If there is one thing readers love, it is a good hook.
A Show for Two has that in Tom Holland, circa 2016. A teen actor who had just secured the role of a lifetime as Marvel Studios’ newest Spider-Man, Holland had the opportunity to go undercover at The Bronx High School of Science in New York City. For several days, the world’s next Peter Parker went undetected, perfecting his Brooklyn accent and flirting with the occasional classmate in his quest to understand the average teenage robotics engineer. It’s the stuff of fanfiction dreams, and when the story broke after the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming, fans became intoxicated by the concept of an undercover teen celeb.
Enter A Show for Two by Tashie Bhuiyan, a homage to that fantasy from someone who encountered Holland’s high-school escapades firsthand. From the jump, this book has a fascinating story to tell. And for the most part, Bhuiyan’s execution of that story will satisfy young readers.
Unfortunately, this starstruck love story struggles to shine despite its stellar selling feature.
Mina and Emmitt’s lacklustre chemistry is a byproduct of common enemies-to-lovers mishandlings. Mina’s brief run-in with Emmitt early on in the book is the foundation for her dislike, as the secret celeb assumes she is an obsessed fan. The series of cringe exchanges is not enough to justify the “enemies” status or the intensity of their rivalry. The star-crossed couple’s dialogue isn’t strong enough to strike a spark either, often playing into unnecessary conflict and brushing off any romantic simmering with its harsh tone. The author favours the drama of the enemies element a little heavy-handed, resulting in an underdeveloped and often underwhelming slow burn. Elliot’s personality also fluctuates too frequently to nail down the true essence of this character, let alone give him star quality that could rival Holland.
This romantic partnership doesn’t live up to its potential. That said, if the reader can see their insufferable start through, there is meaningful growth to be had as the unlikely couple galavant around New York City.
In fact, this is where the romance of this novel truly shines as Mina amerces Emmitt and us in her world. From bagels to Saturday Night Live tidbits to mesmerizing city view descriptions, her ability to romanticize the big city goes a long way in enjoying this read. It may be difficult to pinpoint who these characters are and what they want at times, but when this author slips into the details of the city they inhabit, this story comes to life and, with it, the romantic subplot.
Ultimately the aesthetic of movie festivals, rooftop kisses, and young love are there. But the romance, the sparkle, is too quickly dimmed by the intensity of Mina’s home life. The author’s most vital work lies in Mina’s struggles to break free of her abusive parents and pursue her dream of making movies. But as important as showcasing that story for young readers is, the in-depth look at Mina’s toxic parental relationship often overpowers the light surface-level teen romp it aims to be. The fight between two compelling but clashing stories suggests they deserve separate spaces to flourish.
In the end, the magic of the hook that was meant to draw readers in is all but lost in this muddled premise.
A Show for Two won’t leave you starstruck, but if you enjoy stories set in New York City, it is an entertaining tour guide.
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Want to add this read to your TBR pile? You can find more information and purchase a copy of A Show for Two by Tashie Bhuiyan here!
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