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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Domestic abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Physical abuse
I have some thoughts on this book. Firstly, I loved how cute and intentional this novel portrayed a lot of the issues the characters were dealing with. I also loved the queer representation in the book and I am extremely happy that books like this exist in the world because representation matters. I am glad that YA readers will have access to books like this when they are growing up and that they are becoming more main stream and common. And I loved the overall messaging throughout the book; learning to stick up for yourself and stand by who you are and what you love.
However, I had some issues with some of the ways things went down. Again, I really want to emphasize that I am glad this book exists, there were just certain things that weren't my favourite. Firstly, I felt that Alix spent most of the book being misunderstood and invalidated by those around her, most by her coach and her mother. I also felt like Alix kept screaming at them to love her for who she was and not a single adult in the novel did that for her and that made me really sad for her. I also felt like there wasn't enough justice for my bloodthirsty heart, or enough resolution (even closure if not resolution) by the end of the novel. I would've liked if the novel closed off some things in a more satisfying ending. For me, I felt that the novel ended fairly abruptly. So I would've liked more meat to the story, especially at the end. I felt like a lot of adults failed her and there was barely any recognition of this, that Alix isn't the problem, it's them. I will say that it's a testament to the story and the author's storytelling abilities that I immediately fell in love with both Alix and Ezra from the first page and hence was so salty that they didn't get all the love and acceptance they deserved. And maybe that's a me problem because ultimately these characters are in their mid- to late teens and understandably don't have everything figured out perfectly. My little heart just loves when the ending feels more resolved, I guess.
Overall, this was a really lovely story which some truly amazing messaging, representation, and care. The art style was also really beautiful and I absolutely devoured this read. If you are looking for something heartfelt, fun, beautiful, and full of great representation with beautiful art, you really can't go wrong with this read. And while I don't always advocate for comparing books with other books, I will say for fans of Heartstopper, I think this would also be a great choice!
However, I had some issues with some of the ways things went down. Again, I really want to emphasize that I am glad this book exists, there were just certain things that weren't my favourite. Firstly, I felt that Alix spent most of the book being misunderstood and invalidated by those around her, most by her coach and her mother. I also felt like Alix kept screaming at them to love her for who she was and not a single adult in the novel did that for her and that made me really sad for her. I also felt like there wasn't enough justice for my bloodthirsty heart, or enough resolution (even closure if not resolution) by the end of the novel. I would've liked if the novel closed off some things in a more satisfying ending. For me, I felt that the novel ended fairly abruptly. So I would've liked more meat to the story, especially at the end. I felt like a lot of adults failed her and there was barely any recognition of this, that Alix isn't the problem, it's them. I will say that it's a testament to the story and the author's storytelling abilities that I immediately fell in love with both Alix and Ezra from the first page and hence was so salty that they didn't get all the love and acceptance they deserved. And maybe that's a me problem because ultimately these characters are in their mid- to late teens and understandably don't have everything figured out perfectly. My little heart just loves when the ending feels more resolved, I guess.
Overall, this was a really lovely story which some truly amazing messaging, representation, and care. The art style was also really beautiful and I absolutely devoured this read. If you are looking for something heartfelt, fun, beautiful, and full of great representation with beautiful art, you really can't go wrong with this read. And while I don't always advocate for comparing books with other books, I will say for fans of Heartstopper, I think this would also be a great choice!
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
fast-paced
So cute, literally such an adorable read.
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Well done graphic that tackles a lot of tough subjects. I liked all the topics it broached; sexuality, friendships, teammates, bullying, family dynamics, abuse, and maybe a few more I'm forgetting. And while it did touch on all these things, it did wrap up a little too neatly for me? I wish there had been a little bit more to it, or more of an epilogue where we get to see the bullies get their just deserts. But that's just me.
emotional
funny
inspiring
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:
Yes