Scan barcode
sarahellenx's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Moderate: Homophobia
vael's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Xenophobia, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship, Deportation, Miscarriage, Alcohol, Sexual content, Outing, Classism, Police brutality, Misogyny, War, Racism, and Racial slurs
froon's review against another edition
3.5
while all that is good, i will say that i echo a lot of the disappointment that other people have with the pacing and resolution. so many storylines left unfinished, so many scenes that went nowhere. if i were to diagnose this problem it would be that this story is too big for this book. the author pulling in too many historical sources (as evidence by the author’s note) but too afraid to commit to true, life-altering conflict until the end. which, really, is what i’m most disappointed in. lily’s story feels incomplete in a way. the biggest indicator of this
overall, the ending should’ve been moved to the middle and have the characters (and the reader) sit with the consequence. loved the romance tho! #kathily4ever
Moderate: Homophobia
blahlicia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Lily is a lovely sympathetic character, a teenager who is unsure of herself but doing her best. She’s also the daughter of an immigrant and an American born Chinese person living in a time where anti-Asian sentiments and fears of communism are coloring everything. And oh yeah - she doesn’t quite get it yet…but she knows she doesn’t feel the same way about boys that her friends do.
Throughout the story we watch Lily figure herself out in more than one way. She falls in love. She disobeys her parents. She learns to stay true to herself.
The only thing I would’ve liked is if the ending was a little more fleshed out. It felt like as soon as Lily figured out her feelings, it all went to hell. Then we skipped a year we got a little blip about Kath and then it was done. I would’ve liked to know what happened to Kath when they lost touch (trying to avoid spoilers), I would’ve liked to see a little glimpse of her life with Aunt Judy. Or like just the dinner she and Kath had?!
But I will read the accompanying story and check on them there.
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
ash_36's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, and Violence
upgirlcd's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Outing and Homophobia
andrearahman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia
ahopper7's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Alcohol and Homophobia
ajay913's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Lesbophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Gaslighting, Bullying, Alcohol, and Racial slurs
Minor: Police brutality, Xenophobia, War, Misogyny, Transphobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
literarypenguin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved the character of Lily and how we saw this story from her perspective mainly. She is Chinese, has many expectations placed upon her by her parents yet she has dreams of getting a career in space and mathematics. She also helps take care of her two little brothers who she is very close with. She also has a friend that she grew up with in the same city she live in named Shirley, the daughter of restaurant owners. This friendship with Shirley is tested throughout this book with Lily questioning their friendship and how Shirley has treated her in the years they have been friends. Not only does she rethink her friendships but she thinks about her sexuality. How she has always felt different then others and never had an attraction to the boys in her school. When she starts up a friendship with Kath, those questions come at full force as she starts to realize what these feelings might be. One thing I loved about Lily was her interest in space, sci fi, and mathematics. Her bond with her aunt and uncle is also very sweet that she had someone she could relate to.
The history weaved through this story about actual LGBTQ events, places, and history. I loved how the author brought up LGBTQ reading material that was available in those times. How the Telegraph Club was based on actual clubs that were around at those times. The facts put in to the story made this story so much better to me!
The romance between Kath & Lily was super sweet, very well developed, and a beautiful relationship. It was bittersweet especially at the end but thankfully it gave me hope that they would be alright. Their bond was and buildup of the romance was wonderful and showing a positive female female love.
I enjoyed this book and I may pick up the follow up of this story. Maybe even pick up more books from this author as well!
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Miscarriage