Reviews

How to Be Remy Cameron by Julian Winters

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carry_on_ames's review against another edition

5.0

Wow. In his second novel, Julian Winters paints a beautiful and necessary picture of what it means to be yourself and how we define who we are in a world that is determined to label you. While I loved [b:Running With Lions|37830514|Running With Lions|Julian Winters|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1519415629s/37830514.jpg|59512644] beyond all words, I found that [b:How to Be Remy Cameron|42371064|How to Be Remy Cameron|Julian Winters|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1553152737s/42371064.jpg|66027777] was somehow even better. Remy Cameron is a gay, black, adopted student in high school who experiences a crisis when his AP Literature teacher gives his class an assignment: to write about who they are. Not only is this book beyond adorable and sweet, but it also has an important message. Remy struggles to find his true identity, seeing as he feels defined by the labels others have placed upon him. I think this is something everyone can relate to, so seeing Remy's journey first-hand is, quite honestly, a beautiful and endearing experience. This book is without flaws, and I find my heart is just bursting with love for it. Not only is the casual queer representation sprinkled in through the book beyond gorgeous, and not only is the story a necessary one during this day and age, but the writing is beautiful and the story itself is an emotional journey that you won't once regret taking. I found myself laughing, crying, and all in all, rooting for Remy Cameron.

Before I dive further into this review, I want to talk about why this book is so important. Rarely are LGBT+ people ever the focus on a romantic comedy that includes no tragedy, yet this book shows that it is possible. Not only that, but the inclusion of such a diverse cast throughout the book mirrors the world we live in. Remy Cameron's friend group looks just like so many all over America. This book is about identity, including how falling in love can be part of that. The story between Remy and Ian is beyond sweet and fluffy, something I found myself enjoying. This book is absolutely so adorable and I cannot hype that part up enough. Also, Remy's experience as one of only five black kids in his high school was one that was painfully raw and vulnerable. There was one scene that just stuck out to me so much and really got me thinking about how this is an everyday thing people experience. It was also quite touching to see Remy's experience as an adopted kid. The way that impacted his identity was a crucial part of the story and heartwrenching.

Let's talk about one of my favorite parts of this book: the writing. The writing in this book is so beyond gorgeous and just wonderful that it made my heart melt into a puddle. The way art is explored as something that is cleansing for our soul was beyond gorgeous. I also loved the family narrative explored throughout the book. Family has such an impact on your upbringing and that narrative was seen so truly with Remy. I held on to every word in this book and I cannot wait until it's published so I can share all of my favorite quotes from this book. It was just beyond gorgeous and every word was so perfectly crafted and it was just so stunning.

All in all, I think [b:How to Be Remy Cameron|42371064|How to Be Remy Cameron|Julian Winters|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1553152737s/42371064.jpg|66027777] should be on everyone's radar right now. This book is so beautiful and such an earnest and tender tale of finding one's self. I am so grateful that I was able to get an ARC and I'm so excited for this to be available to the world. Please look out for this book in September! It is a needed addition to your shelves, I can promise that.

krisisofinfinitebooks's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

danicris's review against another edition

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4.0

ok so winters is officially on its way of becoming one of my favorite authors.
his books are one of the special ones, the ones that make you feel everything the main character is feeling. they make you laugh, cry, mad; you absorve yourself into it, never stopping for breaks and reading them in one sitting because of how good they are.
remy is a young man defined by different types of labels: gay, black, leader, popular. the story is about understanding who he is, that he is not only those labels, he is so much more.
all of the additional characters were incredibly heart-warming. his family supportive in every single matter, his friends; rio, lucy, brooke; i loved them big-time y'all and most importantly IAN. ian owned me throughout the whole book, he's cute, charming, kinda innocent. the scenes between him and remy were perfect.
have to point out the diversity this works holds WOW.
a must-read for everyone. 4.5/5

pucksandpaperbacks's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This book contains discussions of racism, homophobia, past minor characters’ death, and alcoholism, as well as depictions of homophobic bullying, a scene involving brief sexual harassment/racial fetishism, and several HP references.

LOTS OF HP references but besides that, I loved this. I love Julian Winters and how he writes such unique stories that queer teens NEED. I loved having a nerdy, argle vest wearing Black gay adoptee teenage boy as our main character. It was so refreshing. The conversation of labels and feeling like you don't know yourself (esp as a teen in HS) was done so well. Loved it. However, there are lots of pop culture references throughout the book, if that is something that will bother you while reading. Read on audiobook & really liked the audio

jennjen's review against another edition

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5.0

“We have no control over what labels others give us, but we can define who we are by the ones we choose to give ourselves.”

This story was so sweet and heartwarming. A real breath of fresh air that was much needed in these times. I ADORE Remy so much, he is a sweet kind soul and I loved following him throughout this story as he’s trying to discover himself. This was a really wonderful coming of age story. I cannot wait to read more from Julian!