Scan barcode
mamareadstuff's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
As a 30 something, I was obviously not the target audience, but it was a great YA, coming of age story. Add in being Black and Jewish, trying to come out, a blended family, mental illness, sibling bonds, first relationships, and more. It's a LOT for one book, but the author did a great job at not making it an afterschool special, not shying away from nuance, and telling a compelling story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Biphobia, Violence, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Stalking
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Bullying, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol, and Abortion
citymouse's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia and Alcohol
Minor: Mental illness, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Stalking
bootrat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Biphobia
Moderate: Stalking, Racism, and Homophobia
Minor: Abortion
station12reads's review
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? It's complicated
5.0
"Right now, I just want to look at my brother, be at peace with the fact that he's going to get better."
"Little & Lion" by Brandy Colbert is a captivating coming-of-age novel that delicately melds themes of identity, mental health, and the complexities of romantic, platonic, & familial love. Colbert's writing effortlessly drew me into the lives of sister and brother MCs Suzette (Little) and Lionel (Lion), creating an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact.
What truly sets "Little & Lion" apart is its portrayal of mental health. Colbert handles the topic with remarkable sensitivity, shining a spotlight on Lion's struggle with bipolar disorder. Her heartfelt approach brings an authenticity that helps readers empathize deeply with the characters' experiences and the impact of mental health on their relationships.
The forms of love depicted in this story transcend traditional boundaries. The bonds between family, friends, and romantic partners are explored in all their complexity, showcasing the myriad ways in which love can both heal and challenge us. The relationships between Little, Lion, and their friends are beautifully nuanced, offering a profound exploration of loyalty, forgiveness, and acceptance.
I'd highly recommend this read to any reader YA and up, as it deals with some mature themes and does include sexual experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content and Stalking
enchantressreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Biphobia, and Mental illness
Moderate: Racism, Sexual harassment, and Stalking
Minor: Abortion, Suicidal thoughts, and Religious bigotry
sbbailey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.5
little and i are the same person
but i love emil more than anything
but i love emil more than anything
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, Biphobia, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
siriface's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Racism
laleha's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I read glowing professional reviews for this book some years ago and had it on my TBR for ages. I remembered a little bit from those reviews, but mainly that there seemed to be a lot going on representatively and that the reviews believed Colbert did it believably.
I agree. Suzette (titular Little) had challenges at school, relationship questions, and a strong attachment to her brother, Lionel (titular Lion).
What I didn’t remember was Lion’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and Little’s misplaced sense of being her brother’s keeper. Lion’s struggles with learning to balance who he was, who he believed he was, and who he wanted to be were realistic and (for me) gutting.
I’m ultimately happy with the book’s resolution, especially Little’s actions. But I saw a lot of my son in Lion and it made me miss him and hurt.
I agree. Suzette (titular Little) had challenges at school, relationship questions, and a strong attachment to her brother, Lionel (titular Lion).
What I didn’t remember was Lion’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and Little’s misplaced sense of being her brother’s keeper. Lion’s struggles with learning to balance who he was, who he believed he was, and who he wanted to be were realistic and (for me) gutting.
I’m ultimately happy with the book’s resolution, especially Little’s actions. But I saw a lot of my son in Lion and it made me miss him and hurt.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
amandalorianxo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I loved the multi faceted layers and diversity that is in this novel. Our Reformed Jewish bisexual black female main character, Suzette, is trying to navigate her summer before her senior year and decides to go home after spending a year in boarding school in Massachusetts. When she was gone, her stepbrother Lionel was going through adjustments to his life, having recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and taking meds. There was so much that was done right and some things that I wasn’t 100% sure about. I might have to re-read later to figure out what exactly wasn’t hitting the mark but it might revolve around Rafaela and Lionel (as a couple not individually although Lionel won’t be winning Favorite Male Character from me.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Blood, Sexual content, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
faythfarrar's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Outing, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Abortion and Racism