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A review by blithesquesttoread
Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Not me trying to come up with good starting lines when writing a review. My creative cells have shriveled up with the impending disaster that the universe has planned for me. But I really want those creative cells to revive because this book deserves everything. I am not kidding. I devoured it when I was supposed to pay attention in class (ofc I am not suggesting to be inattentive in class), when I was supposed to finish my assigns and also when I was supposed to sleep. A point came when I refused to give my time to any other book because I was so taken up by this one!
I really loved reading through Ellen’s story and going along the scavenger hunt. She was very honest in her friendships and the way she contributed to the clues was amazing. They were really my favorite character along with Isa! Oh boy the way I looked forward to reading any exchanges with Isa. Like Ellen whenever I saw Ellen’s team working together and being together, a warm feeling spread through me. The book was very well written and it was really easy to connect with the characters. The way it had an amazing queer cast had me ❤
One thing that felt off to me was how manipulative Laurel, Sophie-Ann and Madison were. It’s like, some things aren’t in your hand but I didn’t feel good how hard Laurel was trying to fit in with them. The story wasn’t about her but I was really looking forward for things to get sorted between her and Ellen. But I guess most often not all friendships are able to sustain… which is alright. This was one of the messages that the book put forth. Another was how there’s nothing wrong with being true to yourself. The way Isa called out casual queerphobia and made sure Ellen didn’t feel out of place really made me feel good. The familial relationship along with friendships that the book discusses is truly amazing! I cannot wait to read other works by A.J. Sass!
CW: Outing of a queer character, emotional manipulation
I received an arc of the book in exchange of an honest review
I really loved reading through Ellen’s story and going along the scavenger hunt. She was very honest in her friendships and the way she contributed to the clues was amazing. They were really my favorite character along with Isa! Oh boy the way I looked forward to reading any exchanges with Isa. Like Ellen whenever I saw Ellen’s team working together and being together, a warm feeling spread through me. The book was very well written and it was really easy to connect with the characters. The way it had an amazing queer cast had me ❤
One thing that felt off to me was how manipulative Laurel, Sophie-Ann and Madison were. It’s like, some things aren’t in your hand but I didn’t feel good how hard Laurel was trying to fit in with them. The story wasn’t about her but I was really looking forward for things to get sorted between her and Ellen. But I guess most often not all friendships are able to sustain… which is alright. This was one of the messages that the book put forth. Another was how there’s nothing wrong with being true to yourself. The way Isa called out casual queerphobia and made sure Ellen didn’t feel out of place really made me feel good. The familial relationship along with friendships that the book discusses is truly amazing! I cannot wait to read other works by A.J. Sass!
CW: Outing of a queer character, emotional manipulation
I received an arc of the book in exchange of an honest review
Content Warnings
Moderate: Outing