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dsizemore96's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.5
marmaladereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
5.0
So, I've never watched the First Wives Club, so I'm not sure how good this is as a retelling, and I was kind of expecting another cheesy romantic 90s retelling, but this book delivered so much more than that. There is cheesy romance, for sure, and the pairing between Ezra and his love interest (no spoilers!) is adorable, but the social justice work is really a triumph. The teens in this book take on a fictional version of the very real "Don't Say Gay" laws and make it clear that they won't be silenced by them. This book captures everything that makes me feel hopeful about young people, I hope it makes into school libraries everywhere.
I loved Ezra's voice throughout the book, his inner voice and his insecurities and his motivations come across so loud. He's really not the most reliable narrator, but I think those are the best kind, and he does course correct before it becomes too frustrating.
Finally, I LOVED the body positive rep in this book. Ezra is a fat gay teen, and the book is honest about his struggles with self image, dieting, and disordered eating, but it never denies his sexiness, his ability to become a queer icon, and he gains a lot of confidence throughout the book. I was cheering so hard for Ezra by the end of the book and it really delivered.
I loved Ezra's voice throughout the book, his inner voice and his insecurities and his motivations come across so loud. He's really not the most reliable narrator, but I think those are the best kind, and he does course correct before it becomes too frustrating.
Finally, I LOVED the body positive rep in this book. Ezra is a fat gay teen, and the book is honest about his struggles with self image, dieting, and disordered eating, but it never denies his sexiness, his ability to become a queer icon, and he gains a lot of confidence throughout the book. I was cheering so hard for Ezra by the end of the book and it really delivered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, and Eating disorder
Minor: Violence and Sexual harassment
vicshakapopulis's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
micaelacccc's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Fatphobia, Biphobia, and Toxic relationship
hidingzeus's review against another edition
3.5
The best things in this book was the friendship between the main boys and Ezra's dad. The book itself was fine.
mzpants1256's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
cecyl_brianna's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
msperception's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
hooklm15's review against another edition
5.0
this book is a complete and utter TRIUMPH !!! what a revolutionary debut. this is the story the world needs. thank you and bravo, matthew!
readwithzelda's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
An incredibly cute, heartfelt fun romp of a book. Silly revenge plots and real social justice work. Student rebellions and drag shows! I read it in one day and loved it all.