What I’m Reading (2.9.26)

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin (★★★★☆)

E-Book • Libby • Contemporary Romance • 2024

Short synopsis: When Natalie discovers the best man at her best friend’s wedding secretly wrote a one-star review of her novel, their rivalry-to-romance unfolds over a decade of weddings, milestones, and hard-earned rewrites of both their lives—and their hearts.

I read this romance on Lisa’s recommendation, and I’m glad I heeded her warning that it isn’t a typical romance. I suspect its low Goodreads rating (3.64) comes from being marketed as an enemies-to-lovers rom-com when it’s really closer to coming-of-age/women’s fiction. At its core, this book is about the messy years of your twenties and thirties when you’re trying to figure out what you want your life to look like. It’s about watching friends move ahead in life and wondering what you’re doing “wrong.” Natalie’s best friend Gabby marries Angus, whose best man is Rob, and when Natalie discovers Rob wrote a one-star review of her novel the night before the wedding, they’re thrown into enemy territory. I loved how the author traced the winding path of adulthood, from Natalie’s struggle to build a writing career to Rob’s attempts to win his father’s approval in academia. I really loved this novel, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. (Recommendation source: Lisa)

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum (★★★★☆)

Print • Owned (indie bookstore) • Contemporary Fiction • 2024

Short synopsis: Burned out on her glittering but empty life in Seoul, a woman starts over by opening a neighborhood bookshop that slowly becomes both her healing—and a haven for others.

I picked this book up on a whim in London at one of the many bookstores I visited. The story felt sweet, and I was especially drawn to it because it was a translated work (I don’t read too many of those!). And, you guys, this book was just the perfect escape. The writing is sparse but gorgeous, and the characters are so vividly drawn. I loved that the author doesn’t shy away from the realities of owning an independent bookstore (it’s hard to make money, the hours can be long and draining, etc.) without making the story feel bleak. Instead, it gently immerses you in a charming Korean neighborhood filled with people who are genuinely kind and curious, connected through their love of books. At its heart, the novel asks thoughtful questions about happiness and enjoyment in life—why is that important and what can you do to ensure you live a satisfying life, even if it isn’t the one you pictured? If you’re looking for a novel you can escape into, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa (★★★★☆)

E-Book • Libby • Historical Romance • 2024

Short synopsis: A trans boy searches for a future―and a romance―in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartrending young-adult reimagining of Pride and Prejudice

This reimagining of Pride and Prejudice casts Elizabeth Bennet as Oliver Bennet, a trans boy forced to live as a girl. At first, I was a little frustrated by how idealized everything felt. Yes, Oliver has to wear dresses that make him uncomfortable and attend balls where he has to pretend he’s in search of a husband. But as he begins to reveal his true identity to the people around him, there’s surprisingly little conflict or grief. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized that this is precisely the point: Novoa isn’t trying to mirror historical or emotional realism so much as imagine a world in which a trans boy is allowed to be fully himself and deeply loved for it, which is exactly what every trans person deserves. The Oliver and Darcy plotline was especially sweet (I love the idea of Darcy being a closeted gay man!), and while their romance wasn’t the novel’s central focus, the way it weaves together with Oliver’s journey toward living openly as himself is really beautiful. Fans of Pride and Prejudice may quibble with some of the plot and character choices, but for me, this book was exactly what I needed. (Recommendation source: Kaytee from Currently Reading)

What are you reading?