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flora_araruna's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Drug use
spearly's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
Codi has never felt like a capital T Teenager. She's never been kissed, never parties, never drinks, and the wildest her nights get with her friends are a squabble over which queer movie to watch. When her BFFs are suggest crashing a party for some fun, Codi declines - and ends up having to pick them up when they drink too much. There, she accidentally sees the host of the party, Ricky, hooking up with another boy. In the dark.
Her newfound friendship with Ricky sets off a summer of new experiences, including a huge new crush on his friend, Lydia. So why can't she bring herself to tell her best friends about it?
_____
I really loved this. More than I thought! It's so refreshing to read a queer teen novel where the main conflict doesn't stem from "coming out", coming to terms with one's sexuality, or dealing with homophobia. This book simply follows Codi, who's a lesbian, as she branches out from her old friends to open herself up to new experiences, like smoking and sneaking out and a giant crush on a girl.
Her BFFs, Martiza and JaKory, are also queer and proud (Bi and gay, respectively) dealing with their own firsts in love, and once again, the conflict does NOT centre around their sexuality!! Nary a shameful thought to be found.
Ricky, Codi's new friend, does deal with some new revelations about his sexuality too, and sure, there are secrets and acceptances and sneaking around, but I can't remember the last time I read a teen book about queer kids that DIDN'T have needless homophobic side-plots.
All that goodness aside, I especially loved Codi's relationship with Grant, her brother. It reminded me so much of my own brother honestly. Their scenes almost got a tear out of me!
A great, quick read about coming out of your shell and finding your people.
Her newfound friendship with Ricky sets off a summer of new experiences, including a huge new crush on his friend, Lydia. So why can't she bring herself to tell her best friends about it?
_____
I really loved this. More than I thought! It's so refreshing to read a queer teen novel where the main conflict doesn't stem from "coming out", coming to terms with one's sexuality, or dealing with homophobia. This book simply follows Codi, who's a lesbian, as she branches out from her old friends to open herself up to new experiences, like smoking and sneaking out and a giant crush on a girl.
Her BFFs, Martiza and JaKory, are also queer and proud (Bi and gay, respectively) dealing with their own firsts in love, and once again, the conflict does NOT centre around their sexuality!! Nary a shameful thought to be found.
Ricky, Codi's new friend, does deal with some new revelations about his sexuality too, and sure, there are secrets and acceptances and sneaking around, but I can't remember the last time I read a teen book about queer kids that DIDN'T have needless homophobic side-plots.
All that goodness aside, I especially loved Codi's relationship with Grant, her brother. It reminded me so much of my own brother honestly. Their scenes almost got a tear out of me!
A great, quick read about coming out of your shell and finding your people.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
denaapham's review
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
i’m sure this will read like a very typical coming of age ya to a lot of people. it hit all the expected beats of independence, friendship, finding yourself, first-love, etc. but it really did mange to feel like it was speaking directly to my soul. so extra points for allowing me to project onto fictional characters to get out of addressing my own problems.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia and Drug use
bookcrushin's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
I think a lot of the teens navigating the traumas of high school, especially the queer outcasts, may really connect with this story. It was a nice refreshing, very real and actually cute read.
I say high school but this one is actually set during the summer between two age sets of kids, some of the seniors who just graduated, and the soon to be upperclassmen. It really felt so summer, and so coming of age. Highly recommend.
I say high school but this one is actually set during the summer between two age sets of kids, some of the seniors who just graduated, and the soon to be upperclassmen. It really felt so summer, and so coming of age. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Drug use and Homophobia
citrusgrove's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Drug use, and Alcoholism
bookishgems's review
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use
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