For my second book review for Pride Month, I present Queerceañera, the sweetest book that made me say “Awww, baby boy!!” out loud both in joy and in sadness, bc our main character Joaquin is adorable & feels so much. It’s five stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Initially I checked out a physical copy from the library for my camping trip two weeks ago, but bc I never wanted stop reading it even when I was doing my hikes, I also downloaded the audiobook. It was a fantastic experience!! 

Once again I am reminded that my JAM is sweet queer teens of color with excellent friends trying to figure out their place in the world and with each other. A bit niche perhaps but clearly not impossible to find!! Other top contenders I love in this genre: 

Anywho back to Queerceañera! I especially enjoyed how the author explored the family dynamics. Joaquin’s dad, sister, and uncle are supportive & encouraging of his sexuality (Joaquin may say “too supportive” lol) and his mom is…..less so. His mom has remarried and has another family, and often makes targeted comments about gay people in Joaquin’s presence and then says she doesn’t mean anything by it. Dislike!!

This book is not queer joy where everything is wrapped up & perfectly solved at the end - it’s still realistic in its handling of difficult family members and different view points. Everything isn’t magically solved and that’s ok! What changes is how Joaquin grows and believes in himself, and changes how he views others. Joaquin’s got GROWTH! That’s the true joy, believing in yourself and in your community that steps up. 

I don’t usually enjoy second chance romances but Crespo is so good that I was rooting for Joaquin and Felix!! Often second chance romances have some big (and imo) unforgivable situation that I don’t enjoy, whereas this one was a misunderstanding and also…realistic. Like, yeah, I get it. And spoiler alert: they do fall in love after fake dating!!