Scan barcode
A review by emmaward55
Almost Flying by Jake Maia Arlow
Finished this right before my shift at work so I don’t have much time, but omg what an AMAZING book!!! Full review coming soon 🥰
***
I absolutely adored this book!!! From the characterization of our main squad to the pure joy and love embedded in the entirety of the novel, there are so many things to enjoy.
As a lesbian with parents who divorced and remarried (both to spouses with older kids), I really related to everything Dalia was going through. The theme of an evolving and expanding family is masterfully handled and captures the real feelings of being a child with no control over major changes happening in your life. As a reader we're always on Dalia's side and there was never a moment where I felt like she was being too childish or unfair to her family.
Relationships are key to this book and for once the sapphic romance was my second favourite bond in the book! Everything that Dalia and Alexa go through made me love them both immensely. Them developing a sisterly relationship and encouraging each other to stand up to their respective parents was so rewarding. Additionally, Dalia's bond with every member of the road trip crew is unique and fascinating in their own ways. It would have been so easy for Arlow to just focus on the romantic relationship, or the sisterly relationship, but the friendships with Dhruv and Sara were equally satisfying.
TL;DR I legit can't think of any faults for this book. The pacing was great, the details about the parks and coasters were interesting, and I wanted to adopt or befriend all the characters (except the parents lmao). Arlow is a fantastic writer and I'll be looking out for more titles from them in the future!
This book would be ideal for young sapphic girls, kids experiencing their first love, children of divorce / remarried parents, or anyone who wants an all-queer roller coaster road trip!
***
I absolutely adored this book!!! From the characterization of our main squad to the pure joy and love embedded in the entirety of the novel, there are so many things to enjoy.
As a lesbian with parents who divorced and remarried (both to spouses with older kids), I really related to everything Dalia was going through. The theme of an evolving and expanding family is masterfully handled and captures the real feelings of being a child with no control over major changes happening in your life. As a reader we're always on Dalia's side and there was never a moment where I felt like she was being too childish or unfair to her family.
Relationships are key to this book and for once the sapphic romance was my second favourite bond in the book! Everything that Dalia and Alexa go through made me love them both immensely. Them developing a sisterly relationship and encouraging each other to stand up to their respective parents was so rewarding. Additionally, Dalia's bond with every member of the road trip crew is unique and fascinating in their own ways. It would have been so easy for Arlow to just focus on the romantic relationship, or the sisterly relationship, but the friendships with Dhruv and Sara were equally satisfying.
TL;DR I legit can't think of any faults for this book. The pacing was great, the details about the parks and coasters were interesting, and I wanted to adopt or befriend all the characters (except the parents lmao). Arlow is a fantastic writer and I'll be looking out for more titles from them in the future!
This book would be ideal for young sapphic girls, kids experiencing their first love, children of divorce / remarried parents, or anyone who wants an all-queer roller coaster road trip!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Outing
Minor: Vomit
Also dysfunctional parent / child relationship, divorced parents remarrying