Embracing the Chaos: A Review of Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli
Is there a better way to kick off a book review than with a musical backdrop? As I settled in with Amelia, If Only, Conan Gray’s “Heather” floated through my mind, setting the perfect tone for this vibrant read. The notion of fleeting feelings and the echoes of adolescence permeate Albertalli’s latest work, engaging readers on a deeply personal level. As a fellow Amelia—yes, I share the name and the sapphic identity with the protagonist—I couldn’t resist diving into this story, especially when it unfolds in my home county of Westchester, New York. Intrigued doesn’t quite capture the thrill I felt knowing this book bended the universe to include my name—and my birthday!
From the very first page, the fast-paced narrative swept me into a whirlwind of vibrant friendships and the drama-filled nuances of teenage life. Set over a thrilling four-day span, the book has a palpable energy that mirrors the chaotic whirlwind of social media culture among Gen Z. If you’re part of that “chronically online” crowd, you’ll likely find the lingo painfully relatable—such as the witty use of "milf," which pops up more than I care to admit. Honestly, it felt hilariously authentic in a way that might puzzle readers unfamiliar with modern youth slang, but in this context, I found it all the more enjoyable.
Character-driven narratives are my jam, and Amelia, If Only delivers on this front splendidly. The dialogue sparkles, often feeling like an engaging conversation rather than mere storytelling. While I’m typically a fan of a little more background on characters, Albertalli’s choice to craft a dialogue-heavy narrative worked in its favor. We dive into the lives and relationships of the characters, absorbing their quirks and connections through witty repartees rather than lengthy descriptions. This approach kept me engaged, even if I occasionally yearned for a bit more detail about their appearances, especially since I was busy imagining which characters might be twins simply from the cover art!
That said, I found myself slightly at odds with some of the characters’ speech patterns. At times, the dialogue felt more scripted than spontaneous, deviating from a genuine teenage vernacular. Yet, I reminded myself that not every book is designed to deliver a literary masterpiece. Albertalli writes with a refreshing lightness, crafting a read that is fun, hopeful, and serves a specific purpose without pretension. It knows just what it needs to be—cheerful and resonant.
If I had to distill Amelia, If Only down into a few words, I’d say it’s a delightful exploration of queer identity, friendship, and the fleeting nature of youthful infatuation. It’s a warm hug in book form and a perfect read for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories filled with relatable characters. As I turned the last page, I couldn’t help but reflect on my time in high school and the friendships that shaped who I am in ways I might have forgotten.
In summary, this book will likely resonate with those who enjoy light-hearted narratives full of humor, drama, and moments of genuine connection. Whether you’re a fellow Amelia, a fan of queer literature, or just someone looking for a comforting, engaging reading experience, Amelia, If Only is an invitation to laugh, think, and reminisce—an experience I wholeheartedly recommend.