Review of "We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This" by Rachel Lynn Solomon
When I first heard about Rachel Lynn Solomon’s We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This, I was instantly intrigued. The premise—a quirky, wedding-obsessed teen grappling with anxiety and heartache—felt like it could be a charming escape into contemporary YA. Yet, as the story unfolded, I found myself mired in disappointment much like Quinn, the protagonist, in her struggles.
The plot centers on Quinn, who comes from a family deeply entrenched in the wedding industry. This backdrop initially sets the stage for an enchanting exploration of love and commitment, but Quinn’s romanticized views quickly crumble after a personal tragedy disrupts her once-joyful outlook. What I hoped would be a compelling journey through grief and self-discovery ultimately felt like a rehashing of Sarah Dessen’s Once and for All. The resemblance was almost startling, leaving me questioning how this book ever made it to publication.
As I delved deeper, I was struck by Quinn’s internal battles with OCD and anxiety, themes that resonated with my own experiences. However, the portrayal felt superficial and lazy, often overshadowed by the relentless sexual innuendos peppered throughout. At times, it seemed the author prioritized sensationalism over substance. With lines like “If I have time, I can schedule a panic attack right before the cake cutting,” I found some humor, yet it often flickered out, leaving me pondering how much longer I could endure the continuous references to sex and awkward teenage relationships.
The pacing felt uneven. I found myself clock-watching, the story dragging especially past the 30% mark. For a book that should have felt like a whirlwind romance with wedding shenanigans, I was left in a lull that dulled my enthusiasm. Not to mention, the pop culture references felt forced, like Solomon was trying too hard to connect with her young audience.
Quotes like “When you’re in love, whether that love is platonic or romantic, you get to be the fullest version of yourself,” certainly glimmered with truth, but these moments were few and far between. The overall tone oscillated from relatable to cringeworthy, leaving me longing for a tighter narrative arc.
As a seasoned reader of YA, I understand that contemporary novels often tread into complex territory, tackling themes of love, loss, and the messiness of growing up. However, We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This aimed for depth but instead often waded into shallow waters, especially for YA standards. The sexual content, akin to new adult literature rather than its designated genre, significantly deterred from what I find appealing in YA.
In conclusion, I recommend this book with caution. If you’re someone who thrives on angst and complex relationships without shying away from explicit themes, you might find something to enjoy here. However, if you’re like me—someone who cherishes a more subtle exploration of love and relationships in a YA light—this may not be the book for you. While it ultimately fell flat for me, I hope future works from Rachel Lynn Solomon can redeem the potential I once imagined in her storytelling.
Whether it’s the heartfelt journey of Quinn or the wedding industry backdrop that intrigues you, my personal experience suggests setting your expectations low—after all, we can’t keep meeting like this without some frayed edges.
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