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jenny_librarian's review
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It's a good thing this series isn't linear, because I completely jumped over Puddin' to read Pumpkin because of the rainbow spine (yes, I'm that shallow). And I regret nothing! This book was the right way to end Pride month. It's got enough sparkle in it to fuel a queer army, and just enough cheese to make you go "awww" once in a while.
One thing I love about Julie Murphy is how she writes unapologetic fat characters. Waylon doesn't try to lose weight. He's not uncomfortable in his body, except when it's in relation to others because that's what society taught him. I love how the author challenges assumptions that losing weight solves everything and how going on and on about your weight loss can actually be damaging to other (eg. Alex).
I saw the romance coming from miles away, but it was still cute. I would however like to point out that bisexuality seems a completely foreign concept to those teens, even though they go on rants about the fluidity of gender or write something about being asexual. For the first half of the book, Waylon is even borderline biphobic, refusing to even imagineTucker as anything but straight. And I don't love the fact that the word itself is never mentioned. It would be fine to say that character is questioning, but he seems pretty comfortable in his identity. Especially after what happened with Lucas, I'm surprised Waylon would accept it without knowing where Tucker stands (even if he's still discovering it himself).
One thing I love about Julie Murphy is how she writes unapologetic fat characters. Waylon doesn't try to lose weight. He's not uncomfortable in his body, except when it's in relation to others because that's what society taught him. I love how the author challenges assumptions that losing weight solves everything and how going on and on about your weight loss can actually be damaging to other (eg. Alex).
I saw the romance coming from miles away, but it was still cute. I would however like to point out that bisexuality seems a completely foreign concept to those teens, even though they go on rants about the fluidity of gender or write something about being asexual. For the first half of the book, Waylon is even borderline biphobic, refusing to even imagine
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Bullying
Minor: Homophobia, Biphobia, Sexism, and Lesbophobia
malloryfitz's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Body shaming, Alcoholism, Fatphobia, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Sexism, and Sexual content
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