1.5, if I am feeling generous.
RANT.

I can not even with this MC. He is a privileged, self involved egomaniac who not only does shitty things to the people around him, but is 100% enabled to do so. He is a shit friend, and never has to grow. He is a shit boyfriend who talks about (lectures and beats the reader over the head, would be more accurate) his own ability to be woke, understanding and having personal growth... while never actually being any of those this.
While I can completely suspend reality for a good story, I need to point out that a 17 year old, especially this 17 year old, is not pulling off a heroic feat such as the one in this book.
So incredibly frustrating!
I will say, the queer representation was refreshing in that I appreciate any and all queer stories, especially when our queer characters don't have to justify their existence or get outted/ostracised.

2.5

This is hands down, the weirdest, most bizarre book I have ever read. Not mad about it.

4.5
I could not put this down!

TW for pretty much everything.

So messed up, but so well written

I can not believe this is a debut novel - the nuisance, beauty and rawness of this writing is phenomenal. Australian publishing is taking steps in the right direction, but there are so many amazing first nations voices and stories that we need to hear, I hope this is an indication of things to come.

I destroyed this in one sitting, and will read anything and everything this author puts out in the future

3.5