You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
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
Achei que tratou de assuntos importantes de forma clara
Beautifully drawn and such a good story, particularly for the target audience (YA)!
This might be my favorite work that I've read by Mariko Tamaki, at least in a long time. The art was gorgeous, I really liked the characters and this all clicked with me.
I've had similar complicated relationships like those depicted in the book, and that hit home for me. It is super important to show that not all relationships end because someone isn't in love, but sometimes it just isn't a good situation. This actually helped me put some things to rest in my own past, and I'm older than the characters here.
It's important to show how same-sex relationships can be unhealthy, and I think that was done really well here. Positive representation is super important, but people (especially minors) in same-sex relationships need to know that you shouldn't stay in a relationship if things aren't working. That can also be a big emotional point because LGBT people are more likely to be in an unsafe situation and turn towards people who accept them, despite any red flags - that wasn't the case in the book, but it's one that unfortunately applies to a lot of people.
As always, I love the Asian and LGBT representation and I thought this was a really sweet and serious story that needed to be told.
I've had similar complicated relationships like those depicted in the book, and that hit home for me. It is super important to show that not all relationships end because someone isn't in love, but sometimes it just isn't a good situation. This actually helped me put some things to rest in my own past, and I'm older than the characters here.
It's important to show how same-sex relationships can be unhealthy, and I think that was done really well here. Positive representation is super important, but people (especially minors) in same-sex relationships need to know that you shouldn't stay in a relationship if things aren't working. That can also be a big emotional point because LGBT people are more likely to be in an unsafe situation and turn towards people who accept them, despite any red flags - that wasn't the case in the book, but it's one that unfortunately applies to a lot of people.
As always, I love the Asian and LGBT representation and I thought this was a really sweet and serious story that needed to be told.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Abortion
Oh, I loved this! The toxic high school relationship at its center was so recognizable and believable, and the resolution and reconnection with true friends was deeply satisfying and genuinely moving. I think the specificity of it all helped this to be sweet and genuine, but never cheesy or cliche or saccharine. Definitely cried a little bit on my couch at 1:00am.
GORGEOUS black and white art--such detail and fine lines, as well as characterization in the body posture of each character (from the swaggering Laura Dean to the sweet and comfortable Doodle). And the Berkeley details! And Freddy's bedroom! The panels are so packed and dense, it almost feels a little claustrophobic on the page--and then there is one huge two-page panel that highlights an emotional moment as the air goes out of Freddy's lungs... so well done.
GORGEOUS black and white art--such detail and fine lines, as well as characterization in the body posture of each character (from the swaggering Laura Dean to the sweet and comfortable Doodle). And the Berkeley details! And Freddy's bedroom! The panels are so packed and dense, it almost feels a little claustrophobic on the page--and then there is one huge two-page panel that highlights an emotional moment as the air goes out of Freddy's lungs... so well done.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Eh. Pretty mediocre story over all. Boring. I was disappointed the two friends get together at the end, I thought the whole point of the story was that friendship matters just as much as romantic relationships, not that you should just date your friends
I didn’t like the part where one character gets pissed at another for.. being closeted with one of his family members?? And some random actress takes a beating for not coming out the “right” way, whatever that means???? I didn’t get it
To be crystal clear: if your partner tries to guilt you for not coming out to everyone in your life, esp older family members who you KNOW will have a problem w it and might even cast you out as a result, THAT is a romantic relationship you may need to rethink. Protect yourself, esp these days. You do not owe it to ANYONE to come out, much less a romantic partner who should want to PROTECT YOU and have your best interests at heart. Stay safe, everyone 🩷
I didn’t like the part where one character gets pissed at another for.. being closeted with one of his family members?? And some random actress takes a beating for not coming out the “right” way, whatever that means???? I didn’t get it
To be crystal clear: if your partner tries to guilt you for not coming out to everyone in your life, esp older family members who you KNOW will have a problem w it and might even cast you out as a result, THAT is a romantic relationship you may need to rethink. Protect yourself, esp these days. You do not owe it to ANYONE to come out, much less a romantic partner who should want to PROTECT YOU and have your best interests at heart. Stay safe, everyone 🩷