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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A quick read about a teenage Aboriginal boy trying to find his way and understand his sexuality with his first love 🫶🏼 It is very sweet, but not overdone or unrealistic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Alcohol
I'm thankful to have an Australian librarian bestie who recommends Own Voice Australian books I might never find on my own! I also didn't know there is a US version of this book under another title until after I bought the Aussie/UK version for my school's library.
This was such a lovely story and it was told so well. While it took me a few chapters to find my footing in the story, eventually I couldn't put it down. Jackson's struggle with his sexuality, his community, and his family is told in such an authentic voice that kept me reading chapter after chapter. There's a whole lot I don't know about First Nations Australians and I think this book did a good job of explaining modern issues in the community, while also telling the story that is compelling and relevant and swoony.
I'm really excited to see what the author does next!
This was such a lovely story and it was told so well. While it took me a few chapters to find my footing in the story, eventually I couldn't put it down. Jackson's struggle with his sexuality, his community, and his family is told in such an authentic voice that kept me reading chapter after chapter. There's a whole lot I don't know about First Nations Australians and I think this book did a good job of explaining modern issues in the community, while also telling the story that is compelling and relevant and swoony.
I'm really excited to see what the author does next!
Une romance M/M dans une communauté autochtone Aborigène. Entre racisme, communauté et orientation sexuelle, le personnage principal cherche sa place.
L'histoire est tendre et douce sans oublier d'aborder des sujets sérieux et de façon pertinente. Ce roman est un bonbon doux amer qui donne envie de vivre une romance d'été, pieds nus, sous une chaleur moite.
L'histoire est tendre et douce sans oublier d'aborder des sujets sérieux et de façon pertinente. Ce roman est un bonbon doux amer qui donne envie de vivre une romance d'été, pieds nus, sous une chaleur moite.
so so unique, funny, witty and beautiful. i look forward to reading some more of this authors’ work.
Eeeek! This was absolutely gorgeous!!! I’ve been wanting to read this for so long! When I saw it on the shelf at the library today I just knew it was gonna be a good day!
I love the characters! I love the story! I love my boys! Thank you!
I love the characters! I love the story! I love my boys! Thank you!
A enjoyable read, from a First Nations author, this is a semi-autobiographical story of a young man finding himself in a small country town. Jackson is an important voice in YA fiction, and while at times this read felt like a younger YA read with some of the dialogue and writing, there were other times when the book is very much mature themed. There's language, violence, and scenes of a sexual nature although none of it is gratuitous. The author has captured the at times frustrating and confusing nature of a young man's journey and his exploration of identity, and the unique nature of this book is that the LGBTIQ+ issues are highlighted rather than Jackson's indigenous heritage. The author's own experiences have no doubt shaped Jackson's, and there are subtle nods to everyday life that only a person with that lived experience would know to mention. I really liked that this was a story about a boy - the universal themes present resonate with all readers, and it's great that a male LGBTIQ+ character is given a voice. It's even more important that it's an indigenous character who is given opportunity to discuss their experience on the page, especially for YA readers. I'd recommend this one to 15 years and up. It's a good read, uplifting and hopeful.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Ready When You are is the US edition of The Boy from the Mish, which is the title of the Australian release.
Gosh, this was just such a sweet, gentle, soft story of questioning, new love, coming out, and realizing there are more options than just straight. Told from Jackson's POV, this book centers around Jackson and the boy who is visiting with his family for the Christmas holiday. Tomas is a bit of a mystery to Jackson at first, but the two are drawn to each other as they spend more time together.
I enjoyed Tomas and Jackson so much - how sweet they were, how sweet the ending was. I know there are serious subjects within this book - coming out, how it affects being seen by friends, family, and community, but there was also just such a joyous feeling to this.
I also really enjoyed the setting - I admit I have not read many books set in Australia, and even fewer than center around Aboriginal characters and culture. There were so many small touches to add realism in how Jackson and his family live as a marginalized group of people in Australia, and I think that's so important for others to read about as well.
Definitely enjoyed this one and it left me with a smile on my face when I read the last page. Can't wait for more from this author!
I received a review copy from Pride Book Tours, check out my post on @bookworm_panda instagram!
Gosh, this was just such a sweet, gentle, soft story of questioning, new love, coming out, and realizing there are more options than just straight. Told from Jackson's POV, this book centers around Jackson and the boy who is visiting with his family for the Christmas holiday. Tomas is a bit of a mystery to Jackson at first, but the two are drawn to each other as they spend more time together.
I enjoyed Tomas and Jackson so much - how sweet they were, how sweet the ending was. I know there are serious subjects within this book - coming out, how it affects being seen by friends, family, and community, but there was also just such a joyous feeling to this.
I also really enjoyed the setting - I admit I have not read many books set in Australia, and even fewer than center around Aboriginal characters and culture. There were so many small touches to add realism in how Jackson and his family live as a marginalized group of people in Australia, and I think that's so important for others to read about as well.
Definitely enjoyed this one and it left me with a smile on my face when I read the last page. Can't wait for more from this author!
I received a review copy from Pride Book Tours, check out my post on @bookworm_panda instagram!
emotional
informative
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism