This was NOT a love story, but I get it. The constant dread, doom and malaise within society mixed in with anxiety and depression. Chefs kiss for Gen Z but the plot kept running in circles.

Insecure and unconfident Vi, a 24-year-old mixed race college dropout who works (when she can be bothered) at the front desk of a mediocre hotel, finds a blob after attending a drag show. She takes it home, notices that it creates an eye, and forms a bond with it, ultimately shaping it into the form of a handsome white movie-star-like being. Through her relationship with Bob and his relationships with others, Vi learns how to examine herself and create the basis for improvement. In many ways, and although he ostensibly ascends from a blobfish, Bob reminds me of a Golem, an animated anthropomorphic being in Jewish folklore, which is created entirely from inanimate matter, usually clay or mud. Su's characterization of Vi is moving and will be relatable to many readers of all ages.

This novel was so utterly weird and I love that it is a love story. It was uncomfortable, awkward, gross, and entirely relatable. It's not easy to walk the tightrope of writing an imperfect main character without them being a complete turn off. There has to be just enough to relate to or empathize with for it not to become a hate read. In this case, despite Vi being seemingly hopeless, I could find the part of her humanity that spoke to mine. The forming of a blob into the perfect white man was just... *chef's kiss* It was a beautiful way to tell this story.

If I had a nickel for every time I read a book where a female protagonist literally builds a boyfriend, I would have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice.

This is messy and mean but ultimately a pretty solid read. Vi is a character that people will hate to see themselves in. She calls to the bad decisions and awful moments of life that we all have done in some way or another.

I think there's some issues with transitioning between past and present, it can feel a little choppy.

A marvel! A moving and inventive take on a (self) love story.

Vi is a young woman unsure of where she belongs and what she wants out of life. The author portrays Vi with great empathy and I was invested in her wellbeing throughout, and hoping for the best, as she makes a series of questionable decisions.

Even as a young blob who can’t do much but loll around, Bob steals the show. His earnestness and commitment to watching any/every show on television was endearing.

This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.

Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this fantastic debut.