Why Does 'The State Of Us' Have Mixed Reviews?

Ever read something that leaves you simultaneously impressed and annoyed? That’s 'The State of Us' for me. The central romance is chef’s kiss—flirty, tender, and full of stolen glances that made me grin. But the worldbuilding? Sketchy at best. The setting’s supposedly near-future America, yet aside from a few tech references, it feels oddly timeless. Critics call this 'lazy'; defenders argue it keeps focus on the characters. And oh, the tropes! Enemies-to-lovers done right? Yes. Miscommunication drama in the third act? Sigh. I rolled my eyes hard enough to hurt. Yet, I still recommend it—with caveats. It’s like a flawed gem: sparkly enough to catch your eye, but don’t inspect it too closely.

Reading 'The State of Us' felt like riding an emotional rollercoaster, and I can totally see why it’s polarizing. On one hand, the romance between the two main characters is achingly sweet—their chemistry leaps off the page, and the way they navigate political differences feels refreshingly real. But then there’s the pacing. Some chapters drag with overly detailed political subplots that, while interesting, don’t always mesh well with the personal story. I’ve seen readers who adore the slow burn call it 'thoughtful,' while others dismiss it as 'meandering.' And let’s talk about the ending! Without spoilers, it’s either a heartfelt conclusion or frustratingly open-ended, depending on who you ask. The book’s ambition is admirable, but it’s also its Achilles’ heel—it tries to balance too many themes at once, and not everyone vibes with that.

Personally, I landed somewhere in the middle. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, especially in the quieter moments, but I wished some side characters had more depth. The protagonist’s dad, for instance, could’ve been more than just a political caricature. That said, the book’s exploration of activism and privilege is nuanced, even if it occasionally feels like it’s preaching to the choir. Maybe that’s the core issue: it’s a book with a clear message, and if you don’t connect with that message, the flaws stand out more. Still, the fanart I’ve seen online proves it resonates deeply with some—just not universally.

Mixed reviews? Oh, absolutely. 'The State of Us' is one of those books where your mileage wildly varies. I devoured it in two sittings, but my best friend DNF’d it halfway. Here’s the thing: the prose is gorgeous—lyrical and intimate, especially in the love scenes. But the structure’s unconventional, hopping between timelines and perspectives without clear transitions. Some readers find that artistic; others call it disjointed. And the political backdrop! It’s bold to weave real-world issues into a YA romance, but the handling’s uneven. At times, the activism feels organic (like the protest scenes—goosebumps!), but other moments lean into clichés, like the 'evil politician' trope.

Then there’s the tone. It oscillates between lighthearted banter and heavy social commentary, which can jar readers expecting pure escapism. The audiobook narrator’s performance actually smoothed this out for me—their voice made the shifts feel more natural. But if you’re not into 'issue-driven' stories, the earnestness might grate. Funny enough, the book’s divided my book club too: half of us framed quotes from it, while the rest traded it at our next swap. That’s art, I guess?