Loveless by Alice Oseman
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Web ID: 13394390Heartfelt YA audiobook
Georgia has never been in love, never kissed anyone, and never had a real crush, and the romance-obsessed world is making her feel like she’s strange. She starts university with her two best friends and a new roommate, but her plans for romance fall apart and harm those she loves most. Georgia worries she’s destined to remain loveless, but discovers she is looking at love the wrong way… This audiobook was a good listen, a heartfelt dive into self-discovery with imperfect characters. Listen through the credits for a bonus short story. I read some mixed reviews about the characters’ decisions and the queer representation, but I felt like this story overall promoted healthy relationships of every kind (friends, family, or romantic), as well as safe, shame-free sexuality even if some characters missed the mark and dealt with consequences. Is it a lighter YA story where the consequences aren’t lasting, people evolve, and harmful mistakes are forgiven? Yes, but I felt like that provided a hopeful ending. I also thought the point was clearly made in the book that Georgia’s feelings/experiences which led her to identify as aroace weren’t the same for everyone who identifies that way—and there were some examples given even though the tale didn’t dig into them. I felt this book invited readers to acknowledge and respect other aromantic and asexual experiences even if they weren’t represented with the same depth as Georgia’s story.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Aro-ace identity discovery!
Georgia Warr has always loved the idea of romance. She's watched all the films, read the books, and always pictured herself following the same steps that society has laid before her. But then she realizes she's far behind her peers, in many ways. So off to Uni so goes, determined to find that special someone to 'fall in love with' and have her first kiss with, except once there she finds the task more difficult than ever. While new and old friendships clash around her, Georgia tries to figure out who she is, or isn't, and comes away with a much clearer picture. I don't always love contemporary novels, especially in school/college settings, but Oseman has a way of drawing me in. Her stories are always lighthearted and inspiring (even when there's really tough subject matter) and I love that they always seem to include plenty of mental health awareness. It's a really great balance that I think is perfect for young readers. This novel in particular is a fantastic and informative look at the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and Aro-ace (Aromantic Asexuality) in general. There is also lesbian, bi, and pansexual rep in this novel.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Loved !
The fiction book 'Loveless' tells the tale of an 18 y/o girl named Georgia who has never experienced romantic attraction towards someone, despite her being obsessed with the topic of romance. Georgia's friends all experience attraction, and Georgia feels as if she is loveless since she is the only one out of her friends who is incapable of falling in love with anyone. Georgia then discovers that she identifies as aroace, which means not experiencing romantic or physical attraction. Along the way, Georgia becomes more comfortable with her sexuality and comes to realize that platonic love through a friendship can be just as strong and meaningful as romantic love with a partner. I really enjoyed this book because it gives out the message that everyone deserves to be loved by someone else, even if it doesn't involve romance. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with their identity/sexuality, or for any fans of Alice Oseman's other books such as Solitare or Heartstopper.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
For all the ace's looking for good representation.
This is exactly the kind of book I wish I had when I was younger. Georgia's journey towards understanding her asexuality, and ultimately learning to accept and love herself, was so validating to read as an asexual. The author also does a wonderful job of explaining the different spectrum of asexual and aromantic identities, and how one person's experience doesn't represent One of the things that I and many asexual/aromantics worry about is that we might end up growing old all alone. This book, however, shows how the platonic love of family and friends can be just as strong as romantic love, and while no one can know what the future holds for them, we can always find people who will support us no matter what. Alice Oseman also never fails to provide such a lovable main and supporting cast, full of fleshed out characters who will have you laugh out loud and cry your eyes out. With drama, humor, and heart, Loveless is a wonderful reminder that no matter what, everyone deserves to be loved!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
This book was so validating
I think I still get weepy thinking about it. This story was so validating, and amazing. And I hope all my fellow baby aro/aces read this and understand that we aren't broken. Not at all. Georgia's journey was like looking in a mirror, and her going through all the stages of acceptance were all too real. I genuinely love how Alice has emphasized that love in friendships can be just as deep and impactful as romantic ones. Amazing. You should read this.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
This Book Changed My Life, No Lie
There is something about seeing someone with your identity within the pages of a book that changes you for the better every time. I read this book about a year after I truly needed it but no matter the circumstance it has meant the world and more to me. Having an aroace (aromantic asexual, for those of you who don't know the lingo) writer write an aroace main character who acquired so many amazing friendships throughout the book and discovered she wasn't as alone as she'd previously thought would have meant so much to me as I was going in to university, and still meant the world when I read it a year later. There's something completely unparalleled about books like this that touch your soul and open it up to so many more possibilities than you'd ever imagined. There is a ton of representation in this book as well, with pansexual, lesbian, and non binary side characters (one of which uses multiple pronouns!) as well as different races and societal upbringings. This book is just absolutely phenominal and I'm so excited it's finally being published in the US and giving so many other readers a chance to fall in love with the whole scooby doo squad in this beautiful novel. And, hopefully, spark some interest in Alice Oseman's other books hopping on to our side of the pond? They more than deserve it.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com