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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
things i liked
- a writing style i can vibe with, after two books in a row of shit
- the awkward naturalness of the whole thing
- it's not deep love, or long love, but it means something, and that's important
-
- chris is kinda boyfriend goals
things i didn't like
- maia's character was inconsistent and grating. i felt like there was going to be some big reveal about the real reason why maia was running around town with her dead sister's camera. something deeper than just trying to feel closer to her. but there was nothing.
- so, on a related note, this culminates into which to me, didn't feel as serious or high stakes. does that mean i've already grown past that teenage mentality? at 25? damn. does that mean i'm too old for ya now? hope not.
- and on top of that, i feel like there were details that were just mentioned and set up to be big plot points and then, never acknowledged again?
- i obviously can't speak for this, but i've seen some reviews that the trans rep here is harmful and inaccurate. do with that what you will.
my library categorizes this as a cozy read, and yes, i agree, this was very cozy.
- a writing style i can vibe with, after two books in a row of shit
- the awkward naturalness of the whole thing
- it's not deep love, or long love, but it means something, and that's important
-
Spoiler
that sex scene left me breathless- chris is kinda boyfriend goals
things i didn't like
- maia's character was inconsistent and grating. i felt like there was going to be some big reveal about the real reason why maia was running around town with her dead sister's camera. something deeper than just trying to feel closer to her. but there was nothing.
- so, on a related note, this culminates into
Spoiler
chris and maia's breakupSpoiler
i get chris feeling betrayed that maia lied, or even just didn't tell him the whole truth, but to have a screaming match and a hyperventilating, tears streaming down your face breakdown about it seemed a little dramatic.- and on top of that, i feel like there were details that were just mentioned and set up to be big plot points and then, never acknowledged again?
Spoiler
like, when neil told chris that maia burned all of mallory's photos. i mean, was that a lie? i feel like it was. but then if it was, why would neil lie about something like that? just to sabotage maia and ruin her life? why does he hate her so much? am i missing something? am i dumb?- i obviously can't speak for this, but i've seen some reviews that the trans rep here is harmful and inaccurate. do with that what you will.
my library categorizes this as a cozy read, and yes, i agree, this was very cozy.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Deadnaming, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Grief, Outing, Dysphoria
Young love and angst, perfect ya read for Pride month. 💕
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I struggle to rate this book. I really enjoyed it, loved the world building and I really grew attached to the characters and the story itself. However, there are some elements to the story that kind of- to say the least are questionable? For instance, in the middle of the story Maia is hiding in a closet and sees Chris get changed and realizes he’s transgender before Chris has a chance to tell her personally. This was... very very icky to me? Amber Smith is a brilliant writer but I feel like this was such an unnecessary and potientially VERY harmful twist in the story that should definitely be discussed. Later on in the story Maia throws it in Chris’ face that she knew he was trans before he told her and that was just- a lot. I understand that Maia was lashing out because of her own issues but, god, that to me is unforgivable. What makes this even worse to me is that the story is set up for you to sympathize with Maia and root for Chris to accept her apology but like no, Chris for your own safety and security please don’t feel an obligation to forgive someone after they’ve alienated you because of your gender identity after you trusted them. Bottom line is I think the trans rep could’ve been handled better and this isn’t the safest book for the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m a cisgender woman so I’m leaving the rating of this book to my trans + gender non-binary friends. This book has a lot of good in it but also has a lot of harmful and triggering elements to it that for sure could’ve been avoided.
I’m a cisgender woman so I’m leaving the rating of this book to my trans + gender non-binary friends. This book has a lot of good in it but also has a lot of harmful and triggering elements to it that for sure could’ve been avoided.
This is beautiful. It's late, I'm brokenly crying, but it was so worth it. I couldn't put this one down.
This story touched me in ways I can't even explain. It's deep. It deals with grief and madness and healing. And it's glorious.
This story touched me in ways I can't even explain. It's deep. It deals with grief and madness and healing. And it's glorious.
This book was really uncomfortable. Both characters were lying liars, they both really needed a therapist and while I am not transgender, I really feel like the representation in this book was just poorly done. LGBT people do not always need to be plot driven in the form of trauma. There were no consequences for anyone's actions and neither of the characters learned a damn thing. It's also not a romance but don't even get me started on that. I didn't much like this book.
Many thanks to the publisher for an advance copy I should have read years ago.
Many thanks to the publisher for an advance copy I should have read years ago.