A review by alexafuson
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-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

Think “Mean Girls” meets “Paper Towns.”

“I Kissed Shara Wheeler” is the type of book that teenagers need in the world. As someone who grew up in a small, Christian, conservative town, I strongly relate to the queer characters in this novel that feel like their voices are demonized. However, these characters take a horrible situation into their own hands, and they create change. Even as a adult, I learned from this novel that standing up for what you believe in is never a small feat. It takes bravery and cooperation, and this shows that teenagers have the power to create change, even when it feels like their voices are ignored. Although the beginning of this book relied heavily on high school stereotypes that demonized jocks, cheerleaders, and anyone else the main character felt inferior to, eventually these stereotypes are overturned. The characters learn to work together, and through that, multidimensional and complex characterization comes through to show that people are more than just what we can see on the surface. This is a powerful message for teenagers and adults alike. 

McQuiston delicately handles complex topics that high schoolers are dealing with, like identity and religious trauma. As a Southern girl at heart, I appreciated that this book didn’t totally demonize Christianity. Instead, it highlights how a person can be queer and still practice Christianity, but it doesn’t undermine how the institution of Christianity has harmed so many LGBTQ+ people. 

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC. Another 5-star read from Casey McQuiston. May 3rd can’t come soon enough! 
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