Book Review: Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
When I first picked up Magnolia Parks, the debut novel in the eponymous universe by Jessa Hastings, I was drawn in by its promise of a glamorous and chaotic world reminiscent of Gossip Girl. However, as I navigated through the pages, I realized that instead of a captivating tale of friendship and romance, I was plunged into a convoluted mess of toxic relationships and hollow characters—one that left me more baffled than enchanted.
At the heart of Magnolia Parks are Magnolia and BJ, childhood besties who spiral into a confusing quagmire of untrustworthiness and emotional upheaval. The promise of a deep, meaningful exploration of their relationship quickly unraveled into a repetitive back-and-forth that was both exhausting and frustrating. I found myself echoing a sentiment from a fellow reader who noted, "there’s no plot beside the constant back and forth." It’s hard to invest in characters when they feel as flat as an old script. While Magnolia is supposedly obsessed with fashion—a key trait—most of what we learn revolves around who wears what rather than how it affects her life or relationships.
In a narrative that continually drags out their dysfunction, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Hastings intended to provide commentary on toxic love, but instead ended up glorifying it. BJ’s “I-love-her-so-much-I’ll-sleep-around” mentality honestly left me with more questions than answers. How is it romantic for him to act this way? And why does Magnolia keep going back? As one pointed out, “all the side characters were literally the same person,” making it difficult to differentiate any voice or opinion regarding BJ’s unrepentant actions.
I must admit, there were moments that made me chuckle for all the wrong reasons, like BJ’s absurd reasoning for cheating: “You have sex with other people and tell her because when you do, it makes her sad.” I couldn’t help but laugh, both at the absurdity and the wanton disregard for any formal character development. The craftsmanship of the writing also felt disjointed; at times, I found the metaphors stunning, yet they were often overshadowed by a narrative that moved lethargically along, desperately trying to keep a semblance of intrigue.
Despite the chaotic nature, some quotes stood out, like “I feel like I’ve fallen into a hole,” perfectly capturing the spiraling chaos within the characters’ hearts. But it’s a shame that while the prose could soar, the characters remained earthbound in their dysfunction.
In conclusion, Magnolia Parks is not a cozy read for those who cherish well-rounded characters and meaningful relationships. It may appeal to readers who are drawn to tales of emotional turmoil and enjoy a dramatic dive into toxic romance—but beware! The portrayal of its relationships is tricky. If you prefer narratives that celebrate unconditional love and growth rather than chaos, you might want to pass on this one.
Ultimately, this read left me reflecting on the state of modern romance fiction and wondering how we can tell stories that explore love without romanticizing the toxic sides. If nothing else, it certainly made for a lively discussion in the bookish community, so I recommend it for those who love a bit of controversy in their literature.
Discover more about Magnolia Parks (Magnolia Parks Universe, #1) on GoodReads >>