Reviews with content warning for Lesbophobia - Self-Made Boys

I love how this book used the original as a basis but added it's own spin. My favorite instance of this was Nick's name. Because he is Mexican-American his last name is Caraveo. However his (racist) boss calls him Caraway.
The way that the author made the characters fit to the original but also not was amazing! I highly recommend this to anyone who thought that the original novel should've ended with Nick and Jay ending up together!

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brokenbodybitch's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely loved this remix, I never read the original gatsby, well I tried but never got far, however I saw the newer movie and my partner knows a decent amount about the original so I went in with a fairly base/basic knowledge of the source material.

I really enjoyed the relationships between the main characters and how their friendships/relationships developed/changed/grew over the story, as well as the way the characters queerness presented and grew in the eyes of nicolás and the reader over the course of the book. I adored the ‘self made boys’ bit, and the way the trans experience was explained was relatable and beautiful. Kinda off of that; the writing in this book was really well done and beautiful in my opinion and I loved the way the pov’s were structured to enhance to the story. This was a beautiful ya book with heavy themes of embracing your culture despite what the society around you is saying and be who you are. If classics were like this growing up I can guarantee I would’ve read them all!

I will 100% be getting myself a physical copy of this book and most likely the audiobook as well, so far these remixed classics have been fantastic and I can’t wait to see what else is to come!

Additionally; Avi Roque, and Kyla Garcia narrated the audiobook, they did a fantastic job (I love Avi Roque already) and their narration added to the story so well

Graphic: Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Toxic relationship, Colonisation, Dysphoria, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Classism, Emotional abuse, Injury/injury detail, Racial slurs, War, Violence, Blood, and Murder

Initial thoughts;
I did not plan on feeling this emotional tonight….the way this explains the trans experience in internal dialogue was 🥲

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booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-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

5.0

The story captivating and a wonderful reimagining of Gatbsy
The narration was music to my ears
The representation, spot on.

This was as such a phenomenal reimagining of Gatsby. It was a coming of the age story and about embracing your culture and who you are even when white culture tells you not to. The rewording of the “Beautiful little fool” quote was perfection! The reworking of the green glow across the lake was fantastic. I really enjoyed the ending changes it feels like a better ending overall than how the original ends in my opinion. It was just soooooo well done and everything I could want in a reimagining of Gatsby. Please be sure to read the authors note it is just fantastic!

Rep
Trans rep both Gatsby and Nicholas
Latinx rep
Skin lightening of latinx women
Jewish
Sapphic

Cw
Colorism
Transphobia
Classism
Racism
Colonization
Ptsd
gun violence
infidelity
homophobia

Spoiler:

JORDAN AND DASIY TOGETHER GIVES ME LIFE

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