Reviews

This story follows Alex, son of the POTUS, and Henry, son of the Princess, during the 2016 presidential election. For political geeks and me, though. I hada difficult time wanting to continue reading the book, which is usually not the case for me. I was a bit relieved to finish the book too, and I'm usually devastated when it's over. people that love LGBTQ+, this might be for you. This

hnells's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted

4.5

I finally watched the movie recently, so I had to reread it. I have complicated feelings about this book, but overall the emotional experience of reading it far outweighs my more rational qualms. Yes, the politics are facile and oftentimes reductive, but I can't help but enjoy McQuiston's vision of a kinder, gentler world. The endless exhaustions and frustrations of trying to keep up with current USAmerican politics make McQuiston's world seem, at times, almost utopian in comparison. Though their political tone oftentimes leans far too heavily on tongue-in-cheek references to real-world politics, I didn't find these references bothersome enough to truly dislike.

Also, the central romance of the book feels incredibly sincere, which I appreciate. I liked the incorporation of quotes from queer historical figures throughout the emails; it really underscored the idea of being both situated within and productive of historical contexts. As far as the romance is concerned, however, I will take off half a point for having to read some of the corniest things ever put to page (e.g. the Star Wars mural near the end of the book).

All in all, I do really like this book, almost in spite of myself. It is an extremely solid queer romance and a very impressive debut from McQuiston (and also the movie is a lot of fun).

tanisha97's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

lenny69's review against another edition

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funny inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

laurenbaudelaire's review against another edition

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4.0

Fun easy read. Light premise without the horrific tropes that usually plague gay romance. Good banter between all of the characters, and a solid ending to the book.

irinam's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.75

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