Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
1.5/5 or 3/10
*Sigh*
I've returned to review this book 3 years later, now that I'm not longer exploring my sexual and the fact that I can create a proper opinion with the experience of this being my first queer book at the ripe age of 13 (Crazy, I know).
This book is in every single aspect of it damaging and it isn't a book that any queer person exploring their sexuality should read due to its content and easy forgiveness towards cheating. Even with sexuality issues intigrated, our MC knew that she wasn't into men and kissed plus cheated on her girlfriend. The justification being that if her partner cheated, it's alright if she does too which is an immature mindset to just go as low as your significant other.
Then in the aspect of its racism, I'd have to reread it and do an entire analyze to speak properly of it. Though, even if 3 years have passed I think of how damaging this book would've been to me if I hadn't already had an idea of things and had normalized the thoughts inside of it. Also I'm Latin-American, so I was disgusted the entirety of the book by the racist thoughts.
In terms of sexuality, Misa Sugiura's cheating aspect also felt biphobic. As a lesbian now (when in the past I thought I was bisexual), I can tell you that even little me knew that what was written was disgusting. The idea that if someone likes both genders they'll cheat is just concerning, plus even if the MC was a lesbian it doesn't justify it being a part of the story either way. Someone's exploration of their sexuality shouldn't be depicted in this aspect mainly when this is a book that young readers exploring their own sexuality may read. Don't kiss someone else if you have a partner, no matter the situation.
If anyone's interested in reading an actual book that's well-written for a younger audience in terms of exploration. In my experience read "Ivy Aberdeen's Letter To The World".
*Sigh*
I've returned to review this book 3 years later, now that I'm not longer exploring my sexual and the fact that I can create a proper opinion with the experience of this being my first queer book at the ripe age of 13 (Crazy, I know).
This book is in every single aspect of it damaging and it isn't a book that any queer person exploring their sexuality should read due to its content and easy forgiveness towards cheating. Even with sexuality issues intigrated, our MC knew that she wasn't into men and kissed plus cheated on her girlfriend. The justification being that if her partner cheated, it's alright if she does too which is an immature mindset to just go as low as your significant other.
Then in the aspect of its racism, I'd have to reread it and do an entire analyze to speak properly of it. Though, even if 3 years have passed I think of how damaging this book would've been to me if I hadn't already had an idea of things and had normalized the thoughts inside of it. Also I'm Latin-American, so I was disgusted the entirety of the book by the racist thoughts.
In terms of sexuality, Misa Sugiura's cheating aspect also felt biphobic. As a lesbian now (when in the past I thought I was bisexual), I can tell you that even little me knew that what was written was disgusting. The idea that if someone likes both genders they'll cheat is just concerning, plus even if the MC was a lesbian it doesn't justify it being a part of the story either way. Someone's exploration of their sexuality shouldn't be depicted in this aspect mainly when this is a book that young readers exploring their own sexuality may read. Don't kiss someone else if you have a partner, no matter the situation.
If anyone's interested in reading an actual book that's well-written for a younger audience in terms of exploration. In my experience read "Ivy Aberdeen's Letter To The World".
It would make a great movie...
If you like rom-coms with "big romantic scene" at the end... you would like this one...
Also, GAAYYYYYYY
also also, I want to try reading poems now... I was never interested and didn't quite get it... but i kinda want to try reading it... welp who know...
also also also, just found out this book has 400 pages... definitely didn't feel like 400 pages... it flew by...
If you like rom-coms with "big romantic scene" at the end... you would like this one...
Also, GAAYYYYYYY
also also, I want to try reading poems now... I was never interested and didn't quite get it... but i kinda want to try reading it... welp who know...
also also also, just found out this book has 400 pages... definitely didn't feel like 400 pages... it flew by...
i didn’t really like this. it’s just sort of two dimensional
I'm so disappointed by how this book turned out to be. The first half was exciting and I thought I was really going to enjoy this book but by the end of it, I can say that it was really disappointing and most of the characters were really frustrating.
Everyone is human and we all make mistakes. No one is perfect but cheating is terrible and I hate how this book condones it. I'm tired of reading a f/f focused book where cheating is involved? Why can't I read a book where two girls date/develop feelings for each other without cheating being involved? Sana & Jamie cheating on each other was pointless and by the end of the book, I didn't really shipped them anymore. I also found Sana's friends annoying. Like they barely have her good advice and were way too hypocritical.
Sana's dad is also a cheater but his situation is worst since he's a MARRIED MAN. His cheating is excused and Sana even says that his dad could still see the woman. Her mom doesn't seem to care and by the ending of the book, all four of them (including the dad's mistress) are sharing a happy meal. Happy family? This just made me dislike the book even more. Like what kind of message is this? I'm really confused.
While I love how diverse this book was and I did love the racial stereotypes storyline (That plot wasn't developed enough but the cheating was), this book couldn't score higher than a two because all the cheating really ruined the book. Sorry!
Everyone is human and we all make mistakes. No one is perfect but cheating is terrible and I hate how this book condones it. I'm tired of reading a f/f focused book where cheating is involved? Why can't I read a book where two girls date/develop feelings for each other without cheating being involved? Sana & Jamie cheating on each other was pointless and by the end of the book, I didn't really shipped them anymore. I also found Sana's friends annoying. Like they barely have her good advice and were way too hypocritical.
Sana's dad is also a cheater but his situation is worst since he's a MARRIED MAN. His cheating is excused and Sana even says that his dad could still see the woman. Her mom doesn't seem to care and by the ending of the book, all four of them (including the dad's mistress) are sharing a happy meal. Happy family? This just made me dislike the book even more. Like what kind of message is this? I'm really confused.
While I love how diverse this book was and I did love the racial stereotypes storyline (That plot wasn't developed enough but the cheating was), this book couldn't score higher than a two because all the cheating really ruined the book. Sorry!
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
a lot better than i expected, loved the way they wrapped up the families experiences but truly wish they would have fleshed out the actual main relationship of the story better. did have some unexpected beautiful moments, though
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Outing
Minor: Alcohol
The audiobook is a 5/5. It's great. Pity that the story isn't as good..
[Maybe this review contains spoilers? If knowing more details about the MC cheating on her gf is too spoilery for you, then this isn't the review for you. I'm vague, but I think clear enough so you would get some details. I'm sorry if I already spoiled you the whole cheating thing, but many reviews have already, it feels a little like common knowledge.]
As many people, when I started this story I was very surprised and pleased. I read a lot of not-so-flattering reviews and I was prepared to not love this book. But it was great. I loved it so much. The audiobook narrator made it even better.
But then, it all fell apart.
First, the instalove. I'll consider it as such because even though it took a little while of the story for the couple to get together (but not so much, really), there was A LOT happening about so many other things that wasn't the couple, so we didn't get to see a lot about their attraction that led to them being together. It was more like little glimpses of how they liked each other, but not enough so that it justified getting together and be like "you're the best thing that has happened to me" like two chapters after. And, honestly, I wouldn't have cared so much about the instalove-y feeling if after the first half of the book we had seen why they were the best thing to happen to each other, but no. So... Disappointing.
And the thing is, they got together too soon and after barely showing chemistry. Yes, when they did show chemistry it was good, but those were such brief moments I didn't have enough. And, getting together before the midpoint? That means the other half is about screwing the relationship up.
So, second, the cheating. It was so dumb??? Like, I really don't get Sana (the MC). I thought I did and, unlike many others, I didn't find her obnoxious. Yeah, sure, she wasn't great, but she wasn't BAD. She was fine to me. But then she cheated on her girlfriend out of... Thinking she was with someone else? Look, I get it. Rationally I understand why she did it. But the way the whole thing happened made little sense to me. And, WHY CAN'T THIS GIRL COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY? Damn, girl.
And third, the end. I liked the way Sana apologized to Caleb for pretending she liked him the way he liked her, but then, when she had to apologize to Jamie, we didn't see them talking about what happened. WHY? Seriously. This is a recurring problem with this book: everything is more developed than the main relationship. Sana's family has like 50% of page time, Sana's friends, discussions about racism and other shenanigans, like 35% and her relationship with Jamie, ACTUALLY SEEING THEM IN LOVE OF FALLING IN LOVE, just like 15% (if this wasn't a romance book, it'd be OK. But it is, so I'm mad). The author didn't develop the relationship correctly BEFORE they got together, glossed over it completely, and then AFTER they got together, it was all about Sana wondering, worrying, cheating, crying, arguing with friends (hers of Jamie's), and dealing with her family. The author even put more thought on her apology to other people than in her apology to the love interest.
Yes, she did a Grand Romantic Gesture™, but I didn't care too much for that. It's OK as a conversation starter, but not as the whole reason we, the audience, get to explain why they are together again. And the worst part is that they said they were going to talk, it's just that the audience wasn't part of the conversation. And it sucks so much. We never got to know Jamie's feelings about being cheated on that way. Like, yes, we know she felt betrayed (duh), and angry that she WAS honest while Sana wasn't, but, really, nothing else? Caleb even got to tell Sana how he felt better than Jamie, and they want to make me root for the main couple? What did Sana do, besides her Grand Romantic Gesture™ to make amends? Yeah, sure, she's sorry, but that's not enough, hon.
Anyway.
I know I sound like I hated this book, but nah. I don't hate it, I'm really disappointed. That's why I'm ranting a lot. The beginning had so much potential, the audiobook narrator was excellent, so having it going downhill from the halfway point was the most disappointing thing ever.
Libro 3 leído durante el mes del Orgullo 2021
[Maybe this review contains spoilers? If knowing more details about the MC cheating on her gf is too spoilery for you, then this isn't the review for you. I'm vague, but I think clear enough so you would get some details. I'm sorry if I already spoiled you the whole cheating thing, but many reviews have already, it feels a little like common knowledge.]
As many people, when I started this story I was very surprised and pleased. I read a lot of not-so-flattering reviews and I was prepared to not love this book. But it was great. I loved it so much. The audiobook narrator made it even better.
But then, it all fell apart.
First, the instalove. I'll consider it as such because even though it took a little while of the story for the couple to get together (but not so much, really), there was A LOT happening about so many other things that wasn't the couple, so we didn't get to see a lot about their attraction that led to them being together. It was more like little glimpses of how they liked each other, but not enough so that it justified getting together and be like "you're the best thing that has happened to me" like two chapters after. And, honestly, I wouldn't have cared so much about the instalove-y feeling if after the first half of the book we had seen why they were the best thing to happen to each other, but no. So... Disappointing.
And the thing is, they got together too soon and after barely showing chemistry. Yes, when they did show chemistry it was good, but those were such brief moments I didn't have enough. And, getting together before the midpoint? That means the other half is about screwing the relationship up.
So, second, the cheating. It was so dumb??? Like, I really don't get Sana (the MC). I thought I did and, unlike many others, I didn't find her obnoxious. Yeah, sure, she wasn't great, but she wasn't BAD. She was fine to me. But then she cheated on her girlfriend out of... Thinking she was with someone else? Look, I get it. Rationally I understand why she did it. But the way the whole thing happened made little sense to me. And, WHY CAN'T THIS GIRL COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY? Damn, girl.
And third, the end. I liked the way Sana apologized to Caleb for pretending she liked him the way he liked her, but then, when she had to apologize to Jamie, we didn't see them talking about what happened. WHY? Seriously. This is a recurring problem with this book: everything is more developed than the main relationship. Sana's family has like 50% of page time, Sana's friends, discussions about racism and other shenanigans, like 35% and her relationship with Jamie, ACTUALLY SEEING THEM IN LOVE OF FALLING IN LOVE, just like 15% (if this wasn't a romance book, it'd be OK. But it is, so I'm mad). The author didn't develop the relationship correctly BEFORE they got together, glossed over it completely, and then AFTER they got together, it was all about Sana wondering, worrying, cheating, crying, arguing with friends (hers of Jamie's), and dealing with her family. The author even put more thought on her apology to other people than in her apology to the love interest.
Yes, she did a Grand Romantic Gesture™, but I didn't care too much for that. It's OK as a conversation starter, but not as the whole reason we, the audience, get to explain why they are together again. And the worst part is that they said they were going to talk, it's just that the audience wasn't part of the conversation. And it sucks so much. We never got to know Jamie's feelings about being cheated on that way. Like, yes, we know she felt betrayed (duh), and angry that she WAS honest while Sana wasn't, but, really, nothing else? Caleb even got to tell Sana how he felt better than Jamie, and they want to make me root for the main couple? What did Sana do, besides her Grand Romantic Gesture™ to make amends? Yeah, sure, she's sorry, but that's not enough, hon.
Anyway.
I know I sound like I hated this book, but nah. I don't hate it, I'm really disappointed. That's why I'm ranting a lot. The beginning had so much potential, the audiobook narrator was excellent, so having it going downhill from the halfway point was the most disappointing thing ever.
Libro 3 leído durante el mes del Orgullo 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio book, the narrator was great.
It was sweet and happy.
It was sweet and happy.
Read this for the magical readathon!!! (Muggle Studies)
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the first part of the book A LOT!!! Love the f/f romance and diversity. The book portrays racism in a very realistic and thoughtful way. I didn't care for the second half of the book, but mostly because I was kind of looking for a cute and fluffy romance (I'm also older now, and am starting to get annoyed by high school stories). The character growth was great and love the poetry. If you're looking for a thoughtful read and a f/f romance story, totally recommend.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the first part of the book A LOT!!! Love the f/f romance and diversity. The book portrays racism in a very realistic and thoughtful way. I didn't care for the second half of the book, but mostly because I was kind of looking for a cute and fluffy romance (I'm also older now, and am starting to get annoyed by high school stories). The character growth was great and love the poetry. If you're looking for a thoughtful read and a f/f romance story, totally recommend.
2.5/5 stars. Ugh.
I only like writing reviews about books I really loved, but I feel like I owe the world to warn them about this book. I wasn't as if it was terrible or anything. Truth be told it handled some things very well. The way the author dealt with the subject of race was well done. The family dynamics were also interesting and felt very realistic. The one area that was lacking was the romance, a disappointment considering that the wlw representation was most of the reason I picked this book up.
At the beginning of the novel I was really rooting for Jamie and Sana. I thought the feeling of having a crush was portrayed very well and loved the way their relationship began. However, when the two main characters actually got together I found their relationship to be really cringe-y. It also didn't help that the conflict that drove Sana and Jamie apart later in the novel was so avoidable. I absolutely loathe miscommunication as a plot device, but it wasn't just the that. It was hard to watch the main character repeatedly make the same mistake over and over again.
tldr: If you're going to read this for the happily-ever-after, go ahead. By the time you get there, you might not be rooting for a happy ending.
I only like writing reviews about books I really loved, but I feel like I owe the world to warn them about this book. I wasn't as if it was terrible or anything. Truth be told it handled some things very well. The way the author dealt with the subject of race was well done. The family dynamics were also interesting and felt very realistic. The one area that was lacking was the romance, a disappointment considering that the wlw representation was most of the reason I picked this book up.
At the beginning of the novel I was really rooting for Jamie and Sana. I thought the feeling of having a crush was portrayed very well and loved the way their relationship began. However, when the two main characters actually got together I found their relationship to be really cringe-y. It also didn't help that the conflict that drove Sana and Jamie apart later in the novel was so avoidable. I absolutely loathe miscommunication as a plot device, but it wasn't just the that. It was hard to watch the main character repeatedly make the same mistake over and over again.
tldr: If you're going to read this for the happily-ever-after, go ahead. By the time you get there, you might not be rooting for a happy ending.
This book made me so mad. The writing was great. But cheating plots are a no for me. The racism in this book made me so unbelievably angry and uncomfortable. During the last 15 or so chapters, I was in a bad mood after reading them. The first half of this book was kind of cute though. Unfortunately, I did relate to Sana BEFORE she moved to California (this has nothing to do with her skin color, as I am a white woman. It has everything to do with personality). I wouldn’t recommend this book.