Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Here the Whole Time

This is the July pick (Translated to English) for the #WickAndJaneBookClub on Instagram.

*Cries forever*

This book was so soft and so sweet. I loved every damn second of it.

Felipe is fat. He has always known this, but it doesn't stop school bullies from making fun of him. He's eagerly awaiting school break, 15 days of sweet vacation where he can be alone. But when he gets home from school, his mom tells him their neighbor, Caio, will be staying with them while his parents are on vacation. Which would be fine except Felipe has had a crush on Caio for as long as he can remember, a list of body insecurities and no idea how to entertain a neighbor who is practically a stranger.

I love Felipe with my whole heart. Honestly, my feelings can be summarized in this emoji: 🥺🥺🥺. Felipe is TOO PRECIOUS. I want to protect him. I loved seeing a friendship develop between him and Caio. While things start out slow and awkward, I loved seeing Felipe come out of his shell. I loved the challenges his therapist set for him and how they encouraged him to grow. Felipe still has insecurities by the end of the book, this is not a "romance cures all" book by any means. But with the bond Felipe carves with Caio and Becky, things do get easier.

Then there's Felipe's mom. Rita was also precious. I loved her so much. I loved seeing such a loving and unconditionally accepting parent/child relationship. Plus the way she adopted Caio was so adorable. Basically I loved this book with my whole heart. It's a slow burn of a book, but it's the best kind of burn.

Rep: Fat Brazilian gay male MC, Brazilian gay male love interest, Fat Black/Brazilian lesbian female side character, bisexual female side character, various other BIPOC side characters.

CWs: Alcohol consumption, biphobia, body shaming, fatphobia, homophobia, lesbophobia, mental illness (anxiety), grief.

Content Warnings

bestnarryever's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

This was the first book that made me cry! Happy tears! I need some time to take it in and make the best review possible because this book is so important ugh <3

Content Warnings

melaniereadsbooks's review

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challenging emotional funny hopeful 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

This book was everything! I loved Felipe and Ciao so much and love their friendship that develops throughout the book. I especially love Becky and how much she is able to teach Felipe about himself in a very short time! This book has so many important messages that definitely need to be read, and I absolutely love them! I am so glad I read this finally, and it gave me so many feelings!

Content Warnings

obscurepages's review

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challenging emotional funny 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? It's complicated

5.0

Okay, this might be my favorite read this Pride Month 😭

It's simple, yet so poignant. Like there's no angst, no high stakes plot obviously, no drama or chaos, but it's just so *so* beautiful.

I love how mental health and therapy are a normal topic in Felipe and his mom's household. I love how this book teaches us to be brave in our own ways. I love how it encourages us to make connections with other people, because as an introvert, I definitely relate to that. I love how it also talked about fatness. And I love how precious and sweet Felipe and Caio are. I love how this book features love that's not explosive and intense, but rather, love that is quiet and yet heartwarming just the same.

Overall, this is such an amazing read. Would love to read it again for sure.

Content Warnings

betweentheshelves's review

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emotional 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

4.0

I loved this! Felipe's voice feels so real, and he's really just finding a way to be happy with himself. And find a way to tell the guy he likes that he has feelings for him.

This story will resonate with a lot of teens, I think. There's also an excellent portrayal of therapy. Felipe's mom is also the best. All around, this was a quick read, but definitely a great one!

Content Warnings

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