Author: Sarvenaz Tash
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: June 14, 2016
Pages/Format: 256, ARC
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After reading Three Day Summer and being taken to Woodstock last year, I was very excited for a new novel from Sarvenaz Tash. And the best part? This time it's set at New York Comic Con! The synopsis promised a light and fun story filled with hints of romance and excellent geekery, and I got exactly that. I'm learning that Tash does something extremely well in her books: setting immersion. Three Day Summer so excellently brought me to a music festival, and The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love stellarly took me to a con. (But thanks, Sarvenaz, because I really, really want to go to a con right freaking now.)
Graham and Roxana united over Harry Potter and have been best friends ever since. They bonded over their favorite comic series The Chronicles of Althena, and when Graham learns that the creator is going to be making a very rare appearance (honestly, more people have spotted Sasquatch) at NYCC, he decides that will be the perfect time to finally tell Roxana he's in love with her. But these things never go as planned, so Graham stumbles through three con-filled days dodging hot British crumpets, bribing his friends, fighting evil, and trying to make NYCC the best time of Roxana's life--and hopefully winning her love and affection in return.
I really liked Graham. I loved his obsession with the things he loves (fanboying for the win) and how determined he was to make the weekend a success. (Though I did frown a bit at how he'd pick Roxana over Casey and be a little blinded by his love.) He's a fun, quirky character, and being in his head--hearing his internal dialogue over a few particular things or, ahem, people (specifically someone British)--put a smile on my face. I adored his highly organized, almost-top-of-the-class, slightly obsessive friend Casey, and I totally ship him with Felicia. (Okay, but do you know how many times "Bye Felicia" went through my head while reading this?) There were a few other secondary characters, some I liked and one I tolerated, but I'll keep them mysterious so you can meet them for yourself. And then there's Roxana. I wouldn't say I disliked her, necessarily. It's just that I wasn't sure I wanted her and Graham to be together. I'd feel bad for Graham when his wooing didn't go as planned and he'd move on to Plan Z. But the problem of sorts was that, yes, I very much wanted Graham to get the girl--but I didn't know if I wanted him to get The Girl, aka Roxana. (It's not a complaint or anything; just a battle of the ships, I guess!) I kept going back and forth on what I wanted Graham's ending to be, and it was hard to choose! But in the end, I am satisfied with where he ends up. (Although I was sad the book came to an end, for I was rather enjoying it.)
Like I said, this book very much puts you directly into the setting, and I love that. It's one of the things Tash does so well. I'd love to know what someone who hasn't been to a con thinks, but for me, as someone who has to been one: yeeeeees. I was so easily able to picture what was happening and what was going on and how things worked, and it was great. I could picture the costumed people and the long lines and the booths (and the desire to buy this and that and everything) and the crowds and the noise. And damn if it didn't make me want to get up and go to a con. Just like Woodstock in Three Day Summer, the setting in Geek's Guide was very successful.
Another thing Tash does well is her writing style. Do you ever want to pick up a book that you can breeze through and not worry about mind-numbing issues or heart-wrenching pain? Her books aren't what I'd call fluffy, per se, but they're light and simple and fun and swell, and I mean that in the best possible way. The Geek's Guide to Unrequited was a joy to read, and I swear I was smiling through a good chunk of it. But that's what Tash writes (at least so far): books that are happy. They take you on a little vacation, a nice break from the boring real world. Ah, that's exactly it: her books are vacations. She'll take you somewhere for a few days--again with the immersive setting--and make you feel like you're really there. She keeps the vacation upbeat and mostly free of rain, because that's what a good and real vacation is. That's actually the perfect way to describe her books. Where to next, Sarvenaz Tash? (I know, LET'S GO TO DISNEYLAND.)
In the end, The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love is a novel I was a bit sad to see end, because reading it was such fun and, hello, New York Comic Con. Sarvenaz Tash so excellently and perfectly takes you to the con and makes you never want to leave (no matter how much your feet, shoulders, and back are killing you). Her writing keeps the story light and helps create a book that, when you open the page, takes you on a little vacation. And with a cast of quirky and very relatable characters, plus all kinds of pop culture references, the story is complete. Just be prepared to really, really want to go to a con, damn it.
Did I like it? Yes!
Would I purchase it? I wouldn't mind having this on my shelf.
Sarvenaz Tash was born in Tehran, Iran and grew up on Long Island, NY. She received her BFA in Film and Television from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. This means she got to spend most of college running around and making movies (it was a lot of fun). She has dabbled in all sorts of writing including screenwriting, copywriting, and professional tweeting. Sarvenaz currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
*I don't mean to sound so harsh and suck the fun out of everything, but it's a pain in my rear to have to go through so many potential winners because so many people cheat or have shady entries.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ALSO, if you like goodies: Anyone who pre-orders The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love or purchases it the week of release (up through Sunday 6/19) will receive an exclusive swag pack featuring a signed book plate, bookmarks, a postcard, and some adorkably nerdy stickers. All you have to do is to email your proof of purchase and mailing address to geeksguidepreorder@gmail.com. (This is international). More info here.
John Hughes meets Comic Con in this hilarious, unabashedly romantic, coming-of-age novel about a teenager who is trying to get his best friend to fall in love with him from the author of Three Day Summer.
Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy...
Archie and Veronica...
Althena and Noth...
...Graham and Roxy?
Graham met his best friend, Roxana, when he moved into her neighborhood eight years ago, and she asked him which Hogwarts house he’d be sorted into. Graham has been in love with her ever since.
But now they’re sixteen, still neighbors, still best friends. And Graham and Roxy share more than ever—moving on from their Harry Potter obsession to a serious love of comic books.
When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic, The Chronicles of Althena, is making a rare appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con, he knows he must score tickets. And the event inspires Graham to come up with the perfect plan to tell Roxy how he really feels about her. He’s got three days to woo his best friend at the coolest, kookiest con full of superheroes and supervillains. But no one at a comic book convention is who they appear to be...even Roxy. And Graham is starting to realize fictional love stories are way less complicated than real-life ones.
Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy...
Archie and Veronica...
Althena and Noth...
...Graham and Roxy?
Graham met his best friend, Roxana, when he moved into her neighborhood eight years ago, and she asked him which Hogwarts house he’d be sorted into. Graham has been in love with her ever since.
But now they’re sixteen, still neighbors, still best friends. And Graham and Roxy share more than ever—moving on from their Harry Potter obsession to a serious love of comic books.
When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic, The Chronicles of Althena, is making a rare appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con, he knows he must score tickets. And the event inspires Graham to come up with the perfect plan to tell Roxy how he really feels about her. He’s got three days to woo his best friend at the coolest, kookiest con full of superheroes and supervillains. But no one at a comic book convention is who they appear to be...even Roxy. And Graham is starting to realize fictional love stories are way less complicated than real-life ones.
Book in One Word: Geektastic!
Graham and Roxana united over Harry Potter and have been best friends ever since. They bonded over their favorite comic series The Chronicles of Althena, and when Graham learns that the creator is going to be making a very rare appearance (honestly, more people have spotted Sasquatch) at NYCC, he decides that will be the perfect time to finally tell Roxana he's in love with her. But these things never go as planned, so Graham stumbles through three con-filled days dodging hot British crumpets, bribing his friends, fighting evil, and trying to make NYCC the best time of Roxana's life--and hopefully winning her love and affection in return.
I really liked Graham. I loved his obsession with the things he loves (fanboying for the win) and how determined he was to make the weekend a success. (Though I did frown a bit at how he'd pick Roxana over Casey and be a little blinded by his love.) He's a fun, quirky character, and being in his head--hearing his internal dialogue over a few particular things or, ahem, people (specifically someone British)--put a smile on my face. I adored his highly organized, almost-top-of-the-class, slightly obsessive friend Casey, and I totally ship him with Felicia. (Okay, but do you know how many times "Bye Felicia" went through my head while reading this?) There were a few other secondary characters, some I liked and one I tolerated, but I'll keep them mysterious so you can meet them for yourself. And then there's Roxana. I wouldn't say I disliked her, necessarily. It's just that I wasn't sure I wanted her and Graham to be together. I'd feel bad for Graham when his wooing didn't go as planned and he'd move on to Plan Z. But the problem of sorts was that, yes, I very much wanted Graham to get the girl--but I didn't know if I wanted him to get The Girl, aka Roxana. (It's not a complaint or anything; just a battle of the ships, I guess!) I kept going back and forth on what I wanted Graham's ending to be, and it was hard to choose! But in the end, I am satisfied with where he ends up. (Although I was sad the book came to an end, for I was rather enjoying it.)
