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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
It’s sad, it’s intense, I loved it. I cried a lot while reading this book, mostly because I could relate to this alienated feeling and wanting to escape.
I live for representation and everything set in the 20th century, it was a very good book for me. Also because David Bowie <3.
I live for representation and everything set in the 20th century, it was a very good book for me. Also because David Bowie <3.
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Medical trauma
Moderate: Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Death of parent
this book was so bad but so good to read while high on painkillers because the prose is just so childish it goes right through a drugged brain
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
sad
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
i like the concept but i cringed a lot. didn't like the writing style, you can definitely tell it's the authors first novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual violence, Outing
Moderate: Racial slurs
Historical gay teen romance with trauma and mental health rep but also wonderful POC Native American characters. Music references were cool. There’s a bunch of 70s stuff but it’s mostly Bowie (surprise), which is all well and dandy. This is one of those books that makes you hurt for the gay community and think back on the bad sh*t they endured to get the rest of us to where we are now. Absolutely amazing, and a new favorite.
3.5
I'm fond of these kind of books where the writing style is like reading my diary but with more talent; they're easy to read but they tell an important and emotional story. Most of times I can feel myself in them and I like that. It talks about hard things so be aware. I liked so many quotes and it made me tear a little. I appreciate own voices a lot and overall the book made me feel.
I'm fond of these kind of books where the writing style is like reading my diary but with more talent; they're easy to read but they tell an important and emotional story. Most of times I can feel myself in them and I like that. It talks about hard things so be aware. I liked so many quotes and it made me tear a little. I appreciate own voices a lot and overall the book made me feel.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Xenophobia
4.5
I adored this little book of light, pain, heartbreak, and of two young men finding their home. I literally laughed out loud throughout the book. And I cried as there are so many emotions swirling through these characters. Even the horrid father.
Jonathan is gay. And this is a time when gay was still a mental illness and people still were arrested for it. This was a time when the president broke down any respect left in the office of the presidency in Watergate (it’s still a struggle in 2019). This was the time when people of color were demanding to be heard as individuals, instead of non-white and therefore lesser than.
In the midst of being “cured”, Jonathan falls in love with Web, a kid from school who’d run away with his family following a horrific event in his Lakota Reservation. Web is also gay, and loved by his family. He sees Jonathan. He may be the only one and in it, they find peace. Jonathan is reserved, constantly in his head, in his imagination where he’s safe. And Web gets it. Around Web, Jonathan doesn’t need to retreat.
There’s also bigotry and discrimination in outright violence, to go along with the homophobia. There’s a lot going on. But, in the end these two young men are everything and it’s beautiful.
I adored this little book of light, pain, heartbreak, and of two young men finding their home. I literally laughed out loud throughout the book. And I cried as there are so many emotions swirling through these characters. Even the horrid father.
Jonathan is gay. And this is a time when gay was still a mental illness and people still were arrested for it. This was a time when the president broke down any respect left in the office of the presidency in Watergate (it’s still a struggle in 2019). This was the time when people of color were demanding to be heard as individuals, instead of non-white and therefore lesser than.
In the midst of being “cured”, Jonathan falls in love with Web, a kid from school who’d run away with his family following a horrific event in his Lakota Reservation. Web is also gay, and loved by his family. He sees Jonathan. He may be the only one and in it, they find peace. Jonathan is reserved, constantly in his head, in his imagination where he’s safe. And Web gets it. Around Web, Jonathan doesn’t need to retreat.
There’s also bigotry and discrimination in outright violence, to go along with the homophobia. There’s a lot going on. But, in the end these two young men are everything and it’s beautiful.
Me every other day: I think I’ve outgrown YA
Me after finishing this book: oh ok just RIP MY HEART OUT why don’t you
Me after finishing this book: oh ok just RIP MY HEART OUT why don’t you
emotional
inspiring
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:
Complicated