Reviews

Flamer by Mike Curato

wanderinglynn's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

4.0

I know I'm not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I HATE boys. They are mean and scary, and they're always destroying something or saying something dumb or both.

What a powerful GN. The use of black and white that is contrasted with orange and red really packs a punch. The thematic use of fire, along with the term ‘flamer,’ takes on a multitude of meanings throughout the story. 

I thought this GN accurately portrayed teenage boys from their use of rough language and slurs to the mental and physical abuse. I also thought Curato did a beautiful job showing Aiden's struggle with his internalized guilt taught by his Catholic upbringing, the outside world's often negative and limiting views as illustrated here by the Boy Scouts, the teenage angst and hormone craziness all when he's  trying to figure out who he is and how he fits into the world. It's a lot.

This story hits hard and strikes deep into your heart.

margobirdo's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful 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

4.5

bluecanarylite's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

aniventure's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sara_harvey's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

mdevlin923's review against another edition

4.0

Set in the 90s, Aiden Navarro navigates Catholic middle school, fighting parents, bullying, and body issues. His one place of solace is his boy scout summer camp...but even here, the boys around him bully him for being gay. Aiden has to overcome bullying, crushes, and dreams/nightmares to learn that he is enough just the way he is.

A heart-wrenching (but ultimately hopeful) story about a boy understanding his sexuality in a toxic environment (church and homophobic boy scout camp). The illustrations are simple, yet powerful: black and white pencil drawings with red/orange/yellow accents.

isaskrukrud's review against another edition

4.0

This is one of the most banned books in america. and it shouldn’t be. a very compelling story for closeted queer people, wonderful read

amy_egg's review against another edition

2.75

This is a beautiful book that I would recommend to middle and high schoolers; unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I love graphic novels but tend to be disappointed by short ones that cover a moment in time. I found the depiction of

suicide and suicidal thoughts

too simplistic. But it was a fast read and I think many young readers will find it entertaining and important. 

mykes's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

andi_reads_books's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0