A Date with Darcy (Bookish Boyfriends #1) by Tiffany Schmidt
Published by: Amulet Paperbacks
ISBN: 9781419728600
Released: May 1 2018 (US)
Read: April 28 2018
There is much to love about this witty, charming book which offers positive representations and a diverse cast of characters. Our heroine is the clumsy but clever Merrilee who is starting at a (posh) new school, with her best friend Eliza and sister Rory, only to embarrass herself a million different ways on the first day alone. Readers are cringing and laughing and crying at her antics and their repercussions, but we are also warming to her generous and loyal heart.
Schmidt’s attempts to parallel the contemporary story with classics mostly works. I found the first half wherein we follow a Romeo & Juliet narrative not as successful as the second half where we track Darcy and Elizabeth. Merrilee’s impulsive leap into love with the first boy who makes eyes at her is a good introduction to her, and it allows readers to settle into the rhythms of the story. However, the love interest is waay too unrealistic and his attempts at wooing just not plausible at all.
It’s hard to talk about the book without spoiling. However, I enjoyed all of Merrilee’s musings and attempts to fit in and not cause trouble, but also to stay true to her beliefs. The roles of the adults were varied and some were helpful, and others were a hindrance, which is also believable.
It seems this is going to be a two book series, and I understand we will next follow the adventures of younger sister, Rory. But I really hope we also get Eliza’s story too, because she is a most intriguing character. Here she is sidelined to Meri’s wingwoman, and cast in the role of worrying and cautioning. But I really think there’s a lot more to her than that.
There were lots of other issues explored, including privilege and making assumptions about other people (looking at you, Fitzwilliam Darcy), women in politics, and parental expectations (they only do it because they care). I also enjoyed Meri’s personal growth, and how she learnt to stop comparing her life to a book, and starting living the moment, and making her own choices.
A Date with Darcy is lots of fun and recommended for readers who like their contemporaries lighter and more romantic than issued-based. Initially, lots of characters are introduced which is confusing, but eventually they separate into individuals who all contribute to the storylines. It is heavy on the kissing (& more), but it’s not graphic or exploitative. The love interest is well developed and quickly became my favourite character. He is so swoony. The ending is satisfying, and leads nicely into the next book. Thanks to publisher, Amulet and Netgalley for advanced copy. A Date with Darcy is out on May 1.
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