Member Review

In "Recommended Reading," a delightfully cozy and relatable queer rom-com, Paul Coccia tells the story of Bobby, a chubby romantic bookworm after an embarrassing failed public declaration of love. As he attempts to recover and have one at least perfect summer before he begins his first year of college, Bobby has his very own "meet cute" with the athletic jock Luke. But Bobby quickly learns things don't always follow the same script as his romance novels.

Funny and cute, the story will appeal to teens and adults comfortably settling into all the best romantic tropes. Its lovable character offers diverse representation and body positivity alongside universal experiences and big feelings that present themselves at the start of adulthood. While some minor plotlines could have been dropped, Coccia keeps the story moving with an enjoyable pace and rom-com humor. This book is begging for an on-screen adaptation! For fans of feel-good romances, “Recommended Reading” is a must-read that genuinely lives up to its title.