What do you think?
Rate this book
Epically Earnest
In this delightfully romantic LGBTQ+ comedy-of-errors inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, a high school senior works up the courage to ask her long-time crush to prom all while deciding if she should look for her bio family.
Jane Grady’s claim to fame is that she was one first viral internet sensations, dubbed #bagbaby—discovered as a one-year-old in an oversized Gucci bag by her adopted father in a Poughkeepsie train station. Now in her senior year of high school, Jane is questioning whether she wants to look for her bio family due to a loving, but deeply misguided push from her best friend Algie, while also navigating an all-consuming crush on his cousin, the beautiful, way-out-of-her-league Gwen Fairfax.
And while Janey’s never thought of herself as the earnest type, she needs to be honest with her parents, Algie, Gwen, but mostly herself if she wants to make her life truly epic. With a wink toward Oscar Wilde’s beloved play, Epically Earnest explores the complexity of identity, the many forms family can take, and the importance of being . . . yourself.
Jane Grady’s claim to fame is that she was one first viral internet sensations, dubbed #bagbaby—discovered as a one-year-old in an oversized Gucci bag by her adopted father in a Poughkeepsie train station. Now in her senior year of high school, Jane is questioning whether she wants to look for her bio family due to a loving, but deeply misguided push from her best friend Algie, while also navigating an all-consuming crush on his cousin, the beautiful, way-out-of-her-league Gwen Fairfax.
And while Janey’s never thought of herself as the earnest type, she needs to be honest with her parents, Algie, Gwen, but mostly herself if she wants to make her life truly epic. With a wink toward Oscar Wilde’s beloved play, Epically Earnest explores the complexity of identity, the many forms family can take, and the importance of being . . . yourself.
304 pages, ebook
First published June 21, 2022
About the author
Molly Horan
4 books37 followersMolly Horan is an adjunct professor teaching YA literature at NYU and writing for the web at The School of Visual Arts. A member of the BMI musical theater workshop, her plays and songs have been performed at 54 Below, The Duplex, and The PIT. Her debut picture book, I Have Seven Dogs, will be published in 2023 by Penguin/Paulsen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
June 27, 2022
2.75 Stars. I hate to say this but this felt unfinished. It’s not because it was short and almost more novella length then the book length I expected, but because there did not seem to be enough plot. I’m sure I’m not the right target audience for this book. I just celebrated my 40th birthday this weekend -actually you don’t celebrate turning 40, it’s more like you just start the slide into a mid-life crisis- but even at this age I love YA and have read and reviewed more of it than any other category of books this year. I thought the cover was cute, and that the blurb sounded fun and overall I was looking forward to this read. Unfortunately, the book was not what I was expecting and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.
This book started off with a few interesting storylines surrounding the main character Jane. Unfortunately, everything that happened either occurred very easily, or just never really went anywhere. One of the main components you need to drive a story is conflict and this book never really had any. At times it looked like it may have some type of conflict, but then nothing would materialize. For instance, Jane had a crush on the girl of her dreams but the problem was her crushes’ parents were rich and would only let her date in the upper crusty old money pedigree category. How is this resolved since Jane is not old money? I don’t know, the whole issue just disappears never to be mentioned again.
On the good side, the fast moving romance was pretty cute. Those parts of the book were the highlight for me but I have to be honest that there was nothing in the romance that I have not read in hundreds of other YA books. There was no real angst or anything emotionally gripping, just a few cute scenes and that was it.
TLDR: I hate to say this but I just can’t recommend this one. There are so many good queer YA books out there that we can afford to be picker now than even just five years ago. There were a few storylines that started but the book never really went anywhere and that made it feel unfinished. Any kind of added conflict would have really helped and while the characters were okay and the romance was okay -and had a few cute moments- it just wasn’t enough to save the book in my opinion.
An ARC was kindly given to me for an honest review.
This book started off with a few interesting storylines surrounding the main character Jane. Unfortunately, everything that happened either occurred very easily, or just never really went anywhere. One of the main components you need to drive a story is conflict and this book never really had any. At times it looked like it may have some type of conflict, but then nothing would materialize. For instance, Jane had a crush on the girl of her dreams but the problem was her crushes’ parents were rich and would only let her date in the upper crusty old money pedigree category. How is this resolved since Jane is not old money? I don’t know, the whole issue just disappears never to be mentioned again.
On the good side, the fast moving romance was pretty cute. Those parts of the book were the highlight for me but I have to be honest that there was nothing in the romance that I have not read in hundreds of other YA books. There was no real angst or anything emotionally gripping, just a few cute scenes and that was it.
TLDR: I hate to say this but I just can’t recommend this one. There are so many good queer YA books out there that we can afford to be picker now than even just five years ago. There were a few storylines that started but the book never really went anywhere and that made it feel unfinished. Any kind of added conflict would have really helped and while the characters were okay and the romance was okay -and had a few cute moments- it just wasn’t enough to save the book in my opinion.
