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!