Reviews

This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves

Only show reviews with written explanations

lifeofmavsgirl's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring

3.75

vanmargogh's review

Go to review page

emotional funny 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

I was so anxiously waiting for this book the minute I saw it on tiktok!

I must say, it did not disappoint at all. First of all, RELATABLE AF! Honestly this was a book I would have loved to read growing up and seeing myself in this story.

I loved the metaphors Quique uses because same, I used to do that all through out high school when trying to explain myself or anything really. Chapter 22 was basically word for word my experience with therapy.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and definitely a new favorite.

hobbithopeful's review

Go to review page

emotional funny 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

4.5

The best way to get over someone, is to get under someone else...right?
Enrique (Quique) is trying to get over a one-sided crush on his friend Saleem by having a hot slut summer. Quique's parents don't know that he is bisexual, and he has zero dating skills but that doesn't stop him from pursuing 3 different guys. All with very different results.
I love how sex positive this book is, people who don't like those elements always confuse me. Let's think back to when we were all teenagers okay? Hormones and horniness doesn't magically appear when you become an adult!
One of my biggest issues with reading YA books is sometimes the teenagers don't read like teenagers. This was not the case here, Quique is messy and just trying to figure himself out. I love the friendship he has with Fabiola, and how supportive his parents try to be with his mental health.
I am so grateful that Quique didn't

Spoiler

end up with the white guy!

I never know why so many BIPOC authors love having their characters have multiple love interests and then always end up with that specific person. MAJOR props to Aceves for actually writing the white character how a white person...well you'll see when you read it.
I've had this book on my tbr for a long time, I put off reading it because I was afraid the content was going to be too heavy for me. There are discussions around mental health, and biphobia, but nothing at all what I thought it might be about. I wish I had read it sooner.
The only reason this isn't 5 stars for me, I did have a few problems with some of the pacing at time, I felt like I kept waiting for the plot to move forward. I also had trouble caring about some of Quique's love interests.
All in all I really I enjoyed this book, I always love reading stories by chicano authors.
Highly recommend, perfect for fans of queer diverse stories with messy main characters! This is my first book by Aaron H. Aceves, and I will definitely read more of his writing.

Content Warnings

crader's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

nicijones's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective slow-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

ezrasupremacy's review

Go to review page

4.0

3.5 but i’m rounding up bc i’m nice like that.

very realistic portrayal of what it is like to be a queer teenager in the 21st century. definitely felt very much like i was in a teenage guy’s head. unfortunately i hate teenagers.