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tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book! As a (very loose) retelling of Cinderella on the (real life) quidditch field, I was wondering if the author would address JKR’s transphobia & other racist/misogynistic & bigoted statements. To my shock, it was discussed in the book (although not in as much detail as I’d prefer).
Also, the MC was questioning, and there were side characters who were non-binary, lesbian, gay, and pan/bi/questioning. I loved the diversity and the way that Ellen tackled social justice issues with her stepmom and dad. A lot of the things she confronts her parents about, are things that I’ve also spent time thinking and talking about. Like the patriarchy, rape culture, ableism, etc.
The story arc was fun and I loved seeing Ellen’s confidence grow as she played Quidditch and made friends and pushed boundaries. A fun story overall! I did feel like I didnt get to know Ellen super well especially given the length of the book — she seemed slightly two-dimensional rather than fully three-dimensional. It was also fairly simply written but I believe this is Meriano’s first YA book (she typically writes MG fantasy) so I can cut her some slack. TBH I didn’t even really notice the simplicity of the writing until I read another review that mentioned it. It didn’t detract from the story for me.
Also, the MC was questioning, and there were side characters who were non-binary, lesbian, gay, and pan/bi/questioning. I loved the diversity and the way that Ellen tackled social justice issues with her stepmom and dad. A lot of the things she confronts her parents about, are things that I’ve also spent time thinking and talking about. Like the patriarchy, rape culture, ableism, etc.
The story arc was fun and I loved seeing Ellen’s confidence grow as she played Quidditch and made friends and pushed boundaries. A fun story overall! I did feel like I didnt get to know Ellen super well especially given the length of the book — she seemed slightly two-dimensional rather than fully three-dimensional. It was also fairly simply written but I believe this is Meriano’s first YA book (she typically writes MG fantasy) so I can cut her some slack. TBH I didn’t even really notice the simplicity of the writing until I read another review that mentioned it. It didn’t detract from the story for me.
jessoehrlein's review against another edition
4.0
This is messy in so many ways I appreciate -- family, friends, gender, dating, sorting through feelings about the world. And so much love for thinking about sports and sports culture and inclusion.
Yasmín, Ellen's little sister, is maybe my favorite here, but also much love to Elizabeth, one of the other beaters on Ellen's quadball team.
Yasmín, Ellen's little sister, is maybe my favorite here, but also much love to Elizabeth, one of the other beaters on Ellen's quadball team.
haileyannereads's review against another edition
3.0
I was super excited when I saw this book about a vegan activist who takes up quidditch. In the end, the book is good, but not great. Of course there is a lot of talk about Harry Potter, but it is also very clearly anti-TERF and anti-most of what comes out of that author's mouth anymore, which I appreciated.
My main issue with this books comes from just not really liking many of the characters. Ellen had her moments, but also just seemed kind of whiny and annoying at times. Her best friends were questionable. But there were some great (and diverse) fellow Quidditch players.
My main issue with this books comes from just not really liking many of the characters. Ellen had her moments, but also just seemed kind of whiny and annoying at times. Her best friends were questionable. But there were some great (and diverse) fellow Quidditch players.
jessicapc's review against another edition
5.0
This book... was not what I expected.
I expected a lesbian romance.
This was not it.
I enjoyed it all the same !
There absolutely is queer and lesbian rep, the main character is great, and it is one of the rare YA books where I actually relate to the protagonist and not the parents (actually, I hated them), meaning it is well-written, or I am not that old ? Or both ?
Also, Quidditch ! Yay !
I expected a lesbian romance.
This was not it.
I enjoyed it all the same !
There absolutely is queer and lesbian rep, the main character is great, and it is one of the rare YA books where I actually relate to the protagonist and not the parents (actually, I hated them), meaning it is well-written, or I am not that old ? Or both ?
Also, Quidditch ! Yay !
bericson13's review against another edition
2.0
I had such a hard time really ever getting into this? It wasn't the characters that bothered me, so much as I just felt like there was something dense about it. Who knows.
bookishemma_'s review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me with a copy of this book. This is How we Fly is a loose retelling of Cinderella with Quidditch. Ellen and her stepmom disagree often which results in her being grounded the entire summer before she leaves for college. Her only escape from her punishment is quidditch practice. This book does mention the problems with J.K. Rowling. There are a lot of characters I enjoyed in this book. The start of this book was slow for me. It wasn't until the last half that the book really gripped me. This book dealt with family problems, friends drifting apart and discussed social change and justice. If you loved Harry Potter and or Sports this book is for you.
sparklingstarling's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
r_anderson4108's review
Just had a focus on seeming really different; “different than other books” vibes