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A review by mfrisk
Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
I liked this book but unlike the Heartstopper series I felt like it shied away from difficult topics almost immediately which is what I think failed the story from progressing in a more meaningful way. Even the romance felt forced due to the characters not being open with each other about issues that were brought up but quickly moved on from.
I would continue in this series but hope that that changes in the sequel at least a little bit because I like the characters and the found family aspect of the team but it feels negligent to bring up mental health issues, self-harm, and even dealing with a homophobic teammate and then to not address them in a meaningful way. Every issue seems very easily glossed over by the way of them just being friends and that solving everything which doesn’t really work. I also hated how hazing was discussed so trivially in this book.
I would continue in this series but hope that that changes in the sequel at least a little bit because I like the characters and the found family aspect of the team but it feels negligent to bring up mental health issues, self-harm, and even dealing with a homophobic teammate and then to not address them in a meaningful way. Every issue seems very easily glossed over by the way of them just being friends and that solving everything which doesn’t really work. I also hated how hazing was discussed so trivially in this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Homophobia, and Mental illness