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judeinthestars 's review for:
Crossed Over
by Santana Knox
challenging
dark
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
It’s been a while since I read a coming-out story that wasn’t YA. I’ve been out for so long I have a tendency to go for books where being queer is simply what the characters are, not the topic of the story per se. And that’s also not why I wanted to read this one. New author to me, roller derby, these were the reasons that brought Crossed Over to me.
While it’s a pretty relatable coming-out tale, it’s also more than that. Nia’s relationship with her Brazilian immigrant mother is fascinating—in a terrifying way—I mean, when your mom is also your best friend and your therapist, something’s got to give at some point.
The autism representation feels accurate, as do the mental health and trauma aspects.
Crossed Over isn’t the most comfortable read, but Nia, despite what she believes, is easy to love and I couldn’t help rooting for her to find her way. I also love Harvey, the love interest. And of course, there’s roller derby, and the team. I wanted to hug Trixie, Jackie and Mercy, and to yell at Lonnie more often than not (even though they weren’t always wrong).
And then, there’s the final twist, which I absolutely didn’t see coming. I’m conflicted about it—in a good way this time. It’s not how I wanted the story to end, yet it makes sense, and it will also probably make the book more memorable to me. We’ll see how my brain deals with it. I’m also thoroughly intrigued by the other book in this series, False Start, which I hope to read soon.
If you’re looking for real (ironic, I know), messed up, and sometimes painful, Crossed Over feels like a book incarnation of roller derby and should as such get added to your TBR.
Video review (with Ginny): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAgfno...
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars