16 Nov 2017

#REVIEW: I HATE EVERYONE BUT YOU by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin

I HATE EVERYONE BUT YOU

Authors: Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin
Series: N/A
Source: Finished Copy via Publisher
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary:
Dear Best Friend,
I can already tell that I will hate everyone but you.
Sincerely,
Ava Helmer
(that brunette who won’t leave you alone)

We're still in the same room, you weirdo.
Stop crying.
G

So begins a series of texts and emails sent between two best friends, Ava and Gen, as they head off to their first semesters of college on opposite sides of the country. From first loves to weird roommates, heartbreak, self-discovery, coming out and mental health, the two best friends will document every moment to each other. But as each changes and grows into her new life, will their friendship be able to survive the distance?
Purchase:
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and decided to review it. This in no way affects my opinion of the book.


I enjoyed this one but like other books in this format (using letters or texts to tell the story), I dislike that you miss out on seeing the main conflict. It really takes away from the story for me and almost feels lazy because we don't know the "truth" behind what happened to understand where each character is coming from and why they are angry. That really takes away from my reading enjoyment. However, I liked the characters and the expose of first year university life so I would recommend this if you're transitioning from high school to university and are nervous about doing so.

I liked the characters most of the time and related to aspects of both of them at different times. I thought that the authors did a great job of describing the anxieties you have when you go to university and have to branch out and meet new people while trying to keep in touch with your older friends. It can be a tough line to walk and I think that this was described perfectly.

I also liked each of the conflicts that Gen and Ava have because they were real. All too often we get in over our heads in situations that our friends are screaming for us to get out of but we are so blinded that we can't see the problems. I think I related more to Gen than Ava but Ava's anxiety was really on point for how I deal with things.

HOWEVER, this was super transphobic and homophobic at times. Ava asks really inappropriate questions under the guise of learning but ... never actually learns and continues to be rude about it. And, on top of it, uses her mental illnesses as an excuse to be so rude to Gen about it.

I will say that there are good points and bad points to this one but I still enjoyed it overall. I think because I've had friends who act the same way as Ava when they ask me about sexuality that I wasn't as offended by Ava's questions as others might be if they read this. So do take caution while reading!

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