I found "Exciting Times" by Naoise Dolan to start off promisingly, capturing my interest with its contemporary and relatable setting. However, as I progressed through the book, it seemed to lose its initial charm, making it a challenging read for me. While Dolan's nuanced and intelligent writing appealed to my appreciation for literary sophistication, the pacing and character development fell somewhat short of my expectations. The narrative occasionally meandered, which made it difficult for me to stay consistently engaged. Despite these challenges, I felt committed to finishing the book, a testament to the subjective nature of literature and how it resonates differently with each reader.