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callidoralblack's review
emotional
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Violence, Bullying, Homophobia, and Outing
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Fatphobia and Rape
betweentheshelves's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While this isn't my favorite Ness book, the subject matter of this book couldn't be more timely. This is essentially a short novella about coming into your identity, with conversations throughout focusing on what it means to lose your virginity, specifically when you're a gay teen. Ness is a pro at examining these issues in his books, and this book was no different.
I'll be honest, the blacked out squares threw me a bit at the beginning, but really, they're sending a very strong message. Especially given everything that's currently going on with book banning, specifically with books with characters from the LGBTQ+ community. It makes you think about what society deems "acceptable" for teens to read, and would make for such an excellent book discussion.
The overall story possibly could have benefited from being a little more fleshed out, but it's a quick read and one that's engaging all the way through. The illustration style wasn't necessarily my favorite, but I did appreciate how they complemented the general story. All in all, I am glad to add this to my Ness collection.
I'll be honest, the blacked out squares threw me a bit at the beginning, but really, they're sending a very strong message. Especially given everything that's currently going on with book banning, specifically with books with characters from the LGBTQ+ community. It makes you think about what society deems "acceptable" for teens to read, and would make for such an excellent book discussion.
The overall story possibly could have benefited from being a little more fleshed out, but it's a quick read and one that's engaging all the way through. The illustration style wasn't necessarily my favorite, but I did appreciate how they complemented the general story. All in all, I am glad to add this to my Ness collection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Violence, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
queerloras's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Patrick Ness, you've done it again. I fucking love this guy, he's incapable of writing a shit book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Bullying, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
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