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lauravreads'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? It's complicated
4.5
This book is fast-paced, hilarious, inspiring, and heartwarming. While Julian’s relationship with Mat is a major focal point in the novel, so is his relationship with his friends and his family. I love it when romance includes a well-rounded support system rather than the protagonist relying solely on the love interest. Julian is an easy protagonist to love, I was rooting for him the entire novel.
This novel hit a lot of heavy topics, in particular, abusive parents. Graza Villa did a great job in his portrayal of the relationship a child/young adult has with an emotionally and physically abusive parent. I love that Julian was able to stand up for himself and that his facility members who were bystanders to the abuse took accountability and made an effort to change and provide a safe space for Julian.
Graphic: Outing, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Abandonment, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Alcohol, Bullying, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
selysrivera'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
5.0
This book has trigger warnings. Don’t get me wrong. But these are all serious realities that still exist in the ultra conservative Latinx world.
I was impressed with how the book covers nuances related to religion and language. It’s also sex positive, and portrays a healthy romantic relationship along issues of friendship and growing up.
I’m in love with Jules and Mat. I want to hang out with their friends. And I cannot tell you the amount of times my stomach growled at the different descriptions of food, whether it was Mexican or Vietnamese or American.
My heart swelled with affection and my eyes watered as I read the sweetest of scenes, the saddest of scenes. I gasped in shock when certain characters acted the way they did. And the only reason I ended the book unsatisfied wasn’t because the ending happened too quickly for me. I wasn’t ready to leave.
If you can handle the triggers, read this book. You won’t regret it.
Graphic: Physical abuse and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Religious bigotry
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
paigeminer'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? No
4.25
Graphic: Homophobia and Outing
Moderate: Physical abuse and Emotional abuse
auteaandtales'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
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual content
ladysmartypants'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? No
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, Outing, Physical abuse, Violence, and Alcohol
maybe_a_cat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Physical abuse
ni_kola's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Bullying and Homophobia
izzyluna's review
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Abandonment, Outing, and Homophobia
sglance9'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, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
achilleandream'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, and Outing
Minor: Death of parent and Racism