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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
heytherekaity'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
5.0
do you like stories about queer nerds? do fun arguments about Doctor Who and Criminal Minds sound like a good way to flirt? do you have a mighty need for more books about marching band or asexual characters?
then do I have the book for you!
my full review will be published on MARCH 7, 2022 at kaitplusbooks.com!
but for now just know that this is one of my most FAVORITE BOOKS EVER AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!!
I cried happy tears, sad tears, and more happy tears. I saw characters who reminded me so much of myself, and I also saw characters who were nothing like me.
perfectly queer, delightfully nerdy, and everything I've ever wanted in a book. read this as soon as you can!
thank you so much to TBR and Beyond Tours, Skye Quinlan, Page Street Kids, and NetGalley for letting me read an early copy of this book! (and a special thanks to Alicia at NetGalley for helping me read it with a bigger font!)
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Storygraph | Readerly
then do I have the book for you!
my full review will be published on MARCH 7, 2022 at kaitplusbooks.com!
but for now just know that this is one of my most FAVORITE BOOKS EVER AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!!
I cried happy tears, sad tears, and more happy tears. I saw characters who reminded me so much of myself, and I also saw characters who were nothing like me.
perfectly queer, delightfully nerdy, and everything I've ever wanted in a book. read this as soon as you can!
thank you so much to TBR and Beyond Tours, Skye Quinlan, Page Street Kids, and NetGalley for letting me read an early copy of this book! (and a special thanks to Alicia at NetGalley for helping me read it with a bigger font!)
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Storygraph | Readerly
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Homophobia, Medical content, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcohol and Transphobia
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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