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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This story was definitely relatable. It explored themes not often brought up in books like toxic masculinity, church culture, and not getting the girl. I enjoyed the way all the themes were explored and how the characters grew.
I've enjoyed Giles's teen thrillers before, but this is his first step into contemporary YA fiction. He's gifted us with a nuanced look at sexism and the ignorance of "good guys" that is also chock full of humor and characters you root for. Del is a likable guy - very funny, smart, and well-intentioned, but faltering where a lot of teens do. Who can blame kids for screwing up when adults send them such mixed messages on complicated matters like sex? Del's peers are also complicated, rich characters. The male friendships are lovingly written, and the girls and women in Del's life are strong but not infallible.
The best gift of all from Giles's latest is the subtle sexism it tackles. Through Del's love interest Kiera, his coworker Maya, his collegiate sister Cress, and classmate Cheyanne, we get bits and pieces of the stories Del is missing in his quest to land Kiera. Del's journey is simple-sounding, but immensely challenging: what do we do in a world where even nice guys like Del are brought up to value women only in the context of their own stories? What is it that makes them realize that they aren't really listening to women's narratives? And how do men move forward when they are challenged on those faults?
A thoroughly entertaining story that opens rich conversations for young men.
The best gift of all from Giles's latest is the subtle sexism it tackles. Through Del's love interest Kiera, his coworker Maya, his collegiate sister Cress, and classmate Cheyanne, we get bits and pieces of the stories Del is missing in his quest to land Kiera. Del's journey is simple-sounding, but immensely challenging: what do we do in a world where even nice guys like Del are brought up to value women only in the context of their own stories? What is it that makes them realize that they aren't really listening to women's narratives? And how do men move forward when they are challenged on those faults?
A thoroughly entertaining story that opens rich conversations for young men.
Tough topics explored with humor. Characters are relatable.
This book deserves so much hype. I had such a great time with it, and I felt that it masterfully tackled topics like toxic masculinity, purity culture, and sexual health for teenagers, particularly Black teenagers. This is a fresh take on a coming of age story, tackling underexplored topics in the genre. Further, the cast of characters were wonderful, and I love how Giles connected each character and their subplot to the greater framework of the story in the end. I truly think this book was so carefully and cleverly designed—teenagers everywhere should be reading it.
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Representation: Black main character, Black supporting characters, Black side characters, Gay supporting character
Single Sentence Review: The novel is an honest representation of the toxicity of society’s understanding of ‘manliness,’ as a result, the main character can grate as he flexes his Nice Guy muscles but the lessons learned at the end of the novel make the story one worth reading.
Read my full review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | Not So Pure and Simple Review
Follow Me
Blog • Instagram • Goodreads • Facebook • BlogLovin'
Mature Themes:
• Sex including unprotected sex
• Masturbation
• Porn
• Teen pregnancy
• Underaged drinking
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Slut-shaming
• Discussion of r@pe and sexual assault
Ending:HFN
Single Sentence Review: The novel is an honest representation of the toxicity of society’s understanding of ‘manliness,’ as a result, the main character can grate as he flexes his Nice Guy muscles but the lessons learned at the end of the novel make the story one worth reading.
Read my full review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | Not So Pure and Simple Review
Follow Me
Blog • Instagram • Goodreads • Facebook • BlogLovin'
Mature Themes:
• Sex including unprotected sex
• Masturbation
• Porn
• Teen pregnancy
• Underaged drinking
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Slut-shaming
• Discussion of r@pe and sexual assault
Ending: