Reviews with content warning for Bullying - The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

i went into this book worrying if it's 'too young' for me and too much talk instead of show, but it ended up blowing me away. it's clearly YA, but it's so incredibly well done. so many important issues are dealt with, without it becoming too heavy or deep while still properly dealing with them and getting you emotionally invested.. idk. it's just an amazing coming of age story that had me crying a lot and that i wish my 15 year old self had had

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mari1532's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful 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

5.0

I checked this audiobook out of my library because I had heard great things about it on Instagram.

Brief Summary: After being outed by her ex-best friend, Yamilet follows her little brother to the local Catholic school. As Yamilet attempts to make sure her brother stays out of trouble and that she meets her mother's expectations for her, Yamilet is also trying to present as straight. However, pretending becomes difficult when she meets and develops feelings for her openly queer classmate Bo.

Thoughts: I loved this book. Writing a book that deals with so many distinct emotions, while making them feel real about how emotions are experienced must be incredibly difficult as a writer because I have not seen many do as exceptionally well as Reyes. The author's ability to convey the complicated emotions of both loving and hating someone at the same time, the confusion of falling in love, and the conflict of cultural/religious views with feelings of familial loyalty made every single person in this book feel like a real person. As the book progressed it was clear the growth that everyone went through from their experiences. Yamilet in particular was such a dynamic and lovable character. If you read this book prepare to laugh and cry right along with her.

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carrie_e's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

This is exactly the book my soul needed when I was a baby queer.

I switched back and forth between digital and audio on this one and the narration by Karla Serrano is excellent.

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laughingrevolution's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

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kelsiepixler's review

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emotional funny hopeful 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? No

5.0

Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Devoured it in half a day. The character development was just 🤌🏻💋

When her mom ended up supporting her, I bawled. Hysterically. Full on sobs at 1 in the afternoon

The way the author draws you into the narrator’s life leaves you feeling so connected to the events that happen to her and her family members. Hands down one of the best YA novels I’ve read in a long time.

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queerafictionado's review

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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

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morganvw's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful 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

as part of 2024 bingo for my book club, i’ve marked this read for the spot “made me cry” (even though it could’ve also taken the spot for “diverse cast” “fake dating” or “gay longing”). this was a beautiful YA that does not tread lightly on what it means to be a teen girl. then there are added layers of what it means to be a *brown, queer,* teen girl (who is also the eldest child of immigrated parents) who gets moved to a predominantly white catholic school. and what inspires? lots of crushes, a realistic sibling relationship, parental pressure, and the internal gay turmoil of being in the closet.

i resonated closely with all the main characters in one sense or another: yamilet’s experience of being the eldest sister, figuring out how to tell people (family) i’m queer, and navigating a private school that doesn’t always align with my beliefs; bo’s experience of being an outspoken queer chinese adoptee; cesar’s struggle with mental health issues.

this had both hardship that can be a bit heavy for a YA book, but also lots of fun fluffy moments. i genuinely enjoyed this and definitely recommend it to anyone!

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