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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
I'm not quite sure what to make of this one. The characters were engaging, if a little unrealistic (but also hyper-realistic at times). The writing was witty and got more than a few out-loud laughs and appreciative huffs from me. Fay and Theo ended up being tragic, intriguing mirrors of each other, but their individual and collective resistance to being known, even to knowing themselves, weakened the ending. The queerness was undeniable but in a way never realized, and it left the story in an unsatisfying fizzle. On the other hand, I finished this in two days because I just couldn't tear my attention away.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you grew up with any flavor of queerness in the early 2000s, specifically the immediately-post-9/11 kneejerk regression into "traditional values," you will find your younger self reflected in this book. And if you've ever had an all-encompassing teenage friendship implode, then you'll find yourself here, too. The resulting effect of having an adult articulation for the new feelings you experienced is equally relieving and heartbreaking. JFT brilliantly eviscerates teenage cringe (slashfic, fetishizing gay boys, deciding you hate some girl for no specific reason (that you're consciously aware of) other than that she's there), but it never once feels meanspirited or condescending. Rather, it's the unflinching compassion for teenagers - and the adults they become - that makes this book so emotionally bracing.
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
This book captures queer/trans teenaged angst so well, I both love that and hated it lol
Fay is one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in a while. This book felt so refreshingly real.
emotional
reflective
medium-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
DNF about halfway through, this just did not hold my attention at all— too navel gazey, so much that felt like setup for a plot that just didn't emerge
3.5 stars - so many aspects of this book I loved, and feels like an important book to exist in today’s unfortunate climate. Can’t help but feel it was all a bit messy; I’m guessing that’s intentional, but I think slight editing down would have packed more of a punch. The humour and the nostalgia though is a great ride. In all honesty I was on board from the first chapter fart punchline.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-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