I Hate Everyone But You Audiobook by Gaby Dunn, Allison Raskin

As I settled into my cozy reading nook, a warm cup of tea in hand, I hit play on the audiobook “I Hate Everyone But You” by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin. It was a rainy afternoon, and the rhythmic tapping of raindrops against the window created a perfect backdrop for the emotional rollercoaster I was about to embark on. I had heard the buzz surrounding this novel—a vibrant tapestry of friendship, mental health struggles, and the tumultuous journey of college life—but nothing could prepare me for the heartfelt connection I would forge with Ava and Gen.

From the very first email exchange between the two best friends, I felt like an eavesdropper on their most intimate conversations. The novel is crafted entirely through text and email communication, which adds a refreshing layer of authenticity to their relationship. It’s as if Ava and Gen were speaking directly to me, sharing their triumphs and tribulations as they navigated their first year of college on opposite coasts. The format lent itself beautifully to capturing their distinct voices; Gaby Dunn’s narration brought Ava’s thoughtful hesitance to life while Allison Raskin’s energetic delivery embodied Gen’s impulsive spirit.

Ava resonated with me deeply; her struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression felt all too familiar. There were moments where she mirrored my own experiences—her inner turmoil often manifested in sharp humor that sometimes hurt those around her. Yet, it was through her vulnerabilities that I found solace; her candidness about mental health issues struck a chord in my heart. On the other hand, Gen’s reckless behavior left me torn—while her adventurous spirit was exhilarating to witness, it also made my heart race with concern for her well-being. Together, they painted a picture of friendship that was both comforting and chaotic.

The themes woven throughout this story are poignant and relatable. The exploration of distance—both physical and emotional—between friends is something many can identify with as life takes us down different paths. It stirred up memories of my own friendships that have weathered time and space. The challenges they faced in their new environment echoed my own fears when I first stepped onto a college campus; who would I become amidst all this change? Listening to their journey reminded me that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes but also essential to reach out for support.

However, not everything about this audiobook resonated positively for me. Some moments felt frustratingly stagnant; Ava’s judgmental tendencies towards others coupled with Gen’s recklessness sometimes left me exasperated rather than empathetic. While these traits added realism, they occasionally overshadowed the growth one might hope for in characters navigating such transformative years. Furthermore, some criticisms surrounding the portrayal of mental health issues lingered in my mind—was it fair to depict Ava’s struggles in such a way? This ambiguity left me pondering long after the last track ended.

Despite these moments of frustration, “I Hate Everyone But You” is undeniably engaging—a charming yet messy depiction of young adulthood wrapped in an innovative narrative style. As I closed my eyes at the end of this 5-hour-and-23-minute experience, I couldn’t help but smile at how much I had learned from Ava and Gen’s friendship: that love can be complicated yet beautiful, that we all have our battles to fight, and that true friends will always find a way back to each other amidst life’s chaos.

If you’re looking for an audiobook that intertwines humor with heartfelt moments while exploring themes relevant to today’s youth culture—look no further than “I Hate Everyone But You.” It’s available for listening on Ezaudiobookforsoul.com where you can even enjoy it free during your trial!