The highlight of the book was the moment when Theo realized that the Tatians actually do have a rich, varied, and meaningful social experience, which he had just been missing completely because he’s been an asshole and dismissively taking everything they said at face value

in the house*

I feel like the main thrust of Theo’s character is that he desperately wants to believe himself to be a jaded cynic who’ll step all over other people to get what he wants, but it’s extremely obvious from minute one that he’s just not that guy

I like Theo, which surprised me a bit

He’s a cranky old man and no doubt about that but he is constitutionally incapable of walking away from someone who needs help

he's really well written, which helps

also yes join us