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jennifer_bush_73's reviews
698 reviews
Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"Home Field Advantage" by Dahlia Adler offers a refreshing take on YA LGBTQIA+ sports romance. Set in the midst of Atherton high school, the football team is mediocre at best. But the novel introduces Jack Walsh, a star quarterback who challenges stereotypes and expectations as a female player. As Jack navigates her way around teammates who resent her, and school mates who are suspicious of her, she begins budding romance with cheerleader Amber McCloud. Author Dahlia Adler deftly explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of high school relationships. With its engaging plot twists and authentic portrayal of teenage life, "Home Field Advantage" is a must-read for fans of the genre. Adler's compelling storytelling and diverse characters make this novel a standout addition to YA literature.
Winging It by Morgan James, Ashlyn Kane
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The Winging It Holiday Special by Morgan James, Ashlyn Kane
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Since She's Been Gone by Sagit Schwartz
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fatphobia, Medical content, Drug abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Murder, Gaslighting, Addiction, Body shaming, Drug use, Grief, and Miscarriage
Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gaslighting, Murder, Child death, and Violence
Curveball by Eric Goodman
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
“Curveball” by Eric Goodman offers a compelling narrative intertwining the dreams and struggles of Jess, a talented minor league pitcher, and his catcher and best friend, Rah. Their journey, colored by Jess’s hidden sexuality and unspoken feelings for Rah, is both heartwarming and hopeful. However, while their dynamic is engaging, the book falls short in fully exploring their relationship, leaving readers yearning for more depth and insight into their connection.
The subplot involving Jess’s father, Joe, and his strained relationship with his own father, Jack, adds layers of complexity to the story. Joe’s fall from grace due to gambling accusations, juxtaposed with his unwavering silence, raises questions about loyalty and sacrifice. Yet, despite its potential, this aspect of the narrative feels underdeveloped and at times, distracting. The repeated references to Jack as “the bookie” hint at deeper intrigue, but the lack of exploration leaves readers wanting.
Moreover, the inclusion of an additional storyline centered on Jess’s father feels extraneous and detracts from the main narrative. While it hints at familial secrets, it fails to significantly impact Jess’s journey, serving as a mere distraction that slows the pacing of the book. This subplot, feels disconnected and unnecessary within the broader context of Jess’s story.
Overall, “Curveball” offers a touching portrayal of friendship, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships. While it excels in depicting Jess and Rah’s bond, the narrative falters in fully capitalizing on its secondary plotlines. Despite its shortcomings, Goodman’s novel leaves readers with a sense of optimism and a desire for deeper exploration of its characters’ lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Homophobia, Antisemitism, Outing, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Medical content and Medical trauma
Minor: Mental illness, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Season's Change by Cait Nary
hopeful
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? Yes
3.25
You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
I love this book. It makes me feel hope. It has replenished my dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. It gives me hope. I am going to pretend that Eddie and Mark are real people who exist in 2024.
We Could Be Heroes by Philip Ellis
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
"We Could Be Heroes" by Philip Ellis isn’t for me. I may not be the right audience for this story. I couldn’t connect with the story of the characters. The book has a promising premise but I was disappointed in the actual story because I found the characters to be boring and self-involved. Some of the supporting characters were narcissistic and unlikable. The characters lack depth, and the attempt to interweave the Kismet comic books into the story feels forced and distracting. At the 40% point, I gave up. Life is too short to force myself to read something that puts me to sleep.