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374 reviews
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
*screams* Listen. I started reading this book with a half-baked idea of what I was getting into, and I ended up enjoying it way more than I thought I would.
This was quite a ride. If I were to explain it very simply, I would say it was about gays trying to navigate high school, getting together, and gays leaving cryptic notes and gay panicking here and there. đđ
However, it was also about identity, about survival, about love we haven't really noticed before but found, about the people around us and the multitudes they hold. This book was funny, and heartfelt, and it was a delight to read.
This was quite a ride. If I were to explain it very simply, I would say it was about gays trying to navigate high school, getting together, and gays leaving cryptic notes and gay panicking here and there. đđ
However, it was also about identity, about survival, about love we haven't really noticed before but found, about the people around us and the multitudes they hold. This book was funny, and heartfelt, and it was a delight to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Homophobia
Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A Wayward Children novella just never disappoints me đ
I've been on a weird slump lately, but I think this is just what I needed. Whimsical and dark just like the rest of the books in the series, but also somehow more emotional? I don't know if that's the right word. What I know is that there was fear, and sadness, the desperation to be okay, and of course, hope.
I've been on a weird slump lately, but I think this is just what I needed. Whimsical and dark just like the rest of the books in the series, but also somehow more emotional? I don't know if that's the right word. What I know is that there was fear, and sadness, the desperation to be okay, and of course, hope.
Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
This book just confirmed something for me: Adib Khorram is now one of my favorite authors! This book, just like his other works Iâve read and loved (Darius the Great books), is beautifully done. Itâs a whole new different writing style, but the purpose and the meaning are evident and it is wonderful.
This book might seem simple, but it was anything but. Kiss & Tell tackled romance and boy bands, racism and privilege, the pressure towards queer people in the limelight. As well as the way people think they can dissect or stereotype celebrities and their lives, especially queer and people of color, and the way some people equate being gay to being promiscuous (itâs not), and then thinking sexual promiscuity is bad (itâs not). Even the unfair treatment of boy band fans and reducing them to teenage girls was briefly mentioned (as another fangirl and a part of the BTS ARMY, I know full well how this is). I was actually so surprised when I realized how much social issues this book highlighted, whether it be in a small or big way. It was poignant and relatable and thought-provoking in its own.
I also remember feeling so frustrated while reading this book. Not because it was bad (the total opposite), but because it showed perfectly how some people have a lot of ideas on the âproperâ way to be gay and if you donât meet that idea in their heads, youâre the horrible kind of gay and youâre now setting up a bad example for others. It was frustrating, yes, but it was an important discussion and I was so glad the author chose to point this out in the book.
Hunter, as a main character was both relatable and compelling for me. He is a character in the limelight, who has so much pressure and judgment on his shoulders, who still tries to do more in the best of his ability. I couldnât help but feel for him and everything he went through, and everything he wants and aspires to be.
I also loved the way the authorâs storytelling in Kiss & Tell. Not only did we have Hunterâs perspective, but the story can also be followed through the media articles and gossips, emails exchanged between music label executives, the social media reactions from both fans and the general public. This, for me, offered various other perspectives that added much more to the story. It provoked readers to think so critically, especially on how people think and act because of their own biases and prejudice.
As for the romance, I wasnât completely sold yet with Hunterâs love interest, Kaivan. I wanted to see more moments with the two of them and see their relationship fully bloom. Still, they were cute, and Hunter deserves another shot at love.
Overall, Kiss & Tell is a beautifully written YA novel meant to capture hearts and make people think. Itâs a well-thought out book and it deserves a lot of love.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Racism
The One True Me and You by Remi K. England
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
OKAY, HOW DARE THE AUTHOR CREATE SUCH A PERFECT YA BOOK THAT CAPTURES FANDOM AND COMMUNITY AND SISTERHOOD AND BEING QUEER SO MAGNIFICENTLY??? đđ
I HAVE NO OTHER WORDS RIGHT NOW. LET ME DROWN IN MY FEELS FIRST. đđ
Full review soon!
I HAVE NO OTHER WORDS RIGHT NOW. LET ME DROWN IN MY FEELS FIRST. đđ
Full review soon!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Homophobia
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
This got me crying at like 4 in the afternoon and, yes, I was hiding my face from my family. *cries some more*
This was SO SO GOOD. The bi rep, Nick's journey, Charlie's supportiveness and understanding, the drama, the fluff, the overall wholesomeness... Just everything in this one is so good and so lovely!
I am definitely enjoying this series way more than I originally thought I would. Now I really know why the fans adore this and the characters! I can't wait to dive into the next chapters!
This was SO SO GOOD. The bi rep, Nick's journey, Charlie's supportiveness and understanding, the drama, the fluff, the overall wholesomeness... Just everything in this one is so good and so lovely!
I am definitely enjoying this series way more than I originally thought I would. Now I really know why the fans adore this and the characters! I can't wait to dive into the next chapters!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Homophobia
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay, hello???? Now I know why so many of you love this book! *cries* I've been meaning to read this series since a lot of my friends recommend it, but I always can't find copies. Thank goodness I found it on Webtoon!
This was just so cute, so wholesome, and I'm so soft reading all about Charlie and Nick. Is it cheesy? Sometimes, a bit, yes. Does it have a thrilling or action-packed plot? Nope, if anything, this was more of a character-driven story. However, despite these, I love how quietly beautiful this story was. It didn't need to be dramatic, it didn't need to have an overly complicated plot. It just needed to be simple, and relatable, and captivating. That was all I needed.
