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kajoreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Not my personal favourite, but I’m glad it exists.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Outing
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, Religious bigotry, and Hate crime
Minor: Sexual content, Rape, Colonisation, Addiction, Alcohol, and Racism
the_true_monroe's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I have had this book on my to read list for 10 years. This was filled with so much more hope, love and acceptance and happiness than I thought it would have been which is why I think I held off a decade on reading it. The extreme challenges of being gay in the early 1980’s and prior decades are very clear but what also is clear are how the times were changing and what that looked like for these girls who were exploring and recognizing their true selves.
I listened to the 2008 audiobook which includes a wonderful interview of the author and is so eye opening to listen to as 25 years had passed since the book was published at that point and now an additional 16 years have gone by and I wonder how Nancy’s answers would have been today especially since she mentioned in that interview hoping for more transgender representation which we indeed do have today, although an increase in attacks on the trans and LGBTQIA+ community including queer youth- another group she focused on in the interview.
I listened to the 2008 audiobook which includes a wonderful interview of the author and is so eye opening to listen to as 25 years had passed since the book was published at that point and now an additional 16 years have gone by and I wonder how Nancy’s answers would have been today especially since she mentioned in that interview hoping for more transgender representation which we indeed do have today, although an increase in attacks on the trans and LGBTQIA+ community including queer youth- another group she focused on in the interview.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Classism, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Bullying, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Sexual content, Sexism, Violence, Cursing, Mental illness, and Pregnancy
chrisljm's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 star rating based on my enjoyment.
I'm usually able to enjoy books that are geared towards younger readers despite no longer being the intended audience, but I think this is one of those times where it did hinder my enjoyment of the story. But still, I did appreciate this book and I think it's an important one for people to read, especially the intended audience. Even though there are more resources today than in 1982, this could still be a reassuring book for young girls who might be struggling with their sexuality. This was very well written and still holds up well today.
I'm usually able to enjoy books that are geared towards younger readers despite no longer being the intended audience, but I think this is one of those times where it did hinder my enjoyment of the story. But still, I did appreciate this book and I think it's an important one for people to read, especially the intended audience. Even though there are more resources today than in 1982, this could still be a reassuring book for young girls who might be struggling with their sexuality. This was very well written and still holds up well today.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Alcohol and Religious bigotry
Minor: Bullying, Rape, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
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