Am I allowed to give this book a gold rating just because it allowed me to trade our current political reality for a female president with trendy and relatable kids for 400 pages??
As much as I try to hide it, I am a sucker for celebrity gossip. Combined with my well-known love for romantic comedies, this book was exactly what I needed to get out of my reading slump. Alex, the son of the American President, has a long-standing feud with the blonde-haired British Royal Prince, Henry. After an unfortunate yet comical incident, the two are forced to spend time together for publicity damage control and McQuiston executes the enemies turned lovers trope flawlessly. Under the microscope of global news outlets and the world’s fascination with young political celebrities, Alex and Henry fight for their happily ever after.
Their flirty arguments are melded with very real issues relatable to everyone – not just the world’s favorite celebrity leaders. Alex explores his sexuality while simultaneously figuring out his place in this rapidly changing world, all while under the media’s critical eye in an election year. Henry wonders how to break the heteronormative identity of the British Royalty. My favorite moments were when the two are surrounded by their older sisters and best friends, all of whom have dedicated their young careers to bettering our world, and still have fun at karaoke bars. In the least ironic way, celebrities? They’re just like us 😉
In an interview, Casey McQuiston says that she “[writes] super of-the-moment books. [She’s] not writing to be timeless.”
The pop culture references speak to its place in 2020, but undeniably, it has set a precedent in literature: there is space and a necessity for queer romances.
Under the surface of Snapchat flirting and celebrity parties, she so beautifully touches upon mental health, addiction, and the rise of divisive, fear-mongering politics. She explores the double standard within politics through Alex and his sister being biracial, and the expectations of female politicians compared to their male counterparts. Her characters hail from different groups – people of color, transgender folk, etc. – and never make them seem as props to push ‘diversity.’ They have their own personalities and purpose in the narrative, and just so happen to be a minority.
She also offers refuge from many of our political anxieties, painting a Trump-esque political opponent, relying on fear to win the Presidency. As real as the love story was, this plot hit harder. The characters wonder what happens if he wins, but we know. And we know the effects on the marginalized communities McQuiston incorporates in her story – how much we all stand to lose. In a way, the book was the idealistic escape we all deserve, especially as election season begins.
Without any spoilers, I hope to have the opportunity to reread this story in a world where good does ‘trump’ the bad.