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A review by servingupstories
Boys I Know by Anna Gracia
2.0
Thanks to Netgallery and Peachtree Teen for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Here's the thing, I don't think this is a bad book, however, it wasn't memorable for me except for the parts in which I felt were left incomplete and found myself clinging onto - not in such a good way though.
To start with the positive, I really liked the insight into this book's main character, June, and her experience as a Asian American teenager and her relationship between her family members. Mainly her mother and her sister; her father is rarely mentioned. I also appreciated the realistic depiction of navigating love and sex at this age - although it was quite a bit messy, I know aspects of it will be relatable to some readers. HOWEVER, through all this mess/conflict June encountered, it didn't feel like any 'character development' was achieved. In the end, she comes to a bit of a sudden realization about herself and her relationships with boys, but I think it left the impact the author was aiming for to be quite lacking.
And speaking of sudden, this book just ENDED. Like, I was sure there had to be more to my copy but nope. It was just over and a few plot points were just left opened? The big argument with her sister that it just breezed by although it felt significant. Whatever it was that Tommy was talking about 'saving' Rhys from or whatever? It just didn't feel completed.
I have to say though that the biggest drawback to this book though is that I was bored the entire time reading it. I feel horrible to say it but it was a struggle for me to get through this book due to being personally unable to connect to these characters or this story and just not having enough interest in the characters or the plot itself. I think that a teen at this stage in life of navigating intimate relationships, parental expectations and college admissions - they may get something from this story. But for me, it just didn't have that something to keep me invested.
Content warnings:
Here's the thing, I don't think this is a bad book, however, it wasn't memorable for me except for the parts in which I felt were left incomplete and found myself clinging onto - not in such a good way though.
To start with the positive, I really liked the insight into this book's main character, June, and her experience as a Asian American teenager and her relationship between her family members. Mainly her mother and her sister; her father is rarely mentioned. I also appreciated the realistic depiction of navigating love and sex at this age - although it was quite a bit messy, I know aspects of it will be relatable to some readers. HOWEVER, through all this mess/conflict June encountered, it didn't feel like any 'character development' was achieved. In the end, she comes to a bit of a sudden realization about herself and her relationships with boys, but I think it left the impact the author was aiming for to be quite lacking.
And speaking of sudden, this book just ENDED. Like, I was sure there had to be more to my copy but nope. It was just over and a few plot points were just left opened? The big argument with her sister that it just breezed by although it felt significant. Whatever it was that Tommy was talking about 'saving' Rhys from or whatever? It just didn't feel completed.
I have to say though that the biggest drawback to this book though is that I was bored the entire time reading it. I feel horrible to say it but it was a struggle for me to get through this book due to being personally unable to connect to these characters or this story and just not having enough interest in the characters or the plot itself. I think that a teen at this stage in life of navigating intimate relationships, parental expectations and college admissions - they may get something from this story. But for me, it just didn't have that something to keep me invested.
Content warnings: