Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a heartfelt, diverse YA romance that stands out for its authentic representation of queer, POC, and hard-of-hearing characters. If you love stories about messy, real-life relationships, complex friendships, and that unforgettable experience of first love, this one’s for you. The thoughtful depiction of ASL and emotional vulnerability, combined with coming-of-age struggles like family trauma, grief, and college dreams, makes it especially appealing to readers looking for thoughtful, modern romances with inclusive casts. Also, if you appreciate seeing characters stumble, learn, and genuinely grow, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the main character, Nate, frustratingly self-sabotaging and not always easy to root for, and the side characters could be tough to connect with. The story also feels rushed at times, with actions and resolutions that seem a bit abrupt or underdeveloped. If you’re looking for a light, laugh-out-loud romcom or a plot-driven novel, you might find the vibe unexpectedly angsty or slow. And if cheating tropes or a large amount of teenage drama usually turn you off, you might struggle to fully enjoy this one.
About:
'This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story' by Kacen Callender follows the story of Nathan Bird, an aspiring screenwriter who struggles with forming close bonds after his father's death. The book explores Nathan's complicated relationships with his ex-girlfriend and best friend, Flo, his close-knit group of friends, and his childhood friend, Oliver James. As Nathan navigates friendship, love, and loss, the story delves into themes of self-discovery, coming of age, and the complexities of teenage relationships. The writing style of the book is described as charming, with a mix of humor and emotional depth that resonates with readers, making it a compelling read that explores the intricacies of young love and friendship.
The plot of 'This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story' revolves around Nathan's journey of self-acceptance, learning to overcome his fears of vulnerability and opening up to others. Through a diverse cast of characters and realistic portrayals of teenage emotions and experiences, the book captures the essence of first love, friendship dynamics, and personal growth. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of grief, LGBTQ+ representation, and the complexities of relationships, offering a poignant and relatable story that resonates with readers of young adult fiction.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for themes of grief, loss, emotional distress in relationships, and perhaps some uncomfortable portrayals of unhealthy relationship dynamics.
Has Romance?
Yes, romance is a central focus of the story, depicting the emotional journey of the main characters as they navigate their relationship.
From The Publisher:
~Lambda Literary Award finalist for the best LGBT YA novel of 2018~
A fresh, charming rom-com perfect for fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Boy Meets Boy about Nathan Bird, who has sworn off happy endings but is sorely tested when his former best friend, Ollie, moves back to town.
Nathan Bird doesn't believe in happy endings. Although he's the ultimate film buff and an aspiring screenwriter, Nate's seen the demise of too many relationships to believe that happy endings exist in real life.
Playing it safe to avoid a broken heart has been his MO ever since his father died and left his mom to unravel-but this strategy is not without fault. His best-friend-turned-girlfriend-turned-best-friend-again, Florence, is set on making sure Nate finds someone else. And in a twist that is rom-com-worthy, someone does come along: Oliver James Hernández, his childhood best friend.
After a painful mix-up when they were little, Nate finally has the chance to tell Ollie the truth about his feelings. But can Nate find the courage to pursue his own happily ever after?
Ratings (2)
Loved It (1) | |
Liked It (1) |
Reader Stats (11):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (5) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (3) |
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This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story?
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