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leepetterson's review
3.0
3.5 stars!
i was on my edge of the seat near the end!
finally understand when they say "queer books written for queer kids" :')
i was on my edge of the seat near the end!
finally understand when they say "queer books written for queer kids" :')
andrea_author's review
3.0
Unbeknownst to his high school classmates, Mark is the trans son of a US congressman. When his friend is suspended for fighting back against a bully, Mark decides to run for student body president. His father, afraid that his political ambitions will be jeopardized if Mark's status becomes known, opposes the move. Mark is forced to confront his own privilege as an affluent white male who can pass for cis and straight, even while being marginalized in his own home.
This book deals with serious issues facing LGBTQ youth in a high school environment. At times, the characters felt like mouthpieces for the author's worldview, rather than fleshed-out human beings. As a result, I found it difficult to connect emotionally with the story. There were more characters than I could keep track of, and they weren't well differentiated. The plot, though, was tense and well-developed.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Content warning: drug use, alcohol use, fighting.
This book deals with serious issues facing LGBTQ youth in a high school environment. At times, the characters felt like mouthpieces for the author's worldview, rather than fleshed-out human beings. As a result, I found it difficult to connect emotionally with the story. There were more characters than I could keep track of, and they weren't well differentiated. The plot, though, was tense and well-developed.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Content warning: drug use, alcohol use, fighting.
lot26's review against another edition
5.0
Another great queer book. And another transmasc in the main role. And honestly I don't complain, I mean even though I'm transfem I think for these stories (the ones I've recently read; [b:I Was Born for This|34325090|I Was Born for This|Alice Oseman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517511429l/34325090._SY75_.jpg|55388138] and [b:The Ship We Built|42393479|The Ship We Built|Lexie Bean|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570569004l/42393479._SY75_.jpg|66071059]) the transmasc characters act as a better medium. I feel the struggles they face and the frustrations they encounter do find themselves with a more explosive (and physical) climax.
I feel that this book, though focussed on a trans character, truly delves into the world of (American) politics. The whole books feels beautifully studied and I guess the final message of the book does cast a shimmer of light upon an otherwise rather depressing political landscape.
And hey, I am a bit of a sucker for queer romance <3
I feel that this book, though focussed on a trans character, truly delves into the world of (American) politics. The whole books feels beautifully studied and I guess the final message of the book does cast a shimmer of light upon an otherwise rather depressing political landscape.
And hey, I am a bit of a sucker for queer romance <3
burritosandbooks's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alongreader's review
4.0
I enjoyed this more than I didn't. Mark is a politician in the Lesley Knope School of Politics; he honestly wants to make things better for people, and he honestly believes that politics is the way to do it. Seeing people abuse and misuse power is a great way to piss him off.
He has a great support system, kids who like him and want to help him. It's wonderfully diverse, both in sexuality and nationality, and it's not shoved in your face like some books do; it's just the way his friends group is. I love the moment when Mark realises he's enjoying talking to people from different groups, that he's glad he branched out even if he loses the election; he realises it's worth it to get to know these fun, interesting people.
However, Mark does commit one of my least favourite MC crimes; he wavers back and forth over the course of the novel, depending on who he's talked to most recently. It's fine to change your mind once; a character needs to learn in order to grow. Twice is maybe ok; if you find out something huge you didn't know before, it makes sense. More than that and you're just waffling and indecisive. It leaves me less sympathetic to a character.
There's also a scene that is a very obvious homage to a famous scene in The West Wing - possibly the most famous scene in that show - but I didn't feel it added anything to the narrative; it was just a reason to reference that scene.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this. I'm glad I got to read it, and I'll be watching out for more books from the author. I think he's going places
He has a great support system, kids who like him and want to help him. It's wonderfully diverse, both in sexuality and nationality, and it's not shoved in your face like some books do; it's just the way his friends group is. I love the moment when Mark realises he's enjoying talking to people from different groups, that he's glad he branched out even if he loses the election; he realises it's worth it to get to know these fun, interesting people.
However, Mark does commit one of my least favourite MC crimes; he wavers back and forth over the course of the novel, depending on who he's talked to most recently. It's fine to change your mind once; a character needs to learn in order to grow. Twice is maybe ok; if you find out something huge you didn't know before, it makes sense. More than that and you're just waffling and indecisive. It leaves me less sympathetic to a character.
