Between Friends & Lovers

With her sophomore novel, Obuobi (On Rotation) has penned an emotionally nuanced friends-to-lovers tale that follows Josephine Boateng, a medically trained best-selling author slash social media influencer known as Dr. JoJo. Josephine struggles to feel fulfilled with her online career and is overwhelmed by the demands of her job as a physician. When she attends a party for her friend Ezra’s 30th birthday, she becomes intrigued by debut author Malcolm Waters, whom she’s unknowingly already been talking to as Dr. JoJo. As Malcolm and Josephine grow closer in real life, she has to decide whether she wants to take a chance on where things could go. Obuobi’s depictions of mental illness in the book are exceptional, describing the characters’ experiences with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in a relatable manner. The story unfolds through dual points of view and text exchanges between Josephine and Malcolm and is flawlessly executed through the talented narration of JD Jackson and Mela Lee, who bring the main characters’ voices to life with all the dramatic flair and compassion the story warrants.