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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
cheye13's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"What were you supposed to do with pain but polish it until it became something pointy and pretty?"
This book ruined me, a little bit. In these characters, I saw such visceral glimpses of myself and those I love most – the ways we love, the ways we laugh, the ways we hurt ourselves and each other. This is not a pleasant read, this is not a fun read. But it is so excellently crafted that it blooms into catharsis rather than wilting into misery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Medical content, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual content, and Vomit
Minor: Bullying, Drug abuse, Religious bigotry, and Suicide
There is an instance of a traumatic brain injury causing memory problems. There is a lot of reference to prison and the experience of being a prisoner. The rape is conveyed secondhand, through dialogue; it is date rape involving blacking out/lack of memory. It may also be worth noting that Michael lies about his age, so the men he sees aren't aware that he is under legal age.
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