Review: Book ‘Rookie on Love’ expertly explores the emotion we’re all curious about

Photo credit: Nicki Rosenberg

“Rookie on Love” edited by Tavi Gevinson. The book was released on Jan. 1, 2018, and is available now.

Whether it’s creating a world-famous fashion blog as a pre-teen or starring in a Broadway musical, Tavi Gevinson has done it all. In her latest venture, Gevinson has edited a book entitled “Rookie on Love,” which everyone needs to be reading right now. 

Released in 2018, the anthology consists of writing ranging from essays to comics and was created by 45 different people on “romance, friendship and self-care.” Some contributors include authors John Green and Rainbow Rowell, singer Alessia Cara, writer/transgender rights activist Janet Mock and many more. 

A few years after the massive success of her blogGevinson founded “Rookie Magazine” — an online publication for teens — in 2011 when she was a sophomore in high school. 

After publishing four “yearbooks,” one for each year of high school, Gevinson felt that the “next iteration of Rookie in print should take a new form,” according to her website. Although Gevinson, now 21, has landed acting roles in both film and theater and is quickly expanding her career, she remains Rookie’s Editor-in-Chief.

Whenever I start a book, I love being able to connect it to my own personal experiences. Despite the fact that the people featured in “Rookie on Love” come from highly diverse backgrounds and their life experiences are different than my own, the universal emotion of love allows readers to relate with their stories. I can’t count the amount of times I said to myself, “Wow, I thought I was the only one feeling this way!” when flipping through this novel.

When I was reading “Rookie on Love,” I felt as if 45 people full of wisdom were giving me advice and teaching me important lessons that aren’t included in textbooks. The advice in the book is personal and allows the reader to fully understand what the author was going through.

My favorite aspect of “Rookie on Love” is definitely when I was able to connect with feelings I hadn’t even known I had felt. Reading another person’s vivid and eloquent description of love allowed me to understand things I didn’t know I could; the book opens a window to some of the secrets held by people who have truly experienced love.

The detailed and touching stories about relatable experiences are sure to keep the audience hooked for hours on end. Ultimately, “Rookie on Love” includes 288 fantastic pages of worthy advice on everything from getting over your first crush to learning how to love yourself. What more could you need?

Although the book is marketed toward young adults, the various perspectives offer something for everyone. So whether you’re 15 or 65, this book will definitely have something for you. 

“Rookie on Love” can be purchased on Amazon, iBooks and Rookie Magazine’s website.

  • Writing
  • Purpose
  • Credibility
  • Enjoyment
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