Book Review of You Started It
You Started It: An Engaging Yet Frustrating Tale of Teen Romance
I was immediately intrigued by “You Started It” by Dana L. Davis. The premise of a high school romcom featuring fake dating, TikTok dancing, and a character grappling with mental health resonated with my love for contemporary young adult fiction. Plus, the cover is simply adorable! Little did I know that what I was about to dive into would leave me with a mix of engagement and exasperation, reflecting back on my own high school experiences.
The story mainly revolves around Jamie Taher-Foster, a senior yearning to win back her ex-boyfriend, Ben, after he breaks up with her seeking “new experiences.” Jamie’s journey leads her to fake date Axel, a younger Arab guy with dreams of TikTok stardom. While the fake dating trope usually sparks delightful tension and tension-filled moments, I found myself frustrated as Jamie’s obsessive nature overshadowed the charm of the romance.
As I navigated Jamie’s character, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by her emotional turmoil. Underneath the humorous facade, I sensed a deeper story focused on mental health. The portrayal of anxiety was relatable, but Jamie often felt like she was stuck in a loop of immaturity—constantly complaining about her mother while mirroring her behavior, which hindered character growth. It frustrated me to the point where I wanted to leap into the story and shake some sense into her.
One of my pet peeves with “You Started It” was how often Ben’s name was mentioned—668 times! Yes, you read that correctly. While obsession is relatable, Jamie’s fixation on her ex felt excessive, diluting the chemistry that could have blossomed with Axel. Speaking of characters, I found most of them underdeveloped. Axel, despite being the love interest, nearly faded into the background, overshadowed by Jamie’s chaos. It was disappointing, especially since he seemed genuinely kind-hearted and deserved so much more than being caught in Jamie’s relationship drama.
The pacing of the story, while quick, often felt choppy, with character motivations lacking depth. I craved more backstory and perspective from Axel, which might have brightened the narrative and made Jamie’s indecision feel more impactful. When the climax finally arrived, I had hoped for a swoon-worthy confession or resolution—but the emotional payoff fell flat, leaving me wanting.
Yet, the writing style itself was engaging, and the humor reflected the lighthearted tone expected from a romcom. I found myself laughing at some of the quirky antics, but the overall execution didn’t live up to my hopes. Despite my disappointment, I appreciated the representation of Arab culture and LGBTQ+ elements, and it is a step in the right direction for increasing diversity in contemporary YA.
In conclusion, “You Started It” might appeal to readers who thrive on high school drama and quirky romances. If you appreciate stories about self-discovery, mental health awareness, and youthful yearning, you may find joy in its pages. However, if you prefer a more mature exploration of relationships, keep this one on the backburner. Overall, sharing this reading experience with my buddy Ari turned it into a delightful conversation, despite my frustration with the story itself.
So, did I enjoy the ride? Not entirely, but I’m glad I took the chance. Happy reading, folks!
