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For fans of Love, Simon and I Wish You All the Best, a funny, honest, messy, completely relatable story of a girl who realizes thatlove can be found in many ways that don't involve sex or romance.From the marvelous author of Heartstopper comes an exceptional YA novel about discovering that it's okay if you don't havesexual or romantic feelings for anyone . . . since there are plenty of other ways to find love and connection.This is the funny, honest, messy, completely relatable story of show more Georgia, who doesn't understand why she can't crush and kissand make out like her friends do. She's surrounded by the narrative that dating + sex = love. It's not until she gets to collegethat she discovers the A range of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum — coming to understand herself as asexual/aromantic. Disrupting thenarrative that she's been told since birth isn't easy — there are many mistakes along the way to inviting people into a newly foundarticulation of an always-known part of your identity. But Georgia's determined to get her life right, with the help of (and despite themajor drama of) her friends. show less
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While I really wanted to like this book more than I did, I can say without a doubt that this is a good book and great aroace rep to boot. I think I’m too close to some of the issues it’s dealing with, but can absolutely see a lot of people really connecting with the story and Georgia in particular.
This is also without a doubt an Oseman novel. It features well-realized, frequently awkward and anxious teens who don’t fall into clichés and are allowed to be weird and complicated and hypocritical without being judged for it. It celebrates friendship and self-growth and has a lot of casual, positive queerness and other diversity. It’s funny and sweet and also dark and serious. The plot is unique. It covers issues that don’t turn show more up in a lot of YA novels, in this case figuring out sexuality, how bad relationships can twist people up, unlearning coping mechanisms and internalized narratives, and what makes a strong friendship. And it’s well-written.
But this is the first Oseman book that’s felt long. I know that working out sexuality and attraction is frequently very involved and Georgia’s journey needed to take a while to be believable, that the book’s trying to explain lesser-known orientations with nuance (which also takes time), and that the subplots are also not quick fixes. I get the whys. I just wasn’t expecting to feel like I was “pushing through” the book at points, especially not from an author I really like and a genre I’m used to being fast reading.*
I’m also in the odd position of saying Georgia might be my favourite Oseman protagonist though she isn’t the one I relate to most, and that I understood her a lot but also didn’t see a whole lot of myself in her. She’s possibly the most complex MC Oseman’s written, partly because Oseman takes the time to make her so (so that length I mentioned isn’t necessarily a bad thing), and I was barely introduced to her angst over relationships before I wanted to take her under my wing.** She’s not always likeable, but I liked her point-of-view and would be up for reading a sequel than for Oseman’s other books.
And a lot of her ace- and aro-ness is stuff I definitely connect with and understand deeply. There is so much truth to the rep here (and this is probably a good time to mention she’s not the only ace or aro in the book!). But Georgia’s need to date and be “normal” is not something I relate much too, which meant I wasn’t as absorbed in the story like I could’ve been. But like I said at the start of this review, I think a lot of aces and aros are going to relate to that, and I’m the exception to the rule here. Oseman even does a good job balancing the usual sorts of Ace 101 stuff with … let’s call it Ace 202. I’d totally hand this book to anyone wanted to learn more about the ace/aro experience.
So my feelings are complicated. Loveless does a lot of things really well—everything, pretty much—and is certainly a book I’ll be reccing, especially to aspec folks who want to see themselves, but I either wasn’t in the headspace to enjoy it or for other reasons just didn’t quite connect to it. Unfortunately, because I was really hoping I would.
*Goodreads says it took me a standard length of reading time for YA, however, so clearly this is in my mind and not the book being physically longer.
** Which might say something about how old I am compared to Georgia and the target audience of this book
To bear in mind: Contains club and drinking culture, one (1) aphobe, a whole lot of aroace angst, and some unfortunate, questionable, but relatable decisions related to relationships
7/10 show less
This is also without a doubt an Oseman novel. It features well-realized, frequently awkward and anxious teens who don’t fall into clichés and are allowed to be weird and complicated and hypocritical without being judged for it. It celebrates friendship and self-growth and has a lot of casual, positive queerness and other diversity. It’s funny and sweet and also dark and serious. The plot is unique. It covers issues that don’t turn show more up in a lot of YA novels, in this case figuring out sexuality, how bad relationships can twist people up, unlearning coping mechanisms and internalized narratives, and what makes a strong friendship. And it’s well-written.
But this is the first Oseman book that’s felt long. I know that working out sexuality and attraction is frequently very involved and Georgia’s journey needed to take a while to be believable, that the book’s trying to explain lesser-known orientations with nuance (which also takes time), and that the subplots are also not quick fixes. I get the whys. I just wasn’t expecting to feel like I was “pushing through” the book at points, especially not from an author I really like and a genre I’m used to being fast reading.*
I’m also in the odd position of saying Georgia might be my favourite Oseman protagonist though she isn’t the one I relate to most, and that I understood her a lot but also didn’t see a whole lot of myself in her. She’s possibly the most complex MC Oseman’s written, partly because Oseman takes the time to make her so (so that length I mentioned isn’t necessarily a bad thing), and I was barely introduced to her angst over relationships before I wanted to take her under my wing.** She’s not always likeable, but I liked her point-of-view and would be up for reading a sequel than for Oseman’s other books.
And a lot of her ace- and aro-ness is stuff I definitely connect with and understand deeply. There is so much truth to the rep here (and this is probably a good time to mention she’s not the only ace or aro in the book!). But Georgia’s need to date and be “normal” is not something I relate much too, which meant I wasn’t as absorbed in the story like I could’ve been. But like I said at the start of this review, I think a lot of aces and aros are going to relate to that, and I’m the exception to the rule here. Oseman even does a good job balancing the usual sorts of Ace 101 stuff with … let’s call it Ace 202. I’d totally hand this book to anyone wanted to learn more about the ace/aro experience.
So my feelings are complicated. Loveless does a lot of things really well—everything, pretty much—and is certainly a book I’ll be reccing, especially to aspec folks who want to see themselves, but I either wasn’t in the headspace to enjoy it or for other reasons just didn’t quite connect to it. Unfortunately, because I was really hoping I would.
*Goodreads says it took me a standard length of reading time for YA, however, so clearly this is in my mind and not the book being physically longer.
** Which might say something about how old I am compared to Georgia and the target audience of this book
To bear in mind: Contains club and drinking culture, one (1) aphobe, a whole lot of aroace angst, and some unfortunate, questionable, but relatable decisions related to relationships
7/10 show less
4.5/5 stars!
I am kicking off my Pride 2023 reads with this book by Alice Oseman and when people say that Alice Oseman singlehandedly took up the job of providing people from various backgrounds to relate to, THEY ARE NOT KIDDING.
First things first, the book mentions Little Mix and Leigh Anne-Pinnock. THIS WAS A MAJOR FANGIRLING MOMENT FOR ME.
Secondly, the book is representation at its finest. Yes, the characters help people struggling with their identities to find solace and has strong character building and a really well-written story. It also has teenagers, irrespective of their genders and identities going through common teenage crises that are navigated so well.
I could not help but relate to Rooney Bach. I felt comforted reading show more her character arc. I had a similar experience in my undergrad and if it weren't for my amazing friends who took it upon themselves to make sure that I was alright and that I was not ruining my life, I would not be where I am today.
The characters, Georgie who identifies as aroace (aromantic-asexual), Pip who identifies as a lesbian, Rooney - a pansexual, Sunil Jha - Homoromantic Asexual, and Jason are very well written and their individual struggles are never sidetracked. This felt nice to me as a reader as everyone deals with their own struggles/demons and to know that their struggles are acknowledged and not ignored takes people a long way. It feels good not to feel alone.
The story takes us on a journey of Georgia who is trying to understand her sexual identity and in the process messes up a few of her friendships. Eventually, she makes things right and not only understands and accepts her identity but also builds back her friendships. - This is a very very brief summary of a story that will take you through numerous ups and downs and will surely find a place in your heart. show less
I am kicking off my Pride 2023 reads with this book by Alice Oseman and when people say that Alice Oseman singlehandedly took up the job of providing people from various backgrounds to relate to, THEY ARE NOT KIDDING.
First things first, the book mentions Little Mix and Leigh Anne-Pinnock. THIS WAS A MAJOR FANGIRLING MOMENT FOR ME.
Secondly, the book is representation at its finest. Yes, the characters help people struggling with their identities to find solace and has strong character building and a really well-written story. It also has teenagers, irrespective of their genders and identities going through common teenage crises that are navigated so well.
I could not help but relate to Rooney Bach. I felt comforted reading show more her character arc. I had a similar experience in my undergrad and if it weren't for my amazing friends who took it upon themselves to make sure that I was alright and that I was not ruining my life, I would not be where I am today.
The characters, Georgie who identifies as aroace (aromantic-asexual), Pip who identifies as a lesbian, Rooney - a pansexual, Sunil Jha - Homoromantic Asexual, and Jason are very well written and their individual struggles are never sidetracked. This felt nice to me as a reader as everyone deals with their own struggles/demons and to know that their struggles are acknowledged and not ignored takes people a long way. It feels good not to feel alone.
The story takes us on a journey of Georgia who is trying to understand her sexual identity and in the process messes up a few of her friendships. Eventually, she makes things right and not only understands and accepts her identity but also builds back her friendships. - This is a very very brief summary of a story that will take you through numerous ups and downs and will surely find a place in your heart. show less
There is no other book that showed every emotion I felt other than this.
Everything. From the strong belief of of true love and that there would be a soulmate to the desperate feeling of 'will I never feel love?'.
From the anger that was felt towards media, how romance and love was being way too overrated to the strange acceptance over the orientation.
I felt so connected to Georgia Warr, I cried when she realized her orientation and when things went sour between her friends. I cried ugly. Because there is this feeling that something that you thought you wanted has been taken away.
Truth be told, I am still figuring out my romantic orientation (I am strictly asexual) and in the inside I know I am aro but I just cant believe it because I had show more crush of some kind about 6 years back (that I don't even remember anymore) and also that I don't want to admit that I cant fall in love, so I settled for arospike or acemid.
Ok moving on this book had some very good friendship, kind of friendship that I thought no longer existed. Made even ME wish that it would be very nice to have friends that I could I actually trust.
Loveless is an EYE OPENER for me.
About TRUE LOVE!!
Every relationship that you care about is- true love.
IT's not f-f or m-m or f-m or what ever hell.
WHAT THAT "LOVE" YOU FEEL ANYWAY!?!?
MADE ME FEEL LIKE A fREaKIIInG ABNORMALITY FOR MONTHS!
WHAT IS IT 'CARE'? "TRUST"?? "UNDERSTANDING"??? OR ALL TOGETHER????
Alice Oseman is downright amazing. She captured everything I felt in the past few months.
Her characters are soo good.
The relationships are worth celebrations.
And I had totally no problem with the language (FOR THE FIRST TIME!)
I FREAKING did not have a problem with this book.
Every problem I had thought has been put down in this book.
Will I be alone all my life?
Really will I never love anyone??
Will everyone leave me oneday???
Shit.
I am not alright.
I just have to be me till the future catches me and all along give everything to the people I love. show less
Everything. From the strong belief of of true love and that there would be a soulmate to the desperate feeling of 'will I never feel love?'.
From the anger that was felt towards media, how romance and love was being way too overrated to the strange acceptance over the orientation.
I felt so connected to Georgia Warr, I cried when she realized her orientation and when things went sour between her friends. I cried ugly. Because there is this feeling that something that you thought you wanted has been taken away.
Truth be told, I am still figuring out my romantic orientation (I am strictly asexual) and in the inside I know I am aro but I just cant believe it because I had show more crush of some kind about 6 years back (that I don't even remember anymore) and also that I don't want to admit that I cant fall in love, so I settled for arospike or acemid.
Ok moving on this book had some very good friendship, kind of friendship that I thought no longer existed. Made even ME wish that it would be very nice to have friends that I could I actually trust.
