3.5 Stars
This book was so sweet!! I absolutely loved the relationship between Jackson and Liam, the buildup of their relationship was so satisfying and they complimented each other so well. They were just so cute I could die.

The representation in this book was great as well, so many different sexualities and gender identities, a long with a variety of different ethnicities and races being featured. It flowed well and felt natural to witness on page.

In terms of my gripes, they’re mostly minor. The dialogue was weak in some areas, primarily with Jackson. How his voice was juxtaposed with the situations he was in felt slightly out of balance compared to other characters. When it comes to plot, nothing infuriates me more than characters make decisions that are so obviously going to feed into the conflict later. Jackson keeping the list about Liam boiled my blood because obviously he was going to find out, like come on think this through a bit. My last complaint comes down to the scene where Jackson comments on how utterly flat Liam’s ass is. That was so weird and was not needed. I don’t care nor do I want to know how his ass looks. Ok so I lied, not my last musing but why was Bowie applying to Early Decision in January. January?? Early Decision is turned in November at the latest?? You find out about Early Decision in January, you apply in October. Anyways! It’s the little things that can bring you out of a story.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Probably more like a 4.25 or even 4.5 star read.
This book was just insanely readable. I could've read it one sitting had I not needed sleep. Even so, finished it in less than 24 hours. I was fully invested in the main couple from the first tag tuck. The narrative does rely pretty heavily on miscommunication and the character's making assumptions without clarifying. But they’re also teenagers so that doesn't bug me as much as books about adults. The actual break up lists conflict also only happens because the main character straight up lies to multiple people. If that sort of thing bugs you in building a plot, this one might not be for you.
Outside of the romance, there's a few levels to the narrative. Jackson's experience with the theater department, and the way he navigates it being deaf in particular, was really compelling for me. I did find the (minor spoiler) mid-play apology a little much.
Between this and another YA romance I read recently and loved, I may be recentering my YA era.

4.5 stars

Ever since his parents’ divorce, Jackson hasn’t considered himself a romantic. His views of romance are continuously validated by his sister’s many breakups that have left her with a broken heart. The whole romance, dating, relationships thing just isn’t for him. He prefers to be behind the scenes, much like he is as the stage manager for the school’s latest musical.

At least, that’s what he thought until Liam joined the cast of the school play. As he spends more time with Liam, he realizes that he can’t stop thinking about him. The only problem? His sister seems to have fallen for Liam, too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Books for an advanced copy of The Breakup Lists by Adib Khorram. Ever since reading Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Adib Khorram has been an auto-read author for me. There’s just something about the way that he writes emotions and relationships that feels so teenager, and this book is no different.

Jackson is such a complicated main character, specifically when it comes to love and romance. He has seen so many of the people he cares about that he’s cynical and pushes people away. Eventually to the point that it hinders his relationships. His emotional journey, which includes eventually realizing that talking to a therapist would be useful, is so well written. And it’s all things that teenagers will definitely relate to.

Another thing I really loved was Jackson’s friendship with Bowie, who is asexual (and aromantic, if I remember correctly). The fact that they had such a strong friendship that didn’t need to eventually turn romantic is something I kind of wish was shown more in YA books. Romantic relationships aren’t the be-all end-all (especially when you’re in high school), and the fact that Bowie was shown to be comfortable with that? I absolutely loved it.

Jackson is Hard of Hearing and occasionally uses sign language throughout the book (mostly with Bowie and their family). However, none of his family signs with him, which is a point of frustration for him throughout the book. It seems like Khorram did his research for this particular aspect of the book, but I’m not a part of the community, so I can’t comment on how accurate it is.

All in all, this is a wonderful queer teen romance with a great cast of characters and strong emotional beats. Definitely check it out when it releases in April!

This was a fun, sweet love story. I liked the diversity - I found it refreshing to read about a main character with hearing difficulties - and loved all the theater stuff. I always find behind the scenes plots entertaining.

The main relationship and love interest were adorable. The sister was awful and I didn't get the main character's devotion to her. The main character's downfall was frustratingly predictable and I kept hoping it wouldn't play out the way it did. I think it was necessary though and the ending was ultimately sweet and satisfying.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

I have a lack of words to express exactly how much I adore this couple that I blame entirely on how captivating they are. I feel insanely buzzed and I read this entire book in one sitting. This may be one of my favorite books of the year and I am not saying that lightly. I love the comfortably and beauty in the writing of a trans character. All of the main characters were extremely lovable in all their own unique ways and the plot was perfect. I am forcing everyone I know to read this asap. I will be grabbing my own copy and tabbing the shit out of it the second I am able to.

