Skip to main content

Review of Alice Oseman's Loveless: Book Comparisons and What I Liked Most

 In the realm of young adult fiction, Alice Oseman's "Loveless" stands as a refreshing divergence from the oft-trodden path of romantic entanglements and heartbreaks. The book delves into the life of Georgia, a high school student who is more preoccupied with the idea of romance than experiencing it. As she navigates friendships, family, and self-discovery, Georgia comes to terms with her aromantic asexuality—a narrative arc that is as enlightening as it is empowering.

Plot and Real-Life Relevance

The plot centers around Georgia's quest for love, or rather, her realization that she doesn't need romantic love to lead a fulfilling life. This is a poignant message in a society that often equates happiness with romantic involvement. The story is a mirror reflecting the lives of many young adults who grapple with societal expectations and internalized norms. It's not just a book; it's a conversation starter about the spectrum of human relationships and the validity of each individual's experience.

In real-life contexts, the pressure to conform to societal norms around relationships is palpable. Whether it's the media, peer groups, or even educational settings, the narrative often leans towards romantic achievements as a yardstick for personal success. "Loveless" serves as a counter-narrative, offering solace and validation to those who identify as aromantic or asexual, and educating those who don't. It's a stepping stone towards broader discussions about inclusivity and the many forms that love can take.

Comparative Analysis

When juxtaposed with other works in the young adult genre, "Loveless" offers a unique perspective. Books like "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" by Jenny Han or "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green focus on the highs and lows of teenage romance. While these narratives are compelling in their own right, they often sideline characters who don't fit into the romantic mold. "Loveless" fills this gap by centering the story on a protagonist for whom romance is not the end-all, be-all of life.

Moreover, the book's approach to friendship is noteworthy. Unlike other young adult novels where friendships often take a backseat to romantic interests, "Loveless" elevates platonic relationships to a pedestal. This is reminiscent of works like "Paper Towns" by John Green, where friendship is a significant theme, but "Loveless" takes it a step further by making it the focal point.

Unique Qualities and Distinguishing Features

What sets "Loveless" apart is its unapologetic portrayal of aromantic asexuality. While other books may touch upon LGBTQ+ themes, few delve into the nuanced experiences of aromantic individuals. The book also employs humor and wit to tackle serious issues, making it an engaging read without diluting its message. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, each with their own quirks and flaws, making them resonate with a broad audience.

Conclusion

In summary, "Loveless" by Alice Oseman is a groundbreaking addition to young adult literature. It challenges conventional norms around love and relationships, offering a narrative that many will find relatable and eye-opening. Its unique focus on aromantic asexuality and the importance of platonic relationships sets it apart from its contemporaries, making it a must-read for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the diverse experiences that make us human.


So, whether you're a student grappling with the complexities of identity, or a parent seeking to understand the changing dynamics of modern relationships, "Loveless" offers a lens through which to view these issues anew. It's not just a book; it's a catalyst for change and a herald for inclusivity.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

5 Books That Make You Better at Getting Things Done

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge. Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps. 2. Getting Things Done by David Allen If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax. Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists. 3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker Peter Drucker is...
Read more

10 Benefits of Becoming a Board Topnotcher in the Philippines

Becoming a board topnotcher in the Philippines is a highly esteemed achievement that can have significant benefits for an individual's professional and personal life. These benefits span across various aspects, including career opportunities, personal growth, and societal impact. 10 Reasons Board Topnotchers are a Big Deal in the Philippines 1. Enhanced Career Opportunities : Achieving topnotcher status in board exams in the Philippines often opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. Many employers, particularly in competitive fields such as engineering, accountancy, and law, view topnotchers as individuals with exceptional capabilities and a strong work ethic. As a result, topnotchers often receive job offers from prestigious firms, government agencies, and private corporations. Additionally, they are frequently offered higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and opportunities for advanced training and education. 2. Professional Recognition and Credibility : Topnotche...
Read more

How Important is Proper Document Control in ISO Accreditation?

If your organization is working toward ISO accreditation—or trying to maintain it—you’ve probably heard the phrase document control more times than you care to count. But before your eyes glaze over, let’s break it down. ISO standards (like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or ISO 27001 for information security) are built on the idea of consistency, traceability, and accountability. None of that works without proper documentation. And documentation doesn’t stay proper on its own. It needs structure. That’s where document control comes in. So, how important is it? In short: it's everything. What Is Document Control in the ISO Context? Document control refers to how an organization manages its critical documents—such as procedures, manuals, forms, and records—so that they are: Correct (the latest version) Accessible (to the right people) Secure (from unauthorized changes) Traceable (who approved, changed, or accessed them)...
Read more

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...
Read more

Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay also Known as the Taoist Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando, La Union

I am a native of San Fernando and am very familiar with Macho Temple, yet I'm as confused as most tourists when it comes to the image of the holy lady enshrined there. Yes, it's a CHINESE temple, but... Many Taoist and Catholic devotees have accepted without question that mama deity Ma-Cho and our Lady of Caysasay are the same person. As the Chinese deity, she sacrificed her life while trying to save seafarers endangered by rough seas. She died at the young age of 28. However, she is also recognized as a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary by the Catholic church. All these baffling thoughts converge and don't really require any clarification as tourists and locals simply enjoy the seabreeze that permeates the hill where this lady's temple is located. Ma-Cho Temple, the first Taoist temple in the Philippines and one of the largest outside of China. Perched on a hill in downtown San Fernando, it offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea, making it an ideal h...
Read more

3 Ways to Make the Library a Civic Innovation Center

Libraries have always been more than just book-lending places. They’re public trust spaces, open to all, with no pressure to buy, perform, or belong to a certain group. In today’s fast-changing world, we can go one step further: we can make libraries civic innovation centers. That means transforming them into active spaces where citizens work together to solve local problems, grow ideas, and build stronger communities. Here are three simple but powerful ways to do this: 1. Host Community-Led Problem-Solving Events Many cities and towns face common challenges—unemployment, food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or poor digital access. What’s often missing is a neutral space where people can come together and think creatively about solutions. This is where the library comes in. Libraries can host regular “Civic Hackathons,” “Idea Labs,” or “Solution Circles.” These are not just for tech people. A solution circle, for example, can be as simple as a group of locals, librarians,...
Read more

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate.   It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic. 
Read more

Librarian Resources: Books on the Passion of Christ

Offer your patrons several reading choices for Lent. Here is a list of notable books that delve into the passion of Christ, each offering a unique perspective on this profound subject: 1. "The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die" by John Piper    - Synopsis: This book offers fifty clear reasons why Jesus Christ underwent the suffering of the cross, according to the Bible. John Piper delves into the theological and spiritual implications of Christ's Passion, aiming to deepen the reader's appreciation and understanding of Christ's sacrifice. 2. "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Anne Catherine Emmerich    - Synopsis: Based on the visions of the German mystic, Anne Catherine Emmerich, this book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. Emmerich's vivid descriptions bring to life the sufferings of Christ in a way that encourages empathy and reflection. 3. "Je...
Read more

What is Special About a Coming-of-age Novel?

A  coming-of-age novel  has distinct traits that set it apart from other genres, primarily through its focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Here’s what makes it unique:        1.     Focus on Character Development        -     Core Theme:     The central theme of a coming-of-age novel is personal transformation. The protagonist, usually a young person, matures through experiences, gaining insight into themselves and the world.    -     Compared to Other Genres:     While many genres focus on external conflicts (e.g., fantasy battles or mystery puzzles), the coming-of-age novel centers on   internal   conflicts—struggles with identity, morality, and self-understanding.        2.     Transition from Youth to Adulthood        -     Rite of Passage:...
Read more

Basics of College Freshman Dorm Preparation: Room Dimensions, Closet Space, and More

When your child heads off to college, it’s more than just a move—it’s a transition into a new season of life. And as exciting as that sounds, preparing for dorm living can quickly become overwhelming, especially when the budget is already tight. Before you buy a single thing, pause and gather the information that can help you make every dollar count. Many families rush into buying items they think they need, only to realize later that the dorm already had a version of it—or worse, there’s no space for it at all. Understanding the dorm room’s actual layout and what’s already provided will save you stress, money, and return shipping fees. Start with the Basics Room Dimensions Most college housing websites list room measurements by dorm and layout. These numbers may not be perfect, but they can help you sketch out a rough floor plan. A simple hand-drawn rectangle with some measurements can help you visualize how things might fit. Closet Space (Hanging + Floor) Is there space ...
Read more