A review by morganvw
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

challenging emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

as part of 2024 bingo for my book club, i’ve marked this read for the spot “made me cry” (even though it could’ve also taken the spot for “diverse cast” “fake dating” or “gay longing”). this was a beautiful YA that does not tread lightly on what it means to be a teen girl. then there are added layers of what it means to be a *brown, queer,* teen girl (who is also the eldest child of immigrated parents) who gets moved to a predominantly white catholic school. and what inspires? lots of crushes, a realistic sibling relationship, parental pressure, and the internal gay turmoil of being in the closet.

i resonated closely with all the main characters in one sense or another: yamilet’s experience of being the eldest sister, figuring out how to tell people (family) i’m queer, and navigating a private school that doesn’t always align with my beliefs; bo’s experience of being an outspoken queer chinese adoptee; cesar’s struggle with mental health issues.

this had both hardship that can be a bit heavy for a YA book, but also lots of fun fluffy moments. i genuinely enjoyed this and definitely recommend it to anyone!

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