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Animate Me

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of quirky, heartfelt romances with a nerdy hero and a confident, complex heroine, "Animate Me" delivers a charming ride through the world of animation studios. The male point of view is refreshing, and the story's sprinkled cartoons and animation tidbits give it a distinctive flavor. Anyone who loves slow-burn office romances and a touch of real-life geekiness will find themselves rooting for Nathan and Brooke.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the story slow in places, with too much filler and drawn-out will-they-won't-they moments. The editing is a sore spot for many, with a distracting number of errors and a lack of polish that can pull you out of the story. If you prefer fast-paced plots and perfectly edited writing, or can't stand character indecision, this might not be your cup of tea.

A sweet, nerdy romance set in the world of animation, perfect for fans of male POV and office love stories - just be prepared for some editing hiccups and a leisurely pace.

About:

'Animate Me' by Ruth Clampett is a romance novel that follows the story of Nathan, a socially insecure animator who works at an animation studio and has long been infatuated with Brooke, the head of development at the same studio. As their friendship evolves into a complicated romantic relationship, drama ensues due to Brooke's existing involvement in an open relationship. The book explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of the animation industry. The writing style incorporates elements of humor, romance, and introspection, creating a unique and engaging narrative that delves into the complexities of modern relationships.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Nathan embodying insecurity and tenderness while Brooke represents confidence with hidden vulnerabilities.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs effective character development and engages readers through illustrations and relatable industry themes, all conveyed from a male perspective.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around unfulfilled love and complicated relationships between a socially insecure animator and a confident executive, exploring themes of longing and miscommunication.

Setting:

The story unfolds in an animation studio, effectively integrating the characters' personal and professional lives into a vibrant setting.

Pacing:

While the pacing is consistent, it has moments of slowness that could benefit from tighter editing to enhance plot engagement.
I rub my eraser over the sketchbook page and brush the crumbs away before reworking my lines over the ghosted image. With each stroke of the pencil my dream girl comes to life, her heart-shaped face g...

Notes:

The main character, Nathan, is a 26-year-old animator who has been secretly in love with his colleague, Brooke, for three years.
Brooke is an executive at the same animation company where Nathan works, making their dynamic interesting but complicated.
Nathan is inspired by Brooke, leading him to create a comic called B Girl, which begins to gain popularity.
The book features a unique blend of romance and animation themes, reflecting the author's background in animation.
The author, Ruth Clampett, is related to famous animator Bob Clampett, known for his work on Looney Tunes.
The book includes illustrations that enhance the story and provide a visual representation of the characters and scenes.
Critics noted that the book was slightly long at 394 pages, suggesting it could have benefited from tighter editing.
There were many comments about editing errors, including misspelled names and vague grammar issues, which detracted from the reading experience for some.
The portrayal of Nathan as socially insecure and nerdy adds depth to his character, making readers empathize with him.
The romance develops slowly, with a focus on character development and witty interactions rather than pure physical attraction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are some triggers such as issues with body image, unfaithfulness in relationships, and emotional manipulation.

Has Romance?

The romance is central to the story, with strong dynamics between the leads.

From The Publisher:

She seemed far beyond his reach…could love draw them together?

For years shy animator Nathan has carried a torch for Brooke, the beautiful and dynamic Director of Development at their animation studio, even creating B-Girl, a comic-book heroine in her likeness. When a new project throws the two of them together, lovestruck Nathan finally seizes his moment - only to find Arnauld, head of the animation studio, claiming exclusive rights to Brooke's affections.

But Nathan, it turns out, is not giving up on his dreams so easily. With inspired determination, he sets out to be the super hero of wooing his girl. Threatened by his persistence, Arnauld plays dirty - only to spark an uprising at the studio that unleashes the sort of havoc only a building full of frustrated animators can create. While Nathan pulls out all the stops to win his B-girl, Brooke has to choose. Should she pursue the sparkling career that has taken her years to build…or follow her heart?

Contains sexy scenes-Recommended for 18+

May 2013
397 pages

Ratings (2)

It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (5)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
5 months

On paper this one looks like a disaster (yeah, it's P2P) but I couldn't help being charmed by this book. The obsession with cartoons isn't one I share, but I'm charmed by characters with obsessions, and Nathan was surprisingly charming. I can understand being put off by some of Brooke's behavior, but as someone who's been heartbroken by a few Brookes, I get it. Anyway, it's pretty ridiculous, but a fast, fun read that I found hard to put down, despite my intent to hate it.

Bonus Favorite Character: Arthur, Nathan's dad, is a wacky inventor who talks kind of like a Vulcan. It's so ridiculous, it's kind of wonderful.

Although I can't be Stern Internet Lesbian without noting that Nathan's final Monkeyman comic was mad rape-culture-y and shame on Brooke for encouraging it.

Loved the little illustrations. I wish there had been more.

 
 
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