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literarysloth's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lyakimov's review against another edition
3.0
This was definitely one of the better contemporary books I’ve read in the last couple years. I’m always looking for books that are different and from own-voices authors, so I was interested in picking this up.
The beginning of the book was heart wrenching, seeing Ben being kicked out by their parents. It was horribly sad and realistically, it’s something that many kids deal with. It kicked me in the heart. Did I tear up any time Ben mentions they were kicked out by their parents? Yes, yes I did.
I loved Ben’s relationship with Hannah and Thomas. Here’s my biggest issue with this book: the romance. I think that in Ben’s fragile state of mind, a romance is not the best thing for them and real, true, caring friends and extended family (in my opinion) should be more important than a significant other in this situation. This is why I think that Nathan should have just been a good best friend. Show the power of friendship!! Why does everything always have to be romantic love? I think there needed to be more focus on Hannah and Thomas’s dynamic with Ben instead of developing a blossoming romance with Nathan.
Additionally, I feel like the book’s writing was a little flat. The dialogue never really flowed well, especially the trendy teen dialogue and “witty” banter. Did every contemporary author go to the same master class about writing Gen Z? Nobody talks like that! This author did better with this than others, but it’s definitely prevalent.
The beginning of the book was heart wrenching, seeing Ben being kicked out by their parents. It was horribly sad and realistically, it’s something that many kids deal with. It kicked me in the heart. Did I tear up any time Ben mentions they were kicked out by their parents? Yes, yes I did.
I loved Ben’s relationship with Hannah and Thomas. Here’s my biggest issue with this book: the romance. I think that in Ben’s fragile state of mind, a romance is not the best thing for them and real, true, caring friends and extended family (in my opinion) should be more important than a significant other in this situation. This is why I think that Nathan should have just been a good best friend. Show the power of friendship!! Why does everything always have to be romantic love? I think there needed to be more focus on Hannah and Thomas’s dynamic with Ben instead of developing a blossoming romance with Nathan.
Additionally, I feel like the book’s writing was a little flat. The dialogue never really flowed well, especially the trendy teen dialogue and “witty” banter. Did every contemporary author go to the same master class about writing Gen Z? Nobody talks like that! This author did better with this than others, but it’s definitely prevalent.
hollyking96's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
thefantasticalworldofsara's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a long time since I've stayed up late just to finish a book but GOD I couldn't put this down!! This was another book I picked up on a whim at work and I'm so thankful I did! The writing style was right up my alley, the characters were well developed (and cool as hell) and parts of it were VERY CUTE.
Would highly recommend!
Ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the views of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.
Would highly recommend!
Ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the views of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.
iforgotilivedhere's review against another edition
I wanna get back to it sometime but it’s too much for me atm
mi_les's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
4.25
chaotic17's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
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? No
3.5
mitchell_1's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Transphobia
joanapmo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
jowithtwoiis's review against another edition
3.0
I cared about the characters by the end of the book but... the ending felt rushed and I thought that the main character was going through too much for it to be resolved as quickly as it was. It was interesting to learn a bit about non-binary identification and how misgendering can be so horrible for them, and how they felt strange in their body. I do think the "romance" was pretty obvious from the beginning but I still made it to the end so that counts for something. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with caveats.