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yellowcape's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.5
The gays were gaying!!!!
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. I struggle to write a review if not to just use words in a list. Heartwarming, wholesome, paternal, funny, beautiful, fantastic, clear, honest.
I think the subject of discrimination is handled delicately and is well executed. I loved our main character Linus from the first page, J-Bone is also a personal favourite along with Talia.
My sole criticism is that the first half of the book was paced a little too slowly for me but I am SO glad I picked it back up after a break - which I cannot state how rare that is once I put a book back on the shelf usually it is doomed to be ignored. However the characters were just so loveable (calliope I’m looking at you) that I was convinced.
P L E A S E read it. There were so many times I was giddy, grinning at the pages - honestly all but kicking my legs. The positive 2SLGBTQ+ representation is incredible and it’s so nice to read a book with queer characters where the relationship is so realistic and wholesome but not the main focus of the plot nor the characters.
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. I struggle to write a review if not to just use words in a list. Heartwarming, wholesome, paternal, funny, beautiful, fantastic, clear, honest.
I think the subject of discrimination is handled delicately and is well executed. I loved our main character Linus from the first page, J-Bone is also a personal favourite along with Talia.
My sole criticism is that the first half of the book was paced a little too slowly for me but I am SO glad I picked it back up after a break - which I cannot state how rare that is once I put a book back on the shelf usually it is doomed to be ignored. However the characters were just so loveable (calliope I’m looking at you) that I was convinced.
P L E A S E read it. There were so many times I was giddy, grinning at the pages - honestly all but kicking my legs. The positive 2SLGBTQ+ representation is incredible and it’s so nice to read a book with queer characters where the relationship is so realistic and wholesome but not the main focus of the plot nor the characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, and Violence
tabear's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Forced institutionalization
elliereadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
”You’re made of strong stuff on the inside, and it’s what’s on the inside the counts.”
”You’re made of strong stuff on the inside, and it’s what’s on the inside the counts.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Hate crime
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Fire/Fire injury
itsalina's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Body shaming and Hate crime
raypaws's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Xenophobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Confinement, Fatphobia, Hate crime, and Forced institutionalization
mazeeee's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
Second times the charm with this one. I enjoyed it the first time around but was able to appreciate Klune’s characterization much more in the second read just bc I wasn’t as focused on the plot. Heart warming slice of life with LGBTQ rep and a sweet message about found family. I really enjoy klune’s story telling and look forward to reading the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime and Abandonment
madelynfrank's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I think at this point I’ll give any book that makes me cry 5 stars.
Truly funny, heartwarming, interesting world building, great imagery, cool characters. Felt very idealistic/wish fulfillment- which I absolutely loved. Do you want to go to a perfect island and have supportive dads that will stand up for u.
Truly funny, heartwarming, interesting world building, great imagery, cool characters. Felt very idealistic/wish fulfillment- which I absolutely loved. Do you want to go to a perfect island and have supportive dads that will stand up for u.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
tdap1899's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
While reading I felt a lightness, like I was floating on a cloud. Just such a lovely wholesome read that made my heart feel full with contentment
Would I keep? YES!
With reflection I truly do not see any flaws in the book at this time, I absolutely loved it and can think of no criticisms I would throw at it, just a beautifully written story, I only wish I had more time with the cast of characters.
Would I keep? YES!
With reflection I truly do not see any flaws in the book at this time, I absolutely loved it and can think of no criticisms I would throw at it, just a beautifully written story, I only wish I had more time with the cast of characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Child abuse and Confinement
Minor: Body shaming, Hate crime, and Outing
dragon_lord's review against another edition
hopeful
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Hate crime, and Panic attacks/disorders
mayday_the_cleric's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
The first book ever that made me cry, not only once, but multiple times. As cliché as it might sound, this book is so magical, whimsical, emotionally satisfying, and purely beautiful. Reading this honestly feels a lot like healing and giving your inner child the things that have been sorely missed since childhood. To be understood, to be forgiven, to be supported and encouraged, to be believed in, and to be heard and seen.
This is a story about individuality and freedom of expression; acceptance and respect for individual differences; healing past traumas; finding a group of people that you belong; and fighting prejudice and discrimination. It is the perfect story if you ever have a really bad day and just want something comforting to read while wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.
In terms of characters, this is a great representation of queer people in general. The two gay male characters (Linus and Arthur) are actually portrayed not only with nuance but also not involved with sex and sexual tension. You won’t get any sex scenes between the two gay characters, and I just love that. A lot of gay male relationships in romance stories nowadays have been so fetishized with explicit sex scenes that it’s honestly refreshing to see a gay relationship simply being so wholesome and heartwarming in their embrace and support of one another.
And the kids in this book are so freaking precious! Love every single one of them. My favorites (because all parents have their favorites) have to be Chauncey and Sal. Their stories resonated with me deeply. It’s just so satisfying to see all of the characters slowly move past their traumas through their love for one another and get to have their happy endings in a world that they can all fight for. It is not a perfect world, but they can slowly change it, one step at a time.
Overall, I had such a good time with this book. Would recommend this book to anybody who needs a little pick-me-up and some small comforts in their life.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Hate crime, and Abandonment