Review of Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon
From the moment I laid eyes on the charming cover of Bingsu for Two, I knew I was in for a delightful treat. As a fan of quirky rom-coms and everything fanfiction, I eagerly anticipated this debut novel by Sujin Witherspoon—a title that promised to sprinkle joy in equal parts with viral humor and relatable characters. And boy, did it deliver! It’s now firmly lodged among my favorites.
This book dances gracefully between lighthearted humor and deeper emotional undertones, which I find is the sweet spot for any great rom-com. Centered around River and Sarang, both of whom are fumbling through life as their paths hilariously intertwine, the narrative brings a fresh twist on the fake-dating trope. River’s voice resonated with me immediately; as a fellow fanfiction enthusiast, his internal struggles and relatable procrastination reminded me of myself more than once. The line, “Bingsu For Two is closed today, but I still have to drag my feet out of bed…” struck a chord, echoing those all-too-familiar mornings when I’d rather delve into my saved fics on AO3 than face the day.
The narrative is peppered with clever chapter titles that elicited genuine chuckles—an element that seems beautifully rare in current literature. One of my favorites referenced a fanfic tropes, which resonated so well; after all, who hasn’t chuckled at the often absurd yet heartwarming tags that accompany our beloved fanfictions? With titles like “Sarang Cho is Bad at Feelings” and “River Langston-Lee Deserves a Break,” Witherspoon cleverly invites us into a world where whimsy collides with the very real struggles of its characters.
What sets this book apart is its vibrant array of secondary characters who add depth and layers to the plot without feeling superfluous. The sibling bond between River and his younger brother, Jace, adds a relatable touch. Their banter, punctuated by sibling mischief, was both heartwarming and hilarious—highlighted by Jace’s hilariously dramatic throw of the remote during a critical moment. This nuanced exploration of relationships, both familial and found, illuminated the story’s emotional core in unexpected ways.
However, while I adored River’s well-rounded character, I yearned for a bit more insight into Sarang. Given that the story unfolds solely from River’s perspective, Sarang sometimes felt like a supporting role in her own journey. More layers to her backstory would have elevated the narrative even further, allowing us to connect with her on a deeper level.
Despite this minor critique, the emotional rollercoaster Witherspoon crafts beautifully captivated me; I found myself laughing out loud one moment, only to wipe away a tear the next. The richness of River’s character development is commendable, making his journey all the more resonant. With a narrative that reads like a delightful crack fic, it left me eagerly anticipating Sujin Witherspoon’s future works.
In conclusion, Bingsu for Two is an absolute gem, perfect for readers who appreciate humor intertwined with heartfelt moments. It’s a celebration of love—romantic and platonic alike—and the beauty of everyday life. It’s a book that will resonate particularly well with fans of YA romance and those with a soft spot for fanfiction culture. As for me? I’m grateful to have been part of this reading journey, and I cannot wait to see what this talented author offers next!