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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.
goosemixtapes's review against another edition
4.0
the question of whether adult YA authors should write about teens having sex is... complicated. (he said, stating the obvious.) but genuinely, it's complicated enough that i'm not sure how i feel about it. on the one hand, adults writing about underage characters having sex definitely doesn't FEEL like a great idea. but on the other hand, modern day teenagers (in america, at least) are so saturated in sexuality all the time, coming at them from everywhere, that having books that specifically intend to answer questions about safe sex and relieve teens' shame about sex... well, in my opinion, it's not a terrible addition to that saturation. that's mostly what i expected from this book -- discussions of safe sex & pushback against the way gay men specifically are treated as inherently & overtly too sexual.
and i got that. what i wasn't expecting was the legitimately really good commentary on 1) the fetishization of gay men and 2) the idea of the "good gay." i'm giving this four stars instead of five because it just never really hit that extra five-star point for me (plus it wrapped up rather quickly imo, plus they kept calling les mis "les miz" which, no, isn't important but i'm petty and it drove me insane) -- i liked it, but i didn't love it. but it IS just a seriously good book that has, like its main character, a lot to say that definitely needs to be said.
and i got that. what i wasn't expecting was the legitimately really good commentary on 1) the fetishization of gay men and 2) the idea of the "good gay." i'm giving this four stars instead of five because it just never really hit that extra five-star point for me (plus it wrapped up rather quickly imo, plus they kept calling les mis "les miz" which, no, isn't important but i'm petty and it drove me insane) -- i liked it, but i didn't love it. but it IS just a seriously good book that has, like its main character, a lot to say that definitely needs to be said.
aprettyqueerbookshelf's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kelliemw's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
m_m_shoe's review against another edition
4.0
*I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.*
You can find this book review and others at my blog https://montanasmusings.wordpress.com
Jack is an out and proud gay teenager. Rumors are always floating around of his sexcapades and he decides to take control of those rumors by writing a sex advice column, where he writes of his personal experiences and how people can practice safe sex. Along the way, someone begins blackmailing him back into the closet.
This was an amazing book. I wasn't expecting to be so hooked into the story. The story was not only about an unapologetic gay teen (YAASSS!!) but it contained many sex tips and information that I've never found anywhere else. From talking about BDSM to sex toys, the author truly does try to reach out to LGBT readers who may be afraid to ask questions about sex because of various reasons, including fear of reprisal for their sexuality to being too embarrassed to discuss how to have sex with someone of the same sex. I certainly saw this as a very informational book for readers that wanted to know more, and because of that, I can definitely see this book immediately going onto banned books lists.
The only thing I didn't like was how rushed the ending was. I mean, you find out who the blackmailer is in the lst few pages and then that's that. You have over 300 pages leading up to the answer of "who dunnit" and then it's answered in a mere 10ish pages. I thought it was very rushed, almost like the writer had run out of steam. I wished the ending had been a bit more well-rounded, but besides that, I really enjoyed this book.
You can find this book review and others at my blog https://montanasmusings.wordpress.com
Jack is an out and proud gay teenager. Rumors are always floating around of his sexcapades and he decides to take control of those rumors by writing a sex advice column, where he writes of his personal experiences and how people can practice safe sex. Along the way, someone begins blackmailing him back into the closet.
This was an amazing book. I wasn't expecting to be so hooked into the story. The story was not only about an unapologetic gay teen (YAASSS!!) but it contained many sex tips and information that I've never found anywhere else. From talking about BDSM to sex toys, the author truly does try to reach out to LGBT readers who may be afraid to ask questions about sex because of various reasons, including fear of reprisal for their sexuality to being too embarrassed to discuss how to have sex with someone of the same sex. I certainly saw this as a very informational book for readers that wanted to know more, and because of that, I can definitely see this book immediately going onto banned books lists.
The only thing I didn't like was how rushed the ending was. I mean, you find out who the blackmailer is in the lst few pages and then that's that. You have over 300 pages leading up to the answer of "who dunnit" and then it's answered in a mere 10ish pages. I thought it was very rushed, almost like the writer had run out of steam. I wished the ending had been a bit more well-rounded, but besides that, I really enjoyed this book.
melg14's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I really loved the sex positive advice and messages that Jack replies with. I think that’s very important in YA. There were many important messages like straight girls fetishizing gay men, consent, a sexuality, sex ed, etc.)
However, overall I found the books lacking a bit. There wasn’t much to go off with the mystery where the reader would be able to guess who done it. That left me bored a little and wishing there was another interesting subplot going on (usually there is a romantic subplot but Jack is a no relationship guy rn). I found the adults in this book super frustrating especially Jack’s mom, I personally think she was a bad parent. Like why even have a child and not put in effort to have a better relationship? Why leave him to himself once he was able to do stuff on his own so she can advance in her career? I didn’t really. Are for his friends too tbh, Jenna annoyed me and Ben was okay. We don’t even know what happened with the stalker once they are caught or even a definitive answer as to why they stalled Jack.
I really loved the sex positive advice and messages that Jack replies with. I think that’s very important in YA. There were many important messages like straight girls fetishizing gay men, consent, a sexuality, sex ed, etc.)
