Seven Percent of Ro Devereux

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O'Clover does a good job speaking to readers of all ages in this technological/social media-reliant world, where we all just want to find love and acceptance. Where we want to believe in the worth of chasing our dreams.

Raegan’s book review of Seven Percent of Ro Devereux

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O’Clover does a good job speaking to readers of all ages in this technological/social media-reliant world, where we all just want to find love and acceptance. Where we want to believe in the worth of chasing our dreams.

It is a YA contemporary novel that features women in STEM. This is a debut novel and I loved it. 

The slow-burn romance between Ro and Miller was incredibly satisfying. I really liked it. It struck a perfect balance, neither overly prolonged nor rushed, taking its time to develop over the course of the story. It wasn’t until about halfway through the book that Miller finally opens up to Ro again, and I found this progression to be captivating. 

A slow-burn romance that’s incredibly satisfying

The friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope is executed outstandingly. Ro is depicted as a young girl trying to navigate her emotions, while Miller is portrayed as someone who feels deeply. Ro relies on Miller’s emotional cues to understand her own feelings, as he has been a significant presence in her life since childhood. The author, O’Clover, masterfully describes this dynamic, capturing the intricacies of their connection with brilliance.

This book brought back the fun nostalgia of playing games like MASH. Where would you live? Who would you marry? Would you have kids or pets?

“We are not only the things you’ve proven us to be with this algorithm. There will always be a space that separates us from computers, a gray area in which we are shaped by the influence of new friends, and inevitable surprises, and love. Still, after a decades-long career in behavioral sciences, there are so many things about us I can’t understand. They’re unquantifiable. They are what make us human.”

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux

Discussion Questions

☆ The novel explores the theme of balancing dreams and relationships. How does Ro navigate the choice between pursuing her dreams and preserving her relationships? What sacrifices does she consider, and what does this say about her character?

☆ The app MASH plays a significant role in the story. Discuss the implications of an app that predicts people’s futures and soul mates with a high degree of accuracy. How does this concept affect the characters and their decisions?

☆ Ro and Miller’s friendship underwent a significant falling out three years ago. How does their past history impact their present relationship? What challenges do they face in rebuilding trust and addressing the pain between them?

☆ The novel takes place in the world of technology and Silicon Valley. How does the setting contribute to the overall story and themes? Discuss the influence of the tech industry on the characters’ aspirations and decisions.

☆ The romance between Ro and Miller is described as a slow burn. How does the author develop their relationship throughout the story? What moments or interactions stand out to you as pivotal in their journey?

☆ Friendship is a recurring theme in the book. Explore the various friendships portrayed, including Ro’s friendship with Miller, and their impact on the characters’ personal growth and decision-making.

☆ The concept of soul mates is explored in the story. How does the idea of soul mates shape the characters’ perspectives on love and relationships? Discuss different characters’ beliefs and experiences in relation to soul mates.

☆ The novel addresses the pursuit of dreams and passions. What messages or lessons can be drawn from the characters’ journeys in pursuing their ambitions? Discuss the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs they experience.

☆ The app MASH gains viral attention and attracts the interest of tech investors. How does this sudden success impact Ro and the other characters? Explore the themes of fame, pressure, and the consequences of success.

☆ The ending of the novel resolves the conflicts and choices faced by the characters. Without giving away spoilers, discuss your thoughts on the resolution and whether you found it satisfying. Did the characters achieve personal growth and find a sense of fulfillment?

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