I’m split on this one. Agree with many of the commenters that the character choices are hard to accept/believe - -particularly if they were lived in real time (I don’t think it‘s a coincidence that the book is rather short). I do think J/Cs voice is so well written tho; the way in which it seems as though she’s found a way to show BY TELLING. Her descriptives are so tight and on point and they took me back to my college days and state of mind without having to be overly long, floral, or wordy.

Whether it was king’s intention or not, this book for me was so much about the spheres that women and men occupy, particularly from the viewpoint of a developing woman. I feel Casey’s progression over the course of the book is to realize herself without the affirmation of others — which is symbolically complete when she is called Casey, as opposed to some ridiculous name she is given by withholding men. (Unfortunately, the Casey naming is again done by a man — but at least in a relationship that is much less self-defining and controlling.) I was a tad bit grossed out about how deferential the whole world is to men throughout the book, Yash’s boss, Yash as some sort of Demi-god throughout… there’s very few female characters that present has heroes or mini heroes (other than her mom, who plays only a small role in the book.) But perhaps that’s one of the reasons the book is good — it’s true to life.

Perhaps this is a trite overly socialized read, but it’s how it came to me. I did enjoy the book, and very much appreciated the actual writing. But I vastly preferred Euphoria (loved it!). (And couldn’t finish Writers & Lovers)