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olivialandryxo 's review for:

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles
3.0
emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into Not So Pure and Simple. Ultimately, I didn’t love or hate this novel. I liked Giles’ writing style and some of the themes incorporated into the story. While the characters definitely felt like teenagers and I admired the growth many of them experienced, I wasn’t attached to any of them. I appreciated the way the story ended, as it felt authentic. I don’t think there’s much else for me to say; although this wasn’t a book for me, it was a decent read and one I think will be important for and enjoyed by many actual teens.

Representation
  • Black protagonist and side characters
  • Black gay side character

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