Title: The Breakup Lists
Author: Adib Khorram
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication date: April 2, 2024
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Summary
At least, that’s what he thought until Liam joined the cast of the school play. As he spends more time with Liam, he realizes that he can’t stop thinking about him. The only problem? His sister seems to have fallen for Liam, too.
Review: The Breakup Lists
Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Books for an advanced copy of The Breakup Lists by Adib Khorram. Ever since reading Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Adib Khorram has been an auto-read author for me. There’s just something about the way that he writes emotions and relationships that feels so teenager, and this book is no different.
Jackson is such a great main character, specifically when it comes to love and romance. So many of the people he cares about were burned by love that he pushes people away. Eventually to the point that it hinders his relationships. His emotional journey, which includes eventually utilizing therapy, is so well written. And it’s all things that teenagers will definitely relate to.
Another thing I really loved was Jackson’s friendship with Bowie, who is asexual (and aromantic, if I remember correctly). The fact that they had such a strong friendship that didn’t need to eventually turn romantic is something I kind of wish was shown more in YA books. Romantic relationships aren’t the be-all end-all (especially when you’re in high school), and the fact that Bowie was shown to be comfortable with that? I absolutely loved it.
Jackson is Hard of Hearing and occasionally uses sign language throughout the book (mostly with Bowie and their family). However, none of his family signs with him, which is a point of frustration for him throughout the book. It seems like Khorram did his research for this particular aspect of the book, but I’m not a part of the community, so I can’t comment on how accurate it is.
All in all, this is a wonderful queer teen romance with a great cast of characters and strong emotional beats. Definitely check it out when it releases in April!
4.5/5 stars