Member Review

3.5 stars

This book is a cute AF romcom and while parts of it (ok, fine, Noah's characterization) bothered me, I enjoyed it overall and have already recommended it half a dozen times or more.

Noah is a triracial trans teen who runs a popular tumblr called Meet Cute Diary where he shares the meet cutes that coulda been (let's be real: we've all been there with at least one cute barista). The stories have become a beacon of hope for other trans teens that an HEA is in their reach. Trouble enters in the form of a troll who starts picking apart the Diary and exposing it as fake. The obvious solution? A fake romance! Noah and Drew's relationships hums merrily along a set of specific steps that Noah created for True Wuv (yes that's an OUAT reference)...until, of course, things start going out of order.

I can totally see how the premise of this book would sound ludicrous to some; however, as someone who's watched shit go down many times over in TV fandoms for even more minor mishaps, I found myself really enjoying this setting as well as the book's exploration of trolls and so-called cancel culture. I'm not sure that this book will age well with its connection to tumblr culture (and I"m probably dating myself even calling it that ha!) but it really worked for me.

Noah is a YOUNG 16 and I think it's important to name that. He feels very naive, annoyingly so at times, and self-centered. I'd go from frustrated and eye rolling to "wow that was wise!" sometimes on the same page. Then I'd remember: he's a teenager! Weren't we all little shits to some degree at 16?! Anyway, I think he could have been written slightly more mature, but I also totally get the juxtaposition with his friend (and *SPOILERS* ultimate HEA), Devin who's wise beyond e's years. Too wise at times...

I loved the trans representation and how Devin and Noah leaned into the liminal spaces of gender identity. I loved their meet cute. I loved the care with which Devin's panic attacks were treated. I loved Noah's character arc as well as the (intentional?) exploration of intersectionality—Noah has identities that are both privileged (socioeconomic status, education, familial support, healthcare access) and oppressed (race, gender). I loved that the crux of the conflict was something other than Noah being trans—for the most part, people accepted and supported him. More trans joy in books please and thank you.

A few things that annoyed me. I wish the red flags from Drew were more explicitly named. I saw them coming from a mile away, but for a younger reader (and/or someone who doesn't work in the field of sexuality), I do think they could have been missed. I also felt that, at times, things were TOO neat and tidy, including the ending. I wanted it to be a little bit more drawn out. I also didn't love the romance steps and how that connected to dates and chapters—it felt a bit confusing and like it didn't add much, but that's personal preference. Lastly, I felt like Becca could have gotten more page time and more fully fleshed out as a character.

All in all, Meet Cute Diary was fresh, fun, and a much-needed addition to YA and I am 100% here for all its trans joy and tropey rom-com goodness!

CWs: mentions of bullying, suicide attempt, transphobia, vomiting; descriptions of panic attacks

Thank you to Net Galley and Quill Tree for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.