There's also a scene that is a very obvious homage to a famous scene in The West Wing - possibly the most famous scene in that show - but I didn't feel it added anything to the narrative; it was just a reason to reference that scene.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this. I'm glad I got to read it, and I'll be watching out for more books from the author. I think he's going places
rjsreadingnook's review against another edition
4.0
I’m still processing all my thoughts and feelings with this one. It’s an LGBTQ+ West Wing set in high school with a diverse cast.
What I loved: the queer found family in the French Club. The LGBTQ+ identity reps go beyond the typical such as ace and aro reps and a demi girl. The MC is transmasculine and pansexual. I loved the idealist view of a queer friends group in high school, and I totally understand why the author wanted to create the world he didn’t get to have when in high school. As a queer reader, I love to read queer found families since it’s really hard to find others like myself IRL.
What I struggled with: There is a lot of dead naming in this book. It’s done with a purpose and to make the main antagonist more of a villain, but it happens a lot. I also struggled with the dialogue. These students read more like college-aged than high schoolers. The overall romantic plot didn’t do much for me either. It seemed more like an afterthought since the main focus was the MC’s political journey, and I wished there had been more of a grand gesture from the MC to the LI.
I’m glad this book exists and I’m excited for readers, especially LGBTQ folks to read this and share their thoughts and feelings on this one.
Overall 3.5 star read, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.
What I loved: the queer found family in the French Club. The LGBTQ+ identity reps go beyond the typical such as ace and aro reps and a demi girl. The MC is transmasculine and pansexual. I loved the idealist view of a queer friends group in high school, and I totally understand why the author wanted to create the world he didn’t get to have when in high school. As a queer reader, I love to read queer found families since it’s really hard to find others like myself IRL.
What I struggled with: There is a lot of dead naming in this book. It’s done with a purpose and to make the main antagonist more of a villain, but it happens a lot. I also struggled with the dialogue. These students read more like college-aged than high schoolers. The overall romantic plot didn’t do much for me either. It seemed more like an afterthought since the main focus was the MC’s political journey, and I wished there had been more of a grand gesture from the MC to the LI.
I’m glad this book exists and I’m excited for readers, especially LGBTQ folks to read this and share their thoughts and feelings on this one.
Overall 3.5 star read, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.
briannareadsbooks's review
DNF @30%.
I love the concept, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. It was hard to believe that these teenagers would take school politics this seriously. People have said that this bok has The Politician vibes, and I loved The Politician! But I think what The Politician does so nicely is the humour and the ridiculousness and campy-ness was the best part of the show. I feel I would've enjoyed this book better if it played up the fun/ridiculous aspect.
I love the concept, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. It was hard to believe that these teenagers would take school politics this seriously. People have said that this bok has The Politician vibes, and I loved The Politician! But I think what The Politician does so nicely is the humour and the ridiculousness and campy-ness was the best part of the show. I feel I would've enjoyed this book better if it played up the fun/ridiculous aspect.
lynnsreads's review
5.0
It honestly took me a considerably long time to finish this book. Or more so, to get into it. As a Canadian citizen, I cannot say that American politics interest me, any politics for that matter, but this book was mainly high school "politics".
The book was about a trans masculine character and his 'organization' of queer (and PoC) friends. Marks dad didn't want to recognize he had a son instead of a daughter anymore and in the end Mark finally told his dad to suck it. In a far more dignified manner, but the idea is there.
Once I actually sat down and made myself commit to it, it was intriguingly well written. The characters were in depth and there weren't just your traditional gay, bi and lesbian characters. There was even ace and non-binary rep which I feel is very important.
The book was about a trans masculine character and his 'organization' of queer (and PoC) friends. Marks dad didn't want to recognize he had a son instead of a daughter anymore and in the end Mark finally told his dad to suck it. In a far more dignified manner, but the idea is there.
Once I actually sat down and made myself commit to it, it was intriguingly well written. The characters were in depth and there weren't just your traditional gay, bi and lesbian characters. There was even ace and non-binary rep which I feel is very important.
pattydsf's review against another edition
5.0
“Unflinching support is exactly what you deserve. Unconditional love. Unequivocal acceptance.”
“It’s what we all deserve. Every queer kid in America.”
“The system doesn't want to make space, and no one who benefits from it wants to cede theirs. The only way to change the system is to stand up and claim your own.”
When I was in high school, I could not have pictured the world of high school 2021. The Front Runner was the first book I read with “out” characters and it didn’t get published until I was in college. I am sure there were LGBTQIA+ people in my high school, town, church, everywhere around me, but they were not “out”. Most of them could not have imagined this wonderful, but not perfect world.
