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lovelymisanthrope's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received this as a gift from someone.
"The Knockout Queen" is a dark comedy about two unlikely friends: Bunny and Michael. Bunny is the queen of North Shore. She is pretty, the star of the volleyball team, and her father is extremely wealthy. Michael is a gay teenager who lives with his aunt because his mom went to prison for stabbing his father. Michael starts to date an older man, and when someone from school finds out, there is a very violent encounter that completely changes both Bunny's and Michael's lives.
Rufi Thorpe's writing style reminded me a lot of Grady Hendrix's dark comedic style of writing. This type of writing can be very off putting for a lot of people, and I do not think everyone will appreciate this story.
Michael's and Bunny's friendship felt so raw, flawed, and authentic. They both made poor decisions regarding one another throughout the duration of their friendship, but at the end of the day they both cared deeply for one another, and truly only wanted what was best for each other. I thought this representation was wonderfully done, and very true of friendships that are made in high school. People are always growing and evolving, but the people that stand by you through it all, are the ones that are meant to stay.
I think both Bunny and Michael are great examples of trying to create an identity that feels right. Michael is an outcast, and he is gay, but not necessarily "out". He does not know exactly who he is, and it is really difficult for him to cope with this. Bunny's father has really controlled her future, but she loves her father more than anything and does not see that. He has his own interests on the fore front of his mind, and all Bunny wants to do is please him.
This story made me laugh, made me sad, and made me question my own identity and who I have allowed to influence that identity.
This was an amusing story, that I might recommend to a certain type of reader.
"The Knockout Queen" is a dark comedy about two unlikely friends: Bunny and Michael. Bunny is the queen of North Shore. She is pretty, the star of the volleyball team, and her father is extremely wealthy. Michael is a gay teenager who lives with his aunt because his mom went to prison for stabbing his father. Michael starts to date an older man, and when someone from school finds out, there is a very violent encounter that completely changes both Bunny's and Michael's lives.
Rufi Thorpe's writing style reminded me a lot of Grady Hendrix's dark comedic style of writing. This type of writing can be very off putting for a lot of people, and I do not think everyone will appreciate this story.
Michael's and Bunny's friendship felt so raw, flawed, and authentic. They both made poor decisions regarding one another throughout the duration of their friendship, but at the end of the day they both cared deeply for one another, and truly only wanted what was best for each other. I thought this representation was wonderfully done, and very true of friendships that are made in high school. People are always growing and evolving, but the people that stand by you through it all, are the ones that are meant to stay.
I think both Bunny and Michael are great examples of trying to create an identity that feels right. Michael is an outcast, and he is gay, but not necessarily "out". He does not know exactly who he is, and it is really difficult for him to cope with this. Bunny's father has really controlled her future, but she loves her father more than anything and does not see that. He has his own interests on the fore front of his mind, and all Bunny wants to do is please him.
This story made me laugh, made me sad, and made me question my own identity and who I have allowed to influence that identity.
This was an amusing story, that I might recommend to a certain type of reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Homophobia, Grief, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Gore, Blood, Hate crime, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Death, Bullying, and Medical content
hanconcan's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As devastating as it is beautiful, the kids are most definitely not alright, but they're surviving. Deeply flawed characters who you can't help but root for as they navigate being othered during high school in the California suburbs. I felt incredibly seen by this book, these characters, this narrative. Can't wait to read Rufi Thorpe's other novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Homophobia, Hate crime, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Blood, Alcoholism, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Vomit and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual assault and Rape
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