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ninetalevixen
Buddy read with Cornelia! ❤
2.5 stars.
The beginning was pretty great, establishing a super-creepy (and quite graphic) setting; I liked the balanced suspense from knowing some, but not all, of what was going to happen. Of course the representation was great: an explicitly asexual character and two explicit WLWs (one possibly bi/pan), and a good example of how easy it is to throw in diverse characters without minimizing their experiences or having it take over the plot. The writing flowed, though it sometimes was a little too descriptive, bordering on cheesy or awkward.
But somewhere around the middle, maybe partly because I read this book over a month so I was constantly dropping in and out of the story, I started to lose interest. Not much was happening besides some teenage angst and a sharp turn into overt and unnuanced man-hating (except for Grayson of course, because he's a cinnamon roll in a very corrupt world) and some victim-blaming. I also didn't like the ending; I felt like it undermined so much of the buildup going into the climax.
So yeah. Great premise, great setup, but it kind of fizzled.
Recommended by Chaima @ Run Away with Dream Thieves.
2.5 stars.
The beginning was pretty great, establishing a super-creepy (and quite graphic) setting; I liked the balanced suspense from knowing some, but not all, of what was going to happen. Of course the representation was great: an explicitly asexual character and two explicit WLWs (one possibly bi/pan), and a good example of how easy it is to throw in diverse characters without minimizing their experiences or having it take over the plot. The writing flowed, though it sometimes was a little too descriptive, bordering on cheesy or awkward.
But somewhere around the middle, maybe partly because I read this book over a month so I was constantly dropping in and out of the story, I started to lose interest. Not much was happening besides some teenage angst and a sharp turn into overt and unnuanced man-hating (except for Grayson of course, because he's a cinnamon roll in a very corrupt world) and some victim-blaming. I also didn't like the ending; I felt like it undermined so much of the buildup going into the climax.
So yeah. Great premise, great setup, but it kind of fizzled.
Recommended by Chaima @ Run Away with Dream Thieves.
(Jan 2019 pick for Dragons & Tea Book Club.)
Before I get into it: I was not the right reader for this book. So many other people loved it, and I do genuinely believe this book could potentially be a lifeline for a young person who finds themself in any kind of comparable situation. But it could just as easily be devastating for that same vulnerable young person, so please, please be aware of the content warnings and your own mental state.
content warnings:
---
So. I actually can't remember the last time any book made me so angry. Which one might argue shows that this book achieved some kind of purpose, but I strongly disagree with the execution. That said, I'll try to keep this relatively brief because one of my resolutions for 2019 was to stop giving so much attention and energy and time to things that are not good for my mental health. (I did consider stepping away before writing this review, but I think I need to just let it all out so I can let go of it for good.)
I remember thinking at several points that I should just DNF and be done with it — but I persevered because it was a book club pick. (This is not me casting blame. It is an explanation of why I kept reading even though, or perhaps because, I was honestly baffled by whatever everyone else saw in this book and I was clearly missing.) Now I wish I had followed that instinct, because for most of the book I just felt disconnected. From the characters, from the "Bridge to Terabithia but darker"-style imaginings, from the awkward dialogue and short chapters in which very little happens. I couldn't get any kind of read on August or Jack or any of the minor characters, so perhaps this was a doomed endeavor from the start.
Let's talk about the ending, because that was the point at which I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. Since reading [b:Everything, Everything|18692431|Everything, Everything|Nicola Yoon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1450515891s/18692431.jpg|26540216], I've been more than wary of narratives that resolve in. (Though, I thought for a second that we were getting a twist, and at least we didn't?) Actually, everything that happens in the hospital infuriates me — especially the scene in which Dr. Cho tells August that , because I absolutely cannot wrap my head around a licensed psychologist saying this to a patient during a session. As a healthcare major and someone who has been through years of therapy, everything about the oblivious and unprofessional (if supposedly well-meaning) asylum staff pisses me off.
One could understandably argue that in this case all the above re: the hospital just enhances the tragedy because it drives home just how thoroughly all the adults in August's and Jack's lives failed them, but it still doesn't sit right with me. Because apparently, based on my understanding of the author's note, the premise of this book and the root of all problems is that all the authority figures in August's and Jack's lives thoroughly and repeatedly failed them, and therefore the "young people" may have made highly questionable decisions but did absolutely nothing wrong — because evidently are all justifiable if you have no parental figures or support system outside of your best friend in your life. Never mind all the times August recognizes that his relationship with Jack is unhealthy, "probably abusive/toxic," and promptly and deliberately decides to ignore it, or all the times the twins try to intervene, or all the times Alex or Rina expresses concern and is brushed off. Related: the minor characters get a brutally raw deal here. (On a side note, I'm not sure whether Rina is supposed to be considered an adult or a "young person" in this narrative, but since apparently after the book ends, I'm leaning towards the latter.)
