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booksnbeanies's review
5.0
Jess Moore did a brilliant job with this novel. She’s very descriptive and makes everything easy to imagine. I absolutely loved this book and its characters. I liked how easy it was to read and how quickly I got through it. The first couple of chapters are more about Jeremy’s life and introduces the other characters. Then it gets more into the plot and you won’t be able to put it down.
The main character Jeremy seems really cool. I immediately wanted to be his friend. He lives with his mom and dreads hearing from his dad. He draws like his Grandpa used to which plays a big part in the story. He’s basically trying to find himself throughout the book and it was fun to go on that journey with him.
Jeremy’s best friends Kasey and Stuart are pretty cool too. I think I liked Stuart the most between the two. Kasey gets annoying sometimes and she’s kind of pushy. Stuart has been Jeremy’s best friend since they were little and although it doesn’t say so in the book Jeremy’s mom basically treats Stuart kind of like a son. He just walks in their house, eats their food, etc. Their friendship grows throughout the story as Jeremy grows and starts to figure out what he wants for himself.
There is plenty of romance throughout the book as well, but it’s not the main point of the novel. It’s also to shoved in your face like some novel tend to do. The main point of the novel is Jeremy’s evolution of self. He finally grieves his grandfather’s death and starts drawing again, starts becoming more interested in doing things for himself, and finds a relationship that’s all his own. The author blends all the background stuff perfectly to make sure that you know the main point of the story is Jeremy’s evolution. It’s very rare that I give a book a five-star rating and I’m so happy that I was able to do so with this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Nine Star Press, LLC for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The main character Jeremy seems really cool. I immediately wanted to be his friend. He lives with his mom and dreads hearing from his dad. He draws like his Grandpa used to which plays a big part in the story. He’s basically trying to find himself throughout the book and it was fun to go on that journey with him.
Jeremy’s best friends Kasey and Stuart are pretty cool too. I think I liked Stuart the most between the two. Kasey gets annoying sometimes and she’s kind of pushy. Stuart has been Jeremy’s best friend since they were little and although it doesn’t say so in the book Jeremy’s mom basically treats Stuart kind of like a son. He just walks in their house, eats their food, etc. Their friendship grows throughout the story as Jeremy grows and starts to figure out what he wants for himself.
There is plenty of romance throughout the book as well, but it’s not the main point of the novel. It’s also to shoved in your face like some novel tend to do. The main point of the novel is Jeremy’s evolution of self. He finally grieves his grandfather’s death and starts drawing again, starts becoming more interested in doing things for himself, and finds a relationship that’s all his own. The author blends all the background stuff perfectly to make sure that you know the main point of the story is Jeremy’s evolution. It’s very rare that I give a book a five-star rating and I’m so happy that I was able to do so with this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Nine Star Press, LLC for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
emmascc's review
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the late 90's, the Evolution of Jeremy Warsh is a coming of age (and out) story. After reading the blurb and seeing the cover I had expected this book to be just another typical YA coming out story, but it surprised me. Jeremy never had a massive freak out about being gay, nor did his friends and his mum, which was refreshing. His two best friends, Kacey and Stu, were always supportive and solid friends. It was nice having a YA coming of age story where there was no angst/communication drama between Jeremy and his friends or his love interest.
The love interest subplot was a minor part of the book, which focused more on the development of Jeremy himself and his relationships with his friends and mum. I loved how supportive Jeremy's mum was, which was a nice contrast to Kacey's story line, which broke my heart. This managed to be both a heavy and yet fun story, and I would do anything for Jeremy.
Set in the late 90's, the Evolution of Jeremy Warsh is a coming of age (and out) story. After reading the blurb and seeing the cover I had expected this book to be just another typical YA coming out story, but it surprised me. Jeremy never had a massive freak out about being gay, nor did his friends and his mum, which was refreshing. His two best friends, Kacey and Stu, were always supportive and solid friends. It was nice having a YA coming of age story where there was no angst/communication drama between Jeremy and his friends or his love interest.
The love interest subplot was a minor part of the book, which focused more on the development of Jeremy himself and his relationships with his friends and mum. I loved how supportive Jeremy's mum was, which was a nice contrast to Kacey's story line, which broke my heart. This managed to be both a heavy and yet fun story, and I would do anything for Jeremy.
bonecarvdweaver's review against another edition
3.0
It was pretty good. There were a lot of ups and downs involving Jeremy as he battled home life, school life and his future. I loved the relationships he had with friends, romantic interests and family. The writing was a little hard to grab onto, but eventually around the fifth chapter I started to get used to the style.
