2.5

Brace yourselves, friends. I have some ranting to do.

Recommended Reading is a YA about Bobby, a hopeless romantic who’s desperate for a perfect summer—a summer that quickly goes haywire.
I was so looking forward to this book. This book could have been excellent, if only it hadn’t been a romance. I loved the bookstore element of this. I adored the side characters and the B-plots.
But I strongly disliked the central focus of the story, aka Bobby and his pursuit of romance (if you can call it that).
For starters, Bobby is a terrible main character. I love that we have a plus-size, gay, male MC. But surely we could make one with a better personality? Bobby is grating, one-dimensional, and feels like all the worst parts of the “gay best friend” stereotype in one main character.
All of the characters feel very one-dimensional, honestly, but the side characters were at least likable. I would’ve liked a different main character, or at least another POV to break it up.
This book is also one of the only books I’ve read where things are underexplained? Explain to me how I finished the book and knew next to nothing about the characters. The inciting incident of the book—a dramatic disaster that ends in heartbreak—is never elaborated on and is only mentioned a handful of times.
And, as I mentioned earlier, this book should NOT have been a romance. The romantic element feels like an afterthought. Bobby has absolutely zero romantic thoughts about the love interest. And, in fact, he spends the entire book convincing himself that he DOESN’T WANT a romantic relationship. All of the romantic feelings seem to be one-sided on the part of the love interest, who only gives Bobby vague (literally the vaguest) hints at being interested in him.
There was zero tension between the two, and they don’t even confess their love until the 97% mark (yes, that’s the second to last chapter). And even that confession felt weak because, again, there was ZERO romantic tension between the two. Bobby has a few times where he mentions that Luke is hot, and that's about it. The reader is supposed to put all the pieces together.
In conclusion, this book should’ve been just about Bobby working at the bookstore and giving book recommendations (the most endearing part of the book). Don’t read this if you’re looking for a romance.

CW: body shaming/fatphobia; underage drinking

DNF at 20%. The main character was so perfect even his flaws were painted as him being too perfect for this world. It was an absolute slog I cringed through the entire way as the MC, Bobby, complained with flamboyant language about his difficult life of making a ridiculous, stupid and costly mistake he barely seemed to own up to or feel guilty for, then complaining about the privilege of being handed another job off the bat to pay repairs AND keep his scholarship. Bobby comes off as disrespectful, immature, inconsiderate and entirely self-centred in every interaction he has.

This was a really cute read. I loved that neither compromises themselves for each other, but they still end up together. At first it seemed a little trite, but all in all it was written well and was definitely entertaining.

I enjoyed the rep in this book and also how the characters were unapologetically messy and flawed and unafraid to be themselves. I did find the writing to be a little simplistic at times however and also a little repetitive which took away from the story somewhat.

I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Zando Young Readers; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

This is a sweet, lovely title and I deeply appreciate the inspiration taken from Jane Austen's Emma (though it is definitely not a rewrite by any stretch, which I think is beneficial). Bobby is as bright and sparkling and witty as Emma, and just as likely to get in trouble because of his fixation on romance. This is a cozy, delightful story with lots of family (born and found), friends, and even enemies learning to look beyond the book's cover. Big recommendation for romance fans/the YA set!

For sensitive readers, this book contains references to internalized fatphobia and personal judgments based on appearance.

I admit I picked this up mainly for the bookstore, and I almost put this down after the first 2 chapters. I didn't think I could handle an entire book of narration by an over the top extrovert moaning about his public humiliation after doing something I would find mortifying even if it went as planned. However, as Bobby developed as a character and the personalities of the quirky characters in his world began to shine I found myself enjoying this warm and fuzzy romance.

This was a cute, queer YA book that’s inspired by Emma. Bobby has had a lot of luck helping people around his small town fall in love… he just can’t seem to work his matchmaking skills on himself. After a failed grand gesture Bobby finds himself out of a job and without his place helping organize the big summer book festival. Working at his uncle’s small bookshop isn’t ideal, but he starts making connections with people through recommending books. On top of that there’s a cute new boy in town that Bobby keeps running into.

Bobby was a fun character to read about. He’s unabashedly a romance lover, dedicated to the people in his life, and he’s not afraid to work for what he wants. It was great to see his development throughout the book as he learns to ask for help and when to make different choices. In addition to Bobby there’s a great group of side characters who really round out the story.

