If you broke Elena’s heart, Star Wars would spill out.”

I’m not sure what I can add to the many reviews posted about this little story, other than that it was adorable and I, of course, loved it.

“And the thing about nerd culture being mainstream culture now means that there’s no place to just be a nerd among other nerds – without being reminded that you’re the nerd.”

Elena loves Star Wars — the characters, the story, the connection it gives her to her father. She’s never seen the prequels, but that doesn’t stop her from looking forward to the newest release. After hearing stories about how much fun people had at the premieres of the original three — lining up days ahead of time, dressing in costume — she decides to go for it with the newest movie. Unfortunately, only two other people had the same idea — making it an awkward group of three, versus a huge party. But as she gets to know her fellow Star Wars-lovers, she learns that people celebrate and love Star Wars for all sorts of reasons — and they’re all right.

Rowell does a great job of infusing Elena and her two co-horts with an incredible amount of detail, considering how quickly it all comes to an end. The book is funny and sweet, and my only complaint is that it’s not 10x longer. I’m not a huge Star Wars fan (although I appear to be raising one), but I appreciate the general nerdiness of this book, which embraces geek culture wholeheartedly.