Scan barcode
cosxshea's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
This was the absolute cutest rivals to lovers ya romance I have ever read!
Each character is so complex, figuring out who they are in a small town Christian high school while solving the mystery of why a classmate has run away. About halfway through the book, every expectation you have about the characters you've seen is flipped on its axis and I could not put the book down!
There's an abundance of LGBTQ+ relationships and representation that I loved learning about along with the main characters as well.
Each character is so complex, figuring out who they are in a small town Christian high school while solving the mystery of why a classmate has run away. About halfway through the book, every expectation you have about the characters you've seen is flipped on its axis and I could not put the book down!
There's an abundance of LGBTQ+ relationships and representation that I loved learning about along with the main characters as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
Minor: Racism
adrienreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
A fun read - read this for a book club, and finished it, which is more than I could say for most fiction for a long time. I mostly listened to the audiobook.
The characters are often unlikeable, but in a sort of "I'm in this picture and I don't like it" way - definitely relatable to the ways teenagers can be flawed, at least retrospectively for me. That meant that sometimes it was cathartic, but a lot of the time I was just kind of miserable.
I don't usually enjoy this type of book, so don't take my review too seriously if you do. There is a lot of heart put into this book by the author, so if the premise appeals to you, might be worth giving it a try.
The characters are often unlikeable, but in a sort of "I'm in this picture and I don't like it" way - definitely relatable to the ways teenagers can be flawed, at least retrospectively for me. That meant that sometimes it was cathartic, but a lot of the time I was just kind of miserable.
I don't usually enjoy this type of book, so don't take my review too seriously if you do. There is a lot of heart put into this book by the author, so if the premise appeals to you, might be worth giving it a try.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Homophobia
Minor: Racism and Outing
aetherthedino's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Holy. Shit.
This book is something I never knew that I needed, and something that I never knew someone could even have.
This book took so many twists and turns I can barely comprehend, but I’ll try to summarize my thoughts as best as I can.
My favorite type of book is when the writing is intertwined with personal experience, drama, and confliction that both the author and the characters are going through. This is the thesis in I kissed Shara Wheeler, what I thought was gonna be some sort of coming of age with a weird gimmick surprised me. The plot ended up being a dissection of growing up in the south being, discovery, and being so deeply tangled in the expectations of your environment that you almost lose sight of who you are, and only come to find a glimpse years later, or are never able to open your eyes again.
It can be really easy to never notice that though, beneath the messy relationships at the beginning and the characterization that is a bit hard to stick with and root for. But that could argued to be a reflection of like, and supposedly accurate to the world around us, the more you read and the more you dive in the more complicated it becomes and with that is a very touching coming of age that every teen should get.
The biggest complaint I see is that Chloe is not the most likeable, honestly shes kind of an asshole- especially in the beginning. While I definitely don’t defend all her actions I think that the way she is is imperative to shaping the plot and conflict. She provides a viewpoint that contradicts almost every other character in the book which really hammers home all the themes, while yes. It sucks there, theres also a Love and Hope through that suffering that shines through and experience that some will have to endure, but no one should have to go through.
The writing lends itself as well, I was a bit taken aback by the 3rd person, but it lends itself to the comedy and introspection, the tangents of Chloes thoughts of the people in her life as well as the sudden shocks and revelations that have the narrator break the fourth wall in a way that is-in simple terms-pretty funny.
I get why this book wont be for everyone, and it shouldn’t have to be, but I related to the authentic writing and the sense of place, (The Midwest has a lottt of crossover with the little details) and even some of the characters- Smith was my Favorite No questions asked- and that was enough for me, so maybe it'll be for you too.
(Sorry for the Long Corny ass review, I just liked this book 😭😭)
This book is something I never knew that I needed, and something that I never knew someone could even have.
This book took so many twists and turns I can barely comprehend, but I’ll try to summarize my thoughts as best as I can.
My favorite type of book is when the writing is intertwined with personal experience, drama, and confliction that both the author and the characters are going through. This is the thesis in I kissed Shara Wheeler, what I thought was gonna be some sort of coming of age with a weird gimmick surprised me. The plot ended up being a dissection of growing up in the south being, discovery, and being so deeply tangled in the expectations of your environment that you almost lose sight of who you are, and only come to find a glimpse years later, or are never able to open your eyes again.
It can be really easy to never notice that though, beneath the messy relationships at the beginning and the characterization that is a bit hard to stick with and root for. But that could argued to be a reflection of like, and supposedly accurate to the world around us, the more you read and the more you dive in the more complicated it becomes and with that is a very touching coming of age that every teen should get.
The biggest complaint I see is that Chloe is not the most likeable, honestly shes kind of an asshole- especially in the beginning. While I definitely don’t defend all her actions I think that the way she is is imperative to shaping the plot and conflict. She provides a viewpoint that contradicts almost every other character in the book which really hammers home all the themes, while yes. It sucks there, theres also a Love and Hope through that suffering that shines through and experience that some will have to endure, but no one should have to go through.
The writing lends itself as well, I was a bit taken aback by the 3rd person, but it lends itself to the comedy and introspection, the tangents of Chloes thoughts of the people in her life as well as the sudden shocks and revelations that have the narrator break the fourth wall in a way that is-in simple terms-pretty funny.
I get why this book wont be for everyone, and it shouldn’t have to be, but I related to the authentic writing and the sense of place, (The Midwest has a lottt of crossover with the little details) and even some of the characters- Smith was my Favorite No questions asked- and that was enough for me, so maybe it'll be for you too.
(Sorry for the Long Corny ass review, I just liked this book 😭😭)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Racism
hanz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual harassment, and Racism
amiraqualls's review against another edition
funny
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
5.0
Obsessive sapphics. What’s not to love?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
Minor: Racism, Sexual harassment, and Outing
apileofcranes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
To me, I kissed Shara Wheeler is the best of YA realistic fiction. Though it utilized many common tropes of the genre, they are all executed in ways that feel deeper and more real than almost any other YA book does. There are a couple of moments where it feels like these tropes are used just to heighten the drama, but the payoff in the end made up for it.
A common problem I’ve found for YA books set in high school is the lack of depth in a lot of side characters, and any depth added is usually told to the reader and not shown. I would say this is where Casey McQuiston’s writing shines the brightest. The supporting cast is so fleshed out and charming that I would read spin-offs about them if they existed. The sides ships rival the main pairing in the book, and Smith is just the best character ever.
The plot itself is fast-paced and creatively mysterious without any dreading suspense that someone will be dead by the end of the book, which is a refreshing twist on how this trope usually goes.
It’s an excellent read for anyone who is queer and living in a place/community where they have to hide their true selves, or is struggling with reconciling their queer identity and their religion. It gives a very grounded look into Christian schools in Deep South, a rare setting to see in YA from my experience.
Overall, it’s an amazing read with fleshed-out characters and a playful mystery to boot. An enemies-to-lovers plot so strong you’re left wondering at certain points if they can make it past enemies at all, but the resolution is all the much sweeter for it.
A common problem I’ve found for YA books set in high school is the lack of depth in a lot of side characters, and any depth added is usually told to the reader and not shown. I would say this is where Casey McQuiston’s writing shines the brightest. The supporting cast is so fleshed out and charming that I would read spin-offs about them if they existed. The sides ships rival the main pairing in the book, and Smith is just the best character ever.
The plot itself is fast-paced and creatively mysterious without any dreading suspense that someone will be dead by the end of the book, which is a refreshing twist on how this trope usually goes.
It’s an excellent read for anyone who is queer and living in a place/community where they have to hide their true selves, or is struggling with reconciling their queer identity and their religion. It gives a very grounded look into Christian schools in Deep South, a rare setting to see in YA from my experience.
Overall, it’s an amazing read with fleshed-out characters and a playful mystery to boot. An enemies-to-lovers plot so strong you’re left wondering at certain points if they can make it past enemies at all, but the resolution is all the much sweeter for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Minor: Emotional abuse, Outing, and Racism
hello_lovely13's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
I liked how Chloe wasn't fully likable or perfect. It made the book more interesting and intricate. It made it stand out more. For some reason, my favorite character was Ace (I guess I love a himbo; also, I think if there's a character named Ace I have an obligation to like them because I myself am ace). The pacing of this book is WAY better than their others. I love the tone their books have. It's similar to the real world, but more open and clearer. Maybe because they highlight many queer stories at once? The last part of the book went a way I was NOT expecting, but I found it fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Racism and Alcohol
midnightbelles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.5
This was a little dry but once I got into it I was swept into the mystery of Shara and those around her. I also thought Chloe was a bit self centered but I really loved her friends and her moms and I thought it was all really sweet. I also like that everyone got their happy ending (for now at least)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Moderate: Biphobia, Racism, Classism, Deadnaming, Toxic relationship, Cursing, and Transphobia
Minor: Sexual harassment and Outing
lorriss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
- 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, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Homophobia, Sexual harassment, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Gaslighting, Outing, Blood, Bullying, and Alcohol
Minor: Terminal illness, Hate crime, Infidelity, Fire/Fire injury, Animal death, Death, Abortion, and Racism
nickoliver's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
Minor: Alcohol and Racism