I am so glad I finally read a Jennifer Chen novel. And Checking You Out is so cute. It reminded me of You’ve Got Mail meets some truly avid readers. What more could I want? Keep reading this book review of Checking You Out for my full thoughts.
Summary
Lizzie Wei is a huge book nerd, and proud of it. And when she realizes there is a mysterious reader who has been checking out all of her favorite books from the library, she can’t help but get a crush on someone she’s never even met. Her friends make it their mission to find Lizzie’s long lost book soulmate and convinces her to leave notes for her crush. But what if the person Lizzie is looking for, isn’t at all what she expects?
Dylan Lin loves reading, secretly anyway. Ever since a bullying incident at his last school, he’s hidden his love of fantasy novels, instead leaning into his jock persona. Now he’s the tennis team captain, runs every day, and actively avoids reading. So, when he decides to start volunteering at a kitten nursery, and his super cute co-volunteer Lizzie asks if he likes reading, he says no. He never expects the look of complete and utter disappointment on Lizzie’s face.
Lizzie is certain her secret crush isn’t Dylan. It can’t be! But when he accidentally makes an obscure reference to her favorite book during their volunteer shift, she’s not so sure anymore. Can Lizzie forgive Dylan for lying? And can Dylan be brave enough to be himself?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Checking You Out gives major You’ve Got Mail vibes and I’m here for it. I will always read books about letters, secret pen pals, and the fight of misconceptions. It’s full of fabulous characters who will make you laugh and swoon as they reveal their vulnerabilities and mistakes. Plus I loved the side characters! If you love reading a book about bookworms, this is for you! Checking You Out is about the bravery to be unapologetically ourselves, to not let our judgement set in stone, and to accept help. It’s dual POV and we are able to see the yearning, the fears, and the doubts. Dylan and Lizzie have to come up against bad first impressions and these experiences we have as a teen which convince us to hide ourselves where no one can hurt us – or see us – again.
If you’ve ever felt ashamed for your love of something, for fandom then this is for you! Checking You Out makes us questions our judgement, our limitations, and second chances. Do we go with what is on paper or our heart? I loved the shout outs for other YA books! Checking You Out is perfect for book lovers and how it can be easier to be a jerk than to be ourselves. But it takes bravery to be us, to be in love, and showcase ourselves to the world.
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Find Checking You Out on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, & Blackwells.