[10] After dropping out of New York University, Pablo Neruda Rind begins working the graveyard shift at a deli in Brooklyn while paying off a sizable credit card debt.

[3] The novel debuted at number eight on The New York Times Young Adult Hardcover best-sellers list on September 22, 2019.

[12] Publishers Weekly gave the novel a positive review, praising its characters and writing, "If the conclusion of the novel seems rushed, the rising action—filled with conflict, captivating events, and authentic-sounding, often humorous dialogue—will win readers, and teens like Pablo, who are unsure who they want to be, will relate to his dilemmas.

"[14] Susannah Goldstein of Booklist called the protagonist Pablo a "winning narrator" and wrote, "Choi's specificity, realistic dialogue, and humor ensure that the personal and romantic journeys feel warm and rewarding but never saccharine.

"[15] In December 2019, it was reported that Jon M. Chu is set to produce a feature film adaptation of the novel for Warner Bros. and is in talks to direct.