adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

Since reading this book, I have had multiple conversations with other readers, trying to comprehend my own thoughts about the story.

First and foremost: what age range is this book intended for? As I was reading the book, I felt as if I was reading middle-grade. The writing is quite light and juvenile (and I don't mean this in a negative way, just that it felt geared toward a younger audience). However, there were sexual references and heavier themes thrown in that felt more like something I'd find in YA. In fact, I was under the impression prior to reading that the book was, in fact, a YA novel. But of course, we have to take into account the fact that the protagonist is in his late 30s or early 40s (I don't know if his age is ever mentioned, but the love interest's is, and he's in his 40s). So, if we go by those standards, the book is adult. All of this kind of messed with my mind?!

If we go by the standards that this is an adult novel, it is good but not great. The maturity level is quite low and the decisions the protagonist makes feel a bit rash and unnecessary. I didn't find him to be particularly likable.

The children, however, were wonderful. I loved each of their personalities and hilarious quirks. I also appreciated the way the book begged us to think more about accepting people and standing up for those who are part of minorities or who aren't treated with kindness and respect. It definitely spoke to that very well.

In all, I enjoyed the book but I didn't love it. I felt a bit confused by the age thing and maturity level but I also really liked the representation and message. It was a solid like

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective 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: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous funny hopeful 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

So I gave this a 4,5 when I originally read it. 

But I have since then v much changed my mind about TJ Klune and whether I condone him taking the Sixties Scoop as a form of inspiration. 

So now it's 2 stars. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense 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

Yes. Just yes. I saw someone describe this in a similar way but it is a warm and bright and COLORFUL and happy queer hug. I fucking loved it.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring 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: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings