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nic_literarylair's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Rarely has a young adult novel resonated with me as profoundly as 'The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School.' This book manages to be both unapologetically bold and delicately empathetic in its exploration of identity, faith, and family dynamics. If I were still teaching, this would undoubtedly be a part of my curriculum, its themes and characters offering a poignant discussion point for students.
While my heart yearned for a different resolution, the emotional journey the characters undertake is a testament to their resilience and growth. They aren't just fictional entities; they're individuals with palpable strength and vulnerability. The ensemble cast, diverse in their backgrounds and experiences, feels authentic and raw – a mirror to the real world.
The narrative's exploration of seeing parents as flawed adults, and the complexities arising from conflict within the marriage, offers a stark yet compassionate look at the dynamics that shape us. It's a reminder that families are intricate tapestries, woven from both love and imperfections.
'The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School' brings empowerment to its readers, evoking a sense of understanding and belonging. It's been a while since I've encountered a book so adept at reaching the innermost corners of my 16-year-old, reminding me that literature can still be a safe haven for those who feel lost, and a beacon for those navigating the labyrinth of self-discovery.
In a landscape hungry for genuine representation, this book stands tall, a remarkable testament to the power of storytelling. Every chapter invites readers to explore not only the characters' lives but also their own emotions and perspectives. 'The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School' is a mirror reflecting the myriad colors of human existence. It's a call to embrace one's identity, confront adversity, and recognize the beauty within our lives. An absolute must-read for individuals of all ages, this novel is an eloquent reminder that voices silenced by society's noise deserve to be heard."
Graphic: Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Police brutality
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Lesbophobia, and Deportation
caia_in_wonderland'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
Yamilet, a Mexican-American girl, as been outed as a lesbian by her best friend, but thankfully due to some violence problems her brother has been forced to go to a private catholic high school and she worked hard so she could join him, protect him and get away from the old friends and school where her secret is not a secret anymore. No one knows her there and she’s hoping to keep her sexuality a secret. But, the first person to truly befriend that is not a racist, Bo, is gay and perfect, a girl that doesn’t let people walk over her.
Things get complicated and Yami starts to feel the need to come out, but she fears her catholic mother’s bias towards gay people, and her father and confidant has been deported back to Mexico a few years back. She hopes he will be able to be the first she come out too.
Her brother is hiding a lot and distracted by work and Bo, she doesn’t notice the changes and secrets.
As things progress so much is going to be revealed that upturns what Yami knew and how she saw life and what is happening around her.
I loved Yami’s voice, her brave and hardworking nature, the love she has for her brother, and the care for everyone she loves.
As I said before the book deals with some hard issues so check the trigger warnings, however they’re not heavily dug into, and it’s still a pretty endearing and light read, for the issues it deals with.
Super recommend it.
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Outing and Deportation
americattt'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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Violence
jessicamdawn'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? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Racial slurs, Racism, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Deportation
martapsalvado'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? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Lesbophobia, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Deportation
Minor: Xenophobia and Toxic friendship
tey_lynn'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
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Outing, Toxic friendship, Classism, and Deportation
shirleenkiarie'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? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
elpisgalaxy's review
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Outing, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Homophobia, Mental illness, Lesbophobia, Outing, Alcohol, Classism, and Deportation
queerloras's review
- 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
4.25
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Outing, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, and Deportation
ka_schulze's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Stalking