Old Enough: A Novel

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 336 ratings

Price: 15.75

Last update: 06-28-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Adultescence
5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and memorable coming of age novel
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2023
“We’re old enough now to know that joy is not dependent on another person, no matter how much we want it to be.”

Five tear-soaked stars for this beautiful book. Wow. It’s the book I needed to read at exactly this moment, and the book I wish I had to read when I was 20. The depiction of friendship, and particularly drifting apart from a friend and the promise of forever, and the distinct pain that comes with that, was so relatable. This book was also a romance, and also a coming of age, and also a testament to survivors. I couldn’t put it down.
kwc
4.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, well written, with deep layers and humor.
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
College sophomore Savannah Henry has only been out as bisexual for a year. She has a new set of queer friends and is trying to fit into their group. Her lifelong best friend Izzie announces her engagement and wants Sav to be a part of her wedding. This is triggering to Sav and her anxiety overflows into her the new life she is trying to have at school. As the layers are peeled she is still dealing with the trauma of being sexually assaulted three years earlier, by someone she knew and who she dreamed of having a romance. Some topics are explored like guilt of over drinking, still wanting contact with the person etc. She has had some therapy.

This is a great book for various queer representation and finding friends who support you. As a coming of age story it is hard because there aren’t simple answers. In Sav’s Gender and Sexuality class the topic of justice is discussed. And I think one of the hardest aspects to this story is just like in life justice isn’t found. The characters are unique and memorable. Izzie who wants nothing more than having her old BF is a complex character. Even when I didn’t like her at times I understood her motivations. And just when you think this is too heavy of a story there is are light moments and a very sweet romance.

This reads to me like a YA novel but I because of content I can see why it is geared towards New Adults. The assault is not descriptive but there is on the page intimacy with Sav and other partners. Sadly this is a story that is all too realistic. My heart broke for Savannah’s mother in their last conversation and I wished for the talk with Izzie about the final decision on the wedding. Congratulations to Haley Jakcobson for writing a thoughtful and memorable debut novel.
rae
5.0 out of 5 stars 10/10 would recommend
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2023
a brilliant and well written debut novel that explores the messiness of reconciling past trauma. also so refreshing to see a version of queerness that’s young and modern, challenging long held concepts around coming out, identity, and the nature of relationship. so if you want a queer coming of age novel that gently navigates dark themes in an approachable and nuanced way, you’ll love it.
Chase Randall Mixon
5.0 out of 5 stars Hell yeah!
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2024
Dude this chick can write! Saw one of her tik toks, found the book. Not my normal reading material, and such a different world than mine. Every single word had me hooked, and eager to get more of the story.
Look forward to the future work from her, she is truly gifted.
Two Readers
3.0 out of 5 stars Break through?
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2023
Savannah is 20, living her best life at college. Her childhood best friend Izzie is getting married and wants Savannah at the wedding, even though Izzie’s family is the source of Savannah’s childhood trauma.
Caitlyn Simpson
5.0 out of 5 stars So so relatable
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
This is my first book review on Amazon but Old Enough was so incredible I had to write one. As a bisexual woman in her 20s who came out in college (and is also an only child whose childhood best friend was like a sister to her), I found Savannah's story to be so incredibly relatable. Her relationships with her friends, her family, and herself hit home to me like no other book has. I finished the book yesterday and haven't stopped thinking about it since. Haley - thank you for writing such an important queer novel - reading your book was an experience I won't forget.
nina_chan01
4.0 out of 5 stars A difficult topic handled expertly and with grace
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2023
It's somewhat hard to get through this one because the trauma that leading lady Sav went through as a teen and is only now dealing with is not an easy topic. Rape when it's someone you know and think you love is hard enough without all that followed, and reading it was not an easy thing.
But there's so much queer joy and community playing a big part in the plot and showing Sav that she has a strong support group of people who love her just the way she is that it's hard not to praise Jakobson's work. You're in Sav's head from teenage-aged to college-aged, and to see the growth and strength she's achieved gives this reader hope.
It might not be for everyone because it touches on some (needlessly) controversial LGBTQ+ elements, but I highly recommend it for those with an open mind looking for a solid story and even for people who could do with some mind-opening reading.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for the thought-provoking read!
Caitlin
5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Read for Queer (specifically bi) people in their 20s!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023
This book truly changed my life. I am a 22 year old bisexual woman and I have never really felt like my inner turmoil and life experiences have been accurately captured in literature or media. This book is what I have always been searching for, and I didn't even know it. Representation is so important, and this is such a joy to read, especially for young bisexual and queer readers. This book delves into all of the messy aspects of graduating college and figuring out who you are with such accuracy and gentleness. I will be recommending this to literally everyone I know. Read it!!

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