writingqueerfic's reviews
67 reviews

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.5

I first read this book the year after release, about eight years ago now, and then I rated it a three star read. Upon my re-read, I'm a bit disappointed and have decided to lower it to a 2.5.

Maybe it was the mystery that held me so tightly the first time around, the thrill of trying to figure out who Blue could be. Without the wonder, it seemed like the narrative was lacking. There wasn't much to get excited about, but spotting the many many pop culture references.

Of course, as before, Simon is a relatable, if somewhat annoying, lead. We get to know him first through email and learn of his secret pen pal, whom he's in love with. The author does a great job of capturing the experience of having your first love and the feelings that come with it.

Blue, Simon's secret, is authetic enough to believe as a love interest and doesn't intrude on the overall narrative. I enjoy his and Simon's exchange of emails every few chapters, we get to learn about him in small doses, almost as if we are living the romances. Do I believe that he would have the confidence to post about his sexuality on a gossip page though, not really. There's a bit of a contrast of him being super shy but yet forthcoming.

Simon's three friends, i have a mixed bag of emotions about them.

Abby: She is a 10/10 character, loved every scene she was in. Her energy and her humour stole many scenes, and even when she was in conflict, she was level-headed.

Nick: Meh. He was just there most of the time, a plot device for conflict. Do I understand why so many people would like him? No.

Leah: I know some people love her, but I couldn't stand her attitude. I understand her being hurt for some of the decisions made, but let's not pretend that she didn't bring those upon herself with her endless angst. 

When Simon met Blue, I wish that this was the end of the narrative, or maybe after their first date. The making up with Leah should have been moved forward, and the email from Marton didn't need to happen...feck him. 

I understand there's a squeal, one I'm not interested in reading, but it seemed like the last few chapters were shoehorned in just to facilitate this.

So overall, I enjoyed Simon and Blue's love story, yet it holds none of the same whimsy it seemed to harber when I first read it. Maybe it's an age thing.

Playing Games by Riley Hart

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

It was a fun story, and I enjoyed the relationship dynamics (especially how quickly it all started, there was none of that awful will they won't they). There was maybe one to many spice scenes, but nothing that couldn't be skimmed.

Beautiful Dreamer by Christina Lee

lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.0

It was a nice short Christmas novella, perfect for a morning with nothing to do. Though, I have no interest in reading the second in the series (some books don't need these extended universe.)

Bat Boy by Christina Lee

adventurous emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

I really enjoyed this book. I started the series in the wrong order, all stand alone, and didn't enjoy the one I read first. This was a pleasant surprise.

Until We Meet Again by Christina Lee

emotional funny relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

It was a relaxing read.

Perfect Score by Christina Lee

hopeful relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

2.25

It was okay, a feel good story, but I'm not sure I'd have finished if it wasn't short enough to read in just one sitting.

Wranglestone by Darren Charlton
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.

DNF'd at 136 pages. The pace is all over the place, and I have no clue in which direction the plot is going. I tried, but I can read anymore. Some people would love this, but it's not for me.

Herc by Phoenicia Rogerson

adventurous challenging dark informative tense medium-paced

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

3.0

It's an alright read with some exciting chapters and loveable characters. I love re-tellings, and this one is well worth picking up if the topic interests you. I won't lie to you, though, and say that at parts I wasn't bored. There are so many POV's, and the timelines are so interwoven that it's easy to get lost. 

The Pledge by Cale Dietrich

fast-paced

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

1.0

I read it all just because I spent money on it.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.5

Away from Hogwarts, we see Harry and friends in a whole new light. This book was an absolute delight, and made me smile all through the last two chapters.