Scan barcode
A review by longlost
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
"Thinking about history makes me wonder how I’ll fit into it one day, I guess. And you too. I kinda wish people still wrote like that.
History, huh? Bet we could make some.
Affectionately yrs, slowly going insane,
Alex, First Son of Founding Father Sacrilege"
Being that I hate both America and politics with a burning passion, I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. However evileviathan my beloved recommended this highly and I trust him with my life so I read it as soon as possible and you know what. This was fun. I didn't understand half the stuff that was going on because of my inability to comprehend politics (ok that's an exaggeration there WERE some bits I couldn't figure out but the majority of it was conveyed really well for me, who is not American and also not knowledgeable in politics in the slightest, to understand) but by god if the gay yearning didn't warm my heart. Enemies to lovers trope my beloved.
While I don't like how many times this book reminded me of my Hamilton phase, everything else? Top tier. I loved reading about not only Alex and Henry, but also June and Nora and Pez and all the other side characters who may not have been as prominent as Alex & Henry were in the story but were enjoyable nonetheless. I just think we need more queer books that play on popular tropes. From Casey McQuiston's acknowledgements page: "What I hoped to do, and what I hope I have done with this book by the time you’ve finished it, my dear reader: to be the spark of joy and hope you needed." For me, this definitely rang true: the tenderness and joy in Alex and Henry's developing relationship; the acknowledgement that sometimes plans and paths change but maybe that change isn't necessarily for the worst; the unfailing support Alex receives from his family. No matter the ups and downs of this story, that central spark of joy and hope remained even if it didn't flicker as brightly in every page.
I enjoyed reading this book. The loose, upbeat writing style kept me engaged throughout and the clearly defined personalities of both the main characters and the side characters had me turning the page even after I'd decided to stop reading for the moment, because by god I had to know what happened to these guys next. All-in-all, a pleasantly surprising read for me considering this book made its way into my heart despite things that would've turned me away in other books.
History, huh? Bet we could make some.
Affectionately yrs, slowly going insane,
Alex, First Son of Founding Father Sacrilege"
Being that I hate both America and politics with a burning passion, I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. However evileviathan my beloved recommended this highly and I trust him with my life so I read it as soon as possible and you know what. This was fun. I didn't understand half the stuff that was going on because of my inability to comprehend politics (ok that's an exaggeration there WERE some bits I couldn't figure out but the majority of it was conveyed really well for me, who is not American and also not knowledgeable in politics in the slightest, to understand) but by god if the gay yearning didn't warm my heart. Enemies to lovers trope my beloved.
While I don't like how many times this book reminded me of my Hamilton phase, everything else? Top tier. I loved reading about not only Alex and Henry, but also June and Nora and Pez and all the other side characters who may not have been as prominent as Alex & Henry were in the story but were enjoyable nonetheless. I just think we need more queer books that play on popular tropes. From Casey McQuiston's acknowledgements page: "What I hoped to do, and what I hope I have done with this book by the time you’ve finished it, my dear reader: to be the spark of joy and hope you needed." For me, this definitely rang true: the tenderness and joy in Alex and Henry's developing relationship; the acknowledgement that sometimes plans and paths change but maybe that change isn't necessarily for the worst; the unfailing support Alex receives from his family. No matter the ups and downs of this story, that central spark of joy and hope remained even if it didn't flicker as brightly in every page.
I enjoyed reading this book. The loose, upbeat writing style kept me engaged throughout and the clearly defined personalities of both the main characters and the side characters had me turning the page even after I'd decided to stop reading for the moment, because by god I had to know what happened to these guys next. All-in-all, a pleasantly surprising read for me considering this book made its way into my heart despite things that would've turned me away in other books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Outing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
Minor: Cancer, Drug use, Gun violence, and Sexual assault
GRAPHIC:
Alcohol: There are scenes where the main character + other characters get drunk.
Emotional abuse: Henry faces emotional abuse from several members of his family.
Homophobia: Alex and Henry face repercussions from Henry's family and the media for their relationship.
Outing: Alex and Henry's relationship is outed to the media towards the end of the book.
Sexual content: There a several sex scenes throughout the book.
MODERATE:
Addiction: Henry's sister Bea is noted to have been in rehab for a cocaine addiction.
Death of parent: Henry's father dies prior to the story, but it is mentioned in the text on several occasions.
Panic attacks / disorders: Both Henry and Alex have at least one scene where they experience a panic attack.
Racism: Alex faces racism in places throughout the story.
MINOR:
Cancer: Henry's father is noted to have passed away from cancer.
Drug use: Side characters use drugs on occasion.
Gun violence: Early in the book Henry and Alex are warned and hidden from what is believed to be a shooting situation. It is soon revealed that the gunshot sounds were actually fireworks.
Sexual assault: Towards the end of the book Luna tells Alex about how a rival politician attempted to assault him.