Allegedly, this book has good representation for mental illness, questioning & bisexual & poly characters, and even a D/s relationship. I personally didn't get any of that, but I can see why someone else might (YMMV).
So yeah. If you're still reading this, don't let me scare you away from what might become your next favorite book. But don't say I didn't warn you.
Before I get into it: I was not the right reader for this book. So many other people loved it, and I do genuinely believe this book could potentially be a lifeline for a young person who finds themself in any kind of comparable situation. But it could just as easily be devastating for that same vulnerable young person, so please, please be aware of the content warnings and your own mental state.
content warnings:
Spoiler
parental neglect (physical and emotional), arson, violence, sexual content, mental illness: hallucinations (peduncular hallucinosis, or degenerative hallucinatory disorder), psychological codependency, severe anxiety (panic attacks), pyromania---
So. I actually can't remember the last time any book made me so angry. Which one might argue shows that this book achieved some kind of purpose, but I strongly disagree with the execution. That said, I'll try to keep this relatively brief because one of my resolutions for 2019 was to stop giving so much attention and energy and time to things that are not good for my mental health. (I did consider stepping away before writing this review, but I think I need to just let it all out so I can let go of it for good.)
I remember thinking at several points that I should just DNF and be done with it — but I persevered because it was a book club pick. (This is not me casting blame. It is an explanation of why I kept reading even though, or perhaps because, I was honestly baffled by whatever everyone else saw in this book and I was clearly missing.) Now I wish I had followed that instinct, because for most of the book I just felt disconnected. From the characters, from the "Bridge to Terabithia but darker"-style imaginings, from the awkward dialogue and short chapters in which very little happens. I couldn't get any kind of read on August or Jack or any of the minor characters, so perhaps this was a doomed endeavor from the start.
Let's talk about the ending, because that was the point at which I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. Since reading [b:Everything, Everything|18692431|Everything, Everything|Nicola Yoon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1450515891s/18692431.jpg|26540216], I've been more than wary of narratives that resolve in
Spoiler
a major illness/disorder/medical condition that is quickly and neatly fixedSpoiler
"Jack is actually a figment of August's imagination and actually August is the one with hallucinations"Spoiler
he needs to be the "responsible" one because he's "not actually dealing with a serious mental illness. [He's] a bit obsessive, codependent, and clearly possess a terrible sense of judgment. But [...] not criminally insane"One could understandably argue that in this case all the above re: the hospital just enhances the tragedy because it drives home just how thoroughly all the adults in August's and Jack's lives failed them, but it still doesn't sit right with me. Because apparently, based on my understanding of the author's note, the premise of this book and the root of all problems is that all the authority figures in August's and Jack's lives thoroughly and repeatedly failed them, and therefore the "young people" may have made highly questionable decisions but did absolutely nothing wrong — because evidently
Spoiler
dealing drugs in school, setting fire to a book in a school parking lot, and burning down an old factory, abandoned or not,Spoiler
she ends up in a poly relationship with the boysAllegedly, this book has good representation for mental illness, questioning & bisexual & poly characters, and even a D/s relationship. I personally didn't get any of that, but I can see why someone else might (YMMV).
So yeah. If you're still reading this, don't let me scare you away from what might become your next favorite book. But don't say I didn't warn you.
Buddy read with Melanie! ❤
3.5 stars.
This is super super cute with a generous side of realistic teenage awkwardness — simultaneously cringey and relatable, the epitome of secondhand embarrassment. The diversity is also great, not just Ben being Puerto Rican but financially and academically less well-off; Arthur being Jewish and having ADHD. I especially loved all the different family and friendship dynamics: love is love is love, and its familial, platonic, and romantic forms are all equally important.
That said, some of the drama (offhand privileged comments, lack of clear communication) seemed a little manufactured for the sake of drama, which is where this book lost half a star; I also didn’t think the epilogue was needed. The modern references were a little over-the-top (especially in the beginning, where Ben is constantly talking about Instagram and Twitter, and Arthur says “squad” like twenty times in five pages; it later turns into an excess of Hamilton references: the same few famous lines over and over; I would’ve minded less if there was more variety, but some of those “not throwing away my shot” references were a stretch), and I was a little put off when I found out how self-insert-y the authors were (matching their initials and home states to the characters).
But anyway, this is very sweet and very gay. It’s a good time.
3.5 stars.
