My Rating - 4/5
Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s
Becky Albertalli's books feel like a warm hug. There is something satisfying picking up one of her books and knowing exactly what you are going to get. Kate In Waiting delivers the sweetness and grin inducing novel fans will be anticipating and reminds you exactly why she is such a favourite of YA readers.
This book deals a lot with high school theater and so I expect those who love and participated in theater will particularly enjoy this read. It includes this as something Kate (and Anderson) are passionate about without it taking over the story. It instead shapes it the way that characters do. This means you don't necessarily have to be a theater fan to enjoy this book but it will enhance your enjoyment.
Kate and Anderson are shining examples of the attention to detail that Becky Albertalli gives to her characters. Care was taken to ensure the history between them felt authentic and that their friendship shone through. Their connection is pivotal to the story and carries it. The plot hinges on the reader caring about this friendship and that is accomplished easily. I ended up loving the two of them but especially loved the way they were together.
This novel is the typically teen coming of age story. It is about the bonds of friendship and what happens when they are tested. The shared crush angle leads to some deeper issues coming out and for each of the characters to learn something about themselves and each other. I loved that there is romance within these pages but the friendship really is the heart of the novel.
Anyone who has read any young adult contemporary novels before will quickly clue in to how this plot will unravel. It is the journey and not the destination that is important here. This means that the reader doesn't feel let down by what transpires because you can see it coming.
My only real issue with the novel is how uneven it feels. The ending feels a bit rushed and not as emotionally satisfying as the rest of the novel. It feels especially noticeable because the beginning is so strong. It is more nuanced and care is taken to flesh everything out whereas I felt the resolution was a little too quickly handled. The issues brought about during the course of the novel didn't feel resolved to me, even though the reader is supposed to feel a sense of closure. It felt told and not shown when compared to the rest of the novel.
If you are looking for a fun read with just the right amount of angst I definitely recommend Kate In Waiting. It is another stand out read from Becky Albertalli that I predict both fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.
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