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madamenovelist's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, and Deportation
Moderate: Bullying and Toxic friendship
farfetched's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I whole heartedly loved this book. Yami is glorious, she's trying so hard and doing her best and she doesn't always do the right thing but you can't help but cheer for her all the way through. I loved Bo, too, and the nuance that grows about her once Yami starts getting to know her. I loved Cesar and his and Yami's relationship, and his plotline was done really nicely, I think, and I hope that he and Jamal get back together properly ! The wording was great, it's very snappy and authentic, and the way it called out various social issues without completely focusing on them was great. Also thought the chapter titles were really clever and well used. Highly recommended for a modern sapphic romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
Moderate: Biphobia, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Police brutality, Outing, and Deportation
Has a happy ending, no one dies, focuses on self acceptance although it does deal with homophobia and racism.mooncxrx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Outing
Minor: Deportation
marivillosa's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
Second reread review (2024):
I love this book so much. The reread confirmed it.
I love Yami. I relate to her as the eldest daughter in a Mexican household. I relate to her journey of accepting her queer identity. It was heartbreaking to read that she struggled with coming out. She experienced traumatic events that discouraged her from coming out. I was emotional reading some of her inner monologues. I'm glad she took her time. She took as much time as needed to come out to the people she cared about.
I love her brother Cesar. They're such a cute brother-and-sister duo. He reminded me of my brother, which connected me more to them.I cried when they came out to each other. It was so emotional and beautiful to read. I also liked how the book highlighted Cesar's story and the issues he had to overcome. While Yami struggled with acceptance from others, Cesar struggled with accepting himself as gay. He felt ashamed of himself, which is equally as heartbreaking. That's when the Catholic guilt comes in, which I understand. While I related to Yami in some ways, I found myself relating to Cesar in other ways. I'm glad that Yami and Cesar had each other to rely on.
And of course, this book had romance in it. I thought Yami and Bo were cute together. I liked how readers got to know more about Bo beyond her role as a love interest in the book.I thought the part when Yami stays with Bo and her family during the holidays was so important to the story because, without it, I don't know what other way readers can get to know Bo on a personal level, despite it being in Yami's POV. I genuinely enjoyed their bonding moments, when they got to know each other more. It felt so authentic and genuine.
I also want to talk about the family aspect. It was heartbreaking to readevery time Yami would mention the anticipation of her mother kicking her out of the house for being a lesbian. She was sure it would happen, especially when her father turned on her after finding out. It hurts to read when kids like Yami fear the love from their parents is conditional, especially when it comes true. While Yami's father stopped loving her – I hate him so much – her mother accepted her and Cesar. She went all out to show her love for them after they came out. I'm glad that happened in the book. One parent showing unconditional love is enough.
I'm glad I reread this book. It's crazy that I relate to so many things in this book. Definitely recommend.
Third reread review (2024):
This book is officially my new comfort book. I love it so much.
I love this book so much. The reread confirmed it.
I love Yami. I relate to her as the eldest daughter in a Mexican household. I relate to her journey of accepting her queer identity. It was heartbreaking to read that she struggled with coming out. She experienced traumatic events that discouraged her from coming out. I was emotional reading some of her inner monologues. I'm glad she took her time. She took as much time as needed to come out to the people she cared about.
I love her brother Cesar. They're such a cute brother-and-sister duo. He reminded me of my brother, which connected me more to them.
And of course, this book had romance in it. I thought Yami and Bo were cute together. I liked how readers got to know more about Bo beyond her role as a love interest in the book.
I also want to talk about the family aspect. It was heartbreaking to read
I'm glad I reread this book. It's crazy that I relate to so many things in this book. Definitely recommend.
Third reread review (2024):
This book is officially my new comfort book. I love it so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicide attempt and Deportation
mari1532's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Outing, Classism, and Deportation
carrie_e's review against another edition
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.
I switched back and forth between digital and audio on this one and the narration by Karla Serrano is excellent.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Outing
Minor: Deportation
siebensommer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
if i’m not back in five minutes (her voice almost cracks and she whispers the next part)… wait longer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Outing
Moderate: Deportation
xavreadsbooks'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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Outing, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, and Deportation
beesneysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? No
4.0
This was such a good read. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed every second. It has found family vibes, diversity in many ways, and the chapter titles are actually hilarious and thematic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, and Deportation
laughingrevolution's review
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Police brutality, and Deportation
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Outing, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying