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shewwimonster's review against another edition
3.0
This is Dramatic with a capital D. I wasn't sure I wanted to read this (it's been popping up on a lot of LGBTQ+ YA lists for me), but the library had it so why not? There were parts (well, characters really) that I couldn't stand, but overall I liked this a lot more than I expected to. Partially because I liked the main character so much and partially because there was unexpected story layering with trans characters (and family dynamics) and some things happening that I didn't expect.
mckinlay's review against another edition
1.0
*I received an ARC of this book from netgalley and the publisher. This does not affect my review.*
DNF at page 166
TW: transphobia
I’m genuinely baffled why this has such good reviews that call it “light hearted.” I was annoyed basically from the start. Mads is incredibly disrespectful toward her parents, ESPECIALLY her mom, who she repeatedly calls a bitch AND doesn’t tell her friend to NOT talk about her mom. I get not liking your mom, but there’s a line, okay? You don’t let your friends call your mom a bitch. You just don’t!
That wasn’t the worst offense though. There are some seriously transphobic comments made by the MC’s dad. Like, i think it could be really harmful to trans teens, and children of trans parents. Because I quit, I don’t know if he came around but after Mads’ “best friend” outted the trans character I was done.
I think if this book wasn't marketed as like a cute coming of age queer graphic novel, I would maybe have been less frustrated. But the back of this book makes it seem like it's just a girl kind of realizing she might like girls. That is definitely NOT what I took from it.
0/10 do not recommend.
DNF at page 166
TW: transphobia
I’m genuinely baffled why this has such good reviews that call it “light hearted.” I was annoyed basically from the start. Mads is incredibly disrespectful toward her parents, ESPECIALLY her mom, who she repeatedly calls a bitch AND doesn’t tell her friend to NOT talk about her mom. I get not liking your mom, but there’s a line, okay? You don’t let your friends call your mom a bitch. You just don’t!
That wasn’t the worst offense though. There are some seriously transphobic comments made by the MC’s dad. Like, i think it could be really harmful to trans teens, and children of trans parents. Because I quit, I don’t know if he came around but after Mads’ “best friend” outted the trans character I was done.
I think if this book wasn't marketed as like a cute coming of age queer graphic novel, I would maybe have been less frustrated. But the back of this book makes it seem like it's just a girl kind of realizing she might like girls. That is definitely NOT what I took from it.
0/10 do not recommend.
amandaannotates's review against another edition
2.0
"We don't get to choose who we love. But sometimes you get lucky and fall for someone wonderful."
2.5 stars
I didn't really this book. I just didn't really like or connect with the characters. I really hated the first half and only started to get interested by the second half and I liked the last third. The parts that were good were just good. I went in thinking it was a cute kissing story but I was very wrong. I just didn't really like the characters or the plot. Or how transphobic and homophobic some parts seemed. I wanted something wholesome, I guess. But the last couple of pages made me go "aww". The second half seemed like a different book and was suddenly super progressive and the first half was more conservative. I definitely felt like it was made for a middle schooler, in a bad way. I just didn't really like it. And I didn’t like Amanda and my name is Amanda.
2.5 stars
I didn't really this book. I just didn't really like or connect with the characters. I really hated the first half and only started to get interested by the second half and I liked the last third. The parts that were good were just good. I went in thinking it was a cute kissing story but I was very wrong. I just didn't really like the characters or the plot. Or how transphobic and homophobic some parts seemed. I wanted something wholesome, I guess. But the last couple of pages made me go "aww". The second half seemed like a different book and was suddenly super progressive and the first half was more conservative. I definitely felt like it was made for a middle schooler, in a bad way. I just didn't really like it. And I didn’t like Amanda and my name is Amanda.
dianametzger's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully drawn and the story is such a layered and complicated and pulls at the heart kind of surprise. I truly didn’t know where the story would go and I hope lots of teenagers of all walks of life, really just humans too, but I think the message of self acceptance and self discovery is so important for teenagers to see.
bookstobarbells's review against another edition
2.0
Oof. This was really rough.
The concept is really cute: young girl figures out her sexual identity through her first 8 kisses. However, it’s riddled with nasty homophobia & transphobia and emotional manipulation and abuse. Seeming really large conflicts are saved until the last 25 pages and mostly solved in under 10 frames.
I did like the cast and settings. The art really showcased a lot of diversity which was interesting to read and admire. Each character showcased emotions well and had a unique look without making it look like it was done to be different.
This had a ton of potential and I adored the art style. Wish it ended up being better than it was.
The concept is really cute: young girl figures out her sexual identity through her first 8 kisses. However, it’s riddled with nasty homophobia & transphobia and emotional manipulation and abuse. Seeming really large conflicts are saved until the last 25 pages and mostly solved in under 10 frames.
I did like the cast and settings. The art really showcased a lot of diversity which was interesting to read and admire. Each character showcased emotions well and had a unique look without making it look like it was done to be different.
This had a ton of potential and I adored the art style. Wish it ended up being better than it was.
rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Kiss Number 8. The art was wonderful and the writing was engaging. I didn't like the main character, Amanda, very much, but watching her grow was interesting. The mystery contributed to Amanda's story, and it felt realistic. I hope that Kiss Number 8 wins awards - it deserves them.
sparklemaia's review against another edition
5.0
This made me cry three times and laugh out loud at least eight times. What a stellar graphic novel. Gorgeous, dynamic illustrations; believable, messy relationships; and a heartfelt, affirming story of love, family, and queerness.
pantswithpockets's review against another edition
5.0
This was a local comic book store find that made the entire trip worth it. Which is beyond rare! I would consider myself someone who knows about queer graphic novels and comics, they’re basically my reading obsession for the past 2 years- but this book flew under my radar SO ASTOUNDINGLY.
A story of religious trauma and bigotry, familial trauma and the pain of secrets, and an actual, true to life coming of age story. I personally have had the quintessential gay girl experience of being obsessed with your best friend who is kind of a bitch, only to realize you don’t want to be her friend at all and you’re just in love with a bad person.
This story was definitely heavy and intense on the homophobia. Of course that’s part of the plot, but there were times where I wondered how far it would go. However! It never crossed any lines and I felt like it was all super natural with the story.
I friggin loved this book and I would wipe it from my brain to reread it, probably, so give it a chance!!
P.S. happy ending!
A story of religious trauma and bigotry, familial trauma and the pain of secrets, and an actual, true to life coming of age story. I personally have had the quintessential gay girl experience of being obsessed with your best friend who is kind of a bitch, only to realize you don’t want to be her friend at all and you’re just in love with a bad person.
This story was definitely heavy and intense on the homophobia. Of course that’s part of the plot, but there were times where I wondered how far it would go. However! It never crossed any lines and I felt like it was all super natural with the story.
I friggin loved this book and I would wipe it from my brain to reread it, probably, so give it a chance!!
P.S. happy ending!
rocketbride's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished this 2 days ago and I'm ready to read it all over again. Beautifully told; beautifully drawn.
mandyisbookish's review
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0