Queers falling in love, not toxic at all, and just genuinely a wholesome story? HELL YES, I LOVE IT.
This was just so cute, so wholesome, and I'm so soft reading all about Charlie and Nick. Is it cheesy? Sometimes, a bit, yes. Does it have a thrilling or action-packed plot? Nope, if anything, this was more of a character-driven story. However, despite these, I love how quietly beautiful this story was. It didn't need to be dramatic, it didn't need to have an overly complicated plot. It just needed to be simple, and relatable, and captivating. That was all I needed.
Queers falling in love, not toxic at all, and just genuinely a wholesome story? HELL YES, I LOVE IT.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Homophobia
Love Somebody by Rachel Roasek
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
First read of 2021 and it was disaster bis! AAAHHHHHHH I am so glad I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This was messy and ridiculous at other times (they're technically catfishing the other MC, of course it's going to get chaotic and messy), but wow. It was also heartfelt and funny and sweet. It tackled love, family, identity, and the effort to connect with others. The characterization for me was on point as well because the three main characters shined in their own ways and they went on their individual arcs.
I adored this book! Exact rating: 4/5
This was messy and ridiculous at other times (they're technically catfishing the other MC, of course it's going to get chaotic and messy), but wow. It was also heartfelt and funny and sweet. It tackled love, family, identity, and the effort to connect with others. The characterization for me was on point as well because the three main characters shined in their own ways and they went on their individual arcs.
I adored this book! Exact rating: 4/5
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
My first time reading this and I was truly, pleasantly surprised! I can see why so many people cherish this book. It was heartbreaking and wholesome at the same time, and just so, so lovely. I loved the way it tackled life, humanity, friendship, and the way it showed how to find love and keep something special or unique.
(Also, can I just say, BTS book recommendations brought me here. And I'm so, so thankful to have read this!)
(Also, can I just say, BTS book recommendations brought me here. And I'm so, so thankful to have read this!)
Both Can Be True by Jules Machias
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow wow wow.
This book is all kinds of beautiful and heartfelt. đ„ș From Ash's journey into accepting who they are, to discussions about gender and how people always unnecessarily gender things and even emotions, to asking for forgiveness, to seeing another point of view in someone else's shoes and understanding them, to themes of friendship and family, and more. Above all, this book is also a testament to how parents/adults have such a big impact on children, especially when it comes to their identity, their gender, their sexuality.
This is just so, so wonderful, and so damn relatable for me too (although, that is a story for another day, and a lot of self-reflection is needed đ). Overall, this book is incredible, one that should be read by both kids and adults.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins/The Shelf Stuff for sending a copy my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
CW: bullying, deadnaming, transphobia, animal deaths/injury
This book is all kinds of beautiful and heartfelt. đ„ș From Ash's journey into accepting who they are, to discussions about gender and how people always unnecessarily gender things and even emotions, to asking for forgiveness, to seeing another point of view in someone else's shoes and understanding them, to themes of friendship and family, and more. Above all, this book is also a testament to how parents/adults have such a big impact on children, especially when it comes to their identity, their gender, their sexuality.
This is just so, so wonderful, and so damn relatable for me too (although, that is a story for another day, and a lot of self-reflection is needed đ). Overall, this book is incredible, one that should be read by both kids and adults.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins/The Shelf Stuff for sending a copy my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
CW: bullying, deadnaming, transphobia, animal deaths/injury
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Transphobia
Moderate: Animal death, Deadnaming, and Homophobia
The Art of Running Away by Sabrina Kleckner
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
WOW WOW WOW. If anyone sees me ugly crying, please LOOK AWAY.
Jokes aside. Wow. This book is so so beautifulâquiet and yet significant. It has queer rep and showed the struggle to be who you are and express who you are, it talked about what it means to be an ally, it talked about family and friendship, it talked about forgiveness and trust. It also talked about art, its worth, and how it can change lives symbolize love and passion.
I loved the innocence of this book, and the innocence of Maisie's perspective. We see her make some mistakes and be moody, which of course is normal especially for any 12 year old. But we also see her learn and educate herself, especially when it came to her brother, and being an ally.
Overall, I think this book was a tender and beautifully-written exploration of trust being broken and learning all about forgiveness and healing in your own way.
I loved reading this so much, I laughed and cried in the entirety of this book and I am so so grateful I got to read this at the perfect time. đ„ș
Thank you so much to the publicist at @northstareditions / @jollyfishpress for sending an e-arc my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Jokes aside. Wow. This book is so so beautifulâquiet and yet significant. It has queer rep and showed the struggle to be who you are and express who you are, it talked about what it means to be an ally, it talked about family and friendship, it talked about forgiveness and trust. It also talked about art, its worth, and how it can change lives symbolize love and passion.
I loved the innocence of this book, and the innocence of Maisie's perspective. We see her make some mistakes and be moody, which of course is normal especially for any 12 year old. But we also see her learn and educate herself, especially when it came to her brother, and being an ally.
Overall, I think this book was a tender and beautifully-written exploration of trust being broken and learning all about forgiveness and healing in your own way.
I loved reading this so much, I laughed and cried in the entirety of this book and I am so so grateful I got to read this at the perfect time. đ„ș
Thank you so much to the publicist at @northstareditions / @jollyfishpress for sending an e-arc my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia