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The Upside of Unrequited summary
Brief summary
The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli is a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and self-discovery. It follows teenager Molly as she navigates the ups and downs of crushes and relationships, ultimately learning valuable lessons about acceptance and the true meaning of love.
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The Upside of Unrequited
Summary of key ideas
The Journey of Unrequited Love
In The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli, we are introduced to Molly Peskin-Suso, a seventeen-year-old girl who has had twenty-six crushes but has never been kissed. Her twin sister, Cassie, is the complete opposite, being confident and experienced in the dating world. The story begins with Cassie falling in love with Mina, a girl she meets at a party, and Molly feeling left behind.
As Cassie and Mina's relationship blossoms, Molly feels increasingly isolated. She starts working at a store where she meets Reid, a co-worker who shares her love for fantasy novels. Despite her initial reluctance, Molly finds herself drawn to Reid, but her fear of rejection holds her back. Meanwhile, Cassie encourages Molly to pursue a relationship with Will, a friend of Mina's, which further complicates Molly's feelings.
Exploring Identity and Self-Acceptance
Throughout The Upside of Unrequited, Molly grapples with her identity and self-acceptance. She is self-conscious about her weight and worries about how others perceive her. Her insecurities are further heightened by her experiences with unrequited love. However, as the story progresses, Molly begins to challenge her own perceptions and embrace her individuality.
Albertalli beautifully captures the complexities of teenage emotions and the struggle to fit in. Molly's journey is a relatable one, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, including friendship, family dynamics, and first love. The author's portrayal of Molly's internal battles and her growth throughout the novel is both poignant and heartwarming.
Friendship, Family, and Love
While romance is a central theme in The Upside of Unrequited, the novel also delves into the importance of friendship and family. Molly's close bond with Cassie is a significant aspect of the story, and their relationship undergoes its own set of challenges as Cassie's new romance takes center stage. The sisters' dynamic is authentic and adds depth to the narrative.
Additionally, Molly's family, including her two moms and younger brother, provide a supportive and loving environment. Their interactions are heartwarming and serve as a reminder of the importance of familial relationships. The novel beautifully portrays the different forms of love and the impact they have on an individual's life.
Embracing New Beginnings
As the story nears its conclusion, Molly is forced to confront her fears and take a leap of faith. She learns to embrace the uncertainty that comes with new beginnings and takes steps towards self-acceptance. The novel ends on a hopeful note, with Molly's character arc coming full circle as she gains confidence and a deeper understanding of herself.
In conclusion, The Upside of Unrequited is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Becky Albertalli's authentic portrayal of teenage experiences and her relatable characters make this novel a compelling read for young adults and anyone who appreciates a heartfelt story of personal growth.
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What is The Upside of Unrequited about?
The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli is a heartwarming and relatable story about love, friendship, and self-discovery. It follows the journey of seventeen-year-old Molly as she navigates her first crush, unrequited love, and the ups and downs of teenage life. With its authentic characters and witty writing, this book will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.
The Upside of Unrequited Review
The Upside of Unrequited (2017) is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of adolescence. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- With its authentic portrayal of teenage emotions, readers can easily relate to the characters and their experiences, making the book feel real and relatable.
- The story delves into friendship, family dynamics, and the complexities of relationships, offering readers a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of these themes.
- Through the main character's journey of self-acceptance and learning to embrace her uniqueness, the book provides a positive and empowering message for readers of all ages.
Who should read The Upside of Unrequited?
- Teenagers and young adults who enjoy contemporary coming-of-age stories
- Readers who appreciate diverse and relatable characters
- People who are interested in exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance
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The Upside of Unrequited FAQs
What is the main message of The Upside of Unrequited?
The main message of The Upside of Unrequited is the journey of self-discovery and embracing oneself.
How long does it take to read The Upside of Unrequited?
The reading time for The Upside of Unrequited varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Upside of Unrequited a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Upside of Unrequited is worth reading for its relatable characters and heartfelt exploration of self-acceptance and love.
Who is the author of The Upside of Unrequited?
The author of The Upside of Unrequited is Becky Albertalli.
What to read after The Upside of Unrequited?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Upside of Unrequited, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
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- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright