Reviews

I just did not understand/thought the main character’s end goal was a bit silly and did not make sense at all. Plus it seemed a bit clear to me how the book was gonna end anyways. I wasn’t having the most fun whilst listening to this. The first 40% was pretty meh imo, so I figured instead of pushing myself to finish something I don’t enjoy, I’ll just DNF.

pagesofrosie's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow, definitely one of my favourite books now. I just loved this so so much!

I identified with SO MANY of the characters' feelings & struggles, and loved them all so much. Just having finished this book a few minutes ago, I'm honestly at a loss of words to describe how much hope this book gave me. I've truly never had a more reassuring & hopeful reading experience! The themes of friendship, finding yourself, finding a safe space in a fandom were explored so beautifully & just so so similarly to how I experience these things myself.

Very in awe of this book! I can't even express myself properly right now or write a structured review, the only words I can find are that that I loved this so so much & it gave me so much hope.

sixofsapphics's review against another edition

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5.0

FUCKKKKKK MY HEART

alexcranz's review against another edition

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emotional relaxing fast-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

4.0

tbbsg11's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.5

ninegladiolus's review against another edition

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emotional 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

5.0

If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So is a beautiful contemporary sapphic novel that’s equal parts coming of age and romance. I picked it up initially because the main character Elsie develops a crush on her fandom bestie Ada, who writes Elsie fanfics of their favourite comic book ship, which is an incredibly relatable situation for me—and it perfectly captured that spirit for sure. There is bisexual, lesbian, nonbinary, gay, ace, and other unlabeled queer rep within.

It also wonderfully addresses topics like how queerness intersects with racial and/or ethnic identities, the challenges and joys of being second generation diaspora, and of course, a lovely second chance romance. It moved me to literal tears of cathartic joy which is rare for me in general, and particularly for YA. If You Still Recognize Me has shot to the top of my recommendation list and is easily a favourite of the year for me.

Thank you to HarperTeen and Edelweiss for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

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