Loveless is an EYE OPENER for me.
About TRUE LOVE!!
Every relationship that you care about is- true love.
IT's not f-f or m-m or f-m or what ever hell.
WHAT THAT "LOVE" YOU FEEL ANYWAY!?!?
MADE ME FEEL LIKE A fREaKIIInG ABNORMALITY FOR MONTHS!
WHAT IS IT 'CARE'? "TRUST"?? "UNDERSTANDING"??? OR ALL TOGETHER????
Alice Oseman is downright amazing. She captured everything I felt in the past few months.
Her characters are soo good.
The relationships are worth celebrations.
And I had totally no problem with the language (FOR THE FIRST TIME!)
I FREAKING did not have a problem with this book.
Every problem I had thought has been put down in this book.
Will I be alone all my life?
Really will I never love anyone??
Will everyone leave me oneday???
Shit.
I am not alright.
I just have to be me till the future catches me and all along give everything to the people I love. show less
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Alice does it again, she takes multiple aspects of the LGBTQIA+ experience and brings us inside the minds and hearts of folks figuring themselves out.
This story follows Georgia through her struggle to come to terms with her identification as Aromantic Asexual (AroAce). We get to explore the importance of friendship and platonic love for everyone, not just AroAce individuals. As in all of her books, this story isn't just about the main character.
We get to see a wide diversity of characters on both the cultural and queer spectrums and explore their experiences with their separate cultural and sexual identities. We see them dealing with different kinds of trauma and growth. We get to see the formation of a show more truly beautiful group of individuals who find acceptance and home as a found family.
I love complex and diverse stories because the more we can see of different experiences, the more we can all come to realize that we aren't alone, and that being different should be celebrated instead of shamed. I had parts of this story that I couldn't personally relate to based on my own cultural background & sexual orientation, but the way Alice weaves the story made me hopefully able to understand a few perspectives outside of my own just a little better. I loved seeing multiple Asexual characters express in different ways because I honestly hadn't seen one (let alone 3) represented in the media I've consumed up to this point (written or visual). I hope this book can be a helpful tool for those struggling with their own identity, or struggling to gain acceptance with friends and loved ones. show less
Alice does it again, she takes multiple aspects of the LGBTQIA+ experience and brings us inside the minds and hearts of folks figuring themselves out.
This story follows Georgia through her struggle to come to terms with her identification as Aromantic Asexual (AroAce). We get to explore the importance of friendship and platonic love for everyone, not just AroAce individuals. As in all of her books, this story isn't just about the main character.
We get to see a wide diversity of characters on both the cultural and queer spectrums and explore their experiences with their separate cultural and sexual identities. We see them dealing with different kinds of trauma and growth. We get to see the formation of a show more truly beautiful group of individuals who find acceptance and home as a found family.
I love complex and diverse stories because the more we can see of different experiences, the more we can all come to realize that we aren't alone, and that being different should be celebrated instead of shamed. I had parts of this story that I couldn't personally relate to based on my own cultural background & sexual orientation, but the way Alice weaves the story made me hopefully able to understand a few perspectives outside of my own just a little better. I loved seeing multiple Asexual characters express in different ways because I honestly hadn't seen one (let alone 3) represented in the media I've consumed up to this point (written or visual). I hope this book can be a helpful tool for those struggling with their own identity, or struggling to gain acceptance with friends and loved ones. show less
This well done YA novel is by the author of the charming gay graphic novel series Heartstopper. As she did there, she demonstrates insight and affection for her young characters who are striving to understand themselves and their sexuality. in this one Georgia and her friends Pip and Jason are in their first year at university. Georgia is a wonderful, sensible friend who is inexperienced in romantic relationships and sex and hopes to get on with it now that she's away from home. She eventually learns that love comes in many forms that do not necessarily involve sex or romance. Around her Pip (an out lesbian) and Jason (a pleasant undefined young man) and Georgia's vibrant roommate Rooney (heterosexual, but maybe not) are exploring and show more sorting out their own lives. The author has a keen ear for how young people talk, and a talent for creating believable, endearing characters. Besides enjoying the story, I learned a lot. The book has been selling well, and it makes me happy to think that a lot of young people are reading it.
