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slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I read this as my book club's pick for banned book month. While I think the overall message is an important one, this just wasn't an enjoyable story for me. The two main characters are both pretty annoying, and Michael tests and pushes her boundaries so much I disliked him almost from the beginning. Unfortunately, while very relatable, I didn't feel that that part was handled as well as it could have been.
It's important to teach young people that sex and sexual desire are normal and not something to be ashamed of and I think that is handled well here, but the ideas of consent and holding your personal boundaries against pressure were fumbled big time. Michael is still portrayed as a "nice guy" and a good boyfriend even when his actions show he really isn't and I just couldn't get past that.
It's important to teach young people that sex and sexual desire are normal and not something to be ashamed of and I think that is handled well here, but the ideas of consent and holding your personal boundaries against pressure were fumbled big time. Michael is still portrayed as a "nice guy" and a good boyfriend even when his actions show he really isn't and I just couldn't get past that.