Attached at the Hip: A Mixed Bag of Thrills and Misfires
I have to admit, when I heard Christine was releasing her third novel, I was thrilled! As someone who usually dives headfirst into anything resembling reality television, I was particularly excited to experience Attached at the Hip. Even though I’ve never seen Survivor—and let’s be honest, I probably never will—I’m a sucker for the delicious blend of tension and drama these tropes often bring to the page. However, while I found the premise intriguing, the execution left me grappling with some mixed feelings.
A Concept Worth Exploring
Right off the bat, the unique setting of a survival reality show captured my imagination. In a sea of contemporary novels, Christine’s choice to immerse readers in a competitive atmosphere felt fresh. I particularly enjoyed the adrenaline-fueled chapters from the very first one and the gripping sequences between the 70-85% mark. Those moments had me on the edge of my seat, showcasing some of Christine’s best writing to date.
And then there’s Osprey, who burst onto the scene like a whirlwind. The parkour king and bookworm combo had me rooting for his character despite not fully feeling the romantic connection with Orie. Nevertheless, I found myself wanting their relationship to blossom, which is a testament to how well Christine crafted Osprey as a character. From the moment he leaped onto the page, he was hard to resist—a true cinnamon roll hero worthy of a ship name.
The Genre Struggle
Unfortunately, my enjoyment was tempered by the lingering uncertainty about the book’s genre. Is it targeting adults, young adults, or something in between? The characters, aged late teens to mid-twenties, muddled the waters. While it flirts with mature concepts, the writing style and character arcs lean more towards young adult sensibilities. This muddled identity only seems to complicate its marketing, making it hard to pin down who would truly resonate with it.
Another aspect that struck me was the potential legal pitfall of directly referencing Survivor. In many contemporary novels inspired by real-life shows, authors cleverly create fictional analogs. It felt a bit jarring to encounter the Survivor name, which briefly pulled me out of the narrative and sparked questions about originality.
The Writing’s Inconsistency
As for Christine’s prose, it felt like a rollercoaster ride. While often vivid and immersive, there were moments where the descriptions fell flat. Oddly enough, some of Orie’s chapters felt like they were lacking the emotional depth to create a solid connection between the character and myself as a reader. I found myself wishing for more nuanced reflections on her experiences, particularly around the emotional whirlwind of the survival game she was thrust into.
On a lighter note, I hope the distracting chapter titles get revamped before publication—some of them spoiled plot points, causing me to skim rather than savor each moment!
Asexual Representation
Now, let’s talk about the representation of asexuality within the story. Initially, I was thrilled to see what felt like a portrayal of an asexual character in Orie. But as the narrative progressed, I couldn’t help but feel that a crucial opportunity for deeper exploration went unrealized. Although the mention of asexuality was commendable, it felt superficial and left unresolved, ultimately contributing to what I hope is a correction for future annotations.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, Attached at the Hip is a novel that attempts to weave together layers of drama, romance, and self-discovery, but it stumbles in execution. Readers looking for a light, trope-filled romp may find enjoyment in it, but those seeking depth in character development or consistency in narrative will likely be left wanting.
While my journey with Christine’s writing has been one of ups and downs, I admire her creative spirit. Perhaps in her next endeavor, we’ll see a stronger execution that matches her innovative ideas. For now, I’ll continue to be a fan of her YouTube channel and cheer her on from the sidelines.
If you find yourself curious about reality TV-inspired tales—complete with love triangles and emotional tension—then this book might just hold a spark for you.
TW: addiction (father, gambling, off-page), manipulation/mind games
Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the ARC.