P.S. The author is only 28 and already has established quite a track record. show less
P.S. The author is only 28 and already has established quite a track record. show less
At times while reading I felt really seen. Unlike with any other book or character I've ever read. But then the end felt too perfect and too wishful to be realistic for someone I could relate to this much.
It also felt typically coming of age like, which I prefer not to read anymore. I made the exception because the main character was aroace. And while that part was great, I just couldn't bring myself to care about the experimenting and exploring. I just wished there had been a bigger side plot besides just finding yourself. But I guess that's part of the genre.
It also felt typically coming of age like, which I prefer not to read anymore. I made the exception because the main character was aroace. And while that part was great, I just couldn't bring myself to care about the experimenting and exploring. I just wished there had been a bigger side plot besides just finding yourself. But I guess that's part of the genre.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I found the first half of it to be very difficult to read. A big part of that is because as an asexual person myself, some of the thoughts and experiences Georgia has before she realizes she's aro-ace are exactly the same as ones I had before I realized. It pained me to reread these myself, and I kept wishing someone would just tell her already. However, it's exactly for that reason why I think this book would be great for anyone who is questioning their orientation, romantic or sexual, to read. Had I read this when I was younger, I may not have had so many experiences I ended up having, and I may have felt more seen.
Once she knew and began telling people/accepting herself, the book got much easier for show more me to read. I absolutely loved how she realized her friendships were so important and how she worked to show her friends how important they are. I especially loved how Rooney and Georgia realized they were platonic soulmates, destined to be friends for the rest of their lives.
Again, some of this book was hard for me to read, but I think it's incredibly valuable for those still figuring out who they are. show less
Once she knew and began telling people/accepting herself, the book got much easier for show more me to read. I absolutely loved how she realized her friendships were so important and how she worked to show her friends how important they are. I especially loved how Rooney and Georgia realized they were platonic soulmates, destined to be friends for the rest of their lives.
Again, some of this book was hard for me to read, but I think it's incredibly valuable for those still figuring out who they are. show less
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Author Information
52 Works 31,178 Members
Some Editions
Awards and Honors
Awards
Distinctions
Series
Work Relationships
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2020-07-09
- People/Characters
- Georgia Warr; Rooney Bach; Felipa "Pip" Quintana; Sunil Jha; Jason Farley-Shaw; Ellis (cousin of Georgia Warr) (show all 20); Jess; Lloyd; Hattie Jorgensen; Tommy; Manuel Quintana (father of Felipa "Pip" Quintana); Carolina Quintana (mother of Felipa "Pip" Quintana); Rob Farley-Shaw (father of Jason Farley-Shaw); Mitch Farley-Shaw (father of Jason Farley-Shaw); Mr. Warr (father of Georgia Warr); Mrs. Warr (mother of Georgia Warr); Jonathan Warr (brother of Georgia Warr); Rachel Warr (wife of Jonathan Warr); Sal (aunt of Georgia Warr, mother of Ellis); Gavin (uncle of Georgia Warr, father of Ellis)
- Important places
- Kent, England, UK; Truham Grammar School for Boys, Truham, England, UK; Harvey Green Grammar School for Girls, Truham, England, UK; Durham, England, UK
- Epigraph
- If it proves so, then loving goes by haps:
Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps.
Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare - First words
- There were literally three separate couples sitting around the fire making out, like some sort of organised kissing orgy, and half of me was like, ew, and the other half was like, Wow, I sure do wish that was me.... (show all)>
- Quotations
- It was all sinking in. I'd never had a crush on anyone. No boys, no girls, not a single person I'd ever met. What did that mean?
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Until then, we would keep the beds together.
- Original language
- English
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 2,286
- Popularity
- 8,656
- Reviews
- 53
- Rating
- (4.17)
- Languages
- 9 — Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish, Portuguese (Portugal)
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 29
- ASINs
- 10