Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced review copy. “Something About Her,” in very few words, is about poetry lesbians, one of whom is dealing with PTSD from living with an alcoholic parent.
This book is a fast-paced coming of age (and coming out) story that for me, was a pleasure to read. The highly descriptive, sensory language draws you in from the very first paragraph, and the details are all very poetic.
For all the poetry referenced in this book, however, I would have liked to see some actual lines quoted, perhaps ones that mirrored the plot of the book, rather than just name-dropping poets and titles. The few attempts at poeticizing the novel’s form (shortened lines, stanza breaks) felt trite and Rupi Kaur-esque.
At times the book felt a little bit over-descriptive in terms of minute details, but the narrators would then make sweeping generalizations about their emotions that made me wish that same attention to detail was present there.
I really liked the shift in perspective at the very end; I thought it was well done but perhaps a bit unearned, as the conflict still didn’t feel fully fleshed out to me.

Of the number of books that go into publication and hit shelves everyday, once in a while you get books like Something About Her that makes you feel poignant and reflective. Written in two points of views, the writing was beautiful and Ash and Maya’s voices were distinct while they each shared their journey. Many a time, I ached for what they had to go through and while self discovery could be enlightening, it is equally sobering. Although I rooted for a happily after ending, life is what we make of and possibilities are there for the taking.

I just reviewed Something About Her by Clementine Taylor. Thank you NetGalley and G.P Putnam’s Sons for the ARC.

4.5/5 stars

I loved this so much more than I was expecting. The book follows two young women, Aisling and Maya, and their slew of friends and families over a year of their college experience. The writing style reminded me a lot of Sally Rooney and I loved the care and detail that was given into developing the slow-burn queer romance.

What I liked:
- split perspective between the two main characters added depth and nuance to the plot
- explores a plethora of relationships (platonic, romantic, familial)
- some deeply relatable content regarding family structures
- beautifully written
- well-developed characters


What could have been better:
- the last 1/3 of the book felt a bit rushed and not as carefully crafted as the rest
- the ending was a bit cliche but I did appreciate the lack of finality

Consider reading if...
- you want something akin to Normal People by Sally Rooney but with a queer perspective
- you enjoy literary fiction and split narration
- you are looking for a beautifully written debut by an author who is sure to soar


Thank you to Net Galley and PG Putnam for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this book! It gave me strong Nina Lacour vibes in the best way. I typically don’t love going back and forth between two narrators, but I feel like the author handled this well. I definitely think the first half was a bit better than the second. It also had an abrupt ending, which I think was completely intentional but still left be wishing for a better resolution. Either way I highly recommend this one!

I was surprised by how much I loved this book. The story really touched me. My heart broke each time Aisling went home to Ireland, but I was hoping she'd found salvation in Maya.

The story drew me in from the start, but I did not like the ending. Reading the last page and turning to the next, only to find the acknowledgments was a jolt. I need more of a happy ending or at least a resolution. Maybe the author wanted the readers to have their own conclusions, and I have to admit, the abrupt ending had me thinking of the story for days, but I would have preferred the standard happy ending.

Hoping to read more from this author.

Something About Her is a novel about two young adult women finding themselves in the midst of expectations of who they should be and who they truly are. The two main women, Aisling and Maya, come from different backgrounds, one from an abusive religious family, and the other from an accepting, open family structure. As these women struggle, the reader follows their journey along with them.

SPOILER:
While the story in theory is a good one, and the characters journey resonated with me, the book itself could have used additional editing, and I did not enjoy the ending. These characters deserved a true resolution rather than a third act breakup. Ending the book this way without any sort of semblance of healing for these two left. The reader questioning if the author didn't understand the characters themselves. 2.75 stars.

Something About Her by Clementine Taylor was seriously a genuinely amazing debut!
I enjoyed reading this more than I originally thought I would.
Aisling and Maya’s journey was inspiring and rewarding.
I was completely riveted and loved the way the author wove together the storylines. I really connected with all the characters and thought they were so well formed.
A beautifully told story of self-discovery and modern love.
The writing was great and immediately pulled me in.
Clementine Taylor has created a brilliant, immersive, and deeply moving tale.
I really needed to read this book!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

A beautiful and moving story of two women who find each other and themselves. Taylor’s writing is lyrical and captivating. I loved it!!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for sending me a digital arc of Something About Her in exchange for an honest review!

Something About Her is beautiful novel about self-discovery, love, and trying to work through your own trauma as you come of age. It's a lot to cover but Clementine Taylor does it a great job covering these topics.

The novel splits between the two main characters — Maya and Aisling. I normally am hesitant about split perspectives because sometimes authors don't write them well. While flipping back and forth, I could hear the distinct difference in tones between Aisling and Maya. The difference in writing between the two characters was interesting .

There were times when flipping back, Taylor would start the chapter back from an event that was just covered in the last chapters. While I understand her wanting to make sure we saw the others point of view, it felt unnecessary at times. I wanted the characters' actions to stand on their own, the reader be able to interpret them as we continued to get to know them.

There were also times where the writing was a bit clunky and choppy — but other times where the writing was absolutely beautiful. I'm glad it didn't have the happiest of endings either. It felt real, very raw, and I appreciated it. Given the way her characters' handled certain events/happens, it wouldn't have been authentic if everything just worked out.

I rounded up to 4 stars, but I'd saw the actual review is 3.5. It was a very solid book, I liked the characters and think that Taylor did a great job understanding and translating the Aisling and Maya's history into the characters we read. But, because of the repetitiveness between chapters and the occasional clunky writing, I brought it back down to that 3.5 stars. But again, I really enjoyed this book and am glad this story exists.

feels like YA that was rewritten for an older audience. fairly childish but the "new adult" crowd will find something worthwhile here i'm sure