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A review by mezzano
Where We Go From Here by Lucas Rocha
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A few months back, I attended a virtual book promotion where Alice Oseman, Leah Johnson, and Lucas Rocha discussed the importance of positive and happy queer narratives for teenagers and young adults. While I knew the premises behind both Oseman and Johnson's works, that experience had been the first time I was introduced to Rocha and his upcoming book. While Lucas Rocha talked about his inspiration for Where We Go From Here, I found it hard to picture a story about AIDS as one which could have a realistic and uplifting message. What I realize now, months after attending the virtual event, was that I was still holding onto internalized homophobia and prejudice against HIV. The book, Where We Go From Here is an incredibly sensitive and timely story about three individuals whose stories all converge at their experiences enduring and overcoming the stigma which surrounds HIV.
Through telling the story with the perspective of three main characters, Where We Go From Here holds a level of nuance which is unmatched by other popular books surrounding HIV. All three characters are allowed to express their feelings, fears, and prejudices in order to grow into more understanding people. By having a person who has been living with HIV, a person recently diagnosed, and a character recently confirmed as HIV negative, Rocha masterfully touches on the sensitive aspects of HIV which is still largely taboo. A turning point in the story is when one of the character's says that the true curse of the disease is how society views an HIV positive person. HIV has become a manageable chronic condition, but people still reject the individual and treat their illness as a personal falling. This is seen through the heartbreak of one of the main characters.
Where there is heartbreak, there is also a deep sense of community. The comradery and support the characters have from others is uplifting. As characters learn to live with their new diagnosis, other characters serve as a support system to affirm positive messages. Characters are reminded that HIV is no longer a death sentence, and that with proper medical treatment a normal life is possible. There are details I learned about HIV that I have never learned in sexual education classes, like the fact that you can catch multiple strains of HIV. The fact that options for healthy and safe sex with HIV is discussed, such as explaining what undetectable status means and what PreP does, is so important to see in young adult literature. Knowing that there are options to practice safe sex with or without HIV is something that everyone should have some understanding of.
The only aspect of the book I wish had been better executed was the fact that many of the characters had the same voice, which made following along to each of the three perspectives difficult as I read the story as an audiobook. Had the voices been more distinct, this would have easily been a five star read for me.
Through telling the story with the perspective of three main characters, Where We Go From Here holds a level of nuance which is unmatched by other popular books surrounding HIV. All three characters are allowed to express their feelings, fears, and prejudices in order to grow into more understanding people. By having a person who has been living with HIV, a person recently diagnosed, and a character recently confirmed as HIV negative, Rocha masterfully touches on the sensitive aspects of HIV which is still largely taboo. A turning point in the story is when one of the character's says that the true curse of the disease is how society views an HIV positive person. HIV has become a manageable chronic condition, but people still reject the individual and treat their illness as a personal falling. This is seen through the heartbreak of one of the main characters.
Where there is heartbreak, there is also a deep sense of community. The comradery and support the characters have from others is uplifting. As characters learn to live with their new diagnosis, other characters serve as a support system to affirm positive messages. Characters are reminded that HIV is no longer a death sentence, and that with proper medical treatment a normal life is possible. There are details I learned about HIV that I have never learned in sexual education classes, like the fact that you can catch multiple strains of HIV. The fact that options for healthy and safe sex with HIV is discussed, such as explaining what undetectable status means and what PreP does, is so important to see in young adult literature. Knowing that there are options to practice safe sex with or without HIV is something that everyone should have some understanding of.
The only aspect of the book I wish had been better executed was the fact that many of the characters had the same voice, which made following along to each of the three perspectives difficult as I read the story as an audiobook. Had the voices been more distinct, this would have easily been a five star read for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
Minor: Blood