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wonderfullybookish's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
elementarymydear's review
5.0
For me this book perfectly encapsulated what queerness and inclusivity is all about. Anna Zoe Quirke has created a story and characters who are unapologetically queer, and passionate about fighting for rights not just for themselves but for others. So many queer spaces are constantly looking to be more inclusive and accessible, and this book tapped into that brilliantly.
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While the exposition was a little quick and clunky, once the story got going I was completely hooked. Imogen and Ollie are both really compelling narrators, and both their individual journeys as well as their friendship was a joy to read.
I particularly liked how Ollie’s relationship to gender expression was explored. For me and, I’m sure, many others, one of the surprising things about coming out is how liberating it is in terms of how you dress, etc.. I thought it was discussed in a really great way, that felt very true to life and powerfully written.
While many queer spaces are as inclusive and accessible as Imogen’s pride event is, many are not, and this book is a brilliant reminder of how inclusive spaces are not just important, but are also exciting and full of opportunity. It’s a reminder to think creatively about how we can make changes in our lives, big or small, to allow room for everyone to not just exist but to thrive. It couldn’t come at a better time.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
While the exposition was a little quick and clunky, once the story got going I was completely hooked. Imogen and Ollie are both really compelling narrators, and both their individual journeys as well as their friendship was a joy to read.
I particularly liked how Ollie’s relationship to gender expression was explored. For me and, I’m sure, many others, one of the surprising things about coming out is how liberating it is in terms of how you dress, etc.. I thought it was discussed in a really great way, that felt very true to life and powerfully written.
While many queer spaces are as inclusive and accessible as Imogen’s pride event is, many are not, and this book is a brilliant reminder of how inclusive spaces are not just important, but are also exciting and full of opportunity. It’s a reminder to think creatively about how we can make changes in our lives, big or small, to allow room for everyone to not just exist but to thrive. It couldn’t come at a better time.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
thewhisperingpages's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? No
5.0
thelibraryofamy's review
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Homophobia
kcarri's review
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Tiger for letting me have an ARC of this in return for a fair and honest review!
TL;DR: a triumphant love letter to finding yourself full of heart and humour that loses steam in the last 50 pages but thankfully has such a great cast of characters that it manages to see its plot through.
Something To Be Proud Of follows Imogen Quinn, a loud and proud autistic, bisexual with a dream to be a stand-up, who after having a sensory overload at a Pride event, sets out on a mission to create the first accessible pride event in her home town. To do that, she enlists the help of Oliver Armstrong, the out captain of the football team, and sets up and youth activist society. Over the course of this year, we follow the ups and downs of the group as well as Ollie and Imogen's relationship with each other and themselves.
The plot is fine, with great ups and downs, but really secondary to the characters that carry this story. Imogen is vibrant on page, with constant quips and brash confidence that come to life on the page. Her flaws are just as bright and through her friendship with Ollie and the wider activist group, she eventually come to change, growing in confidence and just a better person because of it. Her journey is one hell of adventure that's a privilege to be dragged along with. Ollie too is the perfect foil for her, quieter but no less bold in his own way, especially when he confronts his dad about what it truly means to be a man. This comes with a great supporting cast that are unique and engaging in their own right and with proper dreams and aspirations that make you want to root for them. Truly, they are the stars of this show. What's even more impressive - though cringe inducing at times - is that these teenagers actually sound like gen z teenagers, referencing memes and jokes only gen z would know (and find funny.)
For me, I think the only reason why I didn't rate this book higher is that I think there are moments where I lost steam with it. Some scenes to the latter end overstay their welcome where they could be shortened and that made me lose interest or focus as to what was happening. It's not a major flaw; just made the novel as tighter a project as it could be.
Overall, though, I had a great time with Something To Be Proud Of. It's a love letter to queer kids both out and proud or firmly in the closet trying to find themselves and a world that's not about to ''compromise'' on their needs for the sake of the status quo. It's great wild adventure that's well worth your time if this is your thing.
TL;DR: a triumphant love letter to finding yourself full of heart and humour that loses steam in the last 50 pages but thankfully has such a great cast of characters that it manages to see its plot through.
Something To Be Proud Of follows Imogen Quinn, a loud and proud autistic, bisexual with a dream to be a stand-up, who after having a sensory overload at a Pride event, sets out on a mission to create the first accessible pride event in her home town. To do that, she enlists the help of Oliver Armstrong, the out captain of the football team, and sets up and youth activist society. Over the course of this year, we follow the ups and downs of the group as well as Ollie and Imogen's relationship with each other and themselves.
The plot is fine, with great ups and downs, but really secondary to the characters that carry this story. Imogen is vibrant on page, with constant quips and brash confidence that come to life on the page. Her flaws are just as bright and through her friendship with Ollie and the wider activist group, she eventually come to change, growing in confidence and just a better person because of it. Her journey is one hell of adventure that's a privilege to be dragged along with. Ollie too is the perfect foil for her, quieter but no less bold in his own way, especially when he confronts his dad about what it truly means to be a man. This comes with a great supporting cast that are unique and engaging in their own right and with proper dreams and aspirations that make you want to root for them. Truly, they are the stars of this show. What's even more impressive - though cringe inducing at times - is that these teenagers actually sound like gen z teenagers, referencing memes and jokes only gen z would know (and find funny.)
For me, I think the only reason why I didn't rate this book higher is that I think there are moments where I lost steam with it. Some scenes to the latter end overstay their welcome where they could be shortened and that made me lose interest or focus as to what was happening. It's not a major flaw; just made the novel as tighter a project as it could be.
