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A review by okthislooksbad
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Not gonna lie, "if Sophie publishes a book, Ea reads it immediately" is just how it's gonna be from now on. I adored Only Mostly Devastated and I loved Perfect on Paper. Askdfgsdnjka.
I have a very soft spot for queer YA rom-coms, and this hits the spot. As much as I found Darcy kinda great (even when she messed up (actually especially when she messed up because she really did what she could to right her wrongs and while it wasn't perfect, it just made me really happy to see her at least try, especially when it got uncomfortable)) what really stood out to me what the way bisexuality and, in particular, internalised biphobia was handled; carefully, delicately, and realistically. Darcy is bi, and she's just as goddamn bi whether the book's romantic aspect is f/f or f/m. And that's just so goddamn important so see represented and I'm just so delighted with this. <3
If that's not enough to entice you, the wonderful side characters (who, I must add, bring a whole bunch of extra queer rep to the table but still have personalities beyond their sexuality!! amazing!!), beyond supportive family relations (Darcy's relationship with her mum and sister? *chef's kiss*) and the sheer DELIGHT that is Darcy and Brougham's banter? Y'all. So good.
So good.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have a very soft spot for queer YA rom-coms, and this hits the spot. As much as I found Darcy kinda great (even when she messed up (actually especially when she messed up because she really did what she could to right her wrongs and while it wasn't perfect, it just made me really happy to see her at least try, especially when it got uncomfortable)) what really stood out to me what the way bisexuality and, in particular, internalised biphobia was handled; carefully, delicately, and realistically. Darcy is bi, and she's just as goddamn bi whether the book's romantic aspect is f/f or f/m. And that's just so goddamn important so see represented and I'm just so delighted with this. <3
If that's not enough to entice you, the wonderful side characters (who, I must add, bring a whole bunch of extra queer rep to the table but still have personalities beyond their sexuality!! amazing!!), beyond supportive family relations (Darcy's relationship with her mum and sister? *chef's kiss*) and the sheer DELIGHT that is Darcy and Brougham's banter? Y'all. So good.
So good.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Biphobia