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bookswithlauren's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Homophobia, Racism, Lesbophobia, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Hate crime, Outing, and Bullying
featherinthewind's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I felt that this book had some problems, but nothing that couldn’t be overlooked by the overall enjoyment I had while reading. There were small hiccups in the beginning, and the characters didn’t feel right, but as the story continued, the quality increased. I am left with a bit of dissatisfaction of the relationship in this book because it didn’t feel quite right, but by the end, I was satisfied. The real reason why I gave it 4 stars was because it made me angry. The way the characters and their actions were portrayed made me feel angry, making me want to stand up for the MC, Nashat. The book did a wonderful job portraying the hardships of being outed and being different than everyone else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Lesbophobia, Outing, Homophobia, and Hate crime
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Religious bigotry
annorabrady's review
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I can see why a lot of people like it, especially teens. But it wasn't really my jam. I think it would be particularly important for both POC and LGBTQ youth, especially those who don't have the best coming out experiences. Though, it should be noted that there are both forced outings, overt racism, and nonviolent hate crimes in this story so people should approach it with caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Hate crime, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Religious bigotry, Racism, and Bullying
m_r3ads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, Outing, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Biphobia, Lesbophobia, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
meliemelo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
I'd been wanting to read this book for a long while and was very happy to discover it amongst my birthday present. It's very sweet overall, although the second-hand embarrassment (mainly in the form of "nooooo don't do that!") can make it a tense read at times.
As in a lot of first-person POV romances, we suffer a bit from not getting much insight into the love interest's thoughts and motivations, making it quite difficult to understand and even, to a certain extent, like her at times. In the end though I was happy with the overall resolution.
I especially liked the emphasis on the bond with Priti, as well as family and friends in general.
I think this is a great read for teenagers, and I'm looking forward to adding it to my hypothetical-future LGBTQ+ classroom bookshelf.
As in a lot of first-person POV romances, we suffer a bit from not getting much insight into the love interest's thoughts and motivations, making it quite difficult to understand and even, to a certain extent, like her at times. In the end though I was happy with the overall resolution.
I especially liked the emphasis on the bond with Priti, as well as family and friends in general.
I think this is a great read for teenagers, and I'm looking forward to adding it to my hypothetical-future LGBTQ+ classroom bookshelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Lesbophobia, Outing, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
ophycore's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Outing, Lesbophobia, Hate crime, Islamophobia, Cultural appropriation, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
lonely_leafairy's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.25
I might change this rating, but for now, this is the best book I've ever read.
(By the way, I have listed all of the content warnings very carefully and made sure I didn't skip any, so this is a pretty trustworthy review to go by!)
Granted, that might sound a little dramatic, but I haven't read many books, so take that opinion with a grain of salt.
I loved the diversity of the characters, and I think it is so full of plot twists and things that will make you want to cry, scream or jump with joy.
It's got so many qualities, and I might be a little biased since the main love interest is Brazillian and I'm Brazillian, but it is still a great find. It's my favorite book for so many reasons, and I simply adore it.
But, that doesn't mean that it doesn't come with its flaws.
It seems like kind of amateur writing, mainly how they used the same description, "I pressed her lips against mine," and some other things. It's repetitive and seems like a beginner's mistake. It really did lose it's meaning when you use the same bombastic description so many times. But those really are silly mistakes that I can look over, and overall, it's a great book!
(By the way, I have listed all of the content warnings very carefully and made sure I didn't skip any, so this is a pretty trustworthy review to go by!)
Granted, that might sound a little dramatic, but I haven't read many books, so take that opinion with a grain of salt.
I loved the diversity of the characters, and I think it is so full of plot twists and things that will make you want to cry, scream or jump with joy.
It's got so many qualities, and I might be a little biased since the main love interest is Brazillian and I'm Brazillian, but it is still a great find. It's my favorite book for so many reasons, and I simply adore it.
But, that doesn't mean that it doesn't come with its flaws.
It seems like kind of amateur writing, mainly how they used the same description, "I pressed her lips against mine," and some other things. It's repetitive and seems like a beginner's mistake. It really did lose it's meaning when you use the same bombastic description so many times. But those really are silly mistakes that I can look over, and overall, it's a great book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Bullying, Religious bigotry, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship and Cursing
It is not inappropriate in a sexual way at all, but it does include homophobia and bullying. Nothing tooo intense though, and it has a warning at the beginning anyways. It is COMPLETELY safe for kids, as long as you are not triggered by bullying.linossidepiece's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Homophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, Outing, and Bullying
tinyjude's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really liked the tension between the characters and the social commentary (white privilege, racism, homophobia, etc), although it didnt make me giggle as hard as her other book (i am still in love with the sapphic couple in that book). I loved the sibling dynamics and the support they showed to each other, it was beautiful. Also, I liked how most of the characters come around, admit their mistakes and become better people.
My only complains are: WE NEEDED MORE SCENES OF THEM BEING SO CUTE, SO AWKWARDLY IN LOVE THROUGH THE BOOK, THE YEARNING and all the HP references, which hurt a lot my non binary heart, bc JKR is a massive TERF and I hate when people make any reference to her work, something that could easily be replaced by another kids story whose author doesnt literally threatens the lives of trans people ever day. But this last complain is more general, to the whole book community and writers.
Please, your nostalgia of a fictional work written by a TERF is not as important as literal trans lives.
My only complains are: WE NEEDED MORE SCENES OF THEM BEING SO CUTE, SO AWKWARDLY IN LOVE THROUGH THE BOOK, THE YEARNING and all the HP references, which hurt a lot my non binary heart, bc JKR is a massive TERF and I hate when people make any reference to her work, something that could easily be replaced by another kids story whose author doesnt literally threatens the lives of trans people ever day. But this last complain is more general, to the whole book community and writers.
Please, your nostalgia of a fictional work written by a TERF is not as important as literal trans lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, Outing, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Hate crime, and Cultural appropriation
auteaandtales's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Outing, Cultural appropriation, and Religious bigotry