Overall, though, I had a great time with Something To Be Proud Of. It's a love letter to queer kids both out and proud or firmly in the closet trying to find themselves and a world that's not about to ''compromise'' on their needs for the sake of the status quo. It's great wild adventure that's well worth your time if this is your thing.
doesden's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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 received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, however all opinions are my own
So the reason I wanted to read this book is because I saw it on Netgalley and I LOVE queer storytelling so I applied for it. Friends, I am ecstatic that I got the ARC of this book and will 100% be buying a physical copy when the book comes out. The storytelling in this book is hilarious, heart-warming and incredibly beautiful. I've never seen a book that has autistic, disabled, and queer representation and had such a diverse cast of characters. Anna, like Imogen, definitely wanted representation in their book for everyone and you will definitely find yourself relating to at LEAST one of their characters. As a disabled queer person my heart was filled to see so many characters that I could easily relate to. This book was so easy to just pick up and read, and I found myself picking this up whenever I had a spare moment (which says something considering I've had such a busy week). I found myself giggling so much whilst reading this book and was really rooting for the characters to reach their goals. I loved every moment of reading this book, and would 100% recommend this to anyone who'd love to read a beautiful, queer story.
My Favourite Characters:
Imogen: I loved so much how Imogen was just very much unapologetically herself. Her character growth throughout the book was incredible and I loved seeing her find her people.
Amelia: Amelia was honestly my favourite side character. Her character growth was also incredible and I loved her more and more with each and every chapter.
Auntie Septic: Auntie Septic is actually a very small character within the book, but I adored her and genuinely wish we had more of her
My Least Favourite Characters:
Oliver's dad: I'm not gonna lie friends, I loathed Oliver's dad. I can't say much more.
Ms Greenacre: I despised Ms Greenacre throughout the whole book. 0/10 teacher.
(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)
So the reason I wanted to read this book is because I saw it on Netgalley and I LOVE queer storytelling so I applied for it. Friends, I am ecstatic that I got the ARC of this book and will 100% be buying a physical copy when the book comes out. The storytelling in this book is hilarious, heart-warming and incredibly beautiful. I've never seen a book that has autistic, disabled, and queer representation and had such a diverse cast of characters. Anna, like Imogen, definitely wanted representation in their book for everyone and you will definitely find yourself relating to at LEAST one of their characters. As a disabled queer person my heart was filled to see so many characters that I could easily relate to. This book was so easy to just pick up and read, and I found myself picking this up whenever I had a spare moment (which says something considering I've had such a busy week). I found myself giggling so much whilst reading this book and was really rooting for the characters to reach their goals. I loved every moment of reading this book, and would 100% recommend this to anyone who'd love to read a beautiful, queer story.
My Favourite Characters:
Imogen: I loved so much how Imogen was just very much unapologetically herself. Her character growth throughout the book was incredible and I loved seeing her find her people.
Amelia: Amelia was honestly my favourite side character. Her character growth was also incredible and I loved her more and more with each and every chapter.
Auntie Septic: Auntie Septic is actually a very small character within the book, but I adored her and genuinely wish we had more of her
My Least Favourite Characters:
Oliver's dad: I'm not gonna lie friends, I loathed Oliver's dad. I can't say much more.
Ms Greenacre: I despised Ms Greenacre throughout the whole book. 0/10 teacher.
(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)
cornish_dragon's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.75
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
[ARC provided by Netgalley]
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Something to be Proud of by Anna Zoe Quirke and I absolutely LOVED IT!!!
It's such a heartwarming read that really makes you think about how different people experience the world.
I LOVED all of the characters so much and am so happy I read this book, I would absolutely recommend this book!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
[ARC provided by Netgalley]
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Something to be Proud of by Anna Zoe Quirke and I absolutely LOVED IT!!!
It's such a heartwarming read that really makes you think about how different people experience the world.
I LOVED all of the characters so much and am so happy I read this book, I would absolutely recommend this book!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
stuckerwrites's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0
leonidskies's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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? No
5.0
Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was an absolutely amazing book. It's difficult to know where to sing its praises first - it was easy to read and I absolutely breezed through it, in part because of how clear it was and in part because it was an utter joy. I adored all the characters, especially the core cast, and it made me so happy to see their stories unfold.
I'll admit I was in tears for a decent chunk of the book; tears of joy, almost the whole time. That's super rare for me, but reading this book felt really special because I felt immensely seen. I've been that queer, autistic sixteen year old with a sense of justice that doesn't seem compatible with the rest of the world, and seeing Imogen grow was an experience I can only describe as healing. A book about people who want something and fight for it and get closer together because of it just feels so profoundly hopeful to me, and every aspect of that had me in pieces.
Quirke handles every difficult topic in the novel with so much sensitivity and meaning - the emotions felt incredibly real and really brought me along for the ride. In all, I utterly adored this book. An easy 5/5.
This was an absolutely amazing book. It's difficult to know where to sing its praises first - it was easy to read and I absolutely breezed through it, in part because of how clear it was and in part because it was an utter joy. I adored all the characters, especially the core cast, and it made me so happy to see their stories unfold.
I'll admit I was in tears for a decent chunk of the book; tears of joy, almost the whole time. That's super rare for me, but reading this book felt really special because I felt immensely seen. I've been that queer, autistic sixteen year old with a sense of justice that doesn't seem compatible with the rest of the world, and seeing Imogen grow was an experience I can only describe as healing. A book about people who want something and fight for it and get closer together because of it just feels so profoundly hopeful to me, and every aspect of that had me in pieces.
Quirke handles every difficult topic in the novel with so much sensitivity and meaning - the emotions felt incredibly real and really brought me along for the ride. In all, I utterly adored this book. An easy 5/5.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Ableism
Minor: Toxic friendship, Sexism, and Infidelity
hj_kane's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0