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lonely_tardigrade's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
This book surprised me. I couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive when I read the warning at the beginning of the book, since I myself struggle with anxiety and books that portray that kind of bring me down. But the way Oscar’s character was written made me feel seen. Yes, it was an honest depiction of anxiety and panic attacks, but it wasn’t overly depressing. Oscar was a rare example of a character who struggled with anxiety but still managed life and had a hopeful future.
On the topic of rare characters, I could go on for hours about Ronnie. She may have only been a side character, but her existence is potentially life changing for young trans people. The limited backstory we get tells us she was Oscar’s roommate in college before she transitioned. She had a hard time with the early transition process (all relatable things, like crying about hormone progress and being scared to shop for dresses) but when we meet her in the book she’s finally comfortable in her own skin. Ronnie is a very rare depiction of a trans woman who has made it out the other side. She’s happy, euphoric, and optimistic about her future. Seeing a character like that could mean the world to a reader who’s in the early stages of transitioning.
I also love the distinct ways that different characters deal with hard emotions. Everyone has their own self destructive habits, and the way those habits interact set the basis for a lot of the story. Everyone’s reaction seems authentic and true to the things they’ve gone through in their life.
Overall, this book was surprisingly uplifting and real. I would absolutely recommend it. We need more diverse, optimistic books like this one.
On the topic of rare characters, I could go on for hours about Ronnie. She may have only been a side character, but her existence is potentially life changing for young trans people. The limited backstory we get tells us she was Oscar’s roommate in college before she transitioned. She had a hard time with the early transition process (all relatable things, like crying about hormone progress and being scared to shop for dresses) but when we meet her in the book she’s finally comfortable in her own skin. Ronnie is a very rare depiction of a trans woman who has made it out the other side. She’s happy, euphoric, and optimistic about her future. Seeing a character like that could mean the world to a reader who’s in the early stages of transitioning.
I also love the distinct ways that different characters deal with hard emotions. Everyone has their own self destructive habits, and the way those habits interact set the basis for a lot of the story. Everyone’s reaction seems authentic and true to the things they’ve gone through in their life.
Overall, this book was surprisingly uplifting and real. I would absolutely recommend it. We need more diverse, optimistic books like this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Abandonment, and Death
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Dysphoria, and Suicidal thoughts
cr_valentine's review
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Dementia
the_vegan_bookworm's review
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I don't feel I really got to know Jack nor Oscar outside of flat stereotypes for each character. When the plot got interesting or the two of them has a fun dynamic, it seemed to get reduced to pointless fighting. It was hard to understand the chemistry between them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Sexual content, Body shaming, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Death
Minor: Transphobia
kyougokazumi's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
menomica's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
kit_carmichael's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
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? No
So I think the people who read this book will fall into two camps: those who will be so frustrated with Oscar (one of the MCs & the narrator) to the point that they'll probably DNF; and those will be be nodding their head at cringing recognition at Oscar's self-destructive behavior. I fall into the latter camp. I have read romances that deal with mental illness before (including the excellent first book in this series) but this was on a whole other level. Very, VERY true to life. Including the part about cleaning out your relatives' house. Hoo boy. Given all the obstacles Oscar and Jack have to overcome, their HFN was very satisfying. I love these two. Highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
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