I was able to see and understand when and how things would unravel and yet I couldn’t entirely hold it against Jackson because he was in such a specific situation. That being said, I absolutely adored every part of this book.

A love letter to all of the overachieving techies who never get the appreciation they deserve (I would know, I was one). The Breakup Lists was an adorably romantic story with a deep love letter to high school theater that I eat up every time. Jackson, a queer, deaf, iranian character was so incredibly charming and funny and I loved (most) of the other characters. I did in fact scream at Jasmine for a moment because wow that was a shit move. All in all, I really loved reading this book!

4.5
this is the best YA romance i’ve read in a hot minute. all of the characters and relationships are very well fleshed-out, there’s a lot of casual representation which is always great. characters fuck up badly, but they also know how to apologize properly. and liam. he might be one of my favorite love interests of all time. my only slight complaint would be that i wanted this book to be a bit longer, i thought it would’ve benefited from maybe having 50 more pages in terms of wrapping up storylines.

The Breakup Lists by Adib Khorram
4/5

Love and Theater.

This is my second book by Adib Khorram and my favorite so far. This year I made a goal to read more diversely— both author and character-wise— and to expand beyond what is popular in media and publishing. I would like to learn and experience new perspectives. This book checks all of those boxes.

The main character is Jackson Ghasnavi. He is many things— Iranian-American, queer, a little brother, deaf, but most of all a theater tech. His best friend Bowie Anderson, who is black, aro/ace and non-binary, provides a supporting but blunt role in the book. In quick succession, you meet both Jackson and Bowie but also Liam Cuquyt, a kind and gentle soul of a swimmer.

Through Jackson, the reader gets to experience many things- the ins and outs of theater, love, and what it is like to go through the world deaf. The author, to my understanding, is not deaf, but seamlessly paints a picture of what it is like to go through the world deaf or hard of hearing. Jackson does use hearing aids but these are not a cure all for those hearing impaired. As a reader, you get to experience Jackson missing both parts of or whole sentences (which as a reader, you miss those portions as well), having people decide not to repeat themselves, be around people who do not put in the effort to learn sign language to make communication easier, and the exhaustion that comes with being overstimulated in crowds or loud noises. All in all, it’s a new perspective that, in the past, I’ve recognized on a shallow level but never truly delved into.

While Jackson being deaf plays a role in this story, at its core, this book is still about first real loves, familial relationships and all consuming passion for theater with a dash of fear of what is to come next.

Overall, this is a genuine story about the struggles of growing up, finding love and then keeping it while still trying to balance school (or in this case theater), family and friends. I look forward to what this author does next.

I love Khorram’s work. This is no exception. This is a real page turner and a total breeze to read. It is fairly predictable…everything you think will happen, happens. However, the characters are likable and the theater backdrop gives any high school theater kid the nostalgic feels. I believe all sorts of readers will see themselves somewhere in this book. Full of your typical YA themes of accepting who you are and coming to terms with your bad decisions, your attention is held from start to finish. Also, the swimmer love interest is a total swoon. I totally recommend this book.

I have loved every book I’ve read from Adib Khorram and was so excited to get to read through an ARC of this (thanks to NetGalley and Dial Books/Penguin) prior to its release.

This cute queer rom-com explores the relationships of high school stage manager Jackson, from his loving, but sometimes inconsiderate family and his steadfast best friend Bowie, to his theatre teacher and his classmates. While this is a delectable love story, it also explores the issues that come with being hard of hearing, the throes of young heartbreak, and the many stresses of high school theatre.

I adored Liam, Bowie, and Jackson and I loved to despise Jasmine and Cam (to different extents throughout the book). The author has such a good way of writing his characters in ways that make them immediately accessible to the audience. It was great to have such a diverse cast of characters (both main and extended) that felt real and three dimensional.

Even though there were some more predictable moments, I don’t think that detracts at all from the book and it made some less predictable moments even more surprising and enjoyable!

A younger version of me would have absolutely loved a book about a queer high school stage manager (and 30 year old me was still simply enamored). I already want more, but I’ll settle for rereading it once it has been released!

This was a valuable title to share with students. In addition to addressing common friendship and relationship issues that teens commonly face, it deals head on with the hard choices teens (and adults) make in order to keep peace between their friends and family. When does what you do to make one person happy cross the line and hurt another. Are you responsible for the pain you cause someone with actions you take to keep the peace with another. Should a friend or family member demand you do something hurtful out of loyalty to them? Should they demand you do hurtful things just to make them happy? These are the hard choices of life and this book may well cause students to stop and think the next time they are doing something wrong, for the sake of peace.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved the concept of this book and all of the great representation, but overall it just fell flat for me.

-I thought the actual "Break up Lists" would be funny, but they really weren't. This was a missed opportunity.
-I'm not sure if it is because an ARC is not a final draft, but I was confused by the numerous times something was described with an alternate word or synonym attached to it.
-I loved Liam and the chemistry was really cute, but seriously, what's the deal with Jackson's tag situation?! Why is he the only one at school who has a tag that can't stay in his shirt? This was definitely over done.
-From early on, you could tell what was going to happen and knew that it would be annoying.
-Jasmine was absolutely horrible and honestly ruined the book for me. What a toxic human being!! I'm also really irritated that she basically gets away with everything and karma doesn't intervene. The sibling resolution still doesn't hold her accountable for being a total narcissist and an all around horrible human.

I know I'm in the minority with this review and glad that everyone else has enjoyed it more than I did. Again, great idea and loved the diversity, but I guess it just wasn't the right book for me.

4 out of 5 stars

Rep: Gay half-Iranian MC who uses hearing aids, gay LI, non-binary and aroace Black side character, various other queer/trans/BIPOC/Deaf side characters

Content warnings: Microaggressions, ableism, bullying, divorce, mentioned cheating (not from a main character)

“The Breakup Lists” is such a delight! This year has some truly excellent dedications, and "to all the theatre kids" is easily one of my favorites.

It made me emotional that the cover shows Jackson's hearing aids!! I absolutely love how willing Liam is to accomodate for his disability and even learn ASL, even when they don't know each other well. As a disabled person, I find it incredibly meaningful to see disabilities normalized in books. Khorram did an excellent job highlighting microaggressions and casual ableism. The writing itself is a masterclass in showing, not telling.

I’m not sure I’ve ever hated a character as much as I hate Jasmine — and it’s the mark of a truly talented author to inspire such a strong emotion for a fictional character. However, even though she’s annoying (among other faults), I like that she's realistically portrayed. I acted like she did when I had crushes in high school too. She's still cringe as hell, but it's kind of nice for teenagers to act like teenagers. I felt the same with all the lack of communication; half of me wanted to shout "JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION," but I was no better when I was their age (and in college, and in my early 20s, etc).

Ultimately, this novel is sweet, funny, realistic, and full of queer joy and clever theatre references. I’ll definitely be recommending it when it publishes!

**HUGE thank you to Dial Books for granting me an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!**

Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Ok this book has made it to my favorite books list! Jackson, who’s Iranian, gay, and Deaf, loves being a stage manager. With his hearing aids he gets most of what’s going on around him but it can also be exhausting and physically painful for him, so he uses sign language as well. He loves his family, though he wishes they would learn sign language. He’s close with his sister, she does date a lot of not worth it guys, so after each breakup he creates a breakup list of their bad qualities for her. He’s also made some for people in his life that have hurt him. He’s got his best friend Bowie as well, who everyone thinks he’s hooking up with, even though he’s not. Then there’s Liam, a friend of Bowie’s who’s on the swim team. He can’t figure Liam out. It gets more complicated when Liam auditions for the school musical. Add to that that his sister has set her sights on Liam now as well. The more time Jackson spends with Liam the more he begins to feel like there’s a connection. But isn’t Liam straight? Should he be having feelings for the same guy his sister does? A slow burn like I’ve never read before! The tension, in many forms; between Jackson and Liam is off the charts! Readers will instantly love both and the way they are with one another! I love how Adib Khorram writes from Jackson’s perspective, as a read you get to see how things sound to Jackson! How he misses words, how people constantly speak away from him so he can’t understand what’s being said, and what it’s like for him to have a form of communication that doesn’t rely solely on his hearing! I feel like sometimes in books disabilities can be glossed over but Adib provides awareness and shows readers what it can be like to be Deaf. Also the struggles of the people he loves most not trying to make communication easier for him by learning sign language! Another thing about Liam he begins to learn sign just to make it easier on Jackson! I absolutely loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to have a physical copy! Sweet, charming, and will have you consuming the book quickly!

A big thank you to both Netgalley and Dial Books for this E-arc! I love any cute queer rom-com and this one lived up to the hype. I love the well-rounded characters and as someone whose studies ASL, I loved the representation. The book gracefully covers a variety of topics and I would love to see more of Adobe Khorram’s work in the future!

It was fantastic with one small exception. Jasmine. She was utterly horrific throughout the whole thing and I kept wanting to reach in the screen and shake her. Thanks for the arc. 4.5

The Breakup Lists follows Jackson, who is the stage manager at his high school. He uses making lists to deal with his feelings and has many lists for his sister's many breakups. Then Jackson, and his sister, meet Liam.

