Book Review: Attached at the Hip by Christine
As a fan of reality television-inspired novels, I was genuinely excited to dive into Christine’s latest offering, Attached at the Hip. Even though I’ve never seen an episode of Survivor—and doubt I ever will—I couldn’t resist the allure of a rom-com set in the high-stakes world of a survival game show. What’s not to love about a mix of thrill and charm? But as I flipped through the pages, I found myself grappling with the execution of that enticing concept, leading to a journey that was both exhilarating and perplexing.
Themes and Characters
At its core, Attached at the Hip explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of modern relationships. We follow Orie, a character who feels a bit lost amidst the chaos of reality TV. The standout for me was Osprey—a blend of parkour prowess and bookish charm. His moments on the page felt electric, tugging at my heartstrings even when the romance felt somewhat muted. As I read, I desperately wanted to root for Orie and Osprey, but my connection with them faltered at times.
The novel struggles with genre identity, teetering between Young Adult and Adult—a fine line that left me wondering if it could settle into the New Adult category, which is like an elusive unicorn in publishing. While the premise feels textured and adult in approach, the execution often veers into the territory of Young Adult simplicity, leaving me questioning the narrative’s maturity.
Writing Style and Pacing
Christine’s writing demonstrated her vibrant ideas but wavered in execution. I found myself entranced during the two main peaks of the narrative—Chapter One and the climactic chapters between 70-85%. Those sections were electric, pulling me into the story with an immediacy that made it hard to put down. Unfortunately, there were other areas that felt uneven, particularly in Orie’s internal voice. The first-person perspective fell flat at times, failing to authentically capture her emotional landscape.
That said, there were occasional gems in Christine’s descriptions, especially towards the finale when Orie likens herself to sand—a metaphor that resonated deeply with me. Yet, this level of lyrical writing felt sporadic rather than consistent throughout the book, making it a bittersweet experience.
Asexual Representation and Final Thoughts
One of my most significant concerns revolved around the representation of asexuality in the novel. Initially excited to see Orie’s potential as an ace character, I later felt disappointed by the presentation’s lack of depth. While I doubt Christine intended to misrepresent, it highlighted a broader issue of representation in fiction—one that warrants more sensitive handling. It’s crucial for narratives to engage genuinely with the experiences they represent.
In conclusion, Attached at the Hip is certainly a novel filled with potential and engaging ideas, but it struggles to find its footing. Readers who enjoy reality-show-inspired narratives might appreciate its charm, but those seeking a fully realized romantic arc may come away feeling unsatisfied. Personally, I admire Christine’s creative spirit and will continue to follow her content, even as I ponder the trajectory of her storytelling.
If you’re open to a quirky take on romance amidst the chaos of a survival game, you might find moments of joy in this book, even if it doesn’t quite hit the mark overall. Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the ARC—I’m looking forward to seeing how Christine evolves as an author moving forward.