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jainabee's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
The story is a very sweet and fun teen romance romp, even as it weaves in very serious and challenging themes and topics. Nuanced characters emerge through confronting their own presumptions about each other and about themselves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Vomit, Racism, Addiction, and Rape
Moderate: Addiction, Grief, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Drug use, Homophobia, Alcohol, Classism, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
Minor: Kidnapping, Cursing, Abandonment, Biphobia, and Cultural appropriation
Remarkably realistic and accurate portrayal of rape, dissociation, gaslighting, addiction, and moving through various stages of trauma. The challenging material is handled with great care and shows healthy, functional family and community responses to trauma.zefancifulreader's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Walked into this book thinking I was going to get a fun queer summer romance, set on a food truck. NOPE.
This is a book about two, flawed, struggling, gay boys on the edge of manhood who desperately need to go to therapy. (I’m happy to report that at least one of them is seeing a councillor by the end of the story.)
In all seriousness, this book really dives into the mess of grief, toxic masculinity, consent without sinking too far into the darkness, which I appreciated. Huge salute to the author for tackling consent and toxic masculinity as a main theme. I don’t see it enough, especially in queer books.
I’m not sure if I’m totally on board with the “it’s all meant to be” message at the end but I loved the softness that the author wove into the hearts of Jordan and Max.
Not a huge fan of the carbon copy best friends thing that was going on, it felt a bit lazy, but I’m relieved that the superficial relationships grew into more as the story progressed, even if it felt a bit forced.
The pacing was a bit odd, which sort of messed with the plot twists and relationship developments for me. I also felt like Jordan was in a much chiller, “look on the bright side” head space at the end of the book, for all the bullshit that had landed on him without any therapy and not near enough process time. It’s super unrealistic. Like one kickboxing session with Max is not going to cure your abandonment and grief at the loss of your Dad, Mom, and Home. 🙄
I loved experiencing the slow vulnerability that Jordan and Max showed one another. It was like watching the walls of toxic masculinity quietly crumble to the ground.
Overall, it was a surprising and lovely story. One prickly pear lemonade for me!
This is a book about two, flawed, struggling, gay boys on the edge of manhood who desperately need to go to therapy. (I’m happy to report that at least one of them is seeing a councillor by the end of the story.)
In all seriousness, this book really dives into the mess of grief, toxic masculinity, consent without sinking too far into the darkness, which I appreciated. Huge salute to the author for tackling consent and toxic masculinity as a main theme. I don’t see it enough, especially in queer books.
I’m not sure if I’m totally on board with the “it’s all meant to be” message at the end but I loved the softness that the author wove into the hearts of Jordan and Max.
Not a huge fan of the carbon copy best friends thing that was going on, it felt a bit lazy, but I’m relieved that the superficial relationships grew into more as the story progressed, even if it felt a bit forced.
The pacing was a bit odd, which sort of messed with the plot twists and relationship developments for me.
I loved experiencing the slow vulnerability that Jordan and Max showed one another. It was like watching the walls of toxic masculinity quietly crumble to the ground.
Overall, it was a surprising and lovely story. One prickly pear lemonade for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction, Racism, Death of parent, and Misogyny
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Racial slurs, and Suicidal thoughts
atsuanna's review against another edition
funny
sad
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
1.5
This was written like a bad fan fiction and girl I love fanfic! The book explored so many topics in a short time that when it got to the deep stuff, it felt insensitive. The plot had so much going on it got confusing. Plus I felt like the bigotry from the side characters and even the MC’s was never properly dealt with? Nor with the care I expected. But I still enjoyed some of the poetic parts and will definitely be playing Sonic Flight with my gf!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Abandonment and Racism
Minor: Misogyny, Homophobia, and Sexism
readingcavern's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Racism, Racial slurs, and Rape
Minor: Toxic friendship, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, and Homophobia
ranjanireviewsreads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
5.0
Ever wondered what it feels like to grow up? During, it's difficult to differentiate one moment from another. In hindsight, it might be easy to merge memories.
The Music of What Happens is what I would recommend if you want the answer to that question. Bill Konigsberg uses witty, snappy language with hidden heartfelt moments to authentically portray the joy, misery, loneliness, and connection felt in the late teen years. Growing up gay, biracial, lonely; it's not something everyone can understand, much less wonder about.
Heartfelt, real, and incredibly beautiful; The Music of What Happens is a reflection of the teenage experience of coming of age, falling in love, and figuring out how to be your own person. A must read for the young adult contemporary reader.
The Music of What Happens is what I would recommend if you want the answer to that question. Bill Konigsberg uses witty, snappy language with hidden heartfelt moments to authentically portray the joy, misery, loneliness, and connection felt in the late teen years. Growing up gay, biracial, lonely; it's not something everyone can understand, much less wonder about.
Heartfelt, real, and incredibly beautiful; The Music of What Happens is a reflection of the teenage experience of coming of age, falling in love, and figuring out how to be your own person. A must read for the young adult contemporary reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Death of parent, Addiction, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, and Homophobia
Minor: Racial slurs, Vomit, Racism, Grief, and Body shaming
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