This one felt rather jumpy to me. Like it was too hyper to sit still. Very fitting for teens figuring out sex for the first time. I had a lot of trust in Alice Oseman to handle this topic with care. I was not disappointed.
Now, I have a lot of feelings and opinions on teenage sex. I did begin my foray into it all in high school, feeling very ready, but looking back (without regrets) I wish I had been less focused on it and more focused on other aspects of my life.
I get really uncomfortable with teens doing these things on tv shows. They’re kids for crying out loud! I mean, I remember feeling this way as a teen, but I also remember wishing there was less emphasis on it and more on everything else a teen has going on. Oseman balanced it all well.
Nick and Charlie are really sweet in this. Talking about it with friends. Dealing with other people’s assumptions. Figuring it out while also realizing what’s coming in a year. When Nick has to leave for university.
This volume was very teenaged. Lots of life happening quickly. Rapidly figuring out parts of yourself. Taking on challenges and growing. This story felt lighter than the rest. Charlie was more teen than ever before. I appreciate Jane’s measured approach. Her allowing Charlie space while being firm about expectations and staying focused on himself.
Seeing Nick do a trip with Tara and Elle was great. Giving him a chance to really talk about his feelings and have honest feedback. For him to be an honest supportive friend back. To see him really begin to open up to who he could be.
Finishing this volume with both Nick and Charlie enjoying their lives while apart was beautiful. I remember that all consuming need to be together. I still don’t like being away from my husband for long, and get all fluttery when I see him again. But those times apart have been good for us. To remember we can stand on our own. That we choose to come home to each other every time because it really is the only place we want to be.
While I think they’re too young, this is one of those expertly crafted stories where it makes all the sense in the world for these two to be together forever. Sometimes you find each other young. That’s beautiful. Oseman has made it clear that there is no world in which Nick and Charlie don’t find each other, and I like that. It’s comforting. It takes away all the anxiety and allows me to really enjoy the journey.
That’s life, though. Learning to embrace the journey and the relationships we build along the way.
The Accidental Domestic Goddess 