A Journey of Laughter and Reflection: Review of The Girl Most Likely To by Julie Tieu
I stumbled across The Girl Most Likely To by Julie Tieu not long ago, and let me tell you, it’s a delightful detour from my usual reads. The cover caught my eye—bright and cheerful, much like the energy of the book itself. After a few weeks of diving into heavy romances, the promise of a whimsical yet heartfelt story featuring 38-year-old Rachel Dang, recently laid off and grappling with her life choices, felt like just the remedy I needed. And oh, was I right!
At its core, Tieu’s novel is a charming second-chance romance with a millennial twist that pulls at both nostalgia and relatability. Rachel’s journey back to her high school roots—a reunion she almost missed—invites readers to reflect on their own pasts. Those delightful flashbacks to her formative years alongside her would-be lover, Danny Phan, felt like an earnest homage to growing up in the early 2000s, complete with AIM chat conversations that resonated deeply with anyone who spent their teen years navigating the digital landscape.
Where this novel really shines is in Rachel’s internal struggles. The way Tieu captures Rachel’s perfectionism and the chaotic juggling act of adulthood struck a chord with me. Who hasn’t felt overwhelmed by the weight of expectations—real or otherwise? Rachel’s humorous yet poignant observations about life reminded me that it’s okay to flounder a bit when you’re just trying to figure things out. Her vulnerabilities made her incredibly relatable and infused the narrative with a warm, authentic tone.
To describe Danny Phan as just a romantic interest would be an understatement. He is one of the most refreshingly realistic male characters I’ve encountered. With his “slight belly” and willingness to remove cactus spikes from uncomfortable places (yes, you read that right!), he epitomizes the flawed, lovable everyman. His gentle nudges of encouragement towards Rachel were both sweet and necessary—his ability to call her out without tearing her down is a quality that many readers will appreciate.
Despite the lighthearted nature of this story, I found myself wishing for a little more depth in places. There were moments when the dialogue felt awkward—like a beloved sitcom that skips a beat. And as much as I enjoyed Rachel’s rivalry with Mariana, the subplot fizzled out, leaving me yearning for closure where more conflict could have added texture to the narrative. And then there’s that epilogue. While I understand the desire for neatly tied-up endings, I personally felt it didn’t quite do justice to Rachel’s journey. A little uncertainty could have left room for readers to wonder and dream alongside her.
Nevertheless, Tieu’s The Girl Most Likely To brought a much-needed lightness to my reading experience. It’s a book that invites laughter and reflection in equal measure and the perfect companion for a long weekend escape. If you’re looking for a charming tale that celebrates the messiness of adulthood and the magic of second-chances, I wholeheartedly recommend picking this one up. And hey, keep an eye out for Julie Tieu’s backlist—The Donut Trap has already found a cozy spot on my TBR list!
In essence, this novel isn’t just about romance; it’s about navigating the winding roads of life with humor and grace. For anyone reminiscing about high school days or just looking for a feel-good read, Rachel and Danny’s story is a precious reminder that it’s never too late for love—or laughter.