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daisymaytwizell's review
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? It's complicated
5.0
Not usually the biggest fan of high school YA, and this definitely hits a few of those tropes - but the more I read, the more I connected to the characters, and the more Boteju developed them.
Another quick note - I loved that this focused on the characters' queerness without being a "coming out" story. Nima's conflict comes from exploring queer social groups and getting to know herself, but the fact that she is queer is just... a fact. It's so refreshing to see a young queer protagonist who is comfortable with their attraction - and Boteju does a great job crafting a queer coming-of-age narrative that doesn't require that big moment of "hey everyone, I'm X" for any of the characters.
I wish I'd been able to read this book as a teenager, and I'm so excited for the teenagers now who can.
Another quick note - I loved that this focused on the characters' queerness without being a "coming out" story. Nima's conflict comes from exploring queer social groups and getting to know herself, but the fact that she is queer is just... a fact. It's so refreshing to see a young queer protagonist who is comfortable with their attraction - and Boteju does a great job crafting a queer coming-of-age narrative that doesn't require that big moment of "hey everyone, I'm X" for any of the characters.
I wish I'd been able to read this book as a teenager, and I'm so excited for the teenagers now who can.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
Nothing sinister for the relationship, but Nima is 17 and has a relationship with a 21 y/o.
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