Thwonk Reviews - Portrait Reviews

Thwonk by Joan Bauer
Review by: Amanda
Proofread by: Elizabeth


Talented photographer and perpetually unlucky in love, A. J. thinks the answer to her problems has finally come to her, in the form of Cupid. She's reaching the depths of despair because her popular crush, who already happens to be in a relationship, still hasn't noticed her just days before the Valentine's Day dance. Cupid, or at least, a version of Cupid, tells her he can help her in one of three areas, the choice is hers: academics, photography, or her love life. A. J., much to her invisible friend's dismay, chooses to make the object of her affection fall in love with her, without stopping to listen to the warnings.

First of all, this book is incredibly funny. A. J. is over the top and dramatic, as is her crush when he is struck with Cupid's arrow. It's just so melodramatic that it makes what could be stiff dialogue really easy to get through. That being said, I didn't really like A. J. as a character for most of the book. She was kind of annoying, at least when she was focused on getting her hands on the perfect guy. The most interesting parts of the novel were the parts that revolved around her photography. I always find photography a difficult thing to read about because I don't know that much about it, but the descriptions of the composition of pictures and the developing of the film were really, really well done, and I didn't find it as difficult to understand as I usually do.

This book is pretty much a take it or leave it kind of novel. It was a quick and easy read, but it's not something I would read again. If you enjoy the super cheesy romantic comedies, you'll probably enjoy it, but don't expect too much from it. It's what one of my English teachers would refer to as a “television novel.” It's something you can read passively; there is no need to engage your mind in the plot because it will pass you by easily. It's also something you can probably finish in only one or two sittings, with only limited interruptions.