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alex1252's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
bickie's review
4.0
Honest exploration of sexuality based on author's own experiences. 3 POV starting with Coop, a Black boy who lives with his pediatrician mom (dad died in a car crash), Rae, a biracial Chinese/Irish girl new to town who lives with her divorced dad (a pediatrician), and then Jupiter, a biracial Black/Latina living with her two dads. Cooper is in love with Jupiter and pretty much has been since they became friends when he moved next door when they were 7. Jupiter is a lesbian, so that will never happen, but Coop still hopes. Rae seems to like both of them. Much discussion about sexuality and sex, how you know what sexuality label works for you - or not. Also discussion about sexual agency and consent.
Spoiler
Rae, at 15, has had coerced/manipulative sex with a boy; Jupiter has never kissed anyone romantically; Coop has girlfriends but has never had sex. Each explores new territory in the book.bookcub's review
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
I hated this book with a burning passion. Run far, far away from it
eloracookauthor's review
Unfortunately, I'm calling this one a DNF just under 100 pages.
This was my first Nic Stone book and an ARC at that, which I was very excited to get into, but my biggest and almost sole issue is that there's no plot pushing the story forward. Others who like LGBTQ+ stories regardless of what the plot or conflict is will probably still enjoy this one and may even find a strong connection to the characters, but alas I wasn't one of them. I hope between now and publication, Stone speeds up the story and adds more conflict around the love triangle so readers can be gripping the book wondering how the dynamic will work out.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an ARC to review
This was my first Nic Stone book and an ARC at that, which I was very excited to get into, but my biggest and almost sole issue is that there's no plot pushing the story forward. Others who like LGBTQ+ stories regardless of what the plot or conflict is will probably still enjoy this one and may even find a strong connection to the characters, but alas I wasn't one of them. I hope between now and publication, Stone speeds up the story and adds more conflict around the love triangle so readers can be gripping the book wondering how the dynamic will work out.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an ARC to review
juliemarie26's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
moniquemaggiore's review
5.0
This book is about a teenage love triangle. It is an amazing story of love and friendship, as these three teenagers reshape their identities. This was a tough topic but Stone does a great job with how well this book is written. I loved the three character narrative as I liked the three different perspectives. I was hooked on this book from the very beginning and I highly recommend it!
jwinchell's review
5.0
The future is nonbinary. Wow! I loved this book. It’s been a bit since I finished a hearty YA novel in one day and stayed up late to do it. All 3 characters have such depth and unique perspective. The love triangle was expertly executed. The characters and their love are the story, but so are their sexual identities. And by that I mean their questions about their sexual identities. I can’t wait to put the rainbow flag sticker on the spine and for the right kid to come across it so that they feel ok to question and explore who they love.
veecaswell's review
4.0
More a 3.5.
From the bestselling author of Dear Martin comes a new story of old friendships, new crushes and the path to self-discovery and it’s good.
It’s a realistic book, and the characters really do feel like they connect together throughout this book, Jupe’s and Coop’s relationship is a really well built one that works well in this book and the building plot between the two allows for the two characters to work well in this book.
Though I’m not a fan of the writing style within this book and certain things that are put in this book (the biphobia for example, I don’t feel is really called out in this book at all for example) the plot does feel like it could happen in this book in a high school even though I feel like this book could have explored so much more (looking at you polyamory).
It’s a great book with a strong YA story that has a pretty feel good ending.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for review).
From the bestselling author of Dear Martin comes a new story of old friendships, new crushes and the path to self-discovery and it’s good.
It’s a realistic book, and the characters really do feel like they connect together throughout this book, Jupe’s and Coop’s relationship is a really well built one that works well in this book and the building plot between the two allows for the two characters to work well in this book.
Though I’m not a fan of the writing style within this book and certain things that are put in this book (the biphobia for example, I don’t feel is really called out in this book at all for example) the plot does feel like it could happen in this book in a high school even though I feel like this book could have explored so much more (looking at you polyamory).
It’s a great book with a strong YA story that has a pretty feel good ending.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for review).
rachelbookdragon's review
4.0
Strong start, strong ending, didn’t love Rae’s narrator for the audiobook in the middle section. I don’t do whiny, crying narrators at this point in my life.
This book, while I found the Carousel Carl subplot confusing, was tightly written for character journey, humorous when the characters called for it, and had a great message about sexuality and labels that I hope resonates with the YA audience. It was a enjoyable read on many levels with great characters, fun yet frustrating romance, and great emotional payoff. It’s a great contemporary novel that I’m glad I picked up. Nic Stone is amazing and I’ll keep picking up her books. Her voice and humor in her writing is so honest and smart, I am such a supporter of her stories. Dear Martin was my favorite contemporary read of all the books I read last year and she continues to deliver quality storytelling.
This book, while I found the Carousel Carl subplot confusing, was tightly written for character journey, humorous when the characters called for it, and had a great message about sexuality and labels that I hope resonates with the YA audience. It was a enjoyable read on many levels with great characters, fun yet frustrating romance, and great emotional payoff. It’s a great contemporary novel that I’m glad I picked up. Nic Stone is amazing and I’ll keep picking up her books. Her voice and humor in her writing is so honest and smart, I am such a supporter of her stories. Dear Martin was my favorite contemporary read of all the books I read last year and she continues to deliver quality storytelling.
motionsickgayboy's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0