Closer to 3.5 stars, but a 4 star rating is fine either way.
I'm not surprised that this one's gotten wildly mixed reviews; it's not much like what I eCloser to 3.5 stars, but a 4 star rating is fine either way.
I'm not surprised that this one's gotten wildly mixed reviews; it's not much like what I expected and, frankly, pretty out there at times. There were a few points that definitely had me all in question marks, and I'm not sure I thought all of the surreal elements worked. But the friendship at the heart of the book and the "what on Earth is going on?" factor definitely kept me flying through pages. I also loved the complete and utter excoriation of people who glamorize the easily preventable deaths of mentally ill people instead of helping them, which is something not remotely discussed enough in YA considering how much of a problem it is in society.
(The main character is also ace, but she's aroace and I'm not so I can't comment on that but it was still cool to see it and not have her face any discrimination for being either aro or ace. I would've preferred they say aroace instead of just mentioning asexuality while clearly referring to both that and aromanticism, but the author is a-spec so it didn't bother me too much.)...more
I'll probably update this review with a star rating and all that closer to the pub date, but let me put some early thoughts out here. I got to beta-reI'll probably update this review with a star rating and all that closer to the pub date, but let me put some early thoughts out here. I got to beta-read this book for reasons (briefly) elaborated upon below, and my first thought upon finishing it both times I read it were, "Where was a book like this when I was a teen?" Teen Kim would've loved this even more than 23-year-old Kim does, because it would've been vital to me back then. (Okay, I'm not gonna lie, it's still vital to me now. But it may have been even more vital, haha.)
I'm really glad we have it now, for so many reasons. Aside from the ace rep being the only time I've ever seen a character whose experiences were anything like my own in the pages in a book, there are a zillion other reasons to recommend it highly. Tash is a wonderful protagonist, and every single other character in the book made their way into my heart as well (especially Jack and Paul; oh, how I adore them). It completely nails what it's like to be a teen filmmaker, as well as some of the harsher realities about professions in the arts and the ups and downs of the creative process as a whole in the digital age. This is a smart and funny book with a huge heart and I can't wait for it to be on shelves so I can share it with everyone. Don't miss it!...more