Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

There are few things that I actually liked about Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman. 

- For example, the cover, a cartoonish brightly colourful appearance that you cannot miss. (This time was not the reasons why I´ve picked up the book but it would have count nevertheless). 

- I hearted that Chani, the voice of the story is not only Jewish but also a journalist, a good writer. It is hard to find open Jewish characters nowadays, but this one really assumed her identity.

- I also loved the sense of humour of  the characters, especially Chani. 

- The articles that were part of the story were very well written. Good openings, attractive catch. It´s a good example of writing in the time of social media.

But...

...there were also many things that I didn´t like about the book.

For instance, the love story between Gabe and Chani, which started with Chani´s almost obsession with the attractive actor, who spans ten years of unspoken love, it´s irritating. When they both met for an interview that made Chani famous, she was not a teenager who fell in love with the Michael Jackson from her virginal room posters. She sounds so delusional, wasting her time with ´The Novelist´ only because her actor crush just got married in Las Vegas, shortly after an interview following a party where she may or may not kiss Gabe; or whatever she tried to do with him or him with her.

The back and forth timeline is even more irritating, as Chani may share some small details from the past, that instead of bringing more light into the story, just makes everything even less trustworthy. It´s like we are guided to believe a story that doesn´t distinguish clearly wishes from reality.

The fact that Chani is the predominant voice doesn´t help the story, as I felt being all the time told what to think about the story, what it is important about it and almost leaded towards the end (happy end). This unidimensionality of the narrative also steals any chance of developing the character of Chani. 

Although we are leaded ten years back and forth, it feels like Chani just kept herself busy with some writing - good - but otherwise kept Gabe in her thoughts. A lot, it seems. 10 years, and nothing else. What a waste.

I did not expect too much from this book, I was expecting some entertainment and sweet romance, but unfortunately no magic worked for me. I´ve read it until the end, but not sure if it was a good time investment after all.

Rating: 2.5 stars