Things moved rather quickly in plot so it was easy to get lost in the story and enjoy what was happening. However, there were so many different directions and plots going on at once that if was hard to like them all at once. I found that some situations were lacking compared to others, I wish there had been more structure and focus on characters.
The ending was pretty average and didn't blow me away, but I left the story relatively happy and refreshed. It was a good book, and I do recommend it for light readers!
Things moved rather quickly in plot so it was easy to get lost in the story and enjoy what was happening. However, there were so many different directions and plots going on at once that if was hard to like them all at once. I found that some situations were lacking compared to others, I wish there had been more structure and focus on characters.
The ending was pretty average and didn't blow me away, but I left the story relatively happy and refreshed. It was a good book, and I do recommend it for light readers!
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
4.0
Read this and other reviews at between-the-shelves.com!
Jeremy Warsh wouldn't describe his life as that exciting; a high school senior, he spends most of his time outside of school working at the local grocery store, helping his mom to make ends meet. His friends, Stuart and Kasey are the exciting ones, the ones that inspire Jeremy to start drawing again: Stuart through his senior prank plans and Kasey through coming out. This sparks a series of actions that puts Jeremy's life on a completely different path--one that includes kissing a boy at a college party. Has Jeremy just been hiding from himself this whole time? And what does that mean for his future after school?
I received a copy of this book from the author, Jess Moore, in exchange for my honest review. There are depictions of homophobia through Kasey's parents within the story, as a warning to those that it may trigger. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed, especially with the way that Moore so accurately captures the voice of a teenager. Jeremy's voice throughout the book was so authentic, and his character was what really sucked me into the story.
Because I felt the beginning of the book was a bit slow, I wasn't expecting to be as invested as I was throughout the rest of the novel. For me, the story really starts to pick up when Jeremy is working on the Homecoming prank with Stuart and everyone else. This is where you start to see Jeremy shine, and this is where I really started getting invested in his future.
Enter the mysterious boy that Jeremy kisses at that party. While at first, this doesn't seem like it will take up that much of the plot, nor does it seem like Jeremy will actually see the guy again, I like the way that their romance subtley grew, eventually getting some of those "awe," heart-melting moments (and who doesn't love those in a teen romance?).The relationship doesn't completely take over Jeremy's journey, but instead supplements it in that it allows Jeremy to feel like he can be his true self. It fit well with the story and the characters, and the comparisons to Daredevil were just a bonus.
This coming-of-age story hits all the right notes for young adult, effectively encapsulating what it means to be a teenager. This is Jess Moore's first book, and I'm sure it won't be her last!
Jeremy Warsh wouldn't describe his life as that exciting; a high school senior, he spends most of his time outside of school working at the local grocery store, helping his mom to make ends meet. His friends, Stuart and Kasey are the exciting ones, the ones that inspire Jeremy to start drawing again: Stuart through his senior prank plans and Kasey through coming out. This sparks a series of actions that puts Jeremy's life on a completely different path--one that includes kissing a boy at a college party. Has Jeremy just been hiding from himself this whole time? And what does that mean for his future after school?
I received a copy of this book from the author, Jess Moore, in exchange for my honest review. There are depictions of homophobia through Kasey's parents within the story, as a warning to those that it may trigger. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed, especially with the way that Moore so accurately captures the voice of a teenager. Jeremy's voice throughout the book was so authentic, and his character was what really sucked me into the story.
Because I felt the beginning of the book was a bit slow, I wasn't expecting to be as invested as I was throughout the rest of the novel. For me, the story really starts to pick up when Jeremy is working on the Homecoming prank with Stuart and everyone else. This is where you start to see Jeremy shine, and this is where I really started getting invested in his future.
Enter the mysterious boy that Jeremy kisses at that party. While at first, this doesn't seem like it will take up that much of the plot, nor does it seem like Jeremy will actually see the guy again, I like the way that their romance subtley grew, eventually getting some of those "awe," heart-melting moments (and who doesn't love those in a teen romance?).The relationship doesn't completely take over Jeremy's journey, but instead supplements it in that it allows Jeremy to feel like he can be his true self. It fit well with the story and the characters, and the comparisons to Daredevil were just a bonus.
This coming-of-age story hits all the right notes for young adult, effectively encapsulating what it means to be a teenager. This is Jess Moore's first book, and I'm sure it won't be her last!
nietzschesghost's review
4.0
The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh, published by the SunFire imprint of renowned LGBTQIA+ romance specialists NineStar Press, is yet another slam dunk of a novel. I am a big believer in having diverse characters in books as they should be representative of the different types of people in society, but we often do not get what we desire and believe to be right. This novel combines an inspirational and engaging plot with proficient writing and characters I fell in love with. I could particularly relate to Jeremy given that I am also an introvert. He isn't happy with his life but doesn't know how to change it for the better. When his friend Kasey comes out, this inspires Jeremy to be a go-getter and live his life the way he wants to.
