by Sally Rooney

A Contemporary, 2019 by Crown, 273 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

No quotation marks makes this heavily dialogued book tough to read. Plus the grammar is awkward at times, similar to a journal style with no rules. If you’re a strict grammar person, I’d recommend the audiobook.
The ending is my least favorite kind of ending, the one that almost makes the entire story a pointless journey. That’s almost a spoiler as it is so I can’t say more than that.
Too many HUGE topics are introduced without any real resolution, point, or detail. While it can be nice to see these things appearing on a page and being addressed at all, it can also be damaging to introduce them with no care or attention to detail. This tiptoed on that fine line.

The relationship feels realistic, more than most in books. It’s got ups and downs, it’s relatable, and both people make constant mistakes. That’s not to say that it’s a HEALTHY relationship, because it’s definitely not that. It’s just realistic.
Connell’s mental health representation is also realistic. I appreciated that it didn’t feel like a single counselor session “fixed” him, as so many books try to do.
Tackles big topics like sadomasochism, depression, familial abuse, and drug use. Also dances with the idea of toxic relationships.

Readers who want an edgy contemporary that introduces a lot of sensitive topics.