This story did a wonderful job showing the difficulties Jackson faces being deaf, and the book being from his POV shows how frustrating it can be and the casual ableism he faces daily.

I loved Jackson's nonbinary bestie, Bowie, who is friends with fellow swim team member Liam.

Liam and Jackson were so sweet and adorable together. I loved Liam not only being a star athlete but also joining the school play. Liam is a sweet cinnamon roll who only deserves the best.

Jackson's ex Cam was delightfully bitchy.

The only real issue I had was that the story was a little predictable and the miscommunication was over the top a times. Also Jackson's sister Jasmine is awful and I cringed whenever she entered the story.

Overall this was a very sweet and entertaining queer story. It's nice to read a high school story that isn't about coming out and more about just navigating life and growing up. I really enjoyed this story, it was a fast and enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dial Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Breakup Lists by Adib Khorram follows Jackson, a theatre kid who prefers life behind the scenes - a stage manager in all sense of the role. He is perfectly happy taking a back seat in most situations, especially to his sister, a year older and rife with relationship drama. Then Liam enters, the senior swim captain who lands the leading role in the musical. Unsurprisingly, both Jackson and his sister have their sights set on Liam - but he's definitely straight, right?!

This book is filled with equal parts nostalgia and hope.

Nostalgia for the days when I, too, was a high school theatre kid. It felt very realized and developed and Jackson's world was created in a way that is accessible to people who might not have been a part of theatre in high school.

Hope for the communities where being who you are doesn't matter. I loved how the character's could be themselves and it didn't matter to anyone else. It wasn't a negative thing or the focus of the conflict in the novel. That is my favorite part about reading queer books like this one. I wish there had been more available to me when I was in high school. I would have devoured this book for everything that it is.

It was a fun, relatively quick read. It's primarily character driven and follows the course of the school year. Some great representation through the main and side characters. Bowie is the best friend we all should have and they can do no wrong. Jackson is hard of hearing and the way Khorram approaches that and handles Jackson's experiences was a very clever writing choice. The book reads like a journal almost, with thoughts of Jackson's crossed out and adds an added layer to his own motivations and character development. Loved that.

I have been moving away from YA novels, but the premise of a high school theatre kid immediately drew me in. Make it queer? Definitely sold me. If YA queer romance is your thing, this is book is definitely for you.

Publication Date: April 2, 2024.

A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!! I really enjoyed this book; definitely something I will tell my friends about!

This was a cute high school romance. There's not much of a plot, just following the general course of the school year, which is pretty typical for high school, and makes it a fairly character driven book. The entire book is told from Jackson's point of view and written entirely in his inner voice, like a journal, with some thoughts crossed out and replaced, and some rather embarrassing or inappropriate thoughts that maybe don't make it into most novels. It made for a pretty fun read and I loved Jackson's voice throughout.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the representation in the book - both with MCs and side characters across the board. Jackson is gay, hard of hearing, and Iranian-America, a trifecta of identities that make him feel pretty isolated at school and even in his own family, none of whom ever learned how to sign (an infuriating but all too common experience for Deaf children in hearing families). Since the story is told from his POV, we as the reader get to experience every moment of conversation he misses, whenever people mumble or give up on trying to communicate with him entirely, and that was quite well done. We also get to meet a whole cast of queer, non-binary, Black, Middle Eastern, Deaf characters, without any of them feeling tokenized. I especially loved Bowie, Jackson's BFF, who is non-binary and totally fabulous, as well as being CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and one of the only people who signs with Jackson.

Liam, the love interest, is one of Bowie's friends, and takes a pretty early interest in Jackson - including learning how to sign, and joining the school play (where Jackson is stage manager). I loved the early interactions between Liam and Jackson. The pining is intense, as is the cluelessness on Jackson's part, it was pretty adorable.

Unfortunately the book goes in pretty frustrating directions from there. Both Liam and Jackson make pretty questionable choices which hurt the people around them, especially Jackson's sister. I think this all ultimately resolves and contributes to their character growth, but pretty much all of the characters (excluding Bowie who is a darling) come out looking pretty morally gray in ways that turned me off of the characters a bit, and made for a pretty frustrating read through the middle of the book. I also didn't enjoy the typical third act break up, especially when it took most of the book for the characters to actually start dating.

Ultimately this book started off really great, but went in directions that really didn't work for me and hindered my enjoyment of it. (It also didn't vibe at all with my experience as a Techie in theater, but that's rather beside the point.)