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A review by literaryintersections
Thirsty: A Novel by Jas Hammonds
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am convinced Jas Hammonds can only write amazing books. I love We Deserve Monuments but Thirsty????? The complexities of underage drinking, trying to fit in, peer pressure, and trying to find yourself while being constantly surrounded by the need to keep up with others around you. Add in the underlying thread of the main characters trying to make it into a society meant to support and uplift women of color and this book is a HIT. Like I want everyone to be talking about this book over the summer.
What I love about Jas is that every piece of their books feels realistic - the characters are having real life issues and concerns, they are struggling with things that many of us work through every day. Add on the elements of teenage life and race and this book, and Jas' work, is extremely relatable.
My favorite parts of this book were Blake and Netta. Ella made me want to scream but again, she is what happens when race, wealth, and privilege are tied up together: not inherently bad but often reproducing white supremacy and classism. Netta was a true friend and Blake, although so frustrating, you understand what has led her down this road. And you want her to come out the other side safe, and unscathed as possible. The scenes with her parents, and about her parents, really made me so emotional as a biracial person with a white mother. The ways that Blake feels untethered because of minor statements her mom made felt so relatable.
I just loved this book.
What I love about Jas is that every piece of their books feels realistic - the characters are having real life issues and concerns, they are struggling with things that many of us work through every day. Add on the elements of teenage life and race and this book, and Jas' work, is extremely relatable.
My favorite parts of this book were Blake and Netta. Ella made me want to scream but again, she is what happens when race, wealth, and privilege are tied up together: not inherently bad but often reproducing white supremacy and classism. Netta was a true friend and Blake, although so frustrating, you understand what has led her down this road. And you want her to come out the other side safe, and unscathed as possible. The scenes with her parents, and about her parents, really made me so emotional as a biracial person with a white mother. The ways that Blake feels untethered because of minor statements her mom made felt so relatable.
I just loved this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Alcoholism, and Transphobia
Moderate: Racial slurs