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A review by ashortbooklover
Read with Pride by Lucy Powrie
4.0
TW: homophobia, anxiety, burnout, transphobia
I really loved being able to rejoin the Paper & Hearts society and particularly that this time, we got Olivia’s viewpoint (possibly my favourite character). She’s incredibly relatable, as she deals with exam stress, activism and burnout. Powrie discuses the high and lows of trying to bring about change and the strain it can place on an individual, especially the toll it can take on mental health. Change can only be effective if you’re in the right place to be able to continue the fight.
The general sense of acceptance, support and love in both the Paper & Hearts society and the Read With Pride gang is just so lovely to read and consider the positive impact this book could have on young teenagers struggling to find a group where they can truly be themselves. Powrie really celebrates the sheer joy of seeing yourself in a book and how devastating the impact of censorship can be. LGBT+ representation is vital and it is our place as readers to shout about it and all other forms of diverse representation in the media we consume.
I just always know that with these books, the characters will feel like real teenagers, right down to the tiny details Powrie inserts. It’s in the titles of books chosen, the dialogue that will bring a smile to your face and the way you find yourself transported back to high school instantly. To me, it shows the careful, considerate writing that never patronises its audience, weaving an enjoyable plot and expansion of side characters. There’s always more going on with people than you may initially realise, as Powrie shows throughout the story.
Read With Pride is a loud and proud call for love and support that I think will be hugely beneficial for so many readers.
I really loved being able to rejoin the Paper & Hearts society and particularly that this time, we got Olivia’s viewpoint (possibly my favourite character). She’s incredibly relatable, as she deals with exam stress, activism and burnout. Powrie discuses the high and lows of trying to bring about change and the strain it can place on an individual, especially the toll it can take on mental health. Change can only be effective if you’re in the right place to be able to continue the fight.
The general sense of acceptance, support and love in both the Paper & Hearts society and the Read With Pride gang is just so lovely to read and consider the positive impact this book could have on young teenagers struggling to find a group where they can truly be themselves. Powrie really celebrates the sheer joy of seeing yourself in a book and how devastating the impact of censorship can be. LGBT+ representation is vital and it is our place as readers to shout about it and all other forms of diverse representation in the media we consume.
I just always know that with these books, the characters will feel like real teenagers, right down to the tiny details Powrie inserts. It’s in the titles of books chosen, the dialogue that will bring a smile to your face and the way you find yourself transported back to high school instantly. To me, it shows the careful, considerate writing that never patronises its audience, weaving an enjoyable plot and expansion of side characters. There’s always more going on with people than you may initially realise, as Powrie shows throughout the story.
Read With Pride is a loud and proud call for love and support that I think will be hugely beneficial for so many readers.