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Reviewed by: Taylor Coonelly, Elementary School Librarian Title: Check & Mate Author: Ali Hazelwood Publisher: G.P. Putnam's
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: 10-Adult Genre/Type of Book: Romance
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Mentions of alcoholism, mental illness, cheating, sex and sexuality mentioned (but mostly closed door) Recommended for a school library: Depends on your library's audience Reason(s) for choosing the book: I have read other Ali Hazelwood books in the past, and was intrigued by this one as a semi-closed door romance focusing on the game of chess If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: As someone who doesn't play chess, this book made me want to dive in and not look back. |
Review:
Was this a typical Ali Hazelwood book with a female main character in a male-dominated field who falls in love with a rival who she thinks hates her but is actually so in love and they have a third act conflict where they say things they don't mean?
Yes.
Did I still read it and do it while smiling and loving it?
Also yes.
But really, while this book was a typical Ali Hazelwood style/story, I really enjoyed my reading experience. I think that as a romance writer, Ali Hazelwood does romance well (if a little predictable). Mallory Greenleaf is an 18-year-old mechanic whose relationship with chess has gone cold. Once a child prodigy and lover of the game, Mallory has sworn off playing or even thinking about pawns and openings - until her best friend Easton convinces her to play for charity. It is at this charity match where Mallory first meets Nolan "Kingkiller" Sawyer, world champion and notorious sore-loser, and where Mallory shockingly beats him. This win thrusts her back into the world of chess and competition, but she promises herself she will only continue to play to win prize money and support her family. But why can't she stop thinking about those deep brown eyes and that charity match?
I loved how Hazelwood is able to embed ideas of sexism into her books, and discuss gender inequity in STEM and male-dominated fields. Mallory is also the first Hazelwood character (I think) who is bisexual, and the themes of sexuality and openness about sex is really refreshing in a semi-closed door romance novel.
I would definitely say this book is adult or older YA leaning, as there is no overt sex scenes or explicit content, but the book does discuss sex and allude to sex between characters.
I can't think of any curricular connections to be made, but I think having a book club read this book and then play chess could be a fun activity!
Number of party hats:
Find more about Check & Mate on Teachingbooks.net
For more information about this book, see the Publishers Website
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