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mixtercharlie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
Meet Jack, he is famous (or is it infamous) in school for the exploits he supposedly does and he is now writing a sex advice column... and oh yes there is a creepy stalker.
I have been meaning to read this book since it came out but never had the chance until now! One of my libraries had it and I was so excited that I finally had it in my hands. Yay!
Jack! Ah, my boy Jack! I loved the guy from the start. He was fun, he was fabulous, and I loved how open he was about various things, especially when that thing was sex. I was cheering when he got the option to do a column about sex and love and that he took it (even though he wasn't too eager about it in the beginning). But from the start I saw that this was just a match made in heaven, he was clear on explaining how and what, but also put in a personal story to let people know that he also had a situation like that or something similar. I just loved reading these columns. They were fun, personal and I learned a few things as well. :)
I loved how fabulous he was with clothing and make-up, I could just imagine him vividly thanks to the descriptions. And yes, my image was pretty much Freddy Mercury with a dash of Prince. :P
I loved how this book didn't shy away from sex. We have plenty of sexy things happening. Dick pics, tons of sex, kisses, and swoony moments.
Can I just say that I love how honest Jack was towards his partners? He was clear that this was just sex, nothing more. That he wasn't ready for commitment. That he was now more into sex than getting stuck with someone. That he wanted to explore more. Be free to do things he wanted to do. I think it was really adult of him to say that, it is one of the few times that I have seen this happen in a YA book, so I was delighted.
Though there were a few things I wasn't too happy with and something I noticed in other LGBT books as well, especially in the newer YA/LGBT books. I get that people who are straight aren't always OK and some are downright hateful, but to just treat all straights as if they are evil/bad... no. Just a big fat no. It also just seems quite silly. The characters want to be accepted by everyone, but in the mean time they are not that very accepting to others.
Yes, the question about the bottoms was a bit eh given the reasons they asked it, HOWEVER, it is a sex advice column, and I can imagine that people are curious about how that kind of stuff works. As for the you don't ask how straights have sex, well, yes, you do ask. :P There are so many ways, and seriously, at that age? I didn't even know 90% of them/it, even now I am still clueless on many things. Yes, I am being 100% honest here. Curious is the way to learn. And if you have to ask someone, go for it, if it is anonymous or mostly anonymous, yes! So I wasn't amused with Jack's answer. It was just too much, too over the top, and I frankly found it pretty rude and harmful. Again, yes, I can imagine he was pissed given the reasons of the girls, I would probably be pissed as well if I was Jack, but I would have handled it more tactfully. Less bashing.
Then there was the plot thing with Pinky which ended up pretty WTH, I just felt that it wasn't a good ending. Yes, I hadn't expected it to be THAT character, but it just weird and off. I am not sure how to explain better but it felt like an afterthought in the end.
At times I wasn't happy with how Jack handled things, I wished he had gone to the police, but then again, I can also see his reasoning to not go. Still, it was very hard to see him get so down and even depressed and giving up. His friends did try to help him, but I can imagine that he didn't want to ask them too much. I know the exact feeling. They also have their lives, and just like Jack I wouldn't want to interfere too much, ask too much. While yes, I do know that my friends are there for me and don't mind it if I need their help.
I was so happy with Ben x Ben, I just loved them together. I do hope that Ben (Jack's friend) is gaining more confidence, but I am sure that will go fine given how that relationship progressed.
I also loved seeing the relationship between Jack and his mom. It was quite awkward at times, but I am glad that despite that she wasn't around much she was fully supporting of her son. Though of course she doesn't need to know all he does. :P
All in all, with the exception of a few things, I had plenty of fun reading this one. There are some exciting parts, some scary parts, some very hot moments, and I just adored Jack. I would recommend this one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been meaning to read this book since it came out but never had the chance until now! One of my libraries had it and I was so excited that I finally had it in my hands. Yay!
Jack! Ah, my boy Jack! I loved the guy from the start. He was fun, he was fabulous, and I loved how open he was about various things, especially when that thing was sex. I was cheering when he got the option to do a column about sex and love and that he took it (even though he wasn't too eager about it in the beginning). But from the start I saw that this was just a match made in heaven, he was clear on explaining how and what, but also put in a personal story to let people know that he also had a situation like that or something similar. I just loved reading these columns. They were fun, personal and I learned a few things as well. :)
I loved how fabulous he was with clothing and make-up, I could just imagine him vividly thanks to the descriptions. And yes, my image was pretty much Freddy Mercury with a dash of Prince. :P
I loved how this book didn't shy away from sex. We have plenty of sexy things happening. Dick pics, tons of sex, kisses, and swoony moments.
Can I just say that I love how honest Jack was towards his partners? He was clear that this was just sex, nothing more. That he wasn't ready for commitment. That he was now more into sex than getting stuck with someone. That he wanted to explore more. Be free to do things he wanted to do. I think it was really adult of him to say that, it is one of the few times that I have seen this happen in a YA book, so I was delighted.
