Take a photo of a barcode or cover
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
A heartbreakingly accurate depiction of the inherent loneliness that comes with queer identity. Forster elegantly describes what I thought was indescribable with beautiful, yet straightforward language. Some days I burst into tears from the thought of this book. There is a happy ending, but the author’s notes are absolutely heart wrenching.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Outing
The book deals with queer identity in a time period when it was criminalized, and the author did not have an optimistic outlook on the future of LGBT rights. The main triggers come from a toxic relationship in which two university students navigate their same-gender attraction together, ending in one of them having a mental health crisis and isolating and neglecting the other Some readers also may be triggered by relatively tense mentions of blackmail and what could be perceived as stalking.