This is super super cute with a generous side of realistic teenage awkwardness — simultaneously cringey and relatable, the epitome of secondhand embarrassment. The diversity is also great, not just Ben being Puerto Rican but financially and academically less well-off; Arthur being Jewish and having ADHD. I especially loved all the different family and friendship dynamics: love is love is love, and its familial, platonic, and romantic forms are all equally important.
That said, some of the drama (offhand privileged comments, lack of clear communication) seemed a little manufactured for the sake of drama, which is where this book lost half a star; I also didn’t think the epilogue was needed. The modern references were a little over-the-top (especially in the beginning, where Ben is constantly talking about Instagram and Twitter, and Arthur says “squad” like twenty times in five pages; it later turns into an excess of Hamilton references: the same few famous lines over and over; I would’ve minded less if there was more variety, but some of those “not throwing away my shot” references were a stretch), and I was a little put off when I found out how self-insert-y the authors were (matching their initials and home states to the characters).
But anyway, this is very sweet and very gay. It’s a good time.
3.5 stars.
This book is kind of in-your-face about sexuality and related topics, but it fits (Jack exemplifies “out and proud,” and he is literally writing a blog column about sex & relationship advice) and covers a lot of important issues: consent, virginity, BDSM, asexuality, and choice. The Jack of Hearts columns even double as legitimately good “what they don’t teach you in sex ed” Q&As.
And it wasn’t all about hookup/relationship drama, of course. I particularly appreciated Jack’s relationship with his working single mom — imperfect but accepting and indubitably loving — and the many interpersonal relationships displayed, including coed close friendships between sexuality-compatible guys and girls. I also got a laugh out of Jenna’s role as the “straight best friend,” flipping the usual trope on its head without being outrageous or offensive.
I had some early reservations since Jack is in some ways pretty stereotypically “gay” (makeup, fashion, promiscuity), as is Ben in other ways (clothing design, “girl”), but there are just so many mlm in this book (including at least one who’s explicitly bi!) that it ultimately doesn’t really bother me.
The plot is alright, nothing really groundbreaking but pretty well executed; it’s such a shitty but unfortunately believable thing for someone to do (though maybe I just read too much contemporary YA and I’ve become desensitized) and I genuinely sympathized with Jack and each of his friends. I didn’t predict the culprit but it was fairly believable. Again, people suck.
This book is kind of in-your-face about sexuality and related topics, but it fits (Jack exemplifies “out and proud,” and he is literally writing a blog column about sex & relationship advice) and covers a lot of important issues: consent, virginity, BDSM, asexuality, and choice. The Jack of Hearts columns even double as legitimately good “what they don’t teach you in sex ed” Q&As.
And it wasn’t all about hookup/relationship drama, of course. I particularly appreciated Jack’s relationship with his working single mom — imperfect but accepting and indubitably loving — and the many interpersonal relationships displayed, including coed close friendships between sexuality-compatible guys and girls. I also got a laugh out of Jenna’s role as the “straight best friend,” flipping the usual trope on its head without being outrageous or offensive.
I had some early reservations since Jack is in some ways pretty stereotypically “gay” (makeup, fashion, promiscuity), as is Ben in other ways (clothing design, “girl”), but there are just so many mlm in this book (including at least one who’s explicitly bi!) that it ultimately doesn’t really bother me.
The plot is alright, nothing really groundbreaking but pretty well executed; it’s such a shitty but unfortunately believable thing for someone to do (though maybe I just read too much contemporary YA and I’ve become desensitized) and I genuinely sympathized with Jack and each of his friends. I didn’t predict the culprit but it was fairly believable. Again, people suck.
3.5 stars.
As representation for a specific way of life (lgbtq, poor, and white in the South) it’s an eye-opening read, but I felt like the political/personal-identity themes were more than a little heavy-handed — lots of sharp one-liners, almost- and actual arguments, really blunt symbolism, though there are a lot of nuances represented. Ruth is self-identified homoromantic demisexual, out and proud; her brother Saul is gay and vivacious but otherwise pretty normal; Ramona herself initially identifies as a lesbian and so struggles with labels as she finds herself attracted to a male childhood best friend. There’s reflection on race and socioeconomic class, some good Southern values (neighborly hospitality and strong community); the reviews led me to expect more of an emphasis on Ramona’s swimming, so I was slightly disappointed despite knowing logically that this was probably the best balance with everything else going on in this novel.
A handful of lines made me stop and savor, though none really led me to think differently. Appreciate my privilege and consider another perspective, yes; radically alter my worldview, no.
As representation for a specific way of life (lgbtq, poor, and white in the South) it’s an eye-opening read, but I felt like the political/personal-identity themes were more than a little heavy-handed — lots of sharp one-liners, almost- and actual arguments, really blunt symbolism, though there are a lot of nuances represented. Ruth is self-identified homoromantic demisexual, out and proud; her brother Saul is gay and vivacious but otherwise pretty normal; Ramona herself initially identifies as a lesbian and so struggles with labels as she finds herself attracted to a male childhood best friend. There’s reflection on race and socioeconomic class, some good Southern values (neighborly hospitality and strong community); the reviews led me to expect more of an emphasis on Ramona’s swimming, so I was slightly disappointed despite knowing logically that this was probably the best balance with everything else going on in this novel.
A handful of lines made me stop and savor, though none really led me to think differently. Appreciate my privilege and consider another perspective, yes; radically alter my worldview, no.
I’ve read through 2.5 life trajectories so far (I died once, went back and chose another path); they were both hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure. Though I don’t really follow celebrity affairs and am too young to have followed Doogie Howser, MD in real time and too lazy to have watched all of HIMYM, I have loved NPH in everything I’ve seen him in (most recently, ASOUE) and felt admiration and goodwill when his name appears in my newsfeed. Which is to say: this book is great, it sounds like him, and I enjoyed it.
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CUTE. SO CUTE. I don’t even feel weird calling it fluffy, because that’s what it is and Leah would both understand and appreciate the fandom term.
Where to even start? Becky Albertalli is brilliant at this, high school realistic-fiction with all the quintessential tropes and themes BUT with vibrant lovable LGBTQ characters and storylines. (And I loved the name-drops from her other books!) Love triangles are suddenly not just acceptable but interesting and delightfully dramatic when they’re intertwined with the complexities of sexuality. Prom becomes that much brighter and almost purer with happy queer couples center stage.
Further props for representation in making Leah fat, and all the little microaggressions that come with nonconformity of any kind. However, I will say I’m not a huge fan of the us-vs-them (eg, squad vs Taylor Metternick, Leah vs skinny dressing room girls) snide remarks and resentment, even if it is realistic; call me idealistic, but I just think we should blame the system instead of people on the other end of the socially-constructed spectrum.
Where to even start? Becky Albertalli is brilliant at this, high school realistic-fiction with all the quintessential tropes and themes BUT with vibrant lovable LGBTQ characters and storylines. (And I loved the name-drops from her other books!) Love triangles are suddenly not just acceptable but interesting and delightfully dramatic when they’re intertwined with the complexities of sexuality. Prom becomes that much brighter and almost purer with happy queer couples center stage.
Further props for representation in making Leah fat, and all the little microaggressions that come with nonconformity of any kind. However, I will say I’m not a huge fan of the us-vs-them (eg, squad vs Taylor Metternick, Leah vs skinny dressing room girls) snide remarks and resentment, even if it is realistic; call me idealistic, but I just think we should blame the system instead of people on the other end of the socially-constructed spectrum.
It's not really groundbreaking - I've lost count of how many YA romances I've read with this basic plotline, minus the lgbtq (and poc!) rep - but there's maybe something subversive in that, in and of itself. I was quite happy with who Blue turned out to be; . Lots of dynamic relationships, both romantic and platonic and nebulously undefined (parents, siblings, sexuality-incompatible best friends, possible and actual love interests, antagonists and allies...); the cast is also really diverse, most notably with bisexual and black characters.
I noted pretty early on that Simon buys into a lot of stereotypes, and while as a character flaw it's realistic and forgivable I would've liked to see him called out on it (at least, more substantially than). Also, I didn't feel like the subplot with Leah was given enough focus; I get that it was a secondary storyline, but I would've liked to see it given more page-time because friendships are just as important as romantic relationships.
Spoiler
I came up with Martin much earlier than Simon did, and I was hoping it wasn't him; I also considered his brother Carter through the same reasoning. Since the characters with speaking lines and known names were limited, I did briefly wonder if it was Bram, so I'm feeling pretty pleased that I was rightI noted pretty early on that Simon buys into a lot of stereotypes, and while as a character flaw it's realistic and forgivable I would've liked to see him called out on it (at least, more substantially than
Spoiler
his surprise about who backed him up after the Tumblr post, or that soccer players like Bram weren't quite who he thought they wereSpoiler
feeling like Abby replaced her in the group
Despite the line "It's better if it's complicated," this story felt simple in a refreshing way. Limited cast of characters, very contained plot and setting, and yet it is so very evocative. I can't quite explain the feeling — it reminds me of how I feel about We Were Liars, though they're distinct novels: something about the disillusionment and loneliness and imperfect families. However, We Are Okay feels more quietly optimistic (as one might guess from the title) in a very lovely and realistic way: the kind of story that lights up a little corner of the literary universe.