Though there were a few things I wasn't too happy with and something I noticed in other LGBT books as well, especially in the newer YA/LGBT books. I get that people who are straight aren't always OK and some are downright hateful, but to just treat all straights as if they are evil/bad... no. Just a big fat no. It also just seems quite silly. The characters want to be accepted by everyone, but in the mean time they are not that very accepting to others.
Yes, the question about the bottoms was a bit eh given the reasons they asked it, HOWEVER, it is a sex advice column, and I can imagine that people are curious about how that kind of stuff works. As for the you don't ask how straights have sex, well, yes, you do ask. :P There are so many ways, and seriously, at that age? I didn't even know 90% of them/it, even now I am still clueless on many things. Yes, I am being 100% honest here. Curious is the way to learn. And if you have to ask someone, go for it, if it is anonymous or mostly anonymous, yes! So I wasn't amused with Jack's answer. It was just too much, too over the top, and I frankly found it pretty rude and harmful. Again, yes, I can imagine he was pissed given the reasons of the girls, I would probably be pissed as well if I was Jack, but I would have handled it more tactfully. Less bashing.
Then there was the plot thing with Pinky which ended up pretty WTH, I just felt that it wasn't a good ending. Yes, I hadn't expected it to be THAT character, but it just weird and off. I am not sure how to explain better but it felt like an afterthought in the end.
At times I wasn't happy with how Jack handled things, I wished he had gone to the police, but then again, I can also see his reasoning to not go. Still, it was very hard to see him get so down and even depressed and giving up. His friends did try to help him, but I can imagine that he didn't want to ask them too much. I know the exact feeling. They also have their lives, and just like Jack I wouldn't want to interfere too much, ask too much. While yes, I do know that my friends are there for me and don't mind it if I need their help.
I was so happy with Ben x Ben, I just loved them together. I do hope that Ben (Jack's friend) is gaining more confidence, but I am sure that will go fine given how that relationship progressed.
I also loved seeing the relationship between Jack and his mom. It was quite awkward at times, but I am glad that despite that she wasn't around much she was fully supporting of her son. Though of course she doesn't need to know all he does. :P
All in all, with the exception of a few things, I had plenty of fun reading this one. There are some exciting parts, some scary parts, some very hot moments, and I just adored Jack. I would recommend this one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
dsauriol1991's review against another edition
4.0
A super fun YA sex positive comedy/mystery/slight coming of age story! I truly how unapologetic Jack is about his sex life, he really only lets his light dim when the whole stalking situation gets too much. I know you’re thinking a book with a stalker can’t be funny or lighthearted but this is. I will say Jack’s stubbornness while understandable was frustrating at times. I also really enjoyed his friends Ben & Jenna. They were both supportive and truly just wanted the best for Jack throughout!
jena_33's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lilymurph's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
miori's review against another edition
4.0
Спасибо ламповым квирным телеграм-блогам за то, что вывели меня на эту книгу, иначе, думаю, узнать о ней не представилось бы возможности.
А ведь история Джека — это не просто легкая и интересная история. Более того, она важна не только в контексте квирности, из которой состоит, наверно, на все на 100%. Да, от нее веет свободой мышления, принятием себя в самых разных контекстах и ипостасях. Но что самое прекрасное — она на самом деле не о сексуальных ориентациях, квирности, не о конфликте принятия себя и становления — типичные сюжеты для тех, "кто хочет понять гея". В ней гей-персонажи — просто геи, точка. Ведь дело и соль на самом деле не в этом.
Роман рассказывает о двух актуальных и не заезженных в литературе проблемах: а) сталкинг; б) слатшейминг. Автор очень умело переплетает их, создавая очень реалистичный сюжет.
При этом прелесть истории — она точно станет лакмусовой бумажкой для читателя. Уверена, многие неоднозначно отнесутся к поведению героя, как я, например. А может даже осудят его, обвинят в проблемах, как делает окружение. Тем не менее, прекрасно читать о таком сильном и при этом человечном главном герое, а его позиция по жизни в книге не пропагандируется, но дестигматизируется, что круто.
Книга напомнила о сериале "Sex Education" своим настроем и уклоном в секспросвет. В колонке советов, которую ведет главный герой Джек, встречаются очень интересные и я бы даже сказала незаурядные размышления, например, про объективизацию гей-парней девушками.
Порадовал сюжет. Нарастающее беспокойство и напряжение чувствовалось, а кто же все-таки сталкер, лично мне не было понятно до последнего момента. Можно сказать, что сама история с преследователем не реалистична, но именно в этом главная проблема, которую обличает история. Окружающие не верят, закрывают глаза, как делает мудак-директор. Уж не знаю, непродуманность ли это со стороны автора или просто нежелание разбираться с проблемой персонажа, но ведь мог он просто проверить камеры в коридоре, чтобы вычислить сталкера? И даже те, кто верят, понимают угрозу, и хотят помочь — не могут сделать практически ничего, ведь в полиции за такое дело не возьмутся всерьез.
Единственное, что мне не понравилось — то, что к концу с главным героем не происходит никакой трансформации. Можно сказать, что его развитием как раз является то, что он не изменился. Остался собой, несмотря на обстоятельства, вынуждающие слиться с толпой и пересмотреть свое поведение. И это неплохо.
