A review by chrisljm
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.5

Casey McQuiston writes people and communities in a way that is so special to me. The relationships and dialogue are so realistic and funny. I also love how they forge unlikely friendships, like the way Chloe’s friends and Smith are definitely not friends, yet they still took the time to be a part in helping Smith make important life realizations because that’s how a community is and it was so touching for me to read that. In life there are little things and there are big things, and McQuiston knows how to make the little things just as important as the big things. 

I think this is an especially good book for young adults who think they may be queer. But, I also think this is good for people to gain a different perspective into the bible belt because it’s so easy to disregard red states for being like That and to think that everyone living there are unanimous in thinking like That. But this book provides a look into how there are people and communities living within these tough places doing and dealing with it in a way they can while also calling it home. 

The last thing I want to say is that something I love across all McQuiston’s books is that they impart this joy and feel goodness, leaving you hopeful for better even if you might’ve reacted otherwise in reality and I think it’s a good reminder for the times when you think that everything is hopeless. 
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