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avie_j's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
Moderate: Dysphoria
Minor: Kidnapping and Death of parent
humanmosquito's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
When I first started writing out I didn’t really like the lack of plot, I’d somehow skipped over the prevalence of Literary within Magic Realism. That behind us, I did really enjoy this book in the end.
I like the fuzzy line Sam walks where he’s not quite what is expected in a trans man. (I did end up reading him as a transmasc butch, but I’ll admit that interpretation is largely projection) And I like the way he’s carved out a place for himself to be comfortable in this small, bigoted town. This is true for most characters in the book, who are immigrants or 1st gen.
Writing style wise, I enjoyed the prose, I found it evocative but I remember thinking it was too dense at one part of the book. (I think during the last act)
One thing I really liked about this book is that Sam and Miel are horny and sexually attracted to each other without it feeling voyeuristic. I’m used to other young adult authors really focusing on the characters’ atractions and intimate scenes for effect but McLemore shows these very sensual, sexually charged scenes with very little touching and skips over sex in a way that makes the characters feel very real—in the way that they’re granted privacy from the narrative.
I like the fuzzy line Sam walks where he’s not quite what is expected in a trans man. (I did end up reading him as a transmasc butch, but I’ll admit that interpretation is largely projection) And I like the way he’s carved out a place for himself to be comfortable in this small, bigoted town. This is true for most characters in the book, who are immigrants or 1st gen.
Writing style wise, I enjoyed the prose, I found it evocative but I remember thinking it was too dense at one part of the book. (I think during the last act)
One thing I really liked about this book is that Sam and Miel are horny and sexually attracted to each other without it feeling voyeuristic. I’m used to other young adult authors really focusing on the characters’ atractions and intimate scenes for effect but McLemore shows these very sensual, sexually charged scenes with very little touching and skips over sex in a way that makes the characters feel very real—in the way that they’re granted privacy from the narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, Outing, and Sexual content
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Lush, tender, romantic, and tinged w/ magic, When the Moon Was Ours is a book that adeptly, gently forces the reader to slow down. The writing--w/ each word seemingly carefully and thoughtfully chosen--teters on the edge of purple prose, but McLemore somehow always strikes the balance and does it just right. The mystery and secrets and truths are interesting; the characters and their relationships w/ one another complex and full of depth; though I do find some the characters' decisions frustrating.
What I most appreciate about the book, however, definitely has to be the empathetic, sensitive portrayal and exploration of its transgender characters, particularly Samir. This is my first time reading such a book, and it is so revelatory, insightful, and heartrending. A tender and imaginative work that thoughtfully explores themes of identity, love, and truth.
What I most appreciate about the book, however, definitely has to be the empathetic, sensitive portrayal and exploration of its transgender characters, particularly Samir. This is my first time reading such a book, and it is so revelatory, insightful, and heartrending. A tender and imaginative work that thoughtfully explores themes of identity, love, and truth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Body shaming, and Homophobia
Moderate: Racism and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent, Death, and Sexual content
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