Scan barcode
A review by vynexareads
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
When Shara looks at her like that, all airy and sly, it makes Chloe think of the first time her mama brought home an icebox pie. It was strawberries and cream, her mom's favorite, and the whole thing seemed to be a feat of mechanical physics. It didn't make sense how the strawberries held effortlessly together when you sliced it, or how the cloud of meringue sat weightless on top. She remembers studying the layers from the side and having the inexplicable thought, 'This is a Shara Wheeler kind of pretty.'
The last two times that McQuiston has a novel being published, I've been lucky enough to read it early. Either on the tiny screen of my phone or on my iPad, straining my eyes to receive every drop of their story to finally feel something beautiful.
Unfortunately, Shara Wheeler decided that wasn't the plan for me this time around.
Going into this story, I knew the basic things to expect:
• An awesome friend group that I wish I could be a part of
• A read I wouldn't be able to put down
• Wishing I could actually fall in love
But I was a bit hesitant going into this one, since it is a young adult novel. While there is nothing inherently wrong with YA, I have felt myself drifting from it because I feel like I don't connect with the characters anymore.
I should've known better.
Casey provided everything I love about their stories each and every page without failure. While Chloe did things that frustrated me at times (as a teen should), I understood her even when she didn't understand herself and I loved following her throughout this journey.
So much so, that I am now protective of every single person in Chloe's life that she also loves and cares about (but don't tell anyone that Smith is my favorite, though).
While I didn't grow up in a super religious household, it was very much subtle homophobia that stemmed from Catholicity. Which is the reason that religion and the aspects of religion can be triggering for me and I try to stay away from it as much as I possibly can. However, Casey wrote this story in a way that didn't trigger me, which I appreciate entirely. There’s also no slurs, which I also love and realized that a novel can have a huge impact without needing to be hurtful.
Confirmed in stone that I will read anything this author puts out. Regardless of genre or the characters or setting, I will be there requesting an ARC and buying a physical copy on release day and awaiting the spotify playlists that accompany them.
💋 5 STARS 💋
The last two times that McQuiston has a novel being published, I've been lucky enough to read it early. Either on the tiny screen of my phone or on my iPad, straining my eyes to receive every drop of their story to finally feel something beautiful.
Unfortunately, Shara Wheeler decided that wasn't the plan for me this time around.
Going into this story, I knew the basic things to expect:
• An awesome friend group that I wish I could be a part of
• A read I wouldn't be able to put down
• Wishing I could actually fall in love
But I was a bit hesitant going into this one, since it is a young adult novel. While there is nothing inherently wrong with YA, I have felt myself drifting from it because I feel like I don't connect with the characters anymore.
I should've known better.
Casey provided everything I love about their stories each and every page without failure. While Chloe did things that frustrated me at times (as a teen should), I understood her even when she didn't understand herself and I loved following her throughout this journey.
So much so, that I am now protective of every single person in Chloe's life that she also loves and cares about (but don't tell anyone that Smith is my favorite, though).
While I didn't grow up in a super religious household, it was very much subtle homophobia that stemmed from Catholicity. Which is the reason that religion and the aspects of religion can be triggering for me and I try to stay away from it as much as I possibly can. However, Casey wrote this story in a way that didn't trigger me, which I appreciate entirely. There’s also no slurs, which I also love and realized that a novel can have a huge impact without needing to be hurtful.
Confirmed in stone that I will read anything this author puts out. Regardless of genre or the characters or setting, I will be there requesting an ARC and buying a physical copy on release day and awaiting the spotify playlists that accompany them.
💋 5 STARS 💋