However, I do think that this is one of those romance books where the romance isn’t the strongest aspect of the book. I did enjoy Luke as the love interest, it was fun to see him and Bobby have their banter and moments of growing closer. But in the end I didn’t feel like I got to see enough of them actually convincing me that they’d be a good couple. The book ends so quickly once they finally get together. Ultimately I felt like Bobby’s personal development, the work he was doing at the store, and his relationships with his family/friends seemed more fleshed out than the romance with Luke.

But all in all I did really enjoy my time reading this book. It was a cute, breezy store starring a fat, gay teen boy which isn’t something that’s present in a lot of books. It was also cool to have the book set the summer before college, that’s such an interesting point in a teenager’s life. People looking for a queer, bookish YA story should check this one out.

A sweet and lovable read.
Plus-Size representation. YA Rom-Com. Opposite attracts.
Bobby is a loving guy who is all for romance, while Luke is quite the opposte.
I really loved this one!!

DNF’ing this book at 10% through because the second hand embarrassment I got while reading it was at times painful to go on with.

Adorable and bookish and delightful, this book plays with the Emma type of character but make him gay, fat, and fabulous.

The rough start with a catastrophe of a grand gesture is absolutely worth pushing past because Bobby Ashton is so much fun to read about. I loved the cast of characters, the main character arc, and all the bookish references. I wish there had been just a little more banter because I really enjoyed Luke's back and forth with Bobby. The ending of the epilogue was a little abrupt. I loved Bobby's self positivity especially with his body and likes, and overall this was a very fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Recommended Reading delivers a lighthearted, feel-good YA romance with just the right amount of chaos. Following Bobby Ashton, a plucky and bookish protagonist with grand pre-college plans that fall apart spectacularly, the story invites readers into a world of second chances, unexpected friendships, and low-key matchmaking disasters. Coccia’s modern twist on Emma keeps things fun, with Bobby navigating romance, self-doubt, and a quirky bookstore job. Though some side characters shine more than the main love interest, the overall charm, humor, and heart make it a sweet summer read worth picking up.

I requested and received an eARC of Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia via NetGalley. Bobby Ashton, a teenage romance novel and romcom addict, loves a grand gesture. Unfortunately, when it comes time for him to ask his own crush out with one of those grand gestures…nothing goes as planned. The stunt costs him his job and he nearly loses his college scholarship. Left licking his wounds, Bobby finds a new job at his uncle’s bookstore where he doles out the perfect reading recommendation for for any occasion. When he encounters Luke, a lifeguard who is opposed to the idea of romance, his hopes of finding love flicker once more. Is he doomed to repeat his mistakes from the beginning of the summer?

First of all, I have to say that like many other reviewers, I was drawn to this book because of the cover. I absolutely love it. There is not enough fat representation in romance and I feel that it is especially nice to see in the context of an M/M book. I found Bobby to be a very sweet character. Although the opening scene of the novel is pretty cringe, I’ve totally been in a similar situation when I was his age, making a complete fool of myself in the hopes of snaring my crush’s attention! I love the way he relates to his body. He’s never ashamed of his size, only conscious of it in a way that felt very familiar to someone who been a similar size. And he’s a book lover? We’re totally kindred spirits.

Recommended Reading has a lot to offer, including some pretty memorable side characters. I thought Luke was a really fun character and his interactions with Bobby always left me wanting more. I especially loved Gladys, Bobby’s co-worker at his uncle’s book store. Who doesn’t love a sassy geriatric? Every line out of her mouth was gold. I also found Cass and Uncle Andy’s interactions to be very charming. I think was a very cute story. The light hearted humor and Bobby’s romantic growing pains made this a great reading experience. I was a little perturbed by some of Bobby’s meddlesome behavior toward the end of the book, but all in all I really enjoyed it!

What a fun and endearing queer story with so much depth and growth! The cover of the book is what drew my attention because we need more MMCs that don't fit the "athletic physique" mold!

Paul Coccia did a fantastic job of writing an eccentric but wholesome character in Bobby. He was over the top at times, hilariously witty, kind hearted and loyal to a fault. The banter that he threw out had me cackling throughout the entire read. You couldn't help but empathise with his emotions because he wore them on his sleeve and wasn't afraid to show people how he felt. I adored the relationship with his bestie Wanda! Their differences made for a really unlikely friendship but it worked so well!

