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A review by hayleyjames24
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
emotional
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
3.0
This book is so sweet and heartwarming but also hits some real deep cut topics.
Themes of homophobia, religion, and religious trauma, racism and culture, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts are touched on throughout the novel but I really enjoyed hearing about teenagers wanted to reconnect with their cultures and being brave enough to stand up for themselves and what they believe in.
The concept of being at a catholic school and being queer was really interesting, I wish we dug a little deeper into religion and queerness and the narratives around that. The most interesting parts were the confessionals with the priests and times when there was discussion (and fights) about it at school.
I’m 27, so not in the age range of the target audience of this book but I work in a high school library so try to keep up with YA releases. While I liked this books themes, the writing style was a little cringe for me at times and it sometimes felt a little stream of consciousness??? I feel like it could’ve been a lot shorter and been punchier.
I did really grow to love the characters and the ending was very very sweet.
I appreciated Yami’s family dynamic and the way the author dealt with issues in their family like their Dad being sent back to Mexico, and the way they have to be so careful around police etc, how they have to work twice as hard to be able to live like everyone else.
The author really swung hard on this book and thinking back at all the themes and all the issues she tried to work with I can appreciate that she seemed to do each one justice. Maybe a little more depth and it being less drawn out could’ve helped but for teenagers I think it’s a great starting point for thinking about these things.
Overall it was enjoyable and I came to love the characters: it hits a lot of birds with one stone well and I’m glad it exists. Although I can’t really get behind the youthfulness of the writing style I think it’s an important book
Themes of homophobia, religion, and religious trauma, racism and culture, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts are touched on throughout the novel but I really enjoyed hearing about teenagers wanted to reconnect with their cultures and being brave enough to stand up for themselves and what they believe in.
The concept of being at a catholic school and being queer was really interesting, I wish we dug a little deeper into religion and queerness and the narratives around that. The most interesting parts were the confessionals with the priests and times when there was discussion (and fights) about it at school.
I’m 27, so not in the age range of the target audience of this book but I work in a high school library so try to keep up with YA releases. While I liked this books themes, the writing style was a little cringe for me at times and it sometimes felt a little stream of consciousness??? I feel like it could’ve been a lot shorter and been punchier.
I did really grow to love the characters and the ending was very very sweet.
I appreciated Yami’s family dynamic and the way the author dealt with issues in their family like their Dad being sent back to Mexico, and the way they have to be so careful around police etc, how they have to work twice as hard to be able to live like everyone else.
The author really swung hard on this book and thinking back at all the themes and all the issues she tried to work with I can appreciate that she seemed to do each one justice. Maybe a little more depth and it being less drawn out could’ve helped but for teenagers I think it’s a great starting point for thinking about these things.
Overall it was enjoyable and I came to love the characters: it hits a lot of birds with one stone well and I’m glad it exists. Although I can’t really get behind the youthfulness of the writing style I think it’s an important book