When someone in the marketing department reached out about this back in December, I wasn’t I was going to read it as I’d had a very stressful fall with a new puppy and school and work, but the blurb stayed in my mind, and after a couple of days deliberation I finally said yes.* I mean I had months to read it so may as well say yes and then plan around my schedule.
Unexpecting was unexpectedly (hardy har har) charming. Was it perfect? No, but that’s okay. It was a fun easy-to-read debut with unique and memorable characters (main and supporting). The book brought a lot of emotions out of me from hating and then understanding Maxie’s parents to my wanting to shake some sense into Ben but also wanting to give him a big hug for trying so hard and finally seeing reality. It was definitely a whirlwind.
Bailey did a great job of really getting into Ben’s mind and these two quotes were big for me because I feel like most of us go through some sort of phase for the first. Seriously though, like WTF: coming out, orientation, top, bottom, queer, all these fun words that are assigned/prescribed and we just sort of have to exist in them unless we break the paradigms or dualities (oh hey gender queer friends!). And the second one she NAILED overstimulation in one paragraph. I mean I feel like there’s usually a lot more you’re hearing and feeling that you can’t even describe. Also the use of tennis shoes – I’ve never felt more seen!
Orientation. I hate that word. It makes me feel like a compass or map or something that can be twisted or turned to point in the right direction. Like I’m something that needs to be altered to follow the right path. Or maybe I’m overthinking meaningless details in an attempt to avoid the bigger issue. (Chapter 1)
It takes me longer to swap out my books between classes than it should because the jumbled thoughts seem to jumble everything else too. Colors don’t make sense, and letters swirl and morph on the book covers. Every bang of lockers around me, every squeak of tennis shoes on polished floors, every raucous burst of laughter grates on my nerves. Even the soft cotton of my T-shirt feels gritty and rough. It’s something that happens when I’m stressed, this getting sucked into sensory overload on all fronts. (Chapter 7)
My biggest problem with the book wasn’t the perceived casual misogyny or unintentional patronization of Maxie, by Ben and so many other characters, but the lack of her voice and agency in the entire story. I know the story is told from Ben’s point of view, but everything we know about Maxie says she wouldn’t just sit there and take it. And I get that Bailey wrote this as a massive thing and Maxie changes because of it, but for some reason, it just really bothered me that she went from this bad-ass science personality to meek and weak and not invested in anything. There are moments where she breaks out of it, but for the most part, I was just sad at how she was portrayed
The thing is, Maxie was always the one to keep us on track, pushing the KISS principle. Somehow, without her involvement, we forgot about the ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid!’ approach. (Chapter 11)
The love story aspect was adorable, especially because Gio was trying his best to protect Ben and work with him to support him. This was all happening even while Ben was convinced he was going to do everything he could to raise the baby on his own. If that’s not a deeper love than childhood love then I’m not sure what is. And then there was the love of Ben’s stepfamily I think both times they surprised Ben I was almost in tears because it was just so wonderfully perfect and well written and Bailey again nailed Ben’s emotions perfectly.
I’ve never understood the idea of bittersweet as an emotion before. Like, how can something be painful and comforting at the same time? But that’s exactly what this moment is. Bittersweet. Because, while I hate—absolutely hate—that Gio is one more sacrifice I have to make, the fact he’s promising to be my friend forever fills me with sunshine and cotton candy. I can’t tell Gio any of that, so I say, ‘Good.’ (Chapter 19)
The above quote was the beginning of the end. At that point, he started to truly understand everything he would be giving up over the next few chapters. He also FINALLY connected the dots of who could adopt the baby (not a surprise for me, but if you read it fast you might miss it). It all led to his personal growth and maturation and understanding that what he wants and thinks is required isn’t necessarily what’s best for everyone.
Recommendation: 100% worth the read. I enjoyed reading it and there were so many great characters and scenes. Ben’s growth and his journey to acceptance and understanding is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but I was there for it and glad he finally came around and everything was wrapped up so neatly and perfectly. I’m not sure I really get the Heartstopper reference, but hey you gotta do what you’ve gotta do for marketing right?
*I received a copy of Unexpecting via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
Opening Line: “Mom, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Closing Line: “This is family.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)
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