Scan barcode
islamaunder21's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
3.0
- The ending really made this book for me. This is a raw and unflinching depiction of life as a disabled gay man as well as sex work, addiction, relationships and unlikely friendships. It refuses to fall into and even actively challenges tropes of innocent victimhood nor sugar-coat the protagonist's flaws, internal and external ableism, or mental/physical pain. Simultaneously, the first person narrative voice, as told through Elliot's eyes, is campy, humorous and bitchy even in the difficult moments and we are made to gradually warm to him more and more, even rooting for and empathising with him despite him initially coming across as being quite unlikeable. Whilst I found that for the most part the beginning/first half of the novel didn't really hit for me, I felt myself getting pulled into the story as Elliot became more self-reflective and open, even seeing his poor choices at the expense of others through a newly compassionate light.
- Whilst at times emotional, this novel does not shy away from explicit sex scenes lol, I found it hilarious listening to descriptions of sex positions and acts whilst shopping for groceries in my local corner shop and doing my washing up.
Also I never thought I would choke up at a sex scene but the final chapter got to me as I found it so beautiful and moving to witness Elliot feel finally fully seen and understood, and intimacy is reclaimed as something much more profound than simply physical satisfaction - I found some of the ''reflective'' moments in the book which were commentating on social issues and injustices to be a bit too basic and unnecessary whilst they of course made very valid and important points. I think rather than being told what to think as readers, these issues might have been inferred through witnessing the characters, narrative and Elliot's own internal dialogue.
- Also this is probably because I'm not an LA gurl but whilst some of the humour landed, other parts of the narrative style were a bit cheesy for me and I didn't get all of the references.
- All in all I found this is be a moving and empowering book which explores the co- existence of disability and sexuality as being not at odds with one another but just as multifaceted and nuanced as that of able bodied individuals, albeit in both similar and different ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Addiction, Alcoholism, Ableism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia, Medical content, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, and Bullying
sophee_568's review against another edition
funny
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
cornmank's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
stephaniedoke's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
zelinacarstens's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
3.25
pnwkelsey's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
fernanda28's review against another edition
3.0
When I picked up this book I wanted something different, and I definitely got what I asked for.
I have mixed feelings about this, on one side I liked the topics discussed, on the other it also was what I can only describe as "LA in book form" and by that I mean it contained the most ridiculous and frivolous shit.
It also got better as the story progressed. The beginning is just sex scene after sex scene, read the first page and you will pretty much know the tone of the book. Elliot is not a likable character, and I think that was the point.
Like I mentioned before, between all the sex there is some deep and meaningful subject matters, like self acceptance, alcoholism, conformation to societal expectations, capitalism and many more.
If you find yourself bored with your recent reads give it a try, otherwise you can probably live without a book about an identity crisis of a white rich dude.
I have mixed feelings about this, on one side I liked the topics discussed, on the other it also was what I can only describe as "LA in book form" and by that I mean it contained the most ridiculous and frivolous shit.
It also got better as the story progressed. The beginning is just sex scene after sex scene, read the first page and you will pretty much know the tone of the book. Elliot is not a likable character, and I think that was the point.
Like I mentioned before, between all the sex there is some deep and meaningful subject matters, like self acceptance, alcoholism, conformation to societal expectations, capitalism and many more.
If you find yourself bored with your recent reads give it a try, otherwise you can probably live without a book about an identity crisis of a white rich dude.