I know we have a long, long, long way to go with justice issues, but books like this just make me so happy. This is a fairy tale. My local school board is resisting the state mandate for a transgender policy. Kids in my area are still suffering for being different let alone for falling into one of the LGBTQIA+ categories. Sanchez has written about a world that doesn’t exist for most teens. But we need these stories. We need fairy tales for everyone.
I am grateful that Sanchez has written such a perfect, romantic tale to keep us all hoping.
“It’s what we all deserve. Every queer kid in America.”
“The system doesn't want to make space, and no one who benefits from it wants to cede theirs. The only way to change the system is to stand up and claim your own.”
When I was in high school, I could not have pictured the world of high school 2021. The Front Runner was the first book I read with “out” characters and it didn’t get published until I was in college. I am sure there were LGBTQIA+ people in my high school, town, church, everywhere around me, but they were not “out”. Most of them could not have imagined this wonderful, but not perfect world.
I know we have a long, long, long way to go with justice issues, but books like this just make me so happy. This is a fairy tale. My local school board is resisting the state mandate for a transgender policy. Kids in my area are still suffering for being different let alone for falling into one of the LGBTQIA+ categories. Sanchez has written about a world that doesn’t exist for most teens. But we need these stories. We need fairy tales for everyone.
I am grateful that Sanchez has written such a perfect, romantic tale to keep us all hoping.
cpsipe's review against another edition
4.0
“Unflinching support is exactly what you deserve. Unconditional love. Unequivocal acceptance.”
“It’s what we all deserve. Every queer kid in America.”
As a Social Studies teacher, I LOVE reading novels that have a plot that involves something under the Social Studies umbrella: history, politics, economics, geography. It’s even better now that there are LGBTQ+ books being added into that mix!
“I’M GOING TO STEAL THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.”
My head jerks up, then back against the headrest.
Pablo’s eyes stay on the road. “That got your attention, didn’t it?”
“National Treasure is no joking matter.”
I know this isn’t everyone’s “cup of tea”, but I couldn’t help but laugh along with the characters when it came to the numerous pop culture and current real-life political references. The amount of “Olivia Pope” jokes never failed to make me crack a smile! Each character had their own style of humor that made each reference feel at-home, like you were part of the group yourself.
What I loved most about this book was the amount of BIPOC representation on top of the slew of representation on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. It felt natural, like these were people the author knew and interacted with in daily life, which brought an authenticity to the characters.
The author has a way with words that produces vivid imagery without being overly obnoxious. For example, “bubbles erupt on the batter like tiny volcanoes, leaving yawning craters in their wake” is the PERFECT description to add to a post-hangout pancake cooking scene; you can almost SMELL the dark chocolate chip pancakes!
The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez is the emotional roller-coaster ride of what it’s like to be a high school student in today’s society. It’s the kind of book teens need to show them that there ARE people out there that are exactly like them; that their thoughts, ideas, and decisions are valid.
I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us!
**a HUGE thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!**
“It’s what we all deserve. Every queer kid in America.”
As a Social Studies teacher, I LOVE reading novels that have a plot that involves something under the Social Studies umbrella: history, politics, economics, geography. It’s even better now that there are LGBTQ+ books being added into that mix!
“I’M GOING TO STEAL THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.”
My head jerks up, then back against the headrest.
Pablo’s eyes stay on the road. “That got your attention, didn’t it?”
“National Treasure is no joking matter.”
I know this isn’t everyone’s “cup of tea”, but I couldn’t help but laugh along with the characters when it came to the numerous pop culture and current real-life political references. The amount of “Olivia Pope” jokes never failed to make me crack a smile! Each character had their own style of humor that made each reference feel at-home, like you were part of the group yourself.
What I loved most about this book was the amount of BIPOC representation on top of the slew of representation on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. It felt natural, like these were people the author knew and interacted with in daily life, which brought an authenticity to the characters.
The author has a way with words that produces vivid imagery without being overly obnoxious. For example, “bubbles erupt on the batter like tiny volcanoes, leaving yawning craters in their wake” is the PERFECT description to add to a post-hangout pancake cooking scene; you can almost SMELL the dark chocolate chip pancakes!
The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez is the emotional roller-coaster ride of what it’s like to be a high school student in today’s society. It’s the kind of book teens need to show them that there ARE people out there that are exactly like them; that their thoughts, ideas, and decisions are valid.
I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us!
**a HUGE thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!**