Joy and Nathaniel have been competing for valedictorian all four years of high school. Although very focused on her studies, Joy, who is asexual, wondJoy and Nathaniel have been competing for valedictorian all four years of high school. Although very focused on her studies, Joy, who is asexual, wonders if she hasn't been missing out by not pursuing romance while she's still young. She writes to the anonymous campus love expert, Cupid, and instead of a scientific understanding, Joy starts to feel feelings for Cupid, even though she doesn't know who this person is. What could possibly go wrong?
My biggest problem with this book were the cheesy antagonists. They were flat and had zero redeeming qualities. I could have lived with this if Joy and Nathaniel had contended with this in any way besides just "well, I guess we're not friends anymore," but this book was written in a way that left no possibility for understanding. And yeah, sometimes you've just got to get out of there. But this book also never really deals with the loss and betrayal, instead glossing over it in favor of some rapidly escalating PDA. I think the plot made sense, and I like Joy and Nathaniel, but it felt like this book never really addressed what it was trying to say, which is disappointing. ...more
For nearly 20 years, the Tolkein children could look forward to getting a letter from Father Christmas each December. The letters detail various advenFor nearly 20 years, the Tolkein children could look forward to getting a letter from Father Christmas each December. The letters detail various adventures in the north, including goblin attacks, silly accidents, and a bit of the magic behind the scenes. The letters start out addressed to just the oldest child, and at last when the youngest is getting too old for stockings, the letters trail off, but there are many holiday exploits in the meantime.
I appreciate the way that this book gives me a taste of the anticipation and strong family bonds that existed in the Tolkein household. Although the stories aren't polished by any means and the pictures are only a little above amateur, there's something really precious about the way a father would go out of his way to bring magic to his household each Christmas, no matter what was going on in the world outside. I'm left feeling sad that children inevitably grow up and no longer have time for Santa and fairy stories, but I'm delighted that as adults they (and I) can peek back at these things with fondness. ...more
Bett and Avery do not want their dads to fall in love and get married, and being stuck at the same summer camp together doesn't change that. Or does iBett and Avery do not want their dads to fall in love and get married, and being stuck at the same summer camp together doesn't change that. Or does it? Told entirely in emails and letters, this story considers what it means to be family, even if you aren't related, and wonders if you really can force someone to fall in love.
This book was everything I was hoping for. The protagonists are authentic and fun, the story is full of wild twists and delightful surprises, and each new page felt almost as good as opening a letter from a beloved friend. ...more
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