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olivialandryxo 's review for:
Not So Pure and Simple
by Lamar Giles
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
Representation
- Black protagonist and side characters
- Black gay side character
Moderate: Body shaming, Religious bigotry
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexism
I’m not sure “body shaming” is the right term, but it was the best fit I could find in the offered tags. What I’m trying to convey is that the book contains slut-shaming, mostly regarding teen moms.