beta
So, I saw comments talking about Hanoi's personality and how they are too 'old' for this book. Just wanted to comment my 2 cents on this cause I do disagree on some points. Others have explained it clearly, so I will try not to repeat it.
Personally I don't understand how they are too 'old' for this book. Saying this means you have matured to the point where you don't understand actions taken by the characters in the book, as it could have been done in a better way. I don't think ALL of the actions taken in this book were immature at all. Both MC and ML are 15 years old, it's normal for a 15 year old to not know what is love, or thinking not falling in love is not normal. When you are 15, puberty is already starting and hormones are out of control. For MC who is surrounded by peers who talk about love everyday/love being the main topic, it's obvious that she won't feel normal for not being in love/realising she is in love. Because she just doesn't! Does no one have friends/have experience where they just don't fall in love??
It's even more so for ML. ML started dating in middle school, he must have had many relationships that have ended in short periods of time. I don't wanna entertain the thought that he might have dated older women cause that's a separate issue, but he is also at the age where hormones go bonkers. It's obvious and totally makes sense for him, adding onto the fact that he is extreme in his way of thinking (only need 1 person in their life, that being their girlfriend). Also some people seem to be forgetting one major tiny detail; when he saw MC carry that umbrella, he didn't fall in love BECAUSE of that. He confessed and asked her out the next day because he recognised her. They were in the same class in elementary school and MC was his first love. He even recognises MC's ex bff and MC's ex friend at first look even though maybe 5-7 years have passed. If it was anyone else i don't think he would have done so.
Anyway, they are 15 year olds, who are not only growing together, but grounding each other, helping and communicating with one another. Sure there are conflicts that happen (for the sake of plot etc), but that's all character growth! The characters are handling/trying to handle many things in a mature way (at least for teens who are 15) How can you be too 'old' for this book when they are addressing issues that even adults haven't handled/can't handle at all??