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ek_reads's review against another edition
5.0
What a masterpiece! Quique’s summer is full of pining and angst and questioning. He makes a lot of dumb choices, and he learns a lot about himself and how he fits into his world. Excellent storytelling.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
letsgolesbians's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Biphobia, and Suicidal thoughts
the_readingraven's review against another edition
emotional
slow-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? N/A
3.25
I can't tell if I like this or not. :/ There are elements that I enjoyed and others that felt a bit discouraging. I say this is a 3.25 rating.
I guess we can start with things that irked me or I didn't get. I didn't realize how horny teen boys are. Like omfg, every person that our main character Enrique aka Quique talks to he checks out and mentally notes if they are hot or not or if they get him horny. I wasn't expecting this to be so sexual since our MC is a junior in high school, lmao. I think his character was created with raging hormones in mind! Also, for a kid who claims he isn't confident in himself or believes no one will like him, while also trying to keep his bisexuality on the down low, he sure is ok with getting his point across to several contenders in his search for a romantic partner. I think my biggest issue with Quique is he's just outing people to his friends and some of his "partners". In my opinion, that is not cool. There is even a character that Quique outs to several people then we find out later in the bookis not even gay! They were questioning their sexuality but discovered that he was straight. But now 5 people think he's gay! Also, the main romantic character that Quique pursues is only in the book 20% of the time! I thought they were cute together and felt the book dragged when our MC was pursuing other leads. I wanted more of this character and was hoping for more insight into their relationship as an actual couple since Quique so badly wants to be loved by someone. I wish it focused more on them towards the end but it was wrapping up the loose ends of other plot points.
I loved the diversity in this book. In true Cali fashion, we have characters of all colors and backgrounds. It's so refreshing to read about and is very realistic. I did enjoy the Latine representation as well! Quiques family reminds me a lot of my family. The drinking at the restaurant is totally my mom and stepdad, lmao. I loved how accepting his parents were of his mental health struggles, they still have to work on his sexual acceptance but it's honestly much better compared to how other Latine families would react. I really like how this book handled Quiques mental health struggles as well. I appreciate how this character is realizing something is wrong and going to his parents when in need. I think this will show readers it is ok to seek out guidance and help. Also, Quiques mental health, explains a lot of the things that discouraged me when reading. His at times erratic behavior, high sexual need, the constant worry of something bad happening, it started to all make sense. Overall, I did like this book and glad that I read it! Even though I struggled with some things I do think I learned a new perspective as well.
I guess we can start with things that irked me or I didn't get. I didn't realize how horny teen boys are. Like omfg, every person that our main character Enrique aka Quique talks to he checks out and mentally notes if they are hot or not or if they get him horny. I wasn't expecting this to be so sexual since our MC is a junior in high school, lmao. I think his character was created with raging hormones in mind! Also, for a kid who claims he isn't confident in himself or believes no one will like him, while also trying to keep his bisexuality on the down low, he sure is ok with getting his point across to several contenders in his search for a romantic partner. I think my biggest issue with Quique is he's just outing people to his friends and some of his "partners". In my opinion, that is not cool. There is even a character that Quique outs to several people then we find out later in the book
I loved the diversity in this book. In true Cali fashion, we have characters of all colors and backgrounds. It's so refreshing to read about and is very realistic. I did enjoy the Latine representation as well! Quiques family reminds me a lot of my family. The drinking at the restaurant is totally my mom and stepdad, lmao. I loved how accepting his parents were of his mental health struggles, they still have to work on his sexual acceptance but it's honestly much better compared to how other Latine families would react. I really like how this book handled Quiques mental health struggles as well. I appreciate how this character is realizing something is wrong and going to his parents when in need. I think this will show readers it is ok to seek out guidance and help. Also, Quiques mental health, explains a lot of the things that discouraged me when reading. His at times erratic behavior, high sexual need, the constant worry of something bad happening, it started to all make sense. Overall, I did like this book and glad that I read it! Even though I struggled with some things I do think I learned a new perspective as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Racism and Homophobia
_bookish_lauren's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? No
5.0
This was really a phenomenal story. I'd seen it recommend so many times and finally took the chance. I definitely regret waiting so long to read it. There was so much character developments for Enrique, finding himself and exploring his sexuality when all he really wanted was for his best friend Saleem to love him back.
Bisexuality can be a frustrating thing to navigate, especially as a teen. Society tells you you're confused and your fellow LGBTQ members tell you you're just greedy. And bisexual men, so many times, get erased. Told they're really gay. This book deals with external and internal biphobia, but also xenophobia because Saleem is Palestinian.
I loved seeing the progression of Enrique's friendships with both Fabiola and Saleem. They made a great trio of friends once Enrique was able to overcome his fear of what he was hiding from them.
Mental illness is also touch on heavily in this book. Enrique battles suicidal ideations and depressive episodes but takes the necessary steps to work toward bettering himself.
There is diverse representation in this book, and there are multiple queer characters. It's beautiful.
Bisexuality can be a frustrating thing to navigate, especially as a teen. Society tells you you're confused and your fellow LGBTQ members tell you you're just greedy. And bisexual men, so many times, get erased. Told they're really gay. This book deals with external and internal biphobia, but also xenophobia because Saleem is Palestinian.
I loved seeing the progression of Enrique's friendships with both Fabiola and Saleem. They made a great trio of friends once Enrique was able to overcome his fear of what he was hiding from them.
Mental illness is also touch on heavily in this book. Enrique battles suicidal ideations and depressive episodes but takes the necessary steps to work toward bettering himself.
There is diverse representation in this book, and there are multiple queer characters. It's beautiful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Biphobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Xenophobia
lowkeymarie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Biphobia, Islamophobia, and Sexual content
julian7's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Islamophobia, Racism, Alcohol, Biphobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Gun violence and Mass/school shootings
its_vendetta's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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
4.75
Ugh this book was so good i’m so upset that it’s over!! This book hit me in ways others didn’t. Enrique‘s descriptions of his mental health and his insecurities surrounding himself in comparison to other queer people around him is so relatable it hurts. The discussion around biphobia was especially personal to me as well, and was done perfectly.
All the side characters were so incredibly well written!! I had an emotional attachment to everyone in this book and I honestly did not know how this book would end, which I loved!
Overall this is an amazing and touching novel that dives into issues surrounding queer communities, racism, religious bigotry, and so many more topics that need to be more discussed in our society.
All the side characters were so incredibly well written!! I had an emotional attachment to everyone in this book and I honestly did not know how this book would end, which I loved!
Overall this is an amazing and touching novel that dives into issues surrounding queer communities, racism, religious bigotry, and so many more topics that need to be more discussed in our society.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Hate crime, Violence, Religious bigotry, Racism, and Islamophobia
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, Bullying, and Drug use
skye_era_books's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
This was a really great story about 17-year-old Quique who is exploring his bisexuality while also navigating the fact that he’s in love with his best friend. It’s hard for queer people to be together in general, but adding in the fact that they’re both boys of color (Quique is Mexican-American and Saleem is Palestinian). But I will say I feel like this book was a bit too explicit to be considered YA? This had some very graphic sex scenes considering this is a YA book 😅 I personally feel uncomfy reading sex scenes involving anyone under 18.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, Hate crime, Violence, and Biphobia
dagaezoomer19's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, Biphobia, and Islamophobia
litoreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, Biphobia, Cursing, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Xenophobia