Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling: 03/11/23

Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant (2023) follows a year in the lives of Reggie and Delilah as they find themselves and become a couple in the process. Reggie is a D&D DM and someone who loves to analyze social issues as they are represented in gaming. Delilah is the reluctant lead singer of the Fun Gi's.

Both have a good case of imposter syndrome. Reggie is dyslexic and relies on speech to text to write his articles. Delilah at the start of the book doesn't know how to play an instrument or read music. Then, unfortunately, both are in spaces considered default white spaces: tabletop gaming and punk music. For Delilah it's even more uncomfortable being the only Black member of the band.

Their insecurities are part of what holds them back from becoming a couple despite both being into each other. As the chapters alternate points of view we know how each feels about the other but we also know how much they are faking it to make it. Even when they are feeling unsure of themselves and unsure of their worthiness to date the other, both are delightfully respectful and caring.

Reggie and Delilah are also one of the most relatable romantic couples I've read. The way their meetings align with holidays — first the big ones and then any holiday they can think of — align with how my early dating went. Our first kiss happened on Columbus Day because my then almost boyfriend wanted an excuse to see me. Reggie and Delilah's romance follows a similar cute logic.

Five stars

Comments (0)