Different facets of love: Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

Personal Rating

Any stories representing diverse characters and portraying different types of love alongside romance with relationships other than significant others are remarkable. Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli delivers both. 

In this contemporary romance-comedy work of fiction for 14+ young adults, diverse primary and secondary characters celebrate love in all its forms as a family, friend, or significant other in such a meaningful relationship — starting with the friendship of Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker. 

As best friends do, Kate and Andy know everything about each other and do all things together. They are codependent especially when it comes to unrequited communal crushes — they pine for the same guy but do not really pursue it; until Matt enters the scene and things become different, their feelings toward him become real and turn romantic that they have to figure out a way to keep their friendship and for the first time, pursue this crush alone. 

Kate and her friends are part of the ensemble, so there’s a lot of pop-culture references here, but more than that, the theater itself depicts the true meaning of nostalgia and what fear of missing out probably feels like. It’s that longing kind of feeling, a good old forgotten one that can be felt in Kate’s introspective thoughts about their ensemble and their behind-the-scenes routines and preparations at the rehearsals. That feeling of being part of something special, building art together from the heart with a rush of passion and belonging. Perhaps even those who have no experience of theater may appreciate it.

While the story seems cliché in terms of plot, it delves well into the characters that are well-developed and diverse. With main Jewish characters plus side characters that are gay black, transgender, and disabled, here’s a kind of cast where everyone participates and brings something to the table by being proactive and opinionated. With their camaraderie and rapport, the ensemble is almost similar to a television cast in a sitcom wherein it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite because they all have their unique charms. 

Perhaps the significant plot twists here are the characters themselves. They show that some people may hardly express their love by words but do it through deeds. Others can show kindness with no ulterior motive, and some may seem to do things to hurt people, but there are in fact, deep reasons behind it that are not seen and heard to. Or that people may act jerks but are, in fact suffering from social anxiety. The moral lesson in this is that realities differ from one another. The people and their stories may seem predictable, but the truth is there’s always something different, something to learn and understand. It tells how vital it is to pay attention, to be open-minded, and communicate. 

This story also explores the different love languages that come from family and friends and a group of people with shared interests, or in this book, the theater ensemble. While the expected romance is still here, it highly focuses on the foundation and whole process of how the paired characters develop a romantic feeling for each other. 

Some content warnings to look out for are alcohol use (underage drinking), bullying, divorce, homophobia, transphobia, and profanity. All are briefly mentioned or told as past except its profanity. The book uses the f-word countless times since it’s a term the characters often describe their nemesis schoolmates. There are also other made-up cuss words and some dirty jokes. These characters are not fond of wholesome language, but other than that, they are easy to like. 

Kate in Waiting, the latest and fifth solo novel of the New York Times bestselling author, Becky Albertalli, outside the Simonverse, is three out of five stars.