However, overall I found the books lacking a bit. There wasn’t much to go off with the mystery where the reader would be able to guess who done it. That left me bored a little and wishing there was another interesting subplot going on (usually there is a romantic subplot but Jack is a no relationship guy rn). I found the adults in this book super frustrating especially Jack’s mom, I personally think she was a bad parent. Like why even have a child and not put in effort to have a better relationship? Why leave him to himself once he was able to do stuff on his own so she can advance in her career? I didn’t really. Are for his friends too tbh, Jenna annoyed me and Ben was okay. We don’t even know what happened with the stalker once they are caught or even a definitive answer as to why they stalled Jack.
theycallmelech's review against another edition
5.0
Super fun and unapologetic! Will definitely remember this one.
sherrios's review against another edition
5.0
This book just... ticks a lot of boxes. Let's begin with that. Now, I picked this book up because of the cover — I mean, look at it, it's fabulous — but I read it because of the synopsis. Never have I read or seen a YA book that revolves around a sex-positive character. Sex, in so many YA books, is a ~special~ thing, or something to be feared. Add to that a book that doesn't shy away from gay sex (so, so many LGBTQIA YA only flirts with sex, or glosses over it), and basically I was sold. The mystery of the love notes was just icing on the cake.
Now, this book is fairly predictable in some ways (I picked out the anonymous admirer/stalker pretty quickly), but I think that predictability is fine considering all of the other things going on that break the typical YA mold. But it also has a lot of new ground — from the aforementioned sex positive portrayal of a gay character AND his female best friend (and they DO NOT hook up, thank god), while also supporting characters who AREN'T ready to have sex. The thing about this book is that it's so inclusive, and the main takeaway is that you should ALWAYS be who are you, and that you have that right. That no one should be forced to do something just because they 'should' or because the crowd is doing it, too.
Not to mention, the actual sex columns? Have some pretty damn good advice.
A+, book. A+.
Now, this book is fairly predictable in some ways (I picked out the anonymous admirer/stalker pretty quickly), but I think that predictability is fine considering all of the other things going on that break the typical YA mold. But it also has a lot of new ground — from the aforementioned sex positive portrayal of a gay character AND his female best friend (and they DO NOT hook up, thank god), while also supporting characters who AREN'T ready to have sex. The thing about this book is that it's so inclusive, and the main takeaway is that you should ALWAYS be who are you, and that you have that right. That no one should be forced to do something just because they 'should' or because the crowd is doing it, too.
Not to mention, the actual sex columns? Have some pretty damn good advice.
A+, book. A+.
bookishlykatherine's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 out of 5
First of all I am going to put a huge content warning on this book for stalking, descriptions of panic attacks, and suggested rape.
This is one of those books that I think all teenagers need to read, whether they are queer, straight, or questioning, for the advice column sections alone.
While the story itself is a mystery, there is so much more to it. The mystery aspect is what drives the plot along and it reveals a lot about the different people in Jack's life, from the adult figures to his fellow students, but there are also beautiful moments of reprieve which allow the reader to learn about the kind of world Jack comes from. While it does take place in NYC and the people around him are fairly accepting, he still faces micro aggressions daily and he has to deal with a principal who doesn't take him seriously and constantly victim blames. It explores what it means to be a queer person today and how there are so many expectations that come with it. One of the main threads through the book is that Jack just wants to live his life and he doesn’t want to have to act a certain way just to break stereotypes or fulfill them.
Jack is such a rich, deep character. He is so confident and sure of himself, but he also has panic attacks and is driven to question what he is willing to do to help those that he cares about. His relationships with his friends and his mom are also such crucial elements to the story. His friends want what's best for him but they do also have their own lives and agenda's driving them and affecting their perception of the situation.
As I said before, another really interesting element in the book is Jack’s advice columns.I know when I was in high school we got the absolute minimum in sex education and it definitely didn’t deviate and give advice to those who are questioning their sexuality or just wondering, “is this normal.” Jacks advice helps the kids he goes to school with know that they are not alone and there is nothing wrong or broken about them. It definitely has a similar vibe to the show Sex Education in that regard.
First of all I am going to put a huge content warning on this book for stalking, descriptions of panic attacks, and suggested rape.
This is one of those books that I think all teenagers need to read, whether they are queer, straight, or questioning, for the advice column sections alone.
While the story itself is a mystery, there is so much more to it. The mystery aspect is what drives the plot along and it reveals a lot about the different people in Jack's life, from the adult figures to his fellow students, but there are also beautiful moments of reprieve which allow the reader to learn about the kind of world Jack comes from. While it does take place in NYC and the people around him are fairly accepting, he still faces micro aggressions daily and he has to deal with a principal who doesn't take him seriously and constantly victim blames. It explores what it means to be a queer person today and how there are so many expectations that come with it. One of the main threads through the book is that Jack just wants to live his life and he doesn’t want to have to act a certain way just to break stereotypes or fulfill them.
Jack is such a rich, deep character. He is so confident and sure of himself, but he also has panic attacks and is driven to question what he is willing to do to help those that he cares about. His relationships with his friends and his mom are also such crucial elements to the story. His friends want what's best for him but they do also have their own lives and agenda's driving them and affecting their perception of the situation.
As I said before, another really interesting element in the book is Jack’s advice columns.I know when I was in high school we got the absolute minimum in sex education and it definitely didn’t deviate and give advice to those who are questioning their sexuality or just wondering, “is this normal.” Jacks advice helps the kids he goes to school with know that they are not alone and there is nothing wrong or broken about them. It definitely has a similar vibe to the show Sex Education in that regard.