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jukietoss's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? No
5.0
What a powerful sophomore novel to follow up the outstanding Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School. Here, Reyes confronts some of the heaviest topics teens--and society--face, and does it with so much heart and tenderness that they allow us to actually look it all in the face. In less deft hands, this story would have been too devastating or triggering to read. But for Reyes, while the trauma is a catalyst, they manage to avoid every possible pitfall in a story such as this (like leaning on the trauma as a plot device for character-building).
I was struck and moved by the portrayal of friendship creation on the page. So often we see friendships that already exist, or we see romantic interest development, but here we're able to see a group of teens who, when the book begins, are largely alone, and by the end are truly bonded--and not just because of shared trauma, but because of true investment in and care for one another. I really loved watching these relationships blossom.
I also appreciated the access this story gave me to the perspective of an autistic, selectively mute protagonist. Ari was so lovingly drawn and so thoughtfully shared. Hearing the story from her perspective was illuminating and helped to put me inside the complexity of each social situation and discussion. I loved her dearly and could not put the book down as I watched her bloom over the course of the book.
I wish that a story like this--facing rape, exploring consent, exposing bullying, highlighting privilege, asking who is believed, and showing how the carceral punishment system fails society--were not so relevant, but as it is, it's urgently needed. Each of the topics the book explores is also relevant in adult society, but by exploring it through high school kids--where these patterns, roles, and dynamics begin to calcify--we're able to see both the impact society's failings has on younger generations, and how confusing and overwhelming it is for teens.
I was struck and moved by the portrayal of friendship creation on the page. So often we see friendships that already exist, or we see romantic interest development, but here we're able to see a group of teens who, when the book begins, are largely alone, and by the end are truly bonded--and not just because of shared trauma, but because of true investment in and care for one another. I really loved watching these relationships blossom.
I also appreciated the access this story gave me to the perspective of an autistic, selectively mute protagonist. Ari was so lovingly drawn and so thoughtfully shared. Hearing the story from her perspective was illuminating and helped to put me inside the complexity of each social situation and discussion. I loved her dearly and could not put the book down as I watched her bloom over the course of the book.
I wish that a story like this--facing rape, exploring consent, exposing bullying, highlighting privilege, asking who is believed, and showing how the carceral punishment system fails society--were not so relevant, but as it is, it's urgently needed. Each of the topics the book explores is also relevant in adult society, but by exploring it through high school kids--where these patterns, roles, and dynamics begin to calcify--we're able to see both the impact society's failings has on younger generations, and how confusing and overwhelming it is for teens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Rape, Emotional abuse, and Infidelity
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