Like I said, this book very much puts you directly into the setting, and I love that. It's one of the things Tash does so well. I'd love to know what someone who hasn't been to a con thinks, but for me, as someone who has to been one: yeeeeees. I was so easily able to picture what was happening and what was going on and how things worked, and it was great. I could picture the costumed people and the long lines and the booths (and the desire to buy this and that and everything) and the crowds and the noise. And damn if it didn't make me want to get up and go to a con. Just like Woodstock in Three Day Summer, the setting in Geek's Guide was very successful.
Another thing Tash does well is her writing style. Do you ever want to pick up a book that you can breeze through and not worry about mind-numbing issues or heart-wrenching pain? Her books aren't what I'd call fluffy, per se, but they're light and simple and fun and swell, and I mean that in the best possible way. The Geek's Guide to Unrequited was a joy to read, and I swear I was smiling through a good chunk of it. But that's what Tash writes (at least so far): books that are happy. They take you on a little vacation, a nice break from the boring real world. Ah, that's exactly it: her books are vacations. She'll take you somewhere for a few days--again with the immersive setting--and make you feel like you're really there. She keeps the vacation upbeat and mostly free of rain, because that's what a good and real vacation is. That's actually the perfect way to describe her books. Where to next, Sarvenaz Tash? (I know, LET'S GO TO DISNEYLAND.)
In the end, The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love is a novel I was a bit sad to see end, because reading it was such fun and, hello, New York Comic Con. Sarvenaz Tash so excellently and perfectly takes you to the con and makes you never want to leave (no matter how much your feet, shoulders, and back are killing you). Her writing keeps the story light and helps create a book that, when you open the page, takes you on a little vacation. And with a cast of quirky and very relatable characters, plus all kinds of pop culture references, the story is complete. Just be prepared to really, really want to go to a con, damn it.
Did I like it? Yes!
Did I love it? Not quite.
Would I reread it? Possibly!
Would I reread it? Possibly!
Who would I recommend it to? Fans of lighter books, quests for romance, fangirling/fanboying, and going to the con.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sarvenaz Tash was born in Tehran, Iran and grew up on Long Island, NY. She received her BFA in Film and Television from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. This means she got to spend most of college running around and making movies (it was a lot of fun). She has dabbled in all sorts of writing including screenwriting, copywriting, and professional tweeting. Sarvenaz currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
THE RULES*
-This giveaway is US only.
-No cheating or bending the rules whatsoever.
-No private accounts, giveaway accounts, shady entries, or the like. I check. And if the majority of your account is giveaway after giveaway your entry will not be accepted. Also, one-word, meaningless comments are not preferred (hint hint).
-Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my congratulatory email or else another winner will be chosen.
*I don't mean to sound so harsh and suck the fun out of everything, but it's a pain in my rear to have to go through so many potential winners because so many people cheat or have shady entries.
Monday, June 6 | Beauty and the Bookshelf
Tuesday, June 7 | Prose and Kahn
Wednesday, June 8 | Read. Breathe. Relax
Thursday, June 9 | The Hiding Spot
Friday, June 10 The Reading Nook
Monday, June 13 | Adventures of a Book Junkie
Tuesday, June 14 | Green Bean Teen Queen
Wednesday, June 15 | Word Spelunking
Thursday, June 16 | Andi’s ABCs
Friday, June 17 | What a Nerd Girl Says
ALSO, if you like goodies: Anyone who pre-orders The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love or purchases it the week of release (up through Sunday 6/19) will receive an exclusive swag pack featuring a signed book plate, bookmarks, a postcard, and some adorkably nerdy stickers. All you have to do is to email your proof of purchase and mailing address to geeksguidepreorder@gmail.com. (This is international). More info here.
Louise from Bob's Burgers! :)
ReplyDeleteI would cosplay as Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
ReplyDeleteI would be Catwoman.
ReplyDeleteSince i'm quite a big girl, i thought of cosplaying Sadness from Inside Out. And since i already have glasses to boot, it could be a possibility
ReplyDeleteRiver from Firefly/Serenity. She could really kick some butt!
ReplyDelete