Но то, что
В остальном книга читается на одном дыхании, сюжет построен логично, персонажи обаятельны, а тематика по-настоящему актуальна. То, что нужно.
А ведь история Джека — это не просто легкая и интересная история. Более того, она важна не только в контексте квирности, из которой состоит, наверно, на все на 100%. Да, от нее веет свободой мышления, принятием себя в самых разных контекстах и ипостасях. Но что самое прекрасное — она на самом деле не о сексуальных ориентациях, квирности, не о конфликте принятия себя и становления — типичные сюжеты для тех, "кто хочет понять гея". В ней гей-персонажи — просто геи, точка. Ведь дело и соль на самом деле не в этом.
Роман рассказывает о двух актуальных и не заезженных в литературе проблемах: а) сталкинг; б) слатшейминг. Автор очень умело переплетает их, создавая очень реалистичный сюжет.
При этом прелесть истории — она точно станет лакмусовой бумажкой для читателя. Уверена, многие неоднозначно отнесутся к поведению героя, как я, например. А может даже осудят его, обвинят в проблемах, как делает окружение. Тем не менее, прекрасно читать о таком сильном и при этом человечном главном герое, а его позиция по жизни в книге не пропагандируется, но дестигматизируется, что круто.
Книга напомнила о сериале "Sex Education" своим настроем и уклоном в секспросвет. В колонке советов, которую ведет главный герой Джек, встречаются очень интересные и я бы даже сказала незаурядные размышления, например, про объективизацию гей-парней девушками.
Порадовал сюжет. Нарастающее беспокойство и напряжение чувствовалось, а кто же все-таки сталкер, лично мне не было понятно до последнего момента. Можно сказать, что сама история с преследователем не реалистична, но именно в этом главная проблема, которую обличает история. Окружающие не верят, закрывают глаза, как делает мудак-директор. Уж не знаю, непродуманность ли это со стороны автора или просто нежелание разбираться с проблемой персонажа, но ведь мог он просто проверить камеры в коридоре, чтобы вычислить сталкера? И даже те, кто верят, понимают угрозу, и хотят помочь — не могут сделать практически ничего, ведь в полиции за такое дело не возьмутся всерьез.
Единственное, что мне не понравилось — то, что к концу с главным героем не происходит никакой трансформации. Можно сказать, что его развитием как раз является то, что он не изменился. Остался собой, несмотря на обстоятельства, вынуждающие слиться с толпой и пересмотреть свое поведение. И это неплохо.
Но то, что
Spoiler
он скрывал от матери всю ситуацию и даже в конце не рассказал правду, очень расстраивает. Получается, он так и не понял, что лучший способ защитить близкого человека от такой угрозы — это быть с ним искренним. И почему он не объяснил все матери хотя бы после, когда дело было раскрыто, а вместо этого по факту подставил репутацию своего друга в глазах матери?В остальном книга читается на одном дыхании, сюжет построен логично, персонажи обаятельны, а тематика по-настоящему актуальна. То, что нужно.
drakoulis's review
5.0
Funny and sex-positive, another unique book from Lev Rosen !
It's Sex Education meets a crime mystery, and it works. It works perfectly!
Like Camp (Rosen's other book), this book does not shy away from realism when it comes to sex and is sending strong messages to all the prudish people out there.
It's Sex Education meets a crime mystery, and it works. It works perfectly!
Like Camp (Rosen's other book), this book does not shy away from realism when it comes to sex and is sending strong messages to all the prudish people out there.
mesy_mark's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
If you want a sex-positive book you found it. Jack is convinced to write a Dear Jack Of Hearts column on his friend's blog about sex and sexuality. At the same time, Jack starts receiving pink notes from a stalker, and the stalker is getting demeaning.
I loved how sex-positive this book was. How confronting stereotype types I was eager with each Jack Of Hearts letter. And wondering how far the stalker will go. The flow of the masculine-sounding narrator's voice was easy to understand. Overall I really liked how this book got into the sexuality of high schoolers, this one being more everyone is doing it end of the spectrum compared to other ya books that hint at sex to have occasional interactions. This book focuses on a teen's active sex life but not in a creepy way.
I loved how sex-positive this book was. How confronting stereotype types I was eager with each Jack Of Hearts letter. And wondering how far the stalker will go. The flow of the masculine-sounding narrator's voice was easy to understand. Overall I really liked how this book got into the sexuality of high schoolers, this one being more everyone is doing it end of the spectrum compared to other ya books that hint at sex to have occasional interactions. This book focuses on a teen's active sex life but not in a creepy way.
kellylayne's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
4.75
I found this book very compelling and interesting. I loved the main characters and that the secondary characters showcased a range of ways to be queer and/or sexual. At times, I did find it a bit far fetched that someone Jacks age would have such a wide range of sexual experiences and such a well-developed, mature set of sexual ethics - but hey, maybe Im wrong about that. And even if it was far-fetched it was a great way to work in some quality, non-condescending sex education for queer teens into an older YA book. These are all topics 16 and 17 yos will hear about, even if only a few are personally engaged in them at that age.