Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Jason's Rating:
"Jokes, they say are a lot like life and love; all in the timing"
My Thoughts:
This book by far has been my favorite one from the 'Boy Meets Boy' series that Janovsky has published. Unlike the second book, the character are more likable and relatable. I think as an immigrant living in the US, I've definitely experienced the pressures of your family and society's expectations. Not only that, he was striving for something most people don't get to experience in a lifetime trying to be a famous comedian. An odd choice for the character's career aspiration, but it made more sense as I got to the meat of the story.
Purposely, I didn't read the summary because I've read somewhere that there is a twist and wanted that to be a surprise. As I was reading it, I knew there was something suspicious about Doop because of the way it was described in the book. But, what I didn't expect was the outcome of the gem/stone. How the first 25% of the book was written, I would have no idea it would have led to the 75% of the story's plot. An easter egg, which I believe was on purpose, was that each section or a milestone of Nolan's.
"Hearing him say this provides a deep sense of relief...maybe not together exactly...for now"
Nolan's character development mirrors the struggles many of us in our early twenties face. This is the age when careers begin to take shape, and comparisons with peers become inevitable. Nolan's choice of a challenging path, unlike his sister Ceecee's corporate career, resonated with me. The author's message that it's okay to pursue your dream job despite obstacles is clear, even amidst the fun fictional narrative.
"I guess I always thought you were the perfect child in their eyes..put up against your accomplishments"
I appreciated Janovsky's exploration of Ceecee's relationship with her parents. It epitomizes the "older child syndrome," where the first child is pressured to excel, while subsequent children may experience less pressure. Understanding Ceecee's perspective helped me empathize with her actions, as I could relate to her position.
Conclusion & Recommendation:
This book is a good read for firstborn children or anyone seeking a charming gay romance novel. While there are hints of spicy scenes, they are not overly graphic, making it suitable for a wide audience. It's a breezy read that helped me overcome a reading slump. I would say that the romance was only a small part of the story of a larger discussion in family dynamics and internal struggles.
"And I absolutely, positively crush it."
If you want to read more books like this, check out my Goodreads for books I've read. Or for recommendation, please check out the TBRs.
0 comments