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jasmine_reads87's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
theeuphoriczat's review against another edition
4.0
You have to absolutely read this for yourself, it is pure magic.
We follow Ray and Orion as they cross paths for the first time in a roller rink in Memphis. Ray is home for the summer. They meet, Orion is crushing hard on Ray, he was just so cute (but it was refreshing to see a young black boy be allowed to be young and have a wholesome crush), he was so shy when he met her and while he wanted to seem calm and collected around her, he just could not. Also seeing Orion through Ray's eyes was just so cute, having dealt with the grief associated with a father that died the night she was born (I love how this feeling was layered, more than grief, she just did not know how to feel), she has kept her heart guarded. Until Orion came bulldozing in. (I don't want to spoil it).
The writing is so beautiful, easy to read, poetic in its elegance and each conversation between Jupiter and Orion just moves you closer to the stars. I will stop gushing now. If you like poetry (as much as I do) then you will love the writing in this book.
I want to really thanks to the author for writing such a beautiful story. It tells young black boys that they can be young and in love and there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable and accepting of love. It tells young black girls that it is okay to be who you are, be assertive, be in love, be angry, be open to change and be ready for happiness. We don't see that a lot in YA, black relationships tend to centre a lot of black trauma from adultification of children to police brutality, but this is breath of fresh air. We can love and be happy, the young CAN be young, make mistakes and find happiness, no matter how brief.
Thanks to Tandem Collective UK for making this book available to me as part of the readalong
We follow Ray and Orion as they cross paths for the first time in a roller rink in Memphis. Ray is home for the summer. They meet, Orion is crushing hard on Ray, he was just so cute (but it was refreshing to see a young black boy be allowed to be young and have a wholesome crush), he was so shy when he met her and while he wanted to seem calm and collected around her, he just could not. Also seeing Orion through Ray's eyes was just so cute, having dealt with the grief associated with a father that died the night she was born (I love how this feeling was layered, more than grief, she just did not know how to feel), she has kept her heart guarded. Until Orion came bulldozing in. (I don't want to spoil it).
The writing is so beautiful, easy to read, poetic in its elegance and each conversation between Jupiter and Orion just moves you closer to the stars. I will stop gushing now. If you like poetry (as much as I do) then you will love the writing in this book.
I want to really thanks to the author for writing such a beautiful story. It tells young black boys that they can be young and in love and there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable and accepting of love. It tells young black girls that it is okay to be who you are, be assertive, be in love, be angry, be open to change and be ready for happiness. We don't see that a lot in YA, black relationships tend to centre a lot of black trauma from adultification of children to police brutality, but this is breath of fresh air. We can love and be happy, the young CAN be young, make mistakes and find happiness, no matter how brief.
Thanks to Tandem Collective UK for making this book available to me as part of the readalong
kielymj's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
simplycassiereads's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
3.0
I’m a huge YA reader however this one was a miss for me. True to its genre, this is definitely a YA. The characters are young and experiencing love for the first time during the few days left of summer. Exploring who they are, what they like and who they aspire to be. The beauty of this book is the artistry and poetic feel. The classic old school references with a new budding romance with 2 young love birds.The CDs, boombox, music choices. This book was 3 stars for me.
ebihen3's review against another edition
5.0
I could not put down this book. Even while working two jobs, I finished this book in 3 days, staying up late just to see what happened next. I loved everything about this book.
lostcupofstars's review against another edition
3.5
I thought this was decent. I was disappointed roller skating didn’t make a come back and I struggled to find Ray likeable.
I think bc she was convinced she wasn’t gonna get involved with Orion and then made moves on him and lashed out basically every chance she got. I also found the overarching story a bit forced.
I thought Sensory Processing Disorder rep was gonna be awesome but it was literally just a sentence that was never again referenced.
But all in all it had cute moments and Orion was really likeable which helped make them likeable as a couple.
I thought Sensory Processing Disorder rep was gonna be awesome but it was literally just a sentence that was never again referenced.
But all in all it had cute moments and Orion was really likeable which helped make them likeable as a couple.
dalandanoellerelle's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
dope_reads's review
4.0
At first I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this book but I’m happy I kept reading. The unexpected twist and eventual resolution made me a fan of Kelis Rowe. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.