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rubberrosebooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
maiiiphobic's review
5.0
Absolutely heartbreaking but beautiful story, can’t really get my thoughts straight right now but I just want to say please to however is planning on reading this book, Read the trigger warnings and take care of yourself <3
ezismythical's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
3.0
_bookgremlin_'s review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.5
miloblue's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
3.75
This book was super hard. There’s a lot of violence and self-harm and racism and internalized homophobia. That said, it is set at a super interesting and important time in queer history… and by extension American history. Though fictional, it’s a part of history that we didn’t really study in school, and that certainly adds some context.
There is also a lot of music and pop-culture woven through the book, with the main characters listening to a lot of records and finding affinity with David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Aladdin Sane, among other albums.
As of this writing I’m giving it 3.75 stars, and I’m really not sad that I read it, but it’s a heavy one, to be sure.
There is also a lot of music and pop-culture woven through the book, with the main characters listening to a lot of records and finding affinity with David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Aladdin Sane, among other albums.
As of this writing I’m giving it 3.75 stars, and I’m really not sad that I read it, but it’s a heavy one, to be sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Racial slurs, Bullying, and Homophobia
Moderate: Self harm and Alcoholism
Minor: Sexual violence, Police brutality, and Murder
camrinsversion's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
hncamp's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Alcoholism, and Hate crime
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Pedophilia
thekissballad's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Check trigger / content warnings before reading.*
I really liked this book and felt like I was experiencing the struggle and growth and self-acceptance along with Jonathan. It's a rough but beautiful journey.
I just didn't entirely like the writing style. All the 70's / hippy references and how the characters sometimes talked got on my nerves really quickly. The multiplewordsasonelongword and the onomatopoeia was way overdone and started to feel forced "for the vibes" instead of being an actual representation of the era.
I also disliked all the homophobic and racist language and actions, but understand it was needed to give an accurate representation of what Jonathan and Web would have gone through. Still don't have to like it, though.
Overall, I highly recommend as long as none of the content is triggering to you. Like I said, look up warnings before reading.
I really liked this book and felt like I was experiencing the struggle and growth and self-acceptance along with Jonathan. It's a rough but beautiful journey.
I just didn't entirely like the writing style. All the 70's / hippy references and how the characters sometimes talked got on my nerves really quickly. The multiplewordsasonelongword and the onomatopoeia was way overdone and started to feel forced "for the vibes" instead of being an actual representation of the era.
I also disliked all the homophobic and racist language and actions, but understand it was needed to give an accurate representation of what Jonathan and Web would have gone through. Still don't have to like it, though.
Overall, I highly recommend as long as none of the content is triggering to you. Like I said, look up warnings before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Bullying, Gaslighting, Violence, and Xenophobia
larasoares187's review
emotional
inspiring
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? N/A
4.25
gabthebookworm's review
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault