frugal_library's reviews
138 reviews

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.75

"There isn't anything wrong with love. There isn't anything embarrassing about love." 
This book goes high up on the list of books I wish I had when I was a teenager. I'm so glad this exists for queer kids to read now. 

Happy Place by Emily Henry

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Harriet is a little too similar to me for my personal comfort. Obvi everything Emily writes is a masterpiece, but this one didn't hit for me like her others. Cleo and Kimmy are my best girls fr tho

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

this is literally the same plot as the book I read before this, but somehow this one hit me so much harder. the way Miles talks about his feelings and how he works through his identity feels so honest and tender (shoutout to you Edward) and I think Eric and I would be really good friends if I was 17 and he was a real person. also, I see myself a lot in Rachel. the passionate, opinionated, "too much," best friend is something that hit really close to home for me and I loved her immensely.

It's Not Like It's a Secret by Misa Sugiura

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I know teenagers are dumb and I think the author did a good job of realistically depicting dumb teenagers, but almost everything about this book made me mad. I also realize that this isn't necessarily for me. I'm a white cis queer woman in her 20s that just can't relate to a lot of the experiences that these characters had. I definitely don't think this book was poorly written, it just wasn't my particular cup of tea.

Second Dad Summer by Benjamin Klas

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

why am I crying at a book written for 12 year olds? I'm reading a bunch of queer kids books to sort them for a pride event and this was def one of my favorites. it's a very honest story of a young kid trying to come to terms with his parents' divorce and his dad's new (gay) relationship. add in a grouchy neighbor, a new friend, and a unicorn bicycle, and you have a sweet little book that will appeal to kids and grownups alike. 

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

It's giving RWRB, but more historical. I guess that would be The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. The central conflict wasn't particularly surprising, but I enjoyed it none the less. It was refreshing that the mains being queer wasn't really an issue. With the exception of a few evil people, pretty much nobody cared and that was cool. I would like to join the Doomsday family please.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

I want to wrap all of the kids in this book in a warm hug and protect them forever. My sweet lil babies deserved all of the love and kindness in the world. I will personally be kicking the asses of several of the adults in this book. Also, it's giving Encanto a little bit (just a little, but you get it, right?)

In The Event This Doesn't Fall Apart by Shannon Lee Barry

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

Shan is one of my most favorite social media presences and authors. I have a notebook full of quotes from her instagram captions. It's like you can feel every word that she writes in the deepest corners of your heart. 10 stars for Shannon, always.

Friday I'm in Love by Camryn Garrett

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

dear god these characters were annoying. maybe it's just because they're teenagers and i'm a crochety old 20-something now, but all of them, especially Mahalia, need to seriously touch grass

I Kissed Alice by Anna Birch

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75