forevermorepages's Reviews (811)

I don’t really have a lot of coherent thoughts about this book yet. I really appreciated how it discussed depression (much like in the first book) and how we see the aftermath of coming out in more detail than books usually give. I also just...adore Darius.

I think the difference between 4 and 5 stars are how I wished there were just a few more chapters, something resolving the situation between Darius and Chip, maybe more about his dad’s mental health, and how Sohrab is adjusting.

Ultimately, though, I did love this, and I found myself more connected to Darius than I was in the first book!

So...the moment I acquire funds, I'm buying this book. I've had my eyes on it forever and it finally showed up in my library's e-library (probably because of me—I think I requested it multiple times). I knew I was going to love this book and I was right. It's the #ownvoices Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda that y'all are sleeping on. The author is gay and mixed race (from South Africa!), same as the main character, and his author's note is all about what representation means to him and how important it is for gay kids to have #ownvoices stories to read.

(I would like to note that I originally wrote this review before Becky Albertalli came out. Simon Vs is still an important and relevant queer book! This just reminded me of it and isn't necessarily any more #ownvoices than Simon is!)

There's a call within the YA community for less coming out stories and while I respect the need for stories of queer people just existing, I think we need both. There can never be too many coming out stories because just one could help a queer kid do it themselves. I've always reached for coming out stories myself, probably because I've yet to reach the stage of being a queer person just existing. We can't really exist as queer until we come out as queer (well we can, but not publicly, ya know?)

But anyway, my point is that representation does matter.

I'm not going to shut up about this book ever am I?

It's wonderfully written, so romantic, and it doesn't feel like insta-love even though it kind of is. There are a few cheesy parts, especially the monologue Kai gives when he

comes out to his parents

but I can take a little bit of cheesiness if the rest of the book is *gestures* this good.

I highly recommend this, especially looking past the reviews saying we should be done with books about queer pain. One review in particular suggested that this book is preachy, that everything that happened was meant to be frowned upon, to which...I dunno. Yes, the things that happened happened so that the author could acknowledge them, but it didn't feel forced to me or preachy at all. It felt raw and real and news flash! it's not always rainbows and sunshine when someone comes out. I wish it were.

But anyway, sorry, that was besides the point. The point is that this book is amazing and I highly recommend it.

-Book Hugger

This is quite possibly one of the best things I have ever read this year and at the earliest time possible, I am going to purchase myself a copy (and maybe one for my mom). I just...how can something be so good?

I...I remember why this one used to be my favorite of the series. I don't think it quite tops my love of The Lightning Thief but this one is absolutely incredible and I'd forgotten how powerful the ending is. Only one more to go!

-Book Hugger

That was...incredible.

I have a lot of things to say, so hopefully I can chug out a review tonight when my emotions aren't so raw...but wow, this is definitely one of my favorites of the year, highly recommend.

-Book Hugger

I feel as deeply invested as I should have when I was in elementary and middle school. Time to buy the rest of the series and read them again too! (I borrowed the rest from my 6th grade teacher, bless her).

But anyway...wow I loved this so much this time around. I can't believe I ever disliked it. Honestly the only flaws in my mind are the unbelievability of the adults (the cops would never let 12 yr olds fly alone on a plane after being kidnapped, sorry, and I have to think that they would be chaperoned on their quests, not just sent into the wilderness to fend for themselves) and how Percy didn't really seem 12 (maybe more like 14 or 15). But honestly? I'm so in love with this concept, this world, this book, and Rick's writing (which I used to hate? weird?)

Wish I could go back to middle school, shake myself, and tell her that she could love this book so much more.

But that's the past, I guess. Better late than never, right?

beautiful writing, but not as impactful as i had hoped

i would also love to dress like mr. toad. we love a fashionable man.

I wouldn't say I loved this as much as We Are Okay but those are very big shoes to fill. I connected a lot more to the characters in We Are Okay and related more to the content, so I think that pretty much explains their major differences in my heart.

With that said, Watch Over Me is a very beautiful book that I'm so glad I picked up. Nina LaCour simply has a wonderful way with words and her stories are so powerful and moving. I especially loved the symbolism throughout the books, with ghosts and houses and jewelry. The idea of choosing your family, accepting something instead of being accepted, is such an important message.

This is, honestly, a more uplifting story than We Are Okay was, but both are very heavy in their own way. I left this one with a small smile though, instead of eyes filled with tears. I highly recommend reading this one!!

-Book Hugger

beautiful prose and love story; I just don't have the brainpower or concentration to adore Jane Austen the way other people do

Of course I love everything Alice Oseman writes and I especially love the Heartstopper/Solitaire gang. However, I do wish this had either been a bit longer or had had a more solidified ending. It felt like it was missing a conclusion, something more light-hearted to stitch the story together. Otherwise, I especially loved reading the banter between Nick and Charlie (as per usual) and being in Tori's head once again! Definitely a reminder of how dark Hearstopper is going to get soon though!


tw: eating disorders, suicide attempt, self-harm, discussions of hospital/mental institutions