You Started It: A Mixed Bag That Left Me Wanting More
When I first stumbled across You Started It by Hanna Alkaf, the eye-catching cover and promise of a high school romcom felt like a breath of fresh air. As a fellow high school student, I was excited to dive into the world of Jamie Taher-Foster, a relatable protagonist navigating the ups and downs of young love. However, what I hoped would be a lighthearted escape turned into an awkward journey filled with frustration, particularly considering how many adult reviewers seemed to overlook the nuances of teen experiences.
The plot kicks off with Jamie facing a breakup after her boyfriend, Ben, returns from summer camp wanting more "freedom." What follows is a classic fake dating scenario that quickly derailed for me. Jamie’s quest to win back her ex involves a new guy, Axel, who also happens to be a TikTok dancer. While the premise sparkled with potential, the execution felt clunky and often disjointed.
One of my major issues was Jamie herself, a character I often found grating. Described as a "pick me" character who oscillates unpredictably between self-pity and boastfulness, Jamie’s excessive fixation on her ex—mentioned a staggering 668 times—overshadowed her character development. As much as I rooted for her growth, I couldn’t help but feel trapped in her emotional immaturity.
And let’s talk about Axel. While he had the potential to be an endearing side character, he often faded into the background, almost feeling like an afterthought. This imbalance in character depth detracted from the romance that was supposed to flourish between them. When I think of the swoony moments that should fill a fake dating story, I found myself wishing for more depth and connection that never quite materialized.
The writing style was straightforward, almost simplistic at times, which made the pacing feel uneven. The book is aimed at teens, and while I appreciate the straightforward approach, a bit more complexity or nuance could have elevated the narrative. A standout moment for me was when Jamie acknowledges her struggles with anxiety, providing some much-needed representation. On the other hand, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes felt shoehorned for the sake of diversity without much depth of exploration.
As I reflected on the book’s themes—youth, identity, and the often messy nature of relationships—I couldn’t help but think about where it fell short. The absence of realistic portrayal of diverse characters, especially in a cosmopolitan setting like Toronto, missed an opportunity to authentically reflect the wonderfully varied tapestry of high school life.
So, who might enjoy You Started It? If you’re a younger reader seeking a light romance and don’t mind a bit of teen angst and drama, it might hit the right notes for you. Just be prepared for Jamie’s somewhat overwhelming obsession with her ex, which might not resonate with all teen readers, especially those looking for fresh and nuanced representation in the genre.
As for me, You Started It left me feeling a mix of disappointment and reflection. While my review may lean more critical, I still appreciate the effort that went into creating a story for teens like me. It’s a reminder that not every book will connect, and that’s okay. Happy reading, everyone!
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