Loveless

I know that there is some critique about the delivery of aromantik and asexuality, because it focuses on one particular "brand".
I thought that they absolutely pointed out that there are other ways. positive, negative, indifferent... It might be that I saw that and thought it was ok, because I do know quite a bit about the topic and am well aware that there are a gazillion ways to experience these feelings, or the lack thereof. So I can agree that it might be quite one-sided for someone who has no experience.
However, I loved that Georgia is someone who reads smut and enjoys it, which makes the entire idea of being ace so ridiculous. She was not someone who hated the idea per see, and I think that is a very important point and made it in my eyes also less rigid than others complein.
I gave it 5 stars and thought it was a very good and realistic way to show the development. Georgia is only one person with one identity and I think it was a good mix and a good way to show why people don't even think about asexuality. We are all indoctrinated with heteronormativity, so we just assume that we're the same. And as long as you don't fancy someone very obviously not from the opposite gender, there is no reason to question your heterosexuality, especially if you like to read Draco/Harry smut ;)
So yes, I understand the complaints, but still give it a 5.

4.5

I think if I had this book when I was a teen trying to figure this stuff out, it would have changed my life. It's just such good rep and really covers all the bases in terms of what it means to aro and/or ace. It's always tough for these books to be inclusive and a lot of ace rep can easily get hate for 'misrepresenting' the identity, but I think the author makes it pretty clear that this is just one person figuring out their own identity.

Obviously it's not complete realistic, there's some added theatrics for fun and flavour. It's like reading a teen rom-com, but the rom never actually happens, at least not for the main character. I never fail to be impressed with how well Alice Oseman writes young people that feel real and modern and I laughed out loud several times. [Side note: the way the narrator pronounces key smashes is perfect and amazing and was just generally an amazing casting choice].

I highly, highly recommend this book. The only reason I dropped it by a .5 is only because contemporary generally isn't my thing so I didn't feel that like 'super love' that a true five star would. BUT read it please!