A review by ashleyvharris
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book will have a tight grip on my heart forever. I though I knew what this story would be, but god, it was so much more. It was everything it needed to be; everything I needed it to be. 

I came for the romance, but stayed for emotional depth and unfettered feeling of this book. Often contemporary romances can be fun, sexy, and entertaining, but still lack the complexity of the human experience; they feel more like movies than relatable human conflicts. And while I am not the the gay son of world leaders, I found so much in Red, White, & Royal Blue that struck a chord with me as a young person living in this moment. 

The intensity and urgency of American politics is embedded into my bones and McQuinston captures that jumble of election night feeling so perfectly in the final chapter. I relish the thought of celebrating the day we elect our first female President.

More than anything, I was touched by Bea’s explanation to Alex about grief and trauma and the way it effected Henry. It’s one small paragraph 3 quarters of the way through, but it made me feel seen and understood in a way that no book has been able to do.

McQuinston funneled hope and joy into every page, every word. This feels like a love letter to a generation of kids that always puts to much pressure on themselves. It’s a breath of relief.
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