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escapismforlife's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
I'm in love with the ease of how Joya Goffeny wrote this story. Every character is realistic in certain traits they have . Not to mention I read this knowing I was going to learn some things. But I mean even then, some of it was unexpected.
So as the main teen character, Monique, Or Mo for short, learned about her vaginismus I felt utter respect. Even though its YA and there were moments of lack of maturity on the MC and side characters, Reggie and Sasha decisions. In particular with Reggie, the wild and funny reform teen project for Mo's dad. But I'm okay with him as things were often hectic and upbeat. A necessary personality for a character in this type of setting to ease the things Mo faced. Also Sasha who if there was a next book I'd want to read from her point of view. She is everything and mature for how things unpack.
On to a more serious note since thats all my thought on the main characters trio.
Sometimes to firgure out sexual activity or concerns help comes in the most unexpected way. I mean the people in life who are seemingly the most religious. This storyline made it a reminder again that help comes in surprising moments. That and learning that not everyone can be trusted at first.
Anyways my emotions are wrecked into pieces. Then have rebuilt with new hope by the end of Mo's story. It was relatable in certain ways. But when it wasn't I felt genuine eagerness for Mo's self-discovery journey.
So as the main teen character, Monique, Or Mo for short, learned about her vaginismus I felt utter respect. Even though its YA and there were moments of lack of maturity on the MC and side characters, Reggie and Sasha decisions. In particular with Reggie, the wild and funny reform teen project for Mo's dad. But I'm okay with him as things were often hectic and upbeat. A necessary personality for a character in this type of setting to ease the things Mo faced. Also Sasha who if there was a next book I'd want to read from her point of view. She is everything and mature for how things unpack.
On to a more serious note since thats all my thought on the main characters trio.
Sometimes to firgure out sexual activity or concerns help comes in the most unexpected way. I mean the people in life who are seemingly the most religious. This storyline made it a reminder again that help comes in surprising moments. That and learning that not everyone can be trusted at first.
Anyways my emotions are wrecked into pieces. Then have rebuilt with new hope by the end of Mo's story. It was relatable in certain ways. But when it wasn't I felt genuine eagerness for Mo's self-discovery journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Misogyny
bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
tense
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
5.0
Man I love this book. The pressures of Purity culture and perfectionism are real and heavy. I don't read many books that address the topic as well as Joya has. The story resonates so deeply for me as PK. I love that Monique and Reggie both are honest about what they want and respect each other's boundaries. It reads as part cautionary tale and part inspiration for raising kids who are knowledgeable about their bodies and confident enough in themselves to be honest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Toxic relationship
Sexual dysfunctionsaliciachauhan_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death of parent, Medical content, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Toxic relationship
chattie_the_mad_chatter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book brilliantly explored societies relationship with sex, teenagers expectations and the importance of knowing your own body and having strong friends and family to be able to talk to.
Add in religious communities more extreme views and the conflict of what you want vs everyone else can feel very traumatic.
The book shines a light on largely unknown and discussed medical condition that is very important to feature in a YA book.
But themes aside, this story was gripping! I had so much fun hanging out with these catalysts and read this so quickly!
Monique was a protagonist I easily sympathised with and was rooting for and her unlikely friendships was a joy to read about develop.
I loved the family dynamic as slowly we looked under the surface of Mo's family and Reggie's exploring prejudice and judging people.
Forgiveness, listening, talking and standing up for yourself were all shown beautifully here. The family and friendship dynamic shone. An unhealthy relationship and a blossoming healthy relationship were interwoven so well as we share Mo's journey as she starts to see things differently. I love the healthy relationship and rooted for it very early on, but the friendship is the star of this book as is the very healthy sex talks. Highly recommend!
Add in religious communities more extreme views and the conflict of what you want vs everyone else can feel very traumatic.
The book shines a light on largely unknown and discussed medical condition that is very important to feature in a YA book.
But themes aside, this story was gripping! I had so much fun hanging out with these catalysts and read this so quickly!
Monique was a protagonist I easily sympathised with and was rooting for and her unlikely friendships was a joy to read about develop.
I loved the family dynamic as slowly we looked under the surface of Mo's family and Reggie's exploring prejudice and judging people.
Forgiveness, listening, talking and standing up for yourself were all shown beautifully here. The family and friendship dynamic shone. An unhealthy relationship and a blossoming healthy relationship were interwoven so well as we share Mo's journey as she starts to see things differently. I love the healthy relationship and rooted for it very early on, but the friendship is the star of this book as is the very healthy sex talks. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
halfbloodprincess_hogwarts's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Goffney once again wrote a 5⭐ novel. It was full of laughter, romance, unexpected friendships, internal freedom, self discovery, heartache, and utter perfection. I was here for it, completely captivated by this page turner. Thank you, thank you Netgalley and Hot Key Books for an advanced ebook of one of my anticipated books for 2022 🥰🥰🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship
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