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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a wild read with a devastating plot twist. The premise is really compelling and there's quite a few scenes that will stick with me, but I never really connected with Nate as a character, and so much of this book is hard to read with the mix of abuse, homophobia (internal and external), and religious guilt. It just felt relentless especially from a first person point of view. It's a messy book that went in directions I could not have predicted, and the ending gave me whiplash.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Violence
Moderate: Child abuse
YES: loved it. Amazing plot twists, breakneck pacing that I couldn't put down -- the characters were also so so real. Nate was perfectly flawed, Cam was perfectly flawed. Such a good book and so important for LGBTQIA youth, as well as those in abusive homes. Sort of reminded me of Perks, but more contemporary.
Smedley took on teens, sexuality, abuse, religion and parenting in one beautiful, heavy, emotional, gutwrenching tackle. It was messy and left with loose ends and questions in the best, realistic way. Nobody left unscathed.
I would like to know more about how Lori came to take control. Bill was weak in both the story and Nathan's life but how/why did he completely hand over control of his life and child to his sister in law? That was the missing piece in this for me.
I would like to know more about how Lori came to take control. Bill was weak in both the story and Nathan's life but how/why did he completely hand over control of his life and child to his sister in law? That was the missing piece in this for me.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
sad
medium-paced
Read as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2020, to fill 3) A book with a great first line.
This was SUCH a great read. So funny, so realistic, and with an ending that really punched me in the gut. Sometimes stories need happy endings to feel worth the read, and this story felt fully satisfactory without having a neat ending tied up in a bow. And it's so refreshing that.
I finished this book and immediately texted a friend asking why there was no more material by this author. Absolutely adored this.
This was SUCH a great read. So funny, so realistic, and with an ending that really punched me in the gut. Sometimes stories need happy endings to feel worth the read, and this story felt fully satisfactory without having a neat ending tied up in a bow. And it's so refreshing that
Spoiler
an abusive family member or parent was actually seen for what they were and received any comeuppance for their actions. That never happens in books and it's garbage that so often children of abuse are made to feel as though the only reasonable end to their story is to forgive their abuserI finished this book and immediately texted a friend asking why there was no more material by this author. Absolutely adored this.