The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Listen. The tone of this book is clever, quirky, aware, timely, and honestly an absolute blast. I loved Nina. I loved all the trivia. I loved the pop culture references. I loved the supporting characters. It made me want to work in a bookstore again so badly I was close to running down to my local indie and begging them to hire me on part-time.

It could have been a solid 4 star book. Instead, it BARELY made 3-stars, because HOO BOY, do I have a bone to pick with it.Did Nina need to learn how to roll with the punches and adapt a little and be a less of a book snob? Yes.Did Nina need to learn she would have to make room in her life for a partner if she so chose? Yes.There were many things Nina did throughout the story that could have been criticized. But for some reason, the author chose to write the Dramatic Twist in a way that seemed to penalize Nina for having anxiety.The background: Tom and Nina have been on approximately three (3) dates. In the previous scene, Nina passed out from an anxiety attack after finding out some devastating news, on top of the stressful life-changing factors she already had floating around. Nina is fine now, and she asks to be left alone (in her own home) to process everything.A basic summary of the scene: Nina communicates what she needs. Tom ignores her. Nina tries again. Tom is Offended and still ignores her. Nina breaks up with him just to get him to stop following her around the house and breathing down her neck. Tom leaves (finally).The rest of the book is mystifyingly and infuriatingly dedicated to convincing the reader - through the narrative, the other characters, and Nina's own thoughts - that Nina was in the wrong and that Tom is Totally Justified in being an immature asshole who refuses to speak to her until she makes a Big Public Gesture and apologizes.I can't actually tell you the last time I was rooting against the main couple getting together, but congratulations, Bookish Life of Nina Hill, you made it. P.S. Nina deserves better, and I have a great suggestion on what Tom can do with his bookshelves. :)