The Way You Make Me Feel

3.5 stars. This is a cute book, and I like how the points it makes about romance extend to apply more broadly to emotional intimacy in general. I like the discussion of how people use irony and aloofness to guard vulnerability, and it was refreshing to see this concept explored primarily with women characters. It's not often you see an insensitive prankster as a female protagonist.

Goo also tweaks gender roles by casting Clara's dad as active and involved in her life, compared to her mom, who is distant both emotionally and physically. One reason this worked for me was that neither the books nor its characters outright demonized or condemned Clara's mom for her lifestyle. Her contrasting parents were a interesting representation of the two warring sides of Clara, one more earnest and supportive, the other prioritizing appearances and reputation.

The Way You Make Me Feel didn't change my life, but it was diverse and sweet. I'd recommend it for those looking for a lighter contemporary romance that doesn't fall back on horrific twists to justify the plot.

Merged review:

3.5 stars. This is a cute book, and I like how the points it makes about romance extend to apply more broadly to emotional intimacy in general. I like the discussion of how people use irony and aloofness to guard vulnerability, and it was refreshing to see this concept explored primarily with women characters. It's not often you see an insensitive prankster as a female protagonist.

Goo also tweaks gender roles by casting Clara's dad as active and involved in her life, compared to her mom, who is distant both emotionally and physically. One reason this worked for me was that neither the books nor its characters outright demonized or condemned Clara's mom for her lifestyle. Her contrasting parents were a interesting representation of the two warring sides of Clara, one more earnest and supportive, the other prioritizing appearances and reputation.

The Way You Make Me Feel didn't change my life, but it was diverse and sweet. I'd recommend it for those looking for a lighter contemporary romance that doesn't fall back on horrific twists to justify the plot.