Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis is a poignant debut novel exploring love, loss, and self-discovery․ Set in 2016, it follows Sloane Hart’s journey through college and New York City, delving into the complexities of relationships and personal growth․ The book has gained widespread attention for its relatable themes and emotional depth, resonating with readers who’ve experienced situationships and heartbreak․ Its viral popularity on TikTok underscores its relevance to modern dating struggles and the universal quest for identity․
1․1 Overview of the Book
Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis is a heartfelt debut novel published in 2024․ Set in 2016, it follows Sloane Hart as she navigates college life, her move to New York City, and her complex relationship with Ethan Brady․ Exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, the book has become a viral TikTok sensation, resonating with readers who relate to its poignant portrayal of situationships and emotional growth․ While praised for its relatable themes, it has also received criticism for its writing style and character development․
1․2 Author Background: Alissa DeRogatis
Alissa DeRogatis is a debut author known for her heartfelt and relatable storytelling․ Her novel, Call It What You Want, reflects her passion for exploring human emotions and relationships․ Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and modern dating dynamics, DeRogatis crafted a narrative that resonates with readers navigating love, loss, and self-discovery․ Her writing style blends nostalgia with emotional depth, making her a promising voice in contemporary fiction․
1․3 Publisher and Publication Date
Call It What You Want is published by Sourcebooks Landmark․ The book was released on June 18, 2024․ This highly anticipated debut novel has quickly gained popularity, especially on platforms like TikTok, where readers share their reactions and thoughts about its relatable themes and emotional depth․ Its availability in formats like PDF, eBook, and audiobook has further boosted its accessibility and appeal to a wide audience․
Plot Summary
Call It What You Want follows Sloane Hart, a hopeful romantic, as she navigates love, heartbreak, and self-discovery during her senior year of college and post-grad life in New York City․ The story explores her complex relationship with Ethan Brady, delving into the bittersweet nature of almost-love and the emotional journey of growing up․
2․1 Main Character: Sloane Hart
Sloane Hart, a hopeful romantic, navigates her senior year of college and post-grad life in New York City․ Her journey is shaped by her parents’ divorce, which shattered her belief in love․ Determined to focus on her writing career, Sloane finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with Ethan Brady, leading to heartbreak and self-discovery․ Her story resonates with readers grappling with modern dating and identity․
2․2 Setting: College Life and New York City
The story unfolds in 2016, split between Sloane’s vibrant college experiences and her ambitious pursuits in New York City․ College nights filled with friends and cheap vodka contrast with her determined days preparing for a writing career․ The bustling city symbolizes new beginnings, while the campus represents nostalgia and youth, blending seamlessly into Sloane’s emotional journey of love and self-discovery․
2․3 Central Conflict: Love, Heartbreak, and Self-Discovery
The novel revolves around Sloane’s tangled relationship with Ethan Brady, a love interest whose enigmatic nature fuels her emotional turmoil․ Her journey is marked by heartbreak and the struggle to define herself outside of romance․ Through trials and mistakes, Sloane learns to navigate the complexities of love and identity, ultimately finding strength in self-discovery and personal growth․
Themes and Symbolism
Call It What You Want delves into themes of identity, love, loss, and self-discovery, while the power of language and narrative serves as a symbolic backbone to Sloane’s journey․
3․1 Identity and Self-Discovery
Call It What You Want profoundly explores Sloane Hart’s journey of self-discovery, as she navigates her shattered romantic ideals and career aspirations․ The novel highlights her struggle to redefine herself amidst heartbreak and uncertainty, offering a relatable portrayal of young adulthood’s challenges and the quest for personal identity․
3․2 Love and Loss
Call It What You Want delves into the intricate dance of love and loss, capturing the ache of almost-relationships and the longing for connection․ Sloane’s journey reflects the universal struggle of letting go, emphasizing how love’s absence can shape identity and foster resilience, even as it leaves scars that linger long after goodbye․
3․3 The Power of Language and Narrative
Language and narrative play a central role in shaping Sloane’s world, as she navigates her identity through writing․ The novel highlights how words can both heal and haunt, offering a poignant reflection on the power of storytelling to process emotions and find meaning in life’s complexities․
Character Development
The novel masterfully portrays Sloane Hart’s evolution from a hopeful romantic to a self-aware individual, while Ethan Brady’s enigmatic nature adds depth to their complex relationship dynamics․
4․1 Sloane Hart: A Hopeful Romantic
Sloane Hart, the protagonist, embodies a hopeful romantic navigating shattered ideals due to her parents’ divorce․ Determined to focus on her writing career in New York, her journey intertwines with Ethan Brady, testing her resilience․ Sloane’s relatable struggles and poignant self-discovery make her a compelling, emotionally resonant character in this heartfelt narrative․
4․2 Ethan Brady: The Enigmatic Love Interest
Ethan Brady is the enigmatic love interest whose complex nature captivates Sloane․ Their relationship, marked by intensity and uncertainty, challenges Sloane’s ideals of love․ Ethan’s mysterious demeanor and undeniable charm make him a pivotal figure in Sloane’s journey of self-discovery and emotional growth, leaving a lasting impact on her life and perspective on relationships․
4․3 Supporting Characters and Their Roles
Sloane’s friends and family play pivotal roles in her journey, offering emotional support and contrasting perspectives․ Her father’s condition symbolizes her internal struggles, while her friends embody carefree college life․ These characters provide depth to Sloane’s world, highlighting her growth and the complexities of her relationships, both romantic and platonic, in her quest for self-discovery and love․ Their presence enriches her story, offering moments of contrast and camaraderie that shape her decisions and emotional landscape throughout the novel․
Writing Style and Narrative Technique
Alissa DeRogatis’s writing is heartfelt and relatable, blending nostalgia with emotional depth․ Her narrative captures the complexities of modern relationships, making it resonate deeply with young adult readers seeking authentic, poignant storytelling․ The prose is both evocative and accessible, drawing readers into Sloane’s world seamlessly․
5․1 Alissa DeRogatis’s Debut Novel
Alissa DeRogatis’s debut novel, Call It What You Want, is a captivating exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery․ Published in 2024, it marks her entrance into the literary world with a poignant and relatable voice․ The novel’s emotional depth and nostalgic tone have garnered widespread acclaim, making it a standout debut in contemporary romance literature․
5․2 Use of Nostalgia and Emotional Depth
DeRogatis masterfully weaves nostalgia and emotional depth, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with readers․ The novel’s setting in 2016 evokes memories of early 2000s college life, while its exploration of unrequited love and personal growth strikes a chord, making it a heartfelt and relatable read for many․
5․3 Relatable Quotes and Dialogue
The novel is filled with memorable, relatable quotes that resonate deeply with readers․ Dialogue between characters feels authentic, capturing the nuances of modern relationships․ Lines like, “Maybe that’s all we’ll ever be—an incomplete sentence,” reflect the bittersweet nature of love and heartbreak, making the story feel personal and universally understood․
Reception and Reviews
Readers praise the book’s emotional depth and relatable quotes, while some critique its repetitive writing and character chemistry․ A strong debut with mixed reviews overall․
6․1 Positive Feedback: Relatability and Emotional Resonance
Readers have praised Call It What You Want for its deeply relatable portrayal of modern dating struggles and heartbreak․ Many found solace in Sloane’s journey, noting how her emotions mirrored their own experiences․ The novel’s ability to capture the essence of unrequited love and self-discovery resonated strongly, making it a favorite among young adult readers seeking authentic stories․
6․2 Criticisms: Repetitive Writing and Character Chemistry
Some critics noted that the novel’s writing style felt repetitive at times, which detracted from the pacing․ Additionally, a few readers found the chemistry between Sloane and Ethan lacking depth, making their relationship less compelling․ Despite its emotional resonance, these elements prevented the book from fully realizing its potential for some audiences․
6․3 Mixed Reviews and Reader Opinions
While many praised the book’s emotional depth and relatable themes, others felt it fell short in execution․ Some readers found the narrative repetitive, while others struggled to connect with the characters․ Despite mixed opinions, the book resonated with many for its raw portrayal of situationships and self-discovery, leaving a lasting emotional impact on its audience․
The Viral TikTok Sensation
The book’s raw portrayal of situationships and heartbreak resonated deeply with readers, sparking widespread discussions and debates across social media platforms about modern dating․
7․1 The Book’s Popularity on Social Media
Call It What You Want became a viral sensation on TikTok, with readers sharing heartfelt reviews and relatable quotes․ Its exploration of modern dating struggles and emotional depth struck a chord, leading to widespread online discussions and recommendations, making it a must-read for many in the young adult community․
7․2 Situationships and Heartbreak as Key Themes
Call It What You Want vividly portrays the pain and confusion of situationships, resonating deeply with readers who’ve experienced unrequited love or ambiguous relationships․ Sloane’s journey captures the emotional turmoil of heartbreak, blending nostalgia with raw honesty, and offering a relatable reflection on modern dating struggles and the blurred lines between love and attachment․
7․3 Reader Engagement and Online Discussions
Call It What You Want has sparked vibrant online discussions, with readers sharing their personal experiences and connecting over its relatable themes․ The book’s viral TikTok popularity has created a sense of community, as fans bond over quotes, situationships, and heartbreak․ Its emotional resonance has fueled debates and reflections, making it a cultural touchstone for modern dating and self-discovery conversations․
Availability and Formats
Call It What You Want is available as a PDF, eBook, and audiobook․ It can be downloaded from platforms like Z-Library, Rakuten Kobo, and other online bookstores, ensuring easy access for readers worldwide․
8․1 PDF Download Options
The book is available as a free PDF download from platforms like Z-Library․ With ISBN 9781464223365, it’s published by Sourcebooks Landmark in 2024․ Readers can easily access the PDF version for offline reading, making it a convenient option for those who prefer digital formats easily and conveniently․
8․2 eBook Platforms and Purchase Options
Call It What You Want is available on major eBook platforms like Rakuten Kobo and Google Play Books․ With an ISBN of 9781464223365, it can be purchased directly from these platforms․ The eBook format allows readers to access the story conveniently, making it easy to read on various devices․ Its popularity as a viral TikTok sensation has also boosted its digital sales․
8․3 Audiobook Availability
The audiobook version of Call It What You Want is accessible through platforms like Google Play Books and SoundCloud․ This format allows listeners to enjoy Sloane Hart’s journey while on-the-go․ The audiobook is a convenient option for those who prefer listening to reading, ensuring the emotional depth and relatable narrative are preserved in an engaging auditory experience․
Comparison with Similar Books
Call It What You Want shares themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Conversations with Friends, resonating with readers seeking emotional depth and relatable characters․
9․1 “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Call It What You Want share themes of love, loss, and self-discovery․ Both novels explore complex emotional journeys, with a focus on identity and the power of storytelling․ While Evelyn Hugo’s sweeping romance differs in scope, both books resonate with readers seeking emotional depth and relatable character growth․
9․2 “Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney
Conversations with Friends and Call It What You Want both explore complex relationships and emotional struggles․ While Rooney’s novel delves into power dynamics and introspective dialogue, DeRogatis’s focuses on nostalgic, heartfelt storytelling․ Both books feature strong female protagonists navigating identity and love, appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and emotional depth․
9․3 “The Soulmate Equation” by Christina Lauren
The Soulmate Equation and Call It What You Want both explore modern love’s complexities but differ in tone and approach․ While Christina Lauren’s novel blends science and romance, Alissa DeRogatis’s focuses on nostalgic, heartfelt storytelling․ Both books delve into themes of self-discovery and the challenges of relationships, offering unique perspectives on love’s unpredictable journey․
Cultural and Social Relevance
Call It What You Want resonates with modern dating struggles, exploring themes like situationships and self-discovery․ Its portrayal of young adulthood and social media’s impact aligns with contemporary cultural conversations, offering a relatable lens on love and identity in today’s world․
10․1 The Phenomenon of “Situationships” in Modern Dating
Call It What You Want delves into the ambiguous world of situationships, where relationships lack clear labels or commitments․ Alissa DeRogatis captures the emotional turmoil and uncertainty of modern dating, resonating with readers who’ve experienced the pain of undefined connections․ The book offers a raw, relatable exploration of this widespread contemporary phenomenon․
10․2 The Struggle for Self-Discovery in Young Adulthood
Call It What You Want poignantly portrays Sloane Hart’s journey of self-discovery, navigating identity, family expectations, and career aspirations․ The novel reflects the universal challenges of young adulthood, where individuals grapple with finding their place in the world․ DeRogatis’s narrative captures the vulnerability and resilience required to embrace one’s true self amidst life’s uncertainties․
10․3 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships
Call It What You Want subtly examines how social media influences relationships, often blurring boundaries and complicating emotions․ Sloane’s experiences highlight the tension between digital connectivity and genuine human interaction․ The novel underscores the modern struggle to balance online personas with real-life connections, reflecting broader societal challenges in maintaining authentic relationships in a digital age․
A heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, Call It What You Want leaves a lasting impression, resonating deeply with readers navigating modern relationships and identity․
11․1 Final Thoughts on the Book’s Message
Call It What You Want delivers a poignant and relatable exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery․ Sloane’s journey captures the essence of almost-love and the complexity of human connections․ The book’s emotional depth and nostalgic tone resonate deeply, offering catharsis and insight into the universal struggles of growing up and finding one’s identity in a world of uncertainty․
11․3 The Lasting Impression of “Call It What You Want”
11․2 Recommendations for Potential Readers
Call It What You Want is ideal for fans of contemporary romance and relatable storytelling․ Readers who enjoy exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery will find this book captivating․ It’s particularly suited for young adults navigating relationships and identity, offering a heartfelt and nostalgic reflection on modern dating and personal growth․