An ARC was kindly given to me for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
epically boring. 2 stars is kinda generous
January 10, 2023
I received an ARC from Harper360YA in exchange for an honest review!
I love The Importance of Being Earnest and have the fondest memories of watching that camp as anything Colin Firth/Rupert Everett adaptation so I was all too excited to read this book. I wouldn’t go into it expecting a carbon copy of the source material but I really had fun with this queer contemporary spin on it!
I could tell how quirky and offbeat this was going to be from the outset and as soon as I embraced that sense of whimsy, I just had such a good time with it. It’s a feel-good rom-com centring queer relationships and I didn’t know how much I needed that joy right now until I read it. I loved the friendship group it followed and how interconnected they were, and the image of them all tangled together on the subway was so touching and is one that will really stick with me. Jane and Algie remind me so much of my friends and I, and Algie’s flair for performance and the dramatic made my theatre kid heart sing. It’s as much a love letter to NYC - a place already so romanticised in my mind - as it is a slice-of-life about queer teens starting to come into their own and getting to find love along the way.
Though mostly lighthearted, this also dealt with the lingering effects of online harassment and the abandonment of the MC when she was a baby. Though happy and safe in her adoptive family, there are answers she wants, and I really enjoyed following her journey to begin finding some while safe in the knowledge that she had support, love and a happy ending already.
I will admit that I spent this book waiting for something bad to happen, for there to be objection or rejection or obstacles in the way of the happiness for these characters. I’m not used to getting to see joy come so easily or last so long. And yet here it was. And there was such a comfort in the stakes not being so high.
I wish this had been longer, but largely because I want to follow these characters around forever and see what hijinks they get up to. It’s such a fun read, perfect for summer, and puts queer people at the centre of rom-coms (where we belong).
3.5 ⭐️
I love The Importance of Being Earnest and have the fondest memories of watching that camp as anything Colin Firth/Rupert Everett adaptation so I was all too excited to read this book. I wouldn’t go into it expecting a carbon copy of the source material but I really had fun with this queer contemporary spin on it!
I could tell how quirky and offbeat this was going to be from the outset and as soon as I embraced that sense of whimsy, I just had such a good time with it. It’s a feel-good rom-com centring queer relationships and I didn’t know how much I needed that joy right now until I read it. I loved the friendship group it followed and how interconnected they were, and the image of them all tangled together on the subway was so touching and is one that will really stick with me. Jane and Algie remind me so much of my friends and I, and Algie’s flair for performance and the dramatic made my theatre kid heart sing. It’s as much a love letter to NYC - a place already so romanticised in my mind - as it is a slice-of-life about queer teens starting to come into their own and getting to find love along the way.
Though mostly lighthearted, this also dealt with the lingering effects of online harassment and the abandonment of the MC when she was a baby. Though happy and safe in her adoptive family, there are answers she wants, and I really enjoyed following her journey to begin finding some while safe in the knowledge that she had support, love and a happy ending already.
I will admit that I spent this book waiting for something bad to happen, for there to be objection or rejection or obstacles in the way of the happiness for these characters. I’m not used to getting to see joy come so easily or last so long. And yet here it was. And there was such a comfort in the stakes not being so high.
I wish this had been longer, but largely because I want to follow these characters around forever and see what hijinks they get up to. It’s such a fun read, perfect for summer, and puts queer people at the centre of rom-coms (where we belong).
3.5 ⭐️
July 18, 2022
this was okay but tbh i think i have outgrown high school stories. especially american ones lol
rtc
rtc
June 11, 2022
check out my review on ig
Rep: bi mc, sapphic li, gay side characters
Rep: bi mc, sapphic li, gay side characters
June 1, 2022
Epically Earnest is a sapphic story inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. It's got great romance and characters. There were a few times when it felt like the author was trying too hard to write "real, quirky, modern teens," but overall I really liked the writing style and humour. Lastly, the storyline following family dynamics and bonds was beautifully written and a real stand out of the book. I'd highly recommend Epically Earnest to anyone looking for a queer romcom with a little more depth (specifically, regarding family and aside from just the typical queer coming of age narrative).
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 21, 2022
An enjoyable story but not a new favorite nor a story that will stay with me
June 5, 2022
Thank you to Kismet Books for the arc! If you're a book lover in Wisconsin, pop over to Verona and check them out!
