A review by obscurepages
Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

If you saw me shedding a tear by the end of this book, NO YOU DID NOT 😂

I looooveeee the simplicity and profoundness of this book. Yes, it's cute and it's written in a diary/journal format and the MC is a silly, naive little girl. But so much of the story speaks of childhood, girlhood, gender stereotypes, and navigating one's sexuality. Tuva is a young girl who is almost a teenager, and here comes all the "teenage" things and "maturity", and now she (and the reader) starts seeing how young girls are expected to do all of this grownup stuff and fall into harmful and confusing gender stereotypes. Apart from that, there's also the matter of her "falling in love". Young love is so sweet and innocent, but young queer love is also a little bit different and scary, and we see it when Tuva starts to contemplate what it means to be in love and what will happen if she is in fact a lesbian.

Above all, I just also love the friendship and the supportive dad elements in this story. Friends are so special, even when you fight and make up. And seeing a supportive dad in Tuva's dad? I love that 😭

Also yes I really like the diary format illustrations and storytelling! Though sometimes it can be confusing where to read first.

"I wonder... Can you be in love with a girl and still like BTS?"

Exact rating: 4.75 ⭐️ (Might post a detailed review on the blog!)
Expand filter menu Content Warnings