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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
After absolutely adoring You Should See Me In a Crown last year, I was so ready to fall in love with this new one from Leah Johnson. Overall, it was a fun ride! If you’re looking for a cute summer read about Black queer girls, this fits the bill for sure. This book also tackles some deeper issues like racism, grief, gun violence, anxiety, and sexual harassment. So while it has its lighter, fun moments, Leah Johnson never shys away from deeper issues, which is a reason why I love her books
However, I did find this book to be lacking a lot in terms of development of the characters. I just wanted MORE. It just felt quite repetitive for me towards the middle of the book and like nothing was really happening. It felt like we were going around in circles. I also did not feel very connected with Olivia or Toni. Also there were certain sub-plots that I don’t think got enough time to shine. It felt quite rushed towards the end and dragging in the middle I suppose... if that makes sense xD
Overall though, it was a good read and I’m glad I read it! I can’t wait to read what Leah Johnson comes out with next!!
However, I did find this book to be lacking a lot in terms of development of the characters. I just wanted MORE. It just felt quite repetitive for me towards the middle of the book and like nothing was really happening. It felt like we were going around in circles. I also did not feel very connected with Olivia or Toni. Also there were certain sub-plots that I don’t think got enough time to shine. It felt quite rushed towards the end and dragging in the middle I suppose... if that makes sense xD
Overall though, it was a good read and I’m glad I read it! I can’t wait to read what Leah Johnson comes out with next!!
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
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
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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
Leah Johnson has never written anything I haven’t liked. She is such a genius with words!! I listened to the audiobook of this at work, which I do not recommend doing because it made me cry. There is a lot of unpacking each character does throughout the novel, which I really appreciated but it was difficult to read sometimes. On top of that, this book very heavily talks about mass shootings, so if that is something you find triggering, please know that before going into this!! I think all of the conversations were done so goddamn well. This is one of those books that I can absolutely see myself re-reading every summer!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I wasn't really cool with the way trauma and gun violence was portrayed in this. The only thing I really enjoyed was the music festival aspect
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent
emotional
funny
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
I loved this book! The writing gave me actual goosebumps it was so... alive! I loved getting to know all the characters and then getting to see them all get to know themselves. So beautiful and heart-warming.