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danileah07's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Alcoholism
imstephtacular's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Lesbophobia, Classism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content, War, Alcoholism, Self harm, Toxic friendship, Medical content, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
theromanticace's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Toxic friendship, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, and Outing
Moderate: Homophobia and Bullying
Minor: Addiction
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
5.0
Although I didn’t expect much from it going in, I absolutely loved Forward March. Harper is an asexual lesbian, like me, and that means so much because I’ve never seen that specific representation in any other book. I loved her and Margot both separately and together, and I loved their chaotic queer friends, and I loved Christian and Ben. The banter is brilliant, and perfectly balanced with all of the heart and emotion in this book. There’s even a couple of unexpected twists; at least, *I* didn’t expect them. I don't have the right words for all of my feelings right now, or the spoons to write a longer review, but this book has a special place in my heart. A new favorite YA contemporary for sure, and a 2022 favorite. 💖
Representation
Representation
- asexual lesbian protagonist with asthma
- Black lesbian love interest
- queer Indonesian side character
- bisexual nonbinary side character (they/them)
- pansexual polyamorous side character with asthma
- autistic side character
- sapphic main couple
- achillean side couple
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Outing, and Medical content
Moderate: Self harm, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Mental illness- anxiety and depression. Panic attacks- only one, but it’s severe and leads to the protagonist being hospitalized. Medical content- short hospital stay that lasts a couple of chapters. Everything tagged moderate is about side characters; one talks about how she previously self-harmed and another briefly mentions his issues with alcoholism and how he went to rehab. There’s also one (I believe) instance of underage drinking.betweentheshelves's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Excited for her senior marching band season, Harper's just hoping her dad's presidential campaign won't interfere too much. However, Harper's world is completely changed when she's approached by Margot about her profile on Tinder. A profile that Harper never set up. Now, Margot is determined to get to know the real Haper.
But there are obstacles in their way, mainly Harper's homophobic mother, the dean of their school. As Harper discovers more about herself and her sexuality, she has to figure out if she has the freedom to be herself.
Listened to the audiobook for this one, and there are so many great things this book has going for it. The main one is at the heart of the novel: Harper and Margot's relationship. I loved the way it evolved throughout the book, and Margot was kind and considerate about Harper's asexuality. They truly cared for one another, and the way their relationship unfolded worked on so many levels.
The marching band aspect of the book worked really well, too. Quinlan captured the feel of it, and through marching band, Harper is kind of able to figure out what she might want after high school. The whole atmosphere did wonders for the story itself.
There were some elements I wish would have been a bit more fleshed out, though. Mainly, Harper's dad's campaign and the political nature of him running for office. That aspect of the story felt a bit rushed, to be honest. Additionally, the plotline with Harper's original friend group, while authentic for teenage friendships I thought it could have been a bit more fleshed out, too.
Basically, I think everything surrounding Harper and Margot (and Harper's brother) was the best part of the book, and I'd definitely recommend reading it just for that!
But there are obstacles in their way, mainly Harper's homophobic mother, the dean of their school. As Harper discovers more about herself and her sexuality, she has to figure out if she has the freedom to be herself.
Listened to the audiobook for this one, and there are so many great things this book has going for it. The main one is at the heart of the novel: Harper and Margot's relationship. I loved the way it evolved throughout the book, and Margot was kind and considerate about Harper's asexuality. They truly cared for one another, and the way their relationship unfolded worked on so many levels.
The marching band aspect of the book worked really well, too. Quinlan captured the feel of it, and through marching band, Harper is kind of able to figure out what she might want after high school. The whole atmosphere did wonders for the story itself.
There were some elements I wish would have been a bit more fleshed out, though. Mainly, Harper's dad's campaign and the political nature of him running for office. That aspect of the story felt a bit rushed, to be honest. Additionally, the plotline with Harper's original friend group, while authentic for teenage friendships I thought it could have been a bit more fleshed out, too.
Basically, I think everything surrounding Harper and Margot (and Harper's brother) was the best part of the book, and I'd definitely recommend reading it just for that!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Outing
Minor: Vomit, Alcoholism, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
mxrumphius's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Medical content
Moderate: Outing, Mental illness, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Self harm, and Transphobia
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