It is clear our main character has been questioning his sexuality for quite some time, but by the conclusion of the novel will he have the courage to face up to the truth? This is a fantastic story that all those finding it difficult to accept their sexuality will appreciate, although there is prior warning for underage marijuana and alcohol use and also bullying behaviour. A young adult, coming-of-age novel which explores themes of identity, friendship, sexuality, mental health and love. Jeremy had plenty of support from his mother and friends - if only every youngster struggling to find themselves had this support. I have a family member who is actually homophobic and refuses to talk to his son because he has a friendship with a gay guy, there is nothing that makes me more inclined to disassociate myself from someone than prejudice and discrimination on their part. These people will always exist but they aren't worth worrying about. Moral of the story - live your life and be your unapologetic self regardless.
Many thanks to NineStar Press for an ARC.
It is clear our main character has been questioning his sexuality for quite some time, but by the conclusion of the novel will he have the courage to face up to the truth? This is a fantastic story that all those finding it difficult to accept their sexuality will appreciate, although there is prior warning for underage marijuana and alcohol use and also bullying behaviour. A young adult, coming-of-age novel which explores themes of identity, friendship, sexuality, mental health and love. Jeremy had plenty of support from his mother and friends - if only every youngster struggling to find themselves had this support. I have a family member who is actually homophobic and refuses to talk to his son because he has a friendship with a gay guy, there is nothing that makes me more inclined to disassociate myself from someone than prejudice and discrimination on their part. These people will always exist but they aren't worth worrying about. Moral of the story - live your life and be your unapologetic self regardless.
Many thanks to NineStar Press for an ARC.
doyoudogear's review
2.0
DNF after a few chapters
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I tried starting The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh a few times, but it never worked for me. I didn't care about the characters, and their conversations frequently felt forced and unnatural. They've been friends for years, but their interactions lacked the familiarity of a long friendship. Jeremy often tells us details about his friends and their lives, but we don't really see it in action. I also found it a tad unbelievable that Stuart only recently stumbled across his grandfather's drawings.
I kept trying to find the flow of the book, but my attention was easily diverted. Occasionally, an outside factor was to blame, but more often than not, it was something the characters did or said that caused me to lose interest in the story. I really liked the concept for this one, so I'm super bummed it didn't work out.
This review can also be found at Do You Dog-ear? on April 30, 2019.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I tried starting The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh a few times, but it never worked for me. I didn't care about the characters, and their conversations frequently felt forced and unnatural. They've been friends for years, but their interactions lacked the familiarity of a long friendship. Jeremy often tells us details about his friends and their lives, but we don't really see it in action. I also found it a tad unbelievable that Stuart only recently stumbled across his grandfather's drawings.
I kept trying to find the flow of the book, but my attention was easily diverted. Occasionally, an outside factor was to blame, but more often than not, it was something the characters did or said that caused me to lose interest in the story. I really liked the concept for this one, so I'm super bummed it didn't work out.
This review can also be found at Do You Dog-ear? on April 30, 2019.
knobbyknees's review
3.0
(I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review.)
What drew me to this book, after I read the synopsis, was the setting: a small midwest town, 1997 or 98. I feel like the 90s are blowing up again (especially in fashion) and it's super weird to see teens of now consuming it the way they are. I lived through it once, and the evolution of it as cool again is a little much for me. But this was the perfect amount of nostalgia: this was when the internet was on the cusp of becoming a thing, cell phones were scarce, grunge was in. Jeremy and his hip friend Kasey and his music-obsessed buddy Stu wear Nirvana shirts, Doc Martens, studded belts, candy-flavored lip balm, unironically.
The story centers around Jeremy, who hasn't drawn since his grandfather passed away. His home life is a mix of good and bad: he has an amazing mother but they're struggling to make ends meet. We follow Jeremy on a slice-of-life story, from the start of the school year to Homecoming in October, so just a few short months, as he grows a little bit as a person.
My issue with the story was that a lot of things just happen to Jeremy. Yes, he has some autonomy, and he nudges the story a little bit here and there, but it never really felt like he had huge outside obstacles to overcome -- just himself. Maybe that was the point of the book, but it read a little bit dully to me. I never actually worried for him, or whispered to myself that he was making a bad decision, or that he was being a good or bad person. He just *was.* And a character that you have no feelings about, well, that's just kind of a blob, you know?
I expected to feel more for Jeremy, who is confused about his feelings for his best friend Kasey, but who also kisses a guy at a party. I wanted to feel something for him when he picked up a pencil and started drawing again, or when he stood up to his school bully, but I didn't. I wondered about the repercussions of those actions, sure, but nothing really fleshed out. Small example:Like, Jeremy stands up to his bully, and the bully punches him. After going to the doctor, where nothing happens, he goes home and his mom suggests pressing charges. Jeremy says no, because he had instigated the fight. So the mom drops it. Nothing happens. Or Kasey comes out to her parents, and they want to send her to conversion therapy. Kasey moves in with Jeremy, but that affects nothing. She chooses to move out of town to live with her brother, but we don't see how that affects Jeremy until the epilogue (and it doesn't really affect him). I never once worried about Jeremy, and the plot to "prank" the school by having everyone show up to the Homecoming dance as zombies was just... okay?
I think I understand where the author was coming from, setting the story in the 90s, and having two of her main characters come out. 20 years ago, things were not great for gay people. 1998 is when Matthew Shepard was dragged to death because of his sexuality. The threat to be out, especially in a small midwestern town, was a very real thing. However, I never got the sense of the characters' fear. Even Jeremy's bully, who inferred Jeremy's sexual orientation, was no real threat outside of school. I don't know, it was just... flat.
I expected a little more texture to the story -- it felt very much like, "this happened, and then this happened," rather than "because this happened, the consequence happened." I wish the writing had been more dynamic. In short, I think this was fine, but only fine.
What drew me to this book, after I read the synopsis, was the setting: a small midwest town, 1997 or 98. I feel like the 90s are blowing up again (especially in fashion) and it's super weird to see teens of now consuming it the way they are. I lived through it once, and the evolution of it as cool again is a little much for me. But this was the perfect amount of nostalgia: this was when the internet was on the cusp of becoming a thing, cell phones were scarce, grunge was in. Jeremy and his hip friend Kasey and his music-obsessed buddy Stu wear Nirvana shirts, Doc Martens, studded belts, candy-flavored lip balm, unironically.
The story centers around Jeremy, who hasn't drawn since his grandfather passed away. His home life is a mix of good and bad: he has an amazing mother but they're struggling to make ends meet. We follow Jeremy on a slice-of-life story, from the start of the school year to Homecoming in October, so just a few short months, as he grows a little bit as a person.
My issue with the story was that a lot of things just happen to Jeremy. Yes, he has some autonomy, and he nudges the story a little bit here and there, but it never really felt like he had huge outside obstacles to overcome -- just himself. Maybe that was the point of the book, but it read a little bit dully to me. I never actually worried for him, or whispered to myself that he was making a bad decision, or that he was being a good or bad person. He just *was.* And a character that you have no feelings about, well, that's just kind of a blob, you know?
I expected to feel more for Jeremy, who is confused about his feelings for his best friend Kasey, but who also kisses a guy at a party. I wanted to feel something for him when he picked up a pencil and started drawing again, or when he stood up to his school bully, but I didn't. I wondered about the repercussions of those actions, sure, but nothing really fleshed out. Small example:
I think I understand where the author was coming from, setting the story in the 90s, and having two of her main characters come out. 20 years ago, things were not great for gay people. 1998 is when Matthew Shepard was dragged to death because of his sexuality. The threat to be out, especially in a small midwestern town, was a very real thing. However, I never got the sense of the characters' fear. Even Jeremy's bully, who inferred Jeremy's sexual orientation, was no real threat outside of school. I don't know, it was just... flat.
I expected a little more texture to the story -- it felt very much like, "this happened, and then this happened," rather than "because this happened, the consequence happened." I wish the writing had been more dynamic. In short, I think this was fine, but only fine.
twinyards's review
3.0
It was pretty good. There were a lot of ups and downs involving Jeremy as he battled home life, school life and his future. I loved the relationships he had with friends, romantic interests and family. The writing was a little hard to grab onto, but eventually around the fifth chapter I started to get used to the style.
Things moved rather quickly in plot so it was easy to get lost in the story and enjoy what was happening. However, there were so many different directions and plots going on at once that if was hard to like them all at once. I found that some situations were lacking compared to others, I wish there had been more structure and focus on characters.
The ending was pretty average and didn't blow me away, but I left the story relatively happy and refreshed. It was a good book, and I do recommend it for light readers!
Things moved rather quickly in plot so it was easy to get lost in the story and enjoy what was happening. However, there were so many different directions and plots going on at once that if was hard to like them all at once. I found that some situations were lacking compared to others, I wish there had been more structure and focus on characters.
The ending was pretty average and didn't blow me away, but I left the story relatively happy and refreshed. It was a good book, and I do recommend it for light readers!
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