Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Advise You To Like Me As Soon As Possible
"I Advise You To Like Me As Soon As Possible" promised a hilarious rom-com, and for the most part, it delivered. The premise itself is intriguing: a sharp but down-to-earth lawyer stuck working in a backwater office is forced to mentor a newly returned, arrogant lawyer who also happens to be her future boss. The clash of personalities and cultures had me hooked from the start.
First Impressions
The initial chapters are a riot. The male lead's early humiliations, like getting attacked by a chicken, are pure comedic gold. I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity of his situation and the female lead's reactions to his fish-out-of-water experiences. It's the kind of story that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is precisely what I was looking for.
What Works Well
The strength of this novel lies in its characters and their growth. The female lead, Ning Wan, is a relatable and clever woman who genuinely cares about her community. I appreciated that she wasn't portrayed as perfect; she has her own biases and demons, making her feel like a real person. The male lead, Fu Zheng, undergoes a significant transformation, shedding his arrogance and learning to appreciate the simple things in life. Seeing him humbled and forced to confront the realities of life outside his privileged bubble was satisfying.
I also enjoyed the legal cases they tackled. They felt realistic and relatable, dealing with issues like domestic abuse, inheritance disputes, and noise complaints. The novel manages to balance the humor with these more serious topics, offering moments of reflection and empathy. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable. Their bickering is hilarious, and their eventual romance feels natural and earned.
Areas of Concern
While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, I can see why some readers might find it frustrating. A few reviewers mentioned that the female lead can be a bit preachy and that the male lead's ignorance can be grating at times. I can understand that perspective, though I personally found it more endearing than annoying. A few also mentioned a slump around chapters 30-40, where the story seemed to meander. I didn't feel it as strongly, but I can see how the pacing might have faltered slightly in that section.
Final Verdict
Overall, "I Advise You To Like Me As Soon As Possible" is a delightful and entertaining read. If you're looking for a lighthearted rom-com with well-developed characters, relatable cases, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, I highly recommend giving it a try. Just be prepared for a bit of initial arrogance and a possible mid-story slump. But if you can get past that, you're in for a treat.
