On the surface, What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter boasts an undeniably charming cover, but delve deeper, and you’ll discover a story that resonates far beyond its aesthetic appeal, especially for those navigating the world of online book communities. While many readers are drawn to the sweet, unfolding “love triangle,” as a fellow book enthusiast and content creator, I found myself connecting with the narrative on a profoundly different level. This isn’t just another young adult romance; it’s a mirror reflecting the joys and anxieties of building an online presence around our literary passions.
The novel centers on Halle Levit, a protagonist whose background is steeped in the world of cinema and publishing. Daughter of filmmakers and granddaughter to a renowned editor, Halle yearns to carve her own niche in the bookish sphere, independent of her family’s legacy. Thus, Kels is born – Halle’s online persona. Kels quickly captivates the YA community with One True Pastry (OTP), a blog that cleverly combines book reviews with unique cupcake creations inspired by book covers. Amidst her burgeoning online success, Kels forms a genuine connection with Nash, a Korean-Jewish artist. The allure of an IRL meeting becomes irresistible, but when family circumstances lead to an unexpected encounter, Halle falters, unable to reveal her Kels identity to Nash. Complicating matters further, Nash has already fallen for Kels online.
Reading from Halle’s perspective felt incredibly familiar. Her deep-seated love for family, her fervent passion for reading and writing, and even her aversion to large, unfamiliar social gatherings – these were all aspects of Halle’s personality that mirrored my own experiences. Halle’s panic attacks at parties resonated deeply; the preference for quiet evenings over chaotic social events is a sentiment I wholeheartedly share. It’s not about being antisocial; it’s about valuing meaningful conversations with a select few over superficial interactions with many. Halle’s introverted tendencies and preference for deeper connections are incredibly relatable for anyone who finds solace in books and quieter settings.
Halle’s unwavering commitment to her blog, OTP, was another aspect I admired. Despite a demanding academic schedule, she consistently found time to create content and engage with her readers. Her creative process was far from simple, involving elaborate baking sessions to craft cupcakes that perfectly complemented each book cover she reviewed. However, this dedication came at a cost. Halle’s intense focus on social media began to overshadow her real-life relationships. Furthermore, the online world, while rewarding, wasn’t always kind. What I Like About You subtly highlights the potential stress and anxiety that can accompany Book Twitter and online book blogging. It’s a reminder that while book blogging is undoubtedly fun and fulfilling, it also comes with its own set of challenges and pressures. The novel honestly portrays the double-edged sword of online visibility and the importance of maintaining balance.
Halle’s dedication to book publicity and her blog ultimately earned her a coveted spot at BookCon. This annual event is a haven for book lovers, offering opportunities to meet favorite authors, snag advance reader copies (ARCs) of highly anticipated books, and simply revel in the company of fellow bookworms. Halle was invited to participate as a panelist, and her excitement and gratitude were palpable. Reading about Halle’s BookCon experience felt almost vicarious; it ignited my own desire to attend such an event. While attending BookCon remains a dream for now, Halle’s experience offered a taste of the vibrant and engaging world of book conventions.
Despite my empathy and fondness for Halle, I couldn’t condone her handling of the situation with Nash. Her brother, Ollie, repeatedly urged her to be honest, but his advice went unheeded. When the weight of maintaining two identities became overwhelming, Halle abruptly ghosted Nash as Kels, seemingly dismissing their established online friendship. Nash eventually uncovers the truth about Kels before Halle can confess, leading to understandable heartbreak and anger. While his anger might have spanned approximately 50 pages (as noted with a touch of humor in the original review), it underscored the real emotional stakes involved in Halle’s deception.
Overall, What I Like About You resonated deeply with me, and I genuinely enjoyed many facets of the book. It stands out as one of the most captivating contemporary YA novels I’ve encountered this year. Halle’s blogging habits serve as an inspiration, pushing me to prioritize my own writing and reviews. If only dedicating all our time to reading was a viable career path! As the saying goes, adulting can indeed be challenging, especially when it pulls us away from our passions. This book is a charming and insightful exploration of online identity, friendship, and the sometimes messy realities of pursuing your passions in the digital age. For anyone who has ever considered starting a blog or felt the pull of online book communities, What I Like About You is a must-read.
