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A review by anamars
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
5.0
I read this a few months ago and since then I've kinda re-read it 2 or 3 times but just a few parts. It's such a nice, cute, and well-done story. Definitely a comfort read for me.
- Spoilery ahead a bit? Beware!!
Well I really love the characters, not just the main characters like Alex and Henry, but all the supportive characters are amazing too, Nora and June are queens and gfs but Alex is too much of a dumbass to figure it out, I think Ellen should def be president, Pez is such a mood, Zahra is The queen. The supportiveness from Alex parents as a latino bi man is amazing and gives a lot of hope to a lot of people. The relationships between all the characters are really well written and fun to read. All the interactions feel natural and have a good flow. I think Casey is an amazing storyteller and I love the way this story broke so many gay novel stereotypes, e.g. having a happy ending and having semi good communication. Both Alex and Henry have a lot of pressure from the public and their families because of their expectations, but they lean on each other for support while working on their own issues as well. I just really enjoyed this book and their development as characters and their relationship overall. I really recommend this book. From the banter to the serious stuff, everything about it is worth your time.
Sorry for the horrible structure of this review I'm honestly just ranting.
I also love the pace of the book, I think all the elements are necessary and there's enough interactions to not make the relationship feel too rushed while also maintaining good plot points. Many YA contemporary can feel very slow, but from the first chapter, this book definitely keeps you hooked. The chemistry Alex and Henry have is also undeniable and I love their relationship.
The writing overall is really good too, I usually cringe at the writing because I'm truly a perfectionist and hate overly described things or lack there off, unnatural dialogue, etc. But this book had none of that, the writing was truly perfect for what it is while having a good balance of fun and beautiful passages. I can quote from memory many of my favorite quotes. This book really has a range, it can go from "Exploring your sexuality: Healthy, but does it have to be with the Prince of England?" to “Should I tell you that when we're apart, your body comes back to me in dreams? That when I sleep, I see you, the dip of your waist, the freckle above your hip, and when I wake up in the morning, it feels like I've just been with you, the phantom touch of your hand on the back of my neck fresh and not imagined? That I can feel your skin against mine, and it makes every bone in my body ache? That, for a few moments, I can hold my breath and be back there with you, in a dream, in a thousand rooms, nowhere at all?”
It's a really amazing book and I'm already counting the days till Casey's next book is published.
10/10
- Spoilery ahead a bit? Beware!!
Well I really love the characters, not just the main characters like Alex and Henry, but all the supportive characters are amazing too, Nora and June are queens and gfs but Alex is too much of a dumbass to figure it out, I think Ellen should def be president, Pez is such a mood, Zahra is The queen. The supportiveness from Alex parents as a latino bi man is amazing and gives a lot of hope to a lot of people. The relationships between all the characters are really well written and fun to read. All the interactions feel natural and have a good flow. I think Casey is an amazing storyteller and I love the way this story broke so many gay novel stereotypes, e.g. having a happy ending and having semi good communication. Both Alex and Henry have a lot of pressure from the public and their families because of their expectations, but they lean on each other for support while working on their own issues as well. I just really enjoyed this book and their development as characters and their relationship overall. I really recommend this book. From the banter to the serious stuff, everything about it is worth your time.
Sorry for the horrible structure of this review I'm honestly just ranting.
I also love the pace of the book, I think all the elements are necessary and there's enough interactions to not make the relationship feel too rushed while also maintaining good plot points. Many YA contemporary can feel very slow, but from the first chapter, this book definitely keeps you hooked. The chemistry Alex and Henry have is also undeniable and I love their relationship.
The writing overall is really good too, I usually cringe at the writing because I'm truly a perfectionist and hate overly described things or lack there off, unnatural dialogue, etc. But this book had none of that, the writing was truly perfect for what it is while having a good balance of fun and beautiful passages. I can quote from memory many of my favorite quotes. This book really has a range, it can go from "Exploring your sexuality: Healthy, but does it have to be with the Prince of England?" to “Should I tell you that when we're apart, your body comes back to me in dreams? That when I sleep, I see you, the dip of your waist, the freckle above your hip, and when I wake up in the morning, it feels like I've just been with you, the phantom touch of your hand on the back of my neck fresh and not imagined? That I can feel your skin against mine, and it makes every bone in my body ache? That, for a few moments, I can hold my breath and be back there with you, in a dream, in a thousand rooms, nowhere at all?”
It's a really amazing book and I'm already counting the days till Casey's next book is published.
10/10