Second reading thoughts:
- surprised at the sheer amount of sexual innuendo
- I have so much less patience for everyone at age 20 than I did at 14. A little bit the kids, but mostly the ADULTS (why is the friar so damn irresponsible???).

Such a fluid and compelling story of perseverance & spirit in the face of adversity. The intricacies of class/who deserves wealth irritated me at times, but in a tolerable way.

Follows a group of teenagers figuring out what consent is and how it impacts their own relationships. I appreciate the emphasis on communication, and I like that we get to see both girls' and boys' thoughts and experiences separately and together. This is definitely just an entry point into a larger conversation, but I'm glad it exists!

I found Lara so irritating, and then I saw that the synopsis said it was a reimagining of Emma by Jane Austen and I was like wow.......yep. It’s that clueless, controlling anti-heroine again..,love that girl...but seriously this book was fine and I liked the sort of coming-of-age vibe but it made me mad that the kids were such assholes to each other. Even in the end no one really held Lara accountable for her bullshit. Didn't hate it but also couldn't say I really enjoyed it.

I loved this book. Super interesting interpersonal dynamics and subtle, original world-building make this story so excellent.

A sister and two brothers enter a dark and menacing wood on the way to see their father. A trickster god lurks in the shadows; his animalistic victims dance raucously in his wake. An angel watches the children, having vowed to protect them. The siblings get separated. What will happen?

Key issue: chastity.

Overwrought justifications and rejustifications based on reinterpreted Bible verses. A lot of it seems like a stretch, even though I agree with Milton's ultimate point. Just such a slog.