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A review by schirinsideris
Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko
3.0
Okay, where do I start? This book is good, even made me tear up at one point, but there wasn’t enough build up between the main love interests to constitute such an angsty book in my opinion.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
This book would’ve been such a different experience if there was a more slow build up between Coley & Sonya. The intensity of the both of them was a lot towards the end, and I had just hoped that a strong foundation would’ve been the reason behind that.
They’re cute, don’t get me wrong, but when you read it as an adult, the intensity and the lust really reminds you of the good ol’ teenage romance— passionate, but temporary.
Would’ve loved a little more continuation at the end, as I felt that Sonya could’ve spoken to Coley about how she felt/struggled while she was away. I just wanted to see some growth, even if it was minimal. I wanted to see how Sonya handled things with her friends, and how did she continue to show her love for Coley despite figuring herself out still. There was just a lot of missed opportunities, and it wouldn’t feel right to have it in the form of a 2nd book. This read could’ve been a lot longer, and I personally think it should’ve because there is a potential with this plot.
END OF SPOILERS!
I grew up on Hayley’s music. Her music video ‘Girls like Girls’ truly revolutionised the LGBTQ community at a time where things were still rather timid. Her confidence in her videos & the message behind them was absolutely vital for any lesbian/queer kids who was growing up in that era.
Hence why I was so excited when she announced this book! But with a heavy heart, maybe I had too high of an expectation from a debut book. I do hope Hayley continues to hone her craftsmanship, both music & story telling, because I did enjoy the book— but the mistakes of a rookie writer definitely stood out like a sore thumb.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
This book would’ve been such a different experience if there was a more slow build up between Coley & Sonya. The intensity of the both of them was a lot towards the end, and I had just hoped that a strong foundation would’ve been the reason behind that.
They’re cute, don’t get me wrong, but when you read it as an adult, the intensity and the lust really reminds you of the good ol’ teenage romance— passionate, but temporary.
Would’ve loved a little more continuation at the end, as I felt that Sonya could’ve spoken to Coley about how she felt/struggled while she was away. I just wanted to see some growth, even if it was minimal. I wanted to see how Sonya handled things with her friends, and how did she continue to show her love for Coley despite figuring herself out still. There was just a lot of missed opportunities, and it wouldn’t feel right to have it in the form of a 2nd book. This read could’ve been a lot longer, and I personally think it should’ve because there is a potential with this plot.
END OF SPOILERS!
I grew up on Hayley’s music. Her music video ‘Girls like Girls’ truly revolutionised the LGBTQ community at a time where things were still rather timid. Her confidence in her videos & the message behind them was absolutely vital for any lesbian/queer kids who was growing up in that era.
Hence why I was so excited when she announced this book! But with a heavy heart, maybe I had too high of an expectation from a debut book. I do hope Hayley continues to hone her craftsmanship, both music & story telling, because I did enjoy the book— but the mistakes of a rookie writer definitely stood out like a sore thumb.