Scan barcode
A review by ohlhauc
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This was not what I thought the book would be based on the synopsis. This is not really a romance.
While there is a romance between two women, it very much takes the backseat of the story and is not developed. The chemistry also seems lacking, and it felt like the relationship was a plot twist to move the protagonist, Grace, along. If you're looking for a fluffy, cute, or well-developed romance with clear displays of love, you won't get that. That said, the friendships were well done and the displays of found family were beautiful.
Instead, I'd characterize this book as more contemporary with slight hard-hitting elements. The plot focuses more on Grace reckoning with the expectations she and her family have had for her life as she realizes that life is hard as a black, queer women in STEM. The story then proceeds to look at her response to hardship, as she alternately runs away and confronts her issues, battling to figure out what she wants to do next with her life. These parts do make you think about your own decisions, which can be powerful if you find yourself struggling to know what you want amidst strong public opinion from friends, family, and greater society.
In many ways, this felt like two books. I wished the author would've either leaned into the romance without so much psychological musing or cut it out altogether and focused on the contemporary issues, neither of which fully made sense or were fully developed because they didn't have the same tone and left the motivations of the characters muddled.
While there is a romance between two women, it very much takes the backseat of the story and is not developed. The chemistry also seems lacking, and it felt like the relationship was a plot twist to move the protagonist, Grace, along. If you're looking for a fluffy, cute, or well-developed romance with clear displays of love, you won't get that. That said, the friendships were well done and the displays of found family were beautiful.
Instead, I'd characterize this book as more contemporary with slight hard-hitting elements. The plot focuses more on Grace reckoning with the expectations she and her family have had for her life as she realizes that life is hard as a black, queer women in STEM. The story then proceeds to look at her response to hardship, as she alternately runs away and confronts her issues, battling to figure out what she wants to do next with her life. These parts do make you think about your own decisions, which can be powerful if you find yourself struggling to know what you want amidst strong public opinion from friends, family, and greater society.
In many ways, this felt like two books. I wished the author would've either leaned into the romance without so much psychological musing or cut it out altogether and focused on the contemporary issues, neither of which fully made sense or were fully developed because they didn't have the same tone and left the motivations of the characters muddled.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Death of parent, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts