An in depth and diverse account of women's history! From the artwork to the facts, it was an amazing experience over all.

The beginning of this book felt like a two, but as we progressed, some parts were closer to three stars - possibly more if it weren't for some key details. 

Good things: There were some super cute and fluffy moments that I enjoyed.  I also really liked the description of her doing drag - the internal monologue and what it was like to preform.

Minor issues: Some of the main character's decision-making and behaviors were a bit insufferable. But, I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that she is quite similar to parts of me that I have a problem with. Also, some of her dad's reactions to things don't feel realistic. 

Major issues: 1. The fairy godmother trans woman trope! It's awesome that there's a trans woman who is present in the book, but she is stereotypical in so many ways. And I don't think the book did a well enough job differentiating drag queens and trans women. Furthermore, the way she is initially described with focus on her muscles and other details made me uncomfortable - I could absolutely see that making someone dysphoric. 

2. The biggest problem that I had with this book was age. I know it's YA, so there's typically a focus on high schoolers, but I couldn't help but be creeped out. If they had been college aged, this could have been avoided. As a 17 year old, she sneaks into adult spaces, gets alcohol, makes out with adults. Even her friend relationship with a 30+ year old was so odd to read. As an adult, I would be horrified to learn that someone who was in a bar that I had chatted up or kissed was 17. I just had a really hard time with the fact that she was so young going into adult spaces.

Edit: I am still keeping my original review down below, but noticing that I did rate this book, I feel the need to add some things since I do not condone this author. While this might be good for people starting at square one to learn about feminism, Adichie has made it abundantly clear (to the point of smearing specific trans authors) that her feminism is not inclusive of trans people (and actively harmful towards them). There are other authors with more nuanced primers that have works that are available. 

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I'm unsure of a star rating for this work. As an introduction for people who do not know much about feminism, I would say 4/4.5. It has a really important perspective from someone who is Nigerian and goes between countries. But as someone who isn't coming in without any other experience, it seems to be missing some things, which makes me want to rate it 3 stars. I took issue with the fact that some of what she says does not consider trans and nonbinary people at all. She also gives an awful lot of credit to men who are doing the bare minimum. I split the difference and put it at 4 stars.

This story was incredibly moving, incredibly effective, and incredibly important. It's a memoir told primarily in second person through a series of short chapters showing scenes, descriptions, metaphors, and commentary. She brings you through falling in love, the first experiences of anger, emotional whiplash, to fear, and then how it lingers. 

This book is beautiful and brilliant on all levels. The writing is brilliant in a literary sense. The reader experiences the relationship intimately, but only through windows - the closest one can be to experiencing another person's story, no mater how "complete" it feels. It brings to light abuse in queer relationships - a topic that desperately needs attention and nuance in so many ways

 This is the best book that I have read so far in 2020.