Luke was an unexpected surprise as the other MMC! I loved the discovery of his character and how the author only gave us bits and pieces at a time, peeling back the layers slowly over the course of the entire book. He truly cared for Bobby, even if just as a friend at first. Luke kept his feelings very close to the vest, but Bobby had a way to weasleling into his heart without Luke even realizing it until it was too late!

The book store storyline really worked for this read and I enjoyed how Bobby used books to connect with others and put himself out there. He made friendships and acquaintences with others through reading (not just his beloved romance genre) and really built a community within his uncle's book store. Gladys was absolutely the cherry on top! Her gruff personality just made the entire story more hilarious. I loved the co-worker dynamic that Bobby and her developed.

Recommended Reading as a quick, witty and endearing read. I breezed right through it, laughing and swooning over and over. The only critique I had was that there were so many characters, all having a bit of their own storyline. It became chaotic at times. A lot of side relationships / friendships that took away from the main storyline. With that said... I wouldn't mind an origin story novella about Cass and Uncle Andy! ;)

This book was a cute, fun little romcom. As expected, it was very predictable, but that didn't take away from the story at all. I really enjoyed all the characters and loved how the romance blossomed between Luke and Bobby. Bonus points for the plus-sized rep and body positivity!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for sending me this copy of Recommended Reading in return for an honest review!

Tropes:
⚫friends-to-lovers
⚫MC that plays cupid
⚫small-town romance
⚫platonic love
⚫miscommunication

02/10/2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (3.5 stars rounded up)

Recommended reading's protagonist is Bobby, a bookworm, a romantic, and a teenager who seems to be able to find love for everyone else except himself.

The story follows Bobby after a failed romantic gesture ruins his big plans for the perfect summer. He is fired from his job, and left humiliated. Bobby goes to work for corner bookstore, a small second-hand bookshop that doesn't get much attention.

He meets a boy, and followed is an abundance of drama, misunderstanding and sweet sweet YA romance.

Recommended Reading is the perfect example of a quick, easy read. I don't go out of my way to read romances, and I do not enjoy the miscommunication trope, but when done well I can read past it. Bobby is a drama queen who jumps to conclusions, and doesn't always listen to what people tell him.

Despite the moments that I didn't agree with Bobby, or particularly like what he was doing, I was rooting for him the entire book. I wanted him to grow, to see past his own insecurity and anxiety, even when I disagreed with his actions. This separates the good writing from the bad.

At the end, Bobby discovers that romance doesn't have to be a big grand gesture, and that he too is worthy of love. I loved the representation, and have to give a shout out to Cass, who was definitely my favourite character. 




My only critique is that it is very cliché and "tropey", and some of the emotional moments could have been slightly more fleshed out in order to avoid certain scenes feeling less rushed.

Recommended Reading is wholesome, fun, messy in the way a contemporary YA book should be, and an easy read for someone looking to forget about their own drama as they delve into the characters'.

A quick, easy to read, YA light-hearted rom-com. The main character can be a tiny bit annoying at times but it's easy to look over. I read this book in the span of four hours and I had a pretty good time, I had been in a bit of a reading slump and this was exactly what I needed to get out of it. It was cosy and cute and genuinely a good time to read.

Bobby is a teenager about to start college, who seems to be able to find love for every one, but himself. After an attempt to ask a crush out goes terribly, terribly wrong, he is determined to turn his summer around, starting with his mothers almost-boyfriends bookstore.

This is such a cute romance and I just loved Bobby and his romantic heart! He was so funny and relatable. I loved the fat representation. Bobby does have some body image pieces but yet he is also real and honest with his emotions as he struggles with pieces. The part about sweaters in the heat and being chunky I felt such a kinship to that part and even in my 30s I struggle sometimes with hiding my body and end up in discomfort because I’m conditioned to make others feel better about hiding my body.

I also really appreciated the way in which the love grinch helps to show Bobby that big romantic gestures are not necessary to prove you love someone. There are other ways and it was beautiful to see the two of them form a friendship and relationship.

Such a cute read! Five stars! I liked the characters and the overall storyline! Thank you for the chance to read!

This was a sweet story, but rather cliched. It skirted over the top of the character's emotions rather than diving into them, and so it was easy to read but not moving.

Super cute LGBTQ+ romance! Very fun YA title with a really cute story. I love a good grump in a grumpy-sunshine story!