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tkuchta's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
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? Yes
4.0
smilingzombiess's review against another edition
4.0
If I could, I'd give this book a 3.5. It gripped me more than I thought it would, going into it, yet I also found parts of it to be pretty predictable as it went along.
canread_willread's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
janagaton's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this audiobook. There is a copious amount of very important discussions about being queer/trans/part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It got a little too YA for me at times, which is why it's not a 5 star rating, but overall, it was really cute & heart-wrenching at times, and I definitely understand the hype.
thegreenship's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
leonor_sousa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lbarsk's review
4.0
Ah!! So sweet and thoughtful and filled with hope. A really well-thought out and sweet exploration of gender, love (familial & romantic), support, and friendship. In particular I appreciate how Callender made a point of saying in their author's note/acknowledgements, "Here are books and resources that helped me come to my identity -- I hope that this book can be the same for those who need it." That's really special!! Also, this is one of the few books set in Contemporary NYC that... actually feels true-to-life and written by someone who lives in the city and understands it. Other writers, take note!
art1610's review against another edition
4.0
The most pressing matter that I feel needs to be addressed is the substantial use of the word "effing". It not only pained me, but led me to petition for the deletion of the word in our vocabulary. The word "freaking" had a similar effect, to a lesser degree of course.
Now onto other matters. The book was really great, I loved a lot of it. But I also did not love a lot of it.
For instance, the Harry Potter references. I know, it was probably not possible for revisions so late into the book's release, however there shouldn't be that many references of the book in 2020 to begin with. Let's be serious. I had to close the book for a bit after every reference because it physically pained me.
Also, multiple times plot points became very obvious to the reader and it just ended up being a waiting game for when the MC was going to acknowledge and move on the plot. Case 1: Declan not being the gallery poster. Right from the start, I was doubtful of it, and so was Felix and Ezra. The fact it took over 100 pages to confirm it was tiresome. Case 2: Ezra being in love with Felix. It took another 100 pages for that "revelation" that was obvious from the start. Case 3: Declan and Felix never working as a couple. Multiple times through multiple chapters, Felix acknowledges the fact that their relationship might not be healthy while continuously thinking of Ezra.
This brings me to my next point; the repetition. All of these plot points wouldn't have been too exhaustive if their wasn't so much of it repeated that the plot points were practically spoon-fed before the reader even got to it.
Now, what I did like. Character development. Seeing Felix learn from his mistakes and seeing the struggles others besides him can go through, was nice. It was good to see a visible difference between Felix chapter 1 and Felix chapter 24, especially pertaining to his interactions with other characters. The parallels of his old self being posted without his permission to the gallery, and his new self-portraits being posted to the gallery in celebration, was really really sweet. The entire pride parade scene brought me to tears, the emails to his mom even more so.
I believe that is all the word vomit I can manage for this book. Overall, would recommend to a friend :)
Now onto other matters. The book was really great, I loved a lot of it. But I also did not love a lot of it.
For instance, the Harry Potter references. I know, it was probably not possible for revisions so late into the book's release, however there shouldn't be that many references of the book in 2020 to begin with. Let's be serious. I had to close the book for a bit after every reference because it physically pained me.
Also, multiple times plot points became very obvious to the reader and it just ended up being a waiting game for when the MC was going to acknowledge and move on the plot. Case 1: Declan not being the gallery poster. Right from the start, I was doubtful of it, and so was Felix and Ezra. The fact it took over 100 pages to confirm it was tiresome. Case 2: Ezra being in love with Felix. It took another 100 pages for that "revelation" that was obvious from the start. Case 3: Declan and Felix never working as a couple. Multiple times through multiple chapters, Felix acknowledges the fact that their relationship might not be healthy while continuously thinking of Ezra.
This brings me to my next point; the repetition. All of these plot points wouldn't have been too exhaustive if their wasn't so much of it repeated that the plot points were practically spoon-fed before the reader even got to it.
Now, what I did like. Character development. Seeing Felix learn from his mistakes and seeing the struggles others besides him can go through, was nice. It was good to see a visible difference between Felix chapter 1 and Felix chapter 24, especially pertaining to his interactions with other characters. The parallels of his old self being posted without his permission to the gallery, and his new self-portraits being posted to the gallery in celebration, was really really sweet. The entire pride parade scene brought me to tears, the emails to his mom even more so.
I believe that is all the word vomit I can manage for this book. Overall, would recommend to a friend :)