It's no secret that I am a huge Oscar Wilde fan. "Wow, Eva, I had no idea!" you say, because you are someone whose interactions with me occur online and have not seen the letterboard with "to define is to limit" on it and multiple other similar quotes or the picture of him stuck in a tiny flowerpot once occupied by my cactus that reside in my bedroom, been shown the Lego minifigure I made of him, or been bombarded with pictures of me dressed as him for Halloween. But yeah, I'm pretty wild for Wilde. However, contrary to what one might expect by my love for Gothic lit and horrible people, The Picture of Dorian Gray is not my favorite of Wilde's works. That title goes to The Importance of Being Earnest. Now I'll be the first to admit that, like my love of the classic musical Gypsy or the 90s movie of Bye Bye Birdie, this is somewhat tied to circumstance. Back in March of 2021 I had a pretty rough nervous breakdown and like the aforementioned musicals, reading The Importance of Being Earnest helped me through it. It skyrocketed to being my favorite non-Shakespeare play, Algernon skyrocketed to my dream roles list, I worked "bunburying" into my vocabulary and frequently drop it into conversations to make people go "hmm", and for the two people who follow me who I talk writing with...iykyk in regards to a certain ex-spy's name and personality lol.
All of that David Copperfield crap aside, I absolutely LOVED this book. It's short, sweet, and doesn't overstay its welcome. If I didn't have to, you know, sleep, I would have read it in one sitting, but I consider "unputdownable" to be a vibe and not something literal. Jane Worthing (Jane Grady? The Goodreads summary says Grady but she's called Jane Worthing the entire book and the arc's back cover calls her Worthing) is an endearing disaster bisexual who gained internet fame as a child by being found stuffed into a Gucci bag on the subway and found by Mickey Worthing, who soon adopted her. But now, Jane's best friend Algie has stolen her spit and gotten a 23&Me type test done without her knowledge...and revealed a biological match. At the same time, chronic heartbreaker Algie has gained the attention of Jane's hopelessly romantic cousin Cecil, and Jane herself has a crush on Algie's cousin Gwen (fans of the original play, fear not and ship away).
The characters were absolutely hilarious and also very sweet! Clear homages to the original but that's a good thing in this case. I didn't remember Gwen or Cecil(y) as well from the original but I loved them in this. The standout was, of course, Algie-- Let it be known that when I talk about my hatred of "diva" characters, Algernon Moncrieff in all his forms is exempt and I love him with my entire heart. The friend and family dynamics were amazing, and as much as I do enjoy a good heavy queer read, it was refreshing to read a book with no homophobia in it and just queer teens being ridiculous and fun. I feel like the characters and humor won't be for everyone, but I can't remember the last time I laughed this much while reading. It's more of a straight-up comedy than a satire (and I'd love to see a retelling of Earnest that focuses more on the satirical elements--or more retellings of Earnest in general).
Despite the overall light tone, Epically Earnest does cover some more serious topics. As a result of an offhand post that Algie made, Jane is re-thrust into the spotlight as an adult and has a myriad of gross sexually harassing comments thrown her way by trolls, and it's something that has left her slightly traumatized. Likewise, the complexities of being adopted and wanting to know more about yourself but feeling like doing so would be ungrateful to your adoptive parents was consistent throughout.
At the end of the day, Epically Earnest is a feel-good story that revels in its humor and is a great read for Pride month or any time you feel a bit sad and in need of a pick me up.
It's no secret that I am a huge Oscar Wilde fan. "Wow, Eva, I had no idea!" you say, because you are someone whose interactions with me occur online and have not seen the letterboard with "to define is to limit" on it and multiple other similar quotes or the picture of him stuck in a tiny flowerpot once occupied by my cactus that reside in my bedroom, been shown the Lego minifigure I made of him, or been bombarded with pictures of me dressed as him for Halloween. But yeah, I'm pretty wild for Wilde. However, contrary to what one might expect by my love for Gothic lit and horrible people, The Picture of Dorian Gray is not my favorite of Wilde's works. That title goes to The Importance of Being Earnest. Now I'll be the first to admit that, like my love of the classic musical Gypsy or the 90s movie of Bye Bye Birdie, this is somewhat tied to circumstance. Back in March of 2021 I had a pretty rough nervous breakdown and like the aforementioned musicals, reading The Importance of Being Earnest helped me through it. It skyrocketed to being my favorite non-Shakespeare play, Algernon skyrocketed to my dream roles list, I worked "bunburying" into my vocabulary and frequently drop it into conversations to make people go "hmm", and for the two people who follow me who I talk writing with...iykyk in regards to a certain ex-spy's name and personality lol.
All of that David Copperfield crap aside, I absolutely LOVED this book. It's short, sweet, and doesn't overstay its welcome. If I didn't have to, you know, sleep, I would have read it in one sitting, but I consider "unputdownable" to be a vibe and not something literal. Jane Worthing (Jane Grady? The Goodreads summary says Grady but she's called Jane Worthing the entire book and the arc's back cover calls her Worthing) is an endearing disaster bisexual who gained internet fame as a child by being found stuffed into a Gucci bag on the subway and found by Mickey Worthing, who soon adopted her. But now, Jane's best friend Algie has stolen her spit and gotten a 23&Me type test done without her knowledge...and revealed a biological match. At the same time, chronic heartbreaker Algie has gained the attention of Jane's hopelessly romantic cousin Cecil, and Jane herself has a crush on Algie's cousin Gwen (fans of the original play, fear not and ship away).
The characters were absolutely hilarious and also very sweet! Clear homages to the original but that's a good thing in this case. I didn't remember Gwen or Cecil(y) as well from the original but I loved them in this. The standout was, of course, Algie-- Let it be known that when I talk about my hatred of "diva" characters, Algernon Moncrieff in all his forms is exempt and I love him with my entire heart. The friend and family dynamics were amazing, and as much as I do enjoy a good heavy queer read, it was refreshing to read a book with no homophobia in it and just queer teens being ridiculous and fun. I feel like the characters and humor won't be for everyone, but I can't remember the last time I laughed this much while reading. It's more of a straight-up comedy than a satire (and I'd love to see a retelling of Earnest that focuses more on the satirical elements--or more retellings of Earnest in general).
Despite the overall light tone, Epically Earnest does cover some more serious topics. As a result of an offhand post that Algie made, Jane is re-thrust into the spotlight as an adult and has a myriad of gross sexually harassing comments thrown her way by trolls, and it's something that has left her slightly traumatized. Likewise, the complexities of being adopted and wanting to know more about yourself but feeling like doing so would be ungrateful to your adoptive parents was consistent throughout.
At the end of the day, Epically Earnest is a feel-good story that revels in its humor and is a great read for Pride month or any time you feel a bit sad and in need of a pick me up.
July 1, 2022
TBH just kinda bland, I skimmed alot of it. I liked the friendships alot more than the romantic relationships. Overall didn’t spark any strong emotions in me, I didn’t love itI didn’t hate it
August 3, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
This is a very quick read, which I really enjoyed! I laughed some parts and smiled at how cute some of it was! But, I do think it dragged for most of it (I found some parts to be very boring so I skimmed). Also there was a lot happening but at the same time there wasn’t a lot happening (if that makes any sense?). idk I’ll try to write a review if I figure out how to put what Im thinking into words that make sense😅
This is a very quick read, which I really enjoyed! I laughed some parts and smiled at how cute some of it was! But, I do think it dragged for most of it (I found some parts to be very boring so I skimmed). Also there was a lot happening but at the same time there wasn’t a lot happening (if that makes any sense?). idk I’ll try to write a review if I figure out how to put what Im thinking into words that make sense😅
June 27, 2022
I don't expect retellings to follow their source material perfectly, but truly the only thing connecting Epically Earnest to The Importance of Being Earnest is the character's names and the fact that Janey and Algie date each other's cousins. The book was boring, awkward, and predictable. Janey and Gwen had little to no chemistry, their relationship came out of nowhere, and the whole thing felt unfinished.
One of my biggest concerns about the book was Algie. He was consistently so selfish and such a terrible friend. He violated every single boundary that Janey put up and then did nothing to make up for it. I also hated Algie's characterization as a predatory queer man and everything about his relationship with Cecil. Janey is practically begging her friend to not pursue her cousin because he is only 15, and Algie brushes her off and jokes about it. There is also a lot of discussion of how "innocent" Cecil is, which is incredibly creepy.
One of my biggest concerns about the book was Algie. He was consistently so selfish and such a terrible friend. He violated every single boundary that Janey put up and then did nothing to make up for it. I also hated Algie's characterization as a predatory queer man and everything about his relationship with Cecil. Janey is practically begging her friend to not pursue her cousin because he is only 15, and Algie brushes her off and jokes about it. There is also a lot of discussion of how "innocent" Cecil is, which is incredibly creepy.
June 20, 2022
The best YA contemporary I've read in years. This queer Oscar Wilde adaptation is beautifully written, filled with love and topped with witty and relevant pop culture references. Give us more adaptations like this!
April 22, 2022
This was so, so sweet and I can't stand it. It wasn't at all the book I thought it would be, but it was absolutely perfect.
I expected a romcom that would really focus on the romance and the mistaken/faked identity comedy of The Importance of Being Earnest. I forgot that Wilde's play is also hugely about finding your family. Epically Earnest has the romance, but that's not the plot, it's not the complication. The hurdle in Janey's life is—not even finding her bio family, but finding out if she wants to. It's about being on the edge of a huge change in your life and figuring out if you're going to continue to be the same person, or if that's even possible. Whether to dig in your heels against change or embrace it, and believe that it will be for the better.
I still want to read a f/f Importance of Being Earnest retelling that's about the comedy and fake personas and the couples having to struggle to match up, but I don't want Epically Earnest to be anything other than what it is: gentle and safe and funny, with supportive parents and friends and first dates that go well and promposals that go even better. This book absolutely lives up to its title. It is epically earnest. It wants you to know that everything is going to be okay.
I expected a romcom that would really focus on the romance and the mistaken/faked identity comedy of The Importance of Being Earnest. I forgot that Wilde's play is also hugely about finding your family. Epically Earnest has the romance, but that's not the plot, it's not the complication. The hurdle in Janey's life is—not even finding her bio family, but finding out if she wants to. It's about being on the edge of a huge change in your life and figuring out if you're going to continue to be the same person, or if that's even possible. Whether to dig in your heels against change or embrace it, and believe that it will be for the better.
I still want to read a f/f Importance of Being Earnest retelling that's about the comedy and fake personas and the couples having to struggle to match up, but I don't want Epically Earnest to be anything other than what it is: gentle and safe and funny, with supportive parents and friends and first dates that go well and promposals that go even better. This book absolutely lives up to its title. It is epically earnest. It wants you to know that everything is going to be okay.
March 31, 2024
Perhaps a little underbaked but still cute. I would definitely pick up a longer work from the author where the ideas would be explored in more depth!
July 9, 2022
3.5⭐️… jednak nie dziwi mnie dlaczego ta książka na tak niskie noty, ale od początku:
•ja jestem ogromną, ale to OGROMNĄ fanką Oscara, i nie było, nie ma oraz nie będzie drugiego takiego człowieka, takiego pióra jak on, ale są wzory, symbole, style które zostały na nim stworzone
•ta książka, to zabawna, awangardowa i satyryczna klaka dzisiejszego świata. niesamowicie specyficzna nowelka, nie porusza się wokół ciężki tematów, a jednak …
•bohaterowie, to ciężkie do opisania przypadki, ta książka była wystarczająco dziwna, żeby albo ją zacząć zgłębiać i pomimo swojej krótkości spędzić godziny na jej analizie, albo przeczytać i odstawić w kąt i nie zrozumieć jej aluzji… i ja się zupełnie nie dziwie temu. bo pomimo jej prostego języka, pomimo nie skomplikowanej fabuły, ona w głębszym poznaniu wcale nie jest taka łatwa
•przeczytałam, może liczyłam na troszeczkę więcej, jednak widząc książkę, w której każdy rozdział rozpoczyna się od cytatu Oscara Wilda można się domyślność, że nie mamy tutaj doczynienia ze zwykłą młodzieżówką
•ja jestem ogromną, ale to OGROMNĄ fanką Oscara, i nie było, nie ma oraz nie będzie drugiego takiego człowieka, takiego pióra jak on, ale są wzory, symbole, style które zostały na nim stworzone
•ta książka, to zabawna, awangardowa i satyryczna klaka dzisiejszego świata. niesamowicie specyficzna nowelka, nie porusza się wokół ciężki tematów, a jednak …
•bohaterowie, to ciężkie do opisania przypadki, ta książka była wystarczająco dziwna, żeby albo ją zacząć zgłębiać i pomimo swojej krótkości spędzić godziny na jej analizie, albo przeczytać i odstawić w kąt i nie zrozumieć jej aluzji… i ja się zupełnie nie dziwie temu. bo pomimo jej prostego języka, pomimo nie skomplikowanej fabuły, ona w głębszym poznaniu wcale nie jest taka łatwa
•przeczytałam, może liczyłam na troszeczkę więcej, jednak widząc książkę, w której każdy rozdział rozpoczyna się od cytatu Oscara Wilda można się domyślność, że nie mamy tutaj doczynienia ze zwykłą młodzieżówką
May 12, 2022
This is a story about family, born and found. Janey Worthing was adopted by her father when she was one, after he discovered her abandoned in a Gucci bag in a suburban New York train station. This story was one of the first viral sensations on the Internet, and Janey has long sought to avoid being defined by this one thing. Now entering her senior year, Janey could not ask for a more loving family and long-time best friend, Algie.
But her world is thrown upside down when Algie submits her DNA to a company that helps people with their family trees, and discovers Janet’s biological relatives. So Janey has to decide whether to reach out to her biological family, at the same time she is dealing with her massive crush on Algie's beautiful and seemingly unattainable cousin, Gwen. As she navigates these challenges, Janey must face what she wants from her family, her friends, and a romantic partner -- and what that means for how she defines herself.
This book was delightful. The author did an excellent job of portraying the different elements of identity, including how one's exploration of their own identities can often unsettle their closest relationships. Both Janey and Algie have a strong sense of who the other is at the outset of the story, and they struggle, in different ways, as they see the other growing in unexpected ways. The book also excels in its examination of family, and all the different forms family can take. Finally, as a reader, you cannot help but root for the potential romantic relationships at the heart of the story, between Janey and Gwen as well as between Algie and Cecil.
Highly recommended!
But her world is thrown upside down when Algie submits her DNA to a company that helps people with their family trees, and discovers Janet’s biological relatives. So Janey has to decide whether to reach out to her biological family, at the same time she is dealing with her massive crush on Algie's beautiful and seemingly unattainable cousin, Gwen. As she navigates these challenges, Janey must face what she wants from her family, her friends, and a romantic partner -- and what that means for how she defines herself.
This book was delightful. The author did an excellent job of portraying the different elements of identity, including how one's exploration of their own identities can often unsettle their closest relationships. Both Janey and Algie have a strong sense of who the other is at the outset of the story, and they struggle, in different ways, as they see the other growing in unexpected ways. The book also excels in its examination of family, and all the different forms family can take. Finally, as a reader, you cannot help but root for the potential romantic relationships at the heart of the story, between Janey and Gwen as well as between Algie and Cecil.
Highly recommended!
Want to read
December 3, 2021I’M CRYING an LGBTQ+ “Importance of Being Earnest” retelling that is ALSO based on the subway baby story?? YA gods please please please let me love this 🙏🏼
July 15, 2022
I’m sorry to say that this book was a disappointment. Ever since I first heard about it I was so excited to pick it up, it is one of the most anticipated books for me this year and I just couldn’t enjoy it. And I don’t think this is a bad book per se, I just think it’s not a book for me.
This wasn’t a very plot-driven book, the focus was more on the characters and their relationships. I remember after finishing that nothing really happens in this book. And I don’t often enjoy books that are mostly character driven. The writing didn’t stand out as particularly bad or good as well, it was okay, nothing more nothing less.
This wasn’t a very plot-driven book, the focus was more on the characters and their relationships. I remember after finishing that nothing really happens in this book. And I don’t often enjoy books that are mostly character driven. The writing didn’t stand out as particularly bad or good as well, it was okay, nothing more nothing less.
March 24, 2024
2.5/5 Stars
I'm sorry to say this book was quite boring for me. I was originally drawn in by the retelling aspect of this story, which was present but not done wonderfully in my opinion. And the other aspects of this novel didn't blow me away either unfortunately. There was nothing wrong per se, I just think this wasn't the book for me.
I'm sorry to say this book was quite boring for me. I was originally drawn in by the retelling aspect of this story, which was present but not done wonderfully in my opinion. And the other aspects of this novel didn't blow me away either unfortunately. There was nothing wrong per se, I just think this wasn't the book for me.
January 2, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley as an educator.
Firstly, let me just say that I adore Oscar Wilde—his witticisms, his insights into the absurdities of social norms, and his willingness to exploit those for comedy's sake is what makes his writing so engaging. Taking the basic style of Wilde and applying it to the teenager of the 21st century makes perfect sense, and on that point, Epically Earnest does a great job. Molly Horan even uses quotations from Wilde himself to start each chapter, alluding to the unfolding comedy to come.
I can't deny that I enjoyed these characters—the utter campiness of Algernon (a name lifted straight from The Importance of Being Earnest), the tentativeness of Janey, the boldness of Gwen, and the adorable social awkwardness of Cecil. I loved that each of these characters were unequivocally queer and living their truth. Their high school drama (Does she like me? Who should I go with to prom?) cuts in nicely with Janey's more pressing and urgent questions (Who am I if I don't know who my biological relatives are?). I enjoyed watching Janey grapple with all of this, and her coterie of side characters made that journey enjoyable.
However, I don't know that anything especially exciting or epic, as the title would insinuate, really happened here. There wasn't a massive conflict, really, or any big revelations. It was hard to understand where a lot of the stress in these characters' privileged lives came from. Janey didn't even have any problem landing a true love, and I felt their relationship and all of the other romantic relationships lacked development and spark. The angst just didn't quite land.
In the end, this was cute and entertaining; I can think of many students who would enjoy this for the sheer appreciation of seeing queer teenagers doing normal teenager things and to that end, I would recommend it to several of my students on that merit alone.
Firstly, let me just say that I adore Oscar Wilde—his witticisms, his insights into the absurdities of social norms, and his willingness to exploit those for comedy's sake is what makes his writing so engaging. Taking the basic style of Wilde and applying it to the teenager of the 21st century makes perfect sense, and on that point, Epically Earnest does a great job. Molly Horan even uses quotations from Wilde himself to start each chapter, alluding to the unfolding comedy to come.
I can't deny that I enjoyed these characters—the utter campiness of Algernon (a name lifted straight from The Importance of Being Earnest), the tentativeness of Janey, the boldness of Gwen, and the adorable social awkwardness of Cecil. I loved that each of these characters were unequivocally queer and living their truth. Their high school drama (Does she like me? Who should I go with to prom?) cuts in nicely with Janey's more pressing and urgent questions (Who am I if I don't know who my biological relatives are?). I enjoyed watching Janey grapple with all of this, and her coterie of side characters made that journey enjoyable.
However, I don't know that anything especially exciting or epic, as the title would insinuate, really happened here. There wasn't a massive conflict, really, or any big revelations. It was hard to understand where a lot of the stress in these characters' privileged lives came from. Janey didn't even have any problem landing a true love, and I felt their relationship and all of the other romantic relationships lacked development and spark. The angst just didn't quite land.
In the end, this was cute and entertaining; I can think of many students who would enjoy this for the sheer appreciation of seeing queer teenagers doing normal teenager things and to that end, I would recommend it to several of my students on that merit alone.
June 30, 2022
this was a little bit slow at times but otherwise i loved it. i aM algie!
August 7, 2022
it’s probably a 2.5 stars but ….. this could’ve been so much better fr 💔
edit: jk it’s definitely a 2 star it’s just not good
edit: jk it’s definitely a 2 star it’s just not good
March 16, 2023
Epically Ernest was a truly endearing book to read. It is an all-around happy and wholesome queer book. For those like me who hate the third act break up or quarrel, you’ll be happy to know that it does not exist in this book. The characters fall in love and any struggle that happens is external and not within the relationship.
I absolutely love the friendships and relationships that are fostered in this book. I specifically love the relationship between Algie and Jane. They’re absolutely adorable. The quote about rocking chairs really reminds me of me and one of my best friends because we have a game plan to have a bridge or tunnel between our houses when we retire so that way we can just go to each other’s houses all the time to hang out.
“You promise we’ll get the chairs?” “God, Algie, so needy. We are getting the chairs. You will never be rid of me. Our friendship is eternal.” “Like Twinkies,” we muttered in unison. (location 1906)
I love the storyline of Jane deciding that she wanted to discover if she had any family out there who had an interest in communicating with her. I feel like it was a strong storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely be reading some more Molly Horan in the future.
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love the friendships and relationships that are fostered in this book. I specifically love the relationship between Algie and Jane. They’re absolutely adorable. The quote about rocking chairs really reminds me of me and one of my best friends because we have a game plan to have a bridge or tunnel between our houses when we retire so that way we can just go to each other’s houses all the time to hang out.
“You promise we’ll get the chairs?” “God, Algie, so needy. We are getting the chairs. You will never be rid of me. Our friendship is eternal.” “Like Twinkies,” we muttered in unison. (location 1906)
I love the storyline of Jane deciding that she wanted to discover if she had any family out there who had an interest in communicating with her. I feel like it was a strong storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely be reading some more Molly Horan in the future.
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
November 2, 2022I hope you're hungry... for nothing. I only checked this out on libby because it was five hours long which was really my undoing.
The book is really short, I would say way too short but I'm happy it ended and didn't waste anymore of my time.
It starts with Jane and her friend Algie (gonna be honest I HATE this name so much and anytime someone said it I was annoyed) and introduces a bunch of different plot lines but then nothing ever goes anywhere and nothing ever happens. It was so boring for real. What was the point of mentioning things if they were never going to be spoken about again?
The romance was hilariously instant like?? There was no attempt at all. Jane has a crush on Gwen, they instantly start dating and then are in love. They mentioned obstacles before that were in the way but then those were never mentioned again either and it was smooth sailing. There was no drama, no plot, nothing to make this interesting at all.
There's a bunch of side characters and then one of them had instalove too. There were some ideas that could have been explored better like Jane wanting to find her relatives or living with the fame of being a meme but nah.
Then they go to prom and the book ends?? Well okay thanks for nothing.
The book is really short, I would say way too short but I'm happy it ended and didn't waste anymore of my time.
It starts with Jane and her friend Algie (gonna be honest I HATE this name so much and anytime someone said it I was annoyed) and introduces a bunch of different plot lines but then nothing ever goes anywhere and nothing ever happens. It was so boring for real. What was the point of mentioning things if they were never going to be spoken about again?
The romance was hilariously instant like?? There was no attempt at all. Jane has a crush on Gwen, they instantly start dating and then are in love. They mentioned obstacles before that were in the way but then those were never mentioned again either and it was smooth sailing. There was no drama, no plot, nothing to make this interesting at all.
There's a bunch of side characters and then one of them had instalove too. There were some ideas that could have been explored better like Jane wanting to find her relatives or living with the fame of being a meme but nah.
Then they go to prom and the book ends?? Well okay thanks for nothing.
June 17, 2022
This is the kind of book that you stay up till sunrise reading.
While this is technically a The Importance of Being Earnest retelling, it is easy to understand even without knowing the material. Janey, Algie and their cousins are a queer group of teenagers ready to make you wish that you too were found in a suitcase.
Janey Worthing was found in a Gucci suitcase in a train station, only a year old. Her father found her, and shortly after she was dubbed #bagbaby, an instant internet sensation. Now that she’s in her senior year of high school, she’s wondering if finding her bio family is the next big step. Her best friend Algie takes a chance, and soon she’s thrown into a world of family trees, first cousins and secrets. All while dealing with her full-time crush on his cousin, the beautiful Gwen Fairfax. Janey’s never thought of herself as the earnest kind of person, but if she wants to make her life epic, she’ll have to be honest with her parents, Algie and Gwen,
I really enjoyed this debut. Molly Horan was able to intertwine the classic Oscar Wilde play into a queer teen romance in such a light way that it didn’t feel like a retelling at all. There were a few moments when I found myself going Aha!, as they were big moments in both play and book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Clarion Books and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
While this is technically a The Importance of Being Earnest retelling, it is easy to understand even without knowing the material. Janey, Algie and their cousins are a queer group of teenagers ready to make you wish that you too were found in a suitcase.
Janey Worthing was found in a Gucci suitcase in a train station, only a year old. Her father found her, and shortly after she was dubbed #bagbaby, an instant internet sensation. Now that she’s in her senior year of high school, she’s wondering if finding her bio family is the next big step. Her best friend Algie takes a chance, and soon she’s thrown into a world of family trees, first cousins and secrets. All while dealing with her full-time crush on his cousin, the beautiful Gwen Fairfax. Janey’s never thought of herself as the earnest kind of person, but if she wants to make her life epic, she’ll have to be honest with her parents, Algie and Gwen,
I really enjoyed this debut. Molly Horan was able to intertwine the classic Oscar Wilde play into a queer teen romance in such a light way that it didn’t feel like a retelling at all. There were a few moments when I found myself going Aha!, as they were big moments in both play and book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Clarion Books and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 23, 2022
3.5 stars. Light, angst-free, queer YA retelling of The Importance of Being Earnest with a sapphic twist. The dialogue was fun and comedic, and overall this was a quick enjoyable read. I wanted a bit more buildup and chemistry between Jane and Gwen, but Algie’s antics made up for most of it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
July 13, 2023
This is one of those books that I got through but the second its done I have no memory of it. Its not bad, I mean I got through it and didn’t hate it I just dont think it was memorable to me at all overall just boring. While seeing my goodreads friends reviews for this I’m glad I’m not alone about this
August 13, 2022
i preferred the friendships and familiar relationships to the romantic ones however the proposal was very cute
July 8, 2022
*3.5 stars
I liked this queer book, but...it's barely a book? It's so short that it's practically a novella (around 200 pages total), and while I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, there were just so many plots started in here that nothing really had the time to fully unravel. There's a plot with her confident best friend feeling unsure with the future of their friendship; a plot with her crushing on her best friend's cousin and the romance that comes with that; a plot with her best friend dating her cousin and her worrying about him breaking her cousin's heart; and finally a plot about searching for her birth family. It's a lot to fit into such a short space, and I think the book really could've benefited from more time because this felt like more of a snapshot in time than the full story. I do think the Oscar Wilde references were interesting and fun, but I would only pick this up if you're a big Wilde fan or a big fan of slice-of-life stories, especially queer ones.
I liked this queer book, but...it's barely a book? It's so short that it's practically a novella (around 200 pages total), and while I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, there were just so many plots started in here that nothing really had the time to fully unravel. There's a plot with her confident best friend feeling unsure with the future of their friendship; a plot with her crushing on her best friend's cousin and the romance that comes with that; a plot with her best friend dating her cousin and her worrying about him breaking her cousin's heart; and finally a plot about searching for her birth family. It's a lot to fit into such a short space, and I think the book really could've benefited from more time because this felt like more of a snapshot in time than the full story. I do think the Oscar Wilde references were interesting and fun, but I would only pick this up if you're a big Wilde fan or a big fan of slice-of-life stories, especially queer ones.
April 18, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I went into this bc i loved the concept but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did! It was so heartwarming and actually genuinely funny at times. Like I was sitting there grinning while I was reading, especially at the end I was so close to 'aww'-ing out loud lmao. I love how it captured that giddy feeling of being young and uncertain and falling in love. I also love how the characters are so clearly inspired by the importance of being earnest, like if you've read/seen the play you can totally see aspects of the original characters in their personalities (especially algie lmao). The inclusion of aspects from earnest was done super well (cecil keeping a diary *wink wink* like that cecily scene). Overall it wasn't life-changing or the type of book i would get super invested in and emotionally moved by, but I had a fun time and I'm glad I read it. I'd totally recommend to anyone who loves anything gay and loved earnest!
I went into this bc i loved the concept but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did! It was so heartwarming and actually genuinely funny at times. Like I was sitting there grinning while I was reading, especially at the end I was so close to 'aww'-ing out loud lmao. I love how it captured that giddy feeling of being young and uncertain and falling in love. I also love how the characters are so clearly inspired by the importance of being earnest, like if you've read/seen the play you can totally see aspects of the original characters in their personalities (especially algie lmao). The inclusion of aspects from earnest was done super well (cecil keeping a diary *wink wink* like that cecily scene). Overall it wasn't life-changing or the type of book i would get super invested in and emotionally moved by, but I had a fun time and I'm glad I read it. I'd totally recommend to anyone who loves anything gay and loved earnest!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews