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readingqueerly's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
The first half of this book went quite slowly for me, though that might be a me-problem as I've been struggling with a slump. But the second half of this book just flew by. The chemistry was palpable and during several moments I truly felt the complicated mix of emotions the characters were experiencing. The excitement of meeting someone special, the fear of knowing what that means because the special someone is not who you're supposed to want. The relief to find a community in a world that is not ready for you and the desperation to be together despite all odds and intervention from the law.
A really good YA/NA book with immense growth for the main character about very real problems that are still relevant to modern day.
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Racism
leffel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“It wasn’t like chocolate, Lily thought. It was like finding water after a drought. She couldn’t drink enough, and her thirst made her ashamed, and the shame made her angry.”
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
illtakethenightshiftx's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
cogowno's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
tigerkind's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Xenophobia, Homophobia, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: War and Toxic friendship
jayjayjers's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs and Toxic friendship
meagan123's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Lesbophobia and Homophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Toxic friendship
kelsreadsthings's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia
sierraclimbs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Despite this story covering some challenging topics, I found it very easily digestible & engaging. I believe it is important to remember that, as different as it seems to our modern day reality, the 1950s wasn’t that long ago & the long standing racism & bigotry persists even in small ways today.
The story is very relatable while maintaining a historical accuracy that is clearly well researched & written with passion for telling untold stories of the time.
I think this book should be put on required reading lists for high schoolers everywhere.
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, War, Bullying, and Sexism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Deportation
This is a historical fiction, all words & terms used are due to trying to stay faithful to the time period it takes place in. Nothing felt egregious or unnecessary.purplevibes123's review
- 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
Graphic: Racism, War, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexism and Deportation
Minor: Child abuse, Violence, and Miscarriage