howie_e's review

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emotional funny inspiring 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

4.75


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toofondofbooks_'s review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

5.0

This is a re-read. I first read this while on vacation back in 2017 and I was in love with it then and I'm in love with it now. I love the characters and the coming of age and self discovery/coming out to yourself elements throughout the whole thing. Watching as Ari struggles with deep internalized homophobia is painfully real and beautifully written. This whole book reads so lyrically, it feels like music to me when I read it. It reminds me of perks of being a wallflower if that book had been more diverse and centered on its queer characters. Also, Dante Quintana is simply my baby and possibly one of my favorite book characters to come out of YA fiction in the last 10 years. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel next month!!!

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