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kathrynhoss's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
A well-written and thought-provoking novel rich with cultural detail. I related to Lucky right away on a gender presentation level. It's rare for me to encounter female characters whom I relate to on this axis, who are also excited to be called "handsome" and feel most alive when wearing an open button down shirt.
It's the little things.
I was so into the first half of this book, but it became torturous for me personally. I have stopped reading coming out narratives for the most part, and now I remember why. I don't want to fill my head with any more gay suffering. The central conflict in this book is immensely believable and compelling: do you give up your family and that connection to your culture, or do you give up your personal truth? I was hoping this would resolve itself into some kind of cute romance, even if things didn't work out with Nisha or if Lucky's mom never accepted her. It did not. Lucky continues throughout the course of the novel to throw herself at the mercy of covert narcissists (IMO) who make her suffering all about them. She puts herself in dangerous situations almost as a form of self-harm. Her interior monologue verges on suicidal at times, which I found triggering and which I know could easily trigger others.
I think this is worth reading, but perhaps not if you're prone to depression or sensitive to homophobia.
It's the little things.
I was so into the first half of this book, but it became torturous for me personally. I have stopped reading coming out narratives for the most part, and now I remember why. I don't want to fill my head with any more gay suffering. The central conflict in this book is immensely believable and compelling: do you give up your family and that connection to your culture, or do you give up your personal truth?
I think this is worth reading, but perhaps not if you're prone to depression or sensitive to homophobia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Homophobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Self-destructive behavior, attempted date rape, and other potentially triggering sexual situations.
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