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lydiastorytime's review
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I loved being in this world. I loved all the introspection and journaling bits. I loved the value placed on friendships. I loved every fabulously awkward and unique charicters and how they remind me of people I know.
this also made me think about the performed audience developmental stage where you think everyone is watching you. I wonder if this is amplified for minorities because sometimes we are being watched and evaluated. I think my experience as a kid this stage hit hard as everyone in teen years is obsessed with sexuality and I was working hard to surpres mine.
this also made me think about the performed audience developmental stage where you think everyone is watching you. I wonder if this is amplified for minorities because sometimes we are being watched and evaluated. I think my experience as a kid this stage hit hard as everyone in teen years is obsessed with sexuality and I was working hard to surpres mine.
sherantsalot's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
viviennemorgain's review
5.0
I loved it and I laughed a lot. The voice of the narrator reminded me a lot of the voice of the narrator in Winger. It was a very interesting adventure. There are so many amazing points and questions in there. It's a perfect book for discussion.
shadowofrazia's review
5.0
Okay, so I had some major misgivings about this book, especially based on the title. It completely surprised me. I knew what the book was about, because of the summary, but I figured there way no way a book like this couldn't go badly.
And then I read it and I cried forever.
Not only does this book address bisexuality (biphobia was one of the things I was most worried about in a book about a gay boy who pretends to be straight), but it does it in a way that isn't completely gross. Even when Ben and Rafe are talking about the complexity of their relationship, Ben even considers bisexuality, because he did really love his girlfriend, even as he can admit he loves Rafe.
It addresses homophobia and the idea that gay/queer people have to be gay/queer ALL THE TIME, which kind of struck a chord with me. It addresses the line between being pushy and being supportive about a person's coming out. I had to keep pausing because I was waving my arms around wildly with excitement.
(Mr. Scarborough's comments on Rafe's writing? 10/10 yes, good.)
The only thing that kind of got me was some of the language used, but I get that it's based in a world of teenage boys, and the language is...pretty accurate, if troubling. Even with the language, I'm probably going to recommend this to anyone who asks, because this was a perfect example of that whole "don't judge books by their cover" thing.
And then I read it and I cried forever.
Not only does this book address bisexuality (biphobia was one of the things I was most worried about in a book about a gay boy who pretends to be straight), but it does it in a way that isn't completely gross. Even when Ben and Rafe are talking about the complexity of their relationship, Ben even considers bisexuality, because he did really love his girlfriend, even as he can admit he loves Rafe.
It addresses homophobia and the idea that gay/queer people have to be gay/queer ALL THE TIME, which kind of struck a chord with me. It addresses the line between being pushy and being supportive about a person's coming out. I had to keep pausing because I was waving my arms around wildly with excitement.
(Mr. Scarborough's comments on Rafe's writing? 10/10 yes, good.)
The only thing that kind of got me was some of the language used, but I get that it's based in a world of teenage boys, and the language is...pretty accurate, if troubling. Even with the language, I'm probably going to recommend this to anyone who asks, because this was a perfect example of that whole "don't judge books by their cover" thing.
notblue's review
5.0
I... OMG... WHAT!??!?!! WTF WAS THAT ENDING? WHY DID THIS END LIKE THAT?! I NEED A SEQUEL IN MY LIFE!
ladykatka's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It's ok overall but there are definitely better books out there. For the first half of the book I was convinced this took place on a college campus due to all the alcohol, sex, and parties. During the party chapter I was concerned the soccer team was preying on high school girls when I realized they are high school boys. I was shook because I could have sworn this book took place at a dorm in university. But here we are.
Also, the story goes how you would expect it to. Bad idea blows up in his face. Not ground shattering stuff here. I like Heartstopper way better.
Also, the story goes how you would expect it to. Bad idea blows up in his face. Not ground shattering stuff here. I like Heartstopper way better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Alcohol, Bullying, Mental illness, and Outing
bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
5.0
I still love this book, on my 3rd or 4th reread. There is just something about this story that really resonates. Spending time focusing so much on ourselves can make it seem like everyone else is too, but most people are in their own world. But the distortion can consume our thoughts and make us do crazy things. Rafe is so naive, but watching him snap out of his stupor is so satisfying.
chapterfern's review
the reading experience was like constantly waiting for it to get better and it consistently only disappointed you.
use of the r slur, excessive underage drinking in situations where mentions of drinking weren't even necessary, the annoying protagonist and how double standard-y he was, should i even go on?
i felt like if i had stuck to it, i would only hate it more and more. for the sake of my time, patience, and the author of this book, i have decided to sever my ties with it here.
i picked this book up for the synopsis. it left expectations that were never satisfied.
use of the r slur, excessive underage drinking in situations where mentions of drinking weren't even necessary, the annoying protagonist and how double standard-y he was, should i even go on?
i felt like if i had stuck to it, i would only hate it more and more. for the sake of my time, patience, and the author of this book, i have decided to sever my ties with it here.
i picked this book up for the synopsis. it left expectations that were never satisfied.