'Reel' by Kennedy Ryan | Notes on Invisible Illnesses, Passions, Empathy, and Art

Book Reflection // Why I adore dense romance books.

Every now and then, I am able to form a complete essay reflecting on my thoughts and emotions about a piece of literature I’ve recently read. I have expressed how much I struggle with reading romance novels because I always yearn for the books I read to provoke me into action. Reel by Kennedy Ryan did just that and more.

“Often, it'll be something in the news that grabs Ryan's attention, such as an incident, which went viral on social media, involving a professional footballer attacking his girlfriend in an elevator. That inspired Ryan's novel about domestic abuse set in the world of pro sports, Long Shot. Similarly, footage of the 2016 Dakota Pipeline Protest kickstarted her novel The Kingmaker. The book, which explores climate change and indigenous land rights, is the first Bloom Books is scheduled to release, on May 23,” from 2023 NPR article written by Chloe Veltman.

Reel follows Neevah, an extremely talented actress and Cannon, a famous film director. They meet each other when Canon’s best friend Monk drags him to a Broadway performance where Neevah is the lead. An after seeing it, Cannon starts to pursue Neevah to become the lead/main character for his next movie.

The novel includes segments from the scripts, singing, and depictions of the film industry. The story delves into the Harlem Renaissance era, Jazz music, life with Lupus (because Neevah has Lupus), and the value of storytelling.

Kennedy Ryan is a journalist, it is apparent within the work and writing that she does. Reel is a novel full of delicacies, ranging in topics and moods. Ryan weaves gorgeous prose full of reality, illness, romance, creativity, and passion. Reel is one of the most well-written and heart-touching romance novels.

“These are the moments a lifetime in the making. We toil with the shadows of our dreams. In the alleys of preparation and had work where it’s dark and nothing’s promised. For years, we cling by a thread of hope and imagination, dedicating our lives to a pursuit with no guarantee.” (Reel, pg. 26)

The first aspect of the book that I adored immediately was the storytelling. Reading Cannon’s explain the inspiration for his movie and watching his passion/work ethic when it came to executing the story he wanted to tell was not only relatable but extremely inspiring. Oddly enough, I related to him more than anyone because of his passion for his craft and the drive and the energy he has towards the stories he amplifies. I loved Cannon’s brain. 

I also appreciate how realistic the romance was and how hard-earned the happily ever after was. Frequently, while reading romances, I find characters with little to no flaws paired with tons of miscommunication. And it makes the fleet of a romance in real life seem unimaginable. We need more stories such as Reel with characters are living their lives, chasing their dreams, and falling in love. 

“She’s the first in a long line of girls, all shapes and colors and ages, saying what it meant to see me onstage tonight. Mothers whispering how impactful it was for their Black and brown daughters to be in the audience tonight. The impact is on me; what could have felt like a weight or burden or responsibility feels like a warm embrace. Feels like strong arms encircling me. Supporting me.” (Reel, pg. 27)

Now, let me address the elephant in the room: Neevah’s Lupus. It was the sole reason why I picked up this book. My mom has Lupus. When I discovered that Neevah has Lupus, I decided to give it a chance. In the midst of buying the book and the book getting shipped to my house, I mentioned to my mom that I was starting a new book and the the main character has Lupus. That prompted her to read the book. She adored it. She told me that the representation of Lupus was spot on. Lupus is an unpredictable, terrifying, and violent disease. I’m so thankful that Kennedy Ryan is empathetic enough to handle the representation of Lupus with the utmost care.

It’s been two days since I finished the book and I still burst into tears when I think about specific scenes and quotes. I sobbed while reading Cannon struggling with the grief from his mom’s death. She died from illness and I watched as Cannon decided to love Neevah rather than bail.

Growing up, I watched my dad grieve the loss of his mother and sister (both taken by illnesses) and him do the opposite of Canon: shut my mom out instead of loving her unconditionally. It hurt to read realizing he had just as much of a choice to love her.

The romance books I read from now on have a lot to live up to.

“‘We are artists,’ she quotes softly, eyes set on mine. ‘When there is no joy to be found, we have the power in our hands, the will of our souls, to make it.’” (Reel, pg. 134)

Thanks for reading.

- Yulani S. 🪰🕯️