Scan barcode
garbutch's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Classism, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Dysphoria, Body shaming, and Transphobia
Moderate: Medical content, Transphobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Suicide, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Hate crime, and Sexual violence
katrinaeames's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is emotional and plot-driven. It is a book with characters that actually feel like teenagers - teenagers who are imperfect humans, occasionally self-centered, self-righteous, and irritating. People who make mistakes even when they're trying their best.
That said, it is a white queer book. Aside from our love interest, the non-white characters don't really have as much depth as the white characters. And although I am happy to bash the anti-Asian racism that is the entire premise of Thourghly Modern Millie any day of the week, alluding to the racism of the show that will likely still have thousands of high school productions this year is not a stand-in for actually looking at the way race is impacting the people in the narrative here. This novel can look at the glaring and obvious examples of racism, but it doesn't handle the topic of race with any real nuance.
I would also say as someone who works in politics - the dream of a high schooler to move to DC, become a member of congress, and change the world is relatable; but the constant dismissal of other theories of change, of work that makes a difference in our communities everyday, and the way that Finch's stubbornness caused them to look down on doing actual political work was disappointing at best. It presents a narrative that I think harms teenagers' ability to see themselves taking action.
I think this is a book that tries. It could have been better. At its core this is a friends-to-lovers YA romance that feels a bit rushed in places. But the first-person POV let's us really dig into the feelings and complicated relationships of a support system that exists even when you don't feel like you have a lot of support.
That said, it is a white queer book. Aside from our love interest, the non-white characters don't really have as much depth as the white characters. And although I am happy to bash the anti-Asian racism that is the entire premise of Thourghly Modern Millie any day of the week, alluding to the racism of the show that will likely still have thousands of high school productions this year is not a stand-in for actually looking at the way race is impacting the people in the narrative here. This novel can look at the glaring and obvious examples of racism, but it doesn't handle the topic of race with any real nuance.
I would also say as someone who works in politics - the dream of a high schooler to move to DC, become a member of congress, and change the world is relatable; but the constant dismissal of other theories of change, of work that makes a difference in our communities everyday, and the way that Finch's stubbornness caused them to look down on doing actual political work was disappointing at best. It presents a narrative that I think harms teenagers' ability to see themselves taking action.
I think this is a book that tries. It could have been better. At its core this is a friends-to-lovers YA romance that feels a bit rushed in places. But the first-person POV let's us really dig into the feelings and complicated relationships of a support system that exists even when you don't feel like you have a lot of support.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria and Transphobia
Moderate: Racism, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Biphobia
Minor: Vomit
betweentheshelves's review
emotional
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
2.0
Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to think of this book. For me, it was a pretty quick read and the premise is really interesting. However, there is A LOT going on in this book, and the author doesn't necessarily handle everything well. It almost felt like the author wanted to throw as many hot button topics as he could in this book, which mean that a lot of them (especially issues about race) fell through the cracks.
There are a lot of other reviews on here that talk about these issues better than I can, so definitely look them up! If you decide to pick this up, know going in that there's a lot of transphobia, racism, and homophobia. Proceed with caution!
There are a lot of other reviews on here that talk about these issues better than I can, so definitely look them up! If you decide to pick this up, know going in that there's a lot of transphobia, racism, and homophobia. Proceed with caution!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Transphobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Racism, Toxic relationship, and Alcoholism
Minor: Vomit, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
patandbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an eARC through Netgalley!
This story is following Finch Kelly who dreams of going to college in DC. In order to do so, he and his debate partner Jonah, need to win the National Speech & Debate Tournament. However, the final debate topic is trans rights which means he might have to debate against his own rights.
This books has amazing friendships that give me the warm fuzzies. The characters all feel so real in their flaws and strengths. I also appreciated the great Filipino representation in Jonah's character.
This story is following Finch Kelly who dreams of going to college in DC. In order to do so, he and his debate partner Jonah, need to win the National Speech & Debate Tournament. However, the final debate topic is trans rights which means he might have to debate against his own rights.
This books has amazing friendships that give me the warm fuzzies. The characters all feel so real in their flaws and strengths. I also appreciated the great Filipino representation in Jonah's character.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, and Bullying
melaniereadsbooks's review
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an e-arc of this book.
Finch has one goal--get to Washington DC. This breaks down into a lot of smaller goals, like getting off Georgetown's deferment list and winning the National Debate Tournament. But when the topic for the debate is about the right of transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice, Finch is faced with a choice: give up all his previous goals, or argue against his own rights.
I loved this book from start to finish! I truly wish that it was longer because I loved watching Finch discover himself and truly come into his own throughout this book. Jonah was also an amazing part of this book and I loved him! I loved the parts where they were debating, and seeing the thoughts that Finch had, and how he dealt with everything! It was so cute and happy and I loved it so much!
Pub Date: August 24, 2021
Finch has one goal--get to Washington DC. This breaks down into a lot of smaller goals, like getting off Georgetown's deferment list and winning the National Debate Tournament. But when the topic for the debate is about the right of transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice, Finch is faced with a choice: give up all his previous goals, or argue against his own rights.
I loved this book from start to finish! I truly wish that it was longer because I loved watching Finch discover himself and truly come into his own throughout this book. Jonah was also an amazing part of this book and I loved him! I loved the parts where they were debating, and seeing the thoughts that Finch had, and how he dealt with everything! It was so cute and happy and I loved it so much!
Pub Date: August 24, 2021
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, and Racism
Minor: Emotional abuse
More...