Captivated by Emergency Contact: A Review
Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate the cover of Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi? I mean, seriously! During a recent aimless wander around Barnes & Noble—a pastime I lovingly refer to as "waiting for life to give me something to do"—this dusty pink gem caught my eye. I was instantly smitten. The promise of a contemporary narrative infused with text messages had me saying, “yes, please!” faster than you can say “impulse buy.” Little did I know that I was about to plunge headfirst into a whirlwind of emotions, especially during the week before finals!
At its core, Emergency Contact explores the messy, complicated nature of mental health, relationships, and the duality of insecurity and connection in the digital age. We follow Penny and Sam, two characters whose internal struggles leap off the page. It’s refreshing—and maybe a bit unsettling—to meet protagonists who are not just relatable but downright maddening at times. Their bitter and judgmental views on life might stir the pot for some readers, but that’s precisely where the brilliance lies. Mary H.K. Choi doesn’t shy away from presenting fully fleshed-out, flawed human beings, which is so rare in contemporary literature.
The writing style? I found it delightfully engaging. Choi’s use of pop culture references felt organic and avoided the cringe-inducing pitfalls common in other modern narratives. Dialogue zipped along like a well-timed text, enhancing the pacing and bringing the characters’ voices to life. The sprinkling of text messages throughout was like a secret sauce, giving me a peek into the characters’ thoughts in an authentic way. Trust me, I swooned over the realism of their exchanges—they were witty and relatable, making me laugh more than once.
Now, let’s talk characters because, wow. Sam? Chef’s kiss—I can’t believe I finally admit to finding a fictional character hot. But he’s more than just a pretty face; his struggles mirror Penny’s in all the right ways, creating a compelling push and pull that captivated me. Penny herself is a beautifully crafted character—adorable yet layered with insecurities that make her journey feel all the more real. Choi excels at constructing a world around them, with even the background characters bursting with life and authenticity.
Of course, no book is without its faults, and Emergency Contact is no exception. The relationships felt occasionally imbalanced, and I found myself questioning the pacing at times. And while most characters shimmer with depth, Penny’s mom came off flat, which felt like a missed opportunity. But really, I think the most significant conversation sparked by this book is about flawed characters—Penny and Sam, prickly as they are, represent the genuine messiness of young adulthood. And maybe that’s what makes this book resonate so deeply.
To wrap it up, Emergency Contact is a delightful and messy exploration of connection in today’s world. If you’re someone who thrives on complex characters and isn’t afraid of a little darkness wrapped in a candy-pink cover, then this book is for you. It has swiftly made its way onto my auto-buy author list—a feat achieved after only one book! So, if you feel like venturing into the beautifully chaotic realm of contemporary literature, grab a copy, and join me in this imperfect yet satisfying journey. Trust me, you won’t regret it!