Review | The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
Title: The Upside of Unrequited
Author: Becky Albertalli
Genre/s: Young Adult, Contemporary
Published April 11th 2017 by Penguin
I loved this book, I wasn't sure what to expect going into it and I really didn't want to be disappointed with it so I avoided all the hype and spoilers and went into blind and I am so glad I did because I was blown away.
“I'm on the toilet at the 9:30 Club and I'm wondering how mermaids pee.”
The blunt humour really stands out and was hilarious to read. Becky Albertalli has a really fast paced style of writing that just pulls you forward through the plot and she has a way of bringing extremely realistic personalities to life, I've never read a contemporary where an author was able to create such a realistic representation, she didn't shy away from anything and it really paid off.
"I never really know the protocol for this kind of situation. It's like when you're in line at a store, and a grandma starts telling you all about her grandchildren or her arthritis, and you smile and nod along. But then it's your turn to check out, so you're just like okay, well, good-bye forever.”
This is the first book I have read by Becky Albertalli but I really have to pick up her other book soon because this was truly fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed how well done these characters were and their character development throughout was indistinguishably beautiful. Just thinking about the things I loved is making me was to re-read it right now and I've only just finished it.
“I mean, here’s the thing I don’t get. How do people come to expect that their crushes will be reciprocated? Like, how does that get to be your default assumption?”
I loved the way Becky Albertalli was able to create characters with realistic characteristics and really stay clear of the usual stuff that we so often see in the YA genre. I applaud the way she wove in subjects that really need to be addressed more in such a comfortable way and made them feel just part of the story and that they weren't such a big deal. Diversity really should just be there its not something that should be used as a selling point or way of moving a plot along. In this society we live in it should just be a must no matter what kind of book and I loved how that was how it was done in this book as a very natural thing. I adore how more and more authors are doing this now and I am excited for all of the books that are yet to come. I know I am kind of going on a tangent but I just had to speak about how amazing this aspect of the book is.
“There’s just something terrifying about admitting you like someone. In a way, it’s actually easier when there’s no chance of anything happening. But there’s this threshold where things suddenly become possible. And then your cards are on the table. And there you are, wanting, right out in the open.”
I had a few problems with Molly's sister Cassie, I basically just started hating her at some point in the middle of this and even though I kind of liked her again at the end. I just hated how she kept pushing Molly toward Will. Mainly because of Reid, as soon as Molly meets Reid I fell in love with him instantly. I found Will's character was really intriguing when we met him right at the beginning but he was totally pushed straight to one side for me as soon as Reid was introduced.
“Perfect! You guys are the same age. I bet you have a lot in common.”
Classic adult logic. Reid and I are vaguely the same age, so of course we’re basically soul mates. It’s like horoscopes. Somehow I’m supposed to believe that I’m similar in some meaningful way to every single person born on my birthday. Or every single Sagittarius. I mean, I barely have anything in common with Cassie, and we were born six minutes apart.”
The plot was funny and heart-warming and I was totally gripped. Also I want my own Reid, he was so unbelievably cute and so lovable. Molly and Reid's relationship was awesome and the way it progressed wasn't predictable, it was exciting to read and I actually got butterflies while reading. I feel like even if your not really into contemporaries you will like this book, because I am not an avid contemporary lover and they have to be good to keep me entertained yet I was astounded by this beautiful book. After reading this I will read anything that Becky writes, I will be picking up Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda very soon and I am so excited for it. This book was Fantastic!!
5/5 Stars!
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