre kids are so cringey lmao

Just as the summary on the back of the book says, Brown takes the reader on a journey through eight-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what means to be human. The formatting alone is worth 5 stars as the typesetting and imagery and style choices were phenomenal. Brown’s writing is accessible and enchanting, at the exact same time. I highly recommend this dictionary of sorts!

Beautifully written but oh my god I could not tell you one thing that happened in this book?? 

The whole time I was listening to this audiobook, I had a suspicious feeling that something wasn't right. Yeah, of course, the data (or therefore lack of data) pointing towards a world built for men is startling, but the lack of perspective this book had was even more so upsetting. I kept waiting to hear something - anything! - about trans women and I was left with nothing. 

Additionally, the writing itself is fine, but the message it portrays isn't groundbreaking. I lost interest a few times and had to drag myself back into the thick of it - mostly because I felt as though I wasn't learning. As a woman, and a feminist (and a teacher, and a scientist, and a white person), I am very privileged when it comes to learning about such topics. 

Would I recommend this book to anyone? To be perfectly honest, the people who I spend most of my time with are in the same boat as myself. They wouldn't really get too much from the education side, and the writing aspect is hardly enough to keep someone entertained. I would recommend it as a "beginner" book, something for people who are interested in the subjects of feminism and women's rights - perhaps my students or creepy men at bars that don't know how to take no as an answer. Though, I would be wary, considering the fact that it certainly isn't intersectional feminism.

The only aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the writing style (and some of the representation...we've all heard about the blunder's in the dialogue already so I won't dive into that). I wanted to like it more, but I think I went in with my expectations too high.

What I liked: 3rd POV, present tense, casual insight — aka my jam. I'll admit though, it was incredibly cringey at times. 

However....every other part? Ugh. Starting with the characters: I did not connect nor care about any of them. The love interest was a blank slate and the main character was an empty tank. God, they were both just so boring. And the side cast? I'm a sucker for a fun group of background and supporting characters but it felt the author was filling these roles, clapping their hands together, and then moved on. They weren't developed at all and I had no interest in them.

The plot itself didn't reach its full potential, in my opinion. Like why was it so boring? And the ending was kind of fucked. I love a good argument in romance books but daaaaamn, to have all of it end as a happily ever after? It didn't sit right with me. I needed more resolution? Does that make sense?   

I realize that this book tried to pass on several messages, but the one that stuck with me the most is that you won't truly be happy until you fall in love. The main characters repeatedly alludes to that she likes/prefers being alone but is only happy once she meets the love interest. It sounds like she's got some more issues to work through that time travel simply won't fix. 

BESTIES I was so lost and so confused but in a good way? The world-building is out of this world. The characters are dark, the magical elements are unbelievable, and the adventure is grand — what more could I want? I'm interested in reading the next in the series...but I don't think my brain can handle it at the moment. I need some downtime to let the first one settle. 

Exactly what I was expecting! Although the ending felt a bit...overdone? Like, unnecessarily adventurous? Regardless, a modern witchy romcom. The couple had chemistry, the side characters were just quirky enough, and a

third-act breakup

that didn't feel like a

third-act breakup

. 

Don't hate me, but I was somewhat bored while reading this book? I love fantasy-romance and I heard people sing praises for this book, so I was super ready to love it with my entire heart. Instead, I was left with a bland taste in my mouth as each chapter became more and more mediocre.

Some of the main issues that stuck out to me include the following:
The main character never grows, always stuck as a strong yet still unconfident hero? Girlie was out there doing it and still hesitated time and time again, like hellllo have a little faith in yourself. None of the antagonists nor side characters really grabbed my attention neither, which is a shame. The worldbuilding was wild (absolutely beautiful) and surprising, as in I wasn't sure what the world was going to be like until we were already knee-deep into it. By the time I was told what was going on, I had already created a setting in my mind which was...confusing. 

Some of the wonderful parts of this novel include the fairytale and mythical atmosphere, the smooth prose (albeit a bit corny in some sections), and the layers of potential. I look forward to reading from this author again, specifically the second in this duology to hopefully get a fully painted picture. 

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House, and Alexene Farol Follmuth for the eARC of My Mechanical Romance.

Okay okay okay, where do I start? I hope you don't mind, but I'm just going to word vomit and hope for the best.

First, I want to address the idea that this book is an "enemies to lovers" romance. My standards for enemies to lovers is pretty high, however, I would be more inclined to call it "rivals to lovers", especially in this particular setting. The relationship itself is preeeeetty cute. I loved their banter and the general growth of their relationship. The chemistry was definitely there and I couldn't get enough of how they opened up to each other over time. Nothing was rushed, but always moving.

Was the

third-act breakup

necessary? No. Especially since there were other conflicts and climaxes at the same time. I understand that the

third-act breakup

is basically part of the romance genre's formula, but I felt like it didn't add anything to the plot. I half-hoped that the characters could still grow individually without having to be apart, but...alas.

However, the ending!!! Oh my god, the ending!! Not the epilogue, but the last few chapters where Bel sees some of the hard truths that her choices have led her to. Loved loved loved that she wasn't able to just coast through on her good luck and apart intelligence. Actions have consequences and I'm happy that was represented.

My favourite characters, by far, are Dash and Neelam. I have such a soft spot for side characters that help build the main characters. Dash, as Teo's best friend, not only supported him but gave him a bit of a reality check. Whereas Neelam and Bel were rocky from start to finish, they really brought out the best in each other. Actually, all the side characters were wonderful. Lora and Jamie were delightful and added some non-STEM minds to the mix. Bel's brothers were a great balance to the conflict occurring in their family. Teo's family grew, the Robotics club was adorable, and Ms. Voss gave it her all.

The only side character that I wanted to smack was Mr. Mac. But I think that was the point? Especially as a female science teacher, Mr. Mac made my blood boil, and the ending didn't feel really justified. "I see you" didn't fix his behaviour for me. 

I will absolutely be recommending this to my students. It's a lighthearted and funny read that has layered characters and a setting that I wholeheartedly want to get my students involved in.