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A review by thewordsdevourer
I Can't Even Think Straight by Dean Atta
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
I Can't Even Think Straight is a well-meaning book, but I wish I liked it more. While the novel deals with challenging yet realistic themes such as coming out, racism, dating pressure and sexual assault, I think the story's juvenile tone hinders its execution and overall nuance.
And while I don't think it's a requisite for main characters to be likable, I'm not really a fan of Kai due to him having almost no character development throughout the story, a major example in my opinion being his constance reiteration that Matt "knows how to handle [him]" instead of him bettering himself in some way.
There's almost no plot as well, the book seemingly being amalgamation of vignettes of Kai with his mom at the weekend markets, time at school especially the lunch table, moments in his bedroom, and hanging out with Obi and friends/acquaintances. The novel has potential, however Atta has yet to grasp it.
I Can't Even Think Straight is a well-meaning book, but I wish I liked it more. While the novel deals with challenging yet realistic themes such as coming out, racism, dating pressure and sexual assault, I think the story's juvenile tone hinders its execution and overall nuance.
And while I don't think it's a requisite for main characters to be likable, I'm not really a fan of Kai due to him having almost no character development throughout the story, a major example in my opinion being his constance reiteration that Matt "knows how to handle [him]" instead of him bettering himself in some way.
There's almost no plot as well, the book seemingly being amalgamation of vignettes of Kai with his mom at the weekend markets, time at school especially the lunch table, moments in his bedroom, and hanging out with Obi and friends/acquaintances. The novel has potential, however Atta has yet to grasp it.