Scan barcode
marcosbedbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really sweet novel that dealt with family issues that I really enjoyed! However, I was not a huge fan of the main characters and would have preferred if we got to see more of Noah and Josh. The novel felt like it was written for a younger audience other than Young Adult readers, which isn't necessarily a bad thing; it was just something I wasn't a fan of. Overall, while I did enjoy this book, it didn't leave much of a lasting impression on me.
kaleria's review against another edition
3.0
I was thrilled to find a YA book featuring queer parents! Most books with queer parents are Children's Lit.
The first 70 pages were a battle for me - I really disliked the two main characters, particularly Hollis' anger at her deceased mother and her grieving mother. I would not have bothered finishing the book if I didn't have a vested interest in reading YA books with queer parents. It felt like the text was simply acting out all the hurtful things people have said about families like mine - that they're broken, missing something, that the biological mother is not a real mother... readers who don't have the same emotional relation to the subject may find the beginning isn't such a rough read. For those who do, I can say that the second 2 thirds of the book are far more enjoyable and Natasha Friend finally manages to bring out other parts of each of their families. By the end, I really cared about Hollis and Milo and their mothers.
I do worry that this book might be misleading if it's read without outside knowledge. Many queer-parented kids with anonymous sperm donors don't care who their biological father is. Often, straight-parented people assume we're 'missing something'. My family has always been whole just the way it is. I've never felt I was missing someone. People have different relationships with the idea of their sperm donor. It's not that some folk don't wonder or research, but the diversity of experiences weren't captured in this. That's not so much a fault in the book, as a concern about what an uninformed reader might walk away assuming.
The first 70 pages were a battle for me - I really disliked the two main characters, particularly Hollis' anger at her deceased mother and her grieving mother. I would not have bothered finishing the book if I didn't have a vested interest in reading YA books with queer parents. It felt like the text was simply acting out all the hurtful things people have said about families like mine - that they're broken, missing something, that the biological mother is not a real mother... readers who don't have the same emotional relation to the subject may find the beginning isn't such a rough read. For those who do, I can say that the second 2 thirds of the book are far more enjoyable and Natasha Friend finally manages to bring out other parts of each of their families. By the end, I really cared about Hollis and Milo and their mothers.
I do worry that this book might be misleading if it's read without outside knowledge. Many queer-parented kids with anonymous sperm donors don't care who their biological father is. Often, straight-parented people assume we're 'missing something'. My family has always been whole just the way it is. I've never felt I was missing someone. People have different relationships with the idea of their sperm donor. It's not that some folk don't wonder or research, but the diversity of experiences weren't captured in this. That's not so much a fault in the book, as a concern about what an uninformed reader might walk away assuming.
marieintheraw's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed how similar yet different the two main characters are. I enjoyed how Milo wanted to know about their sperm donor mostly for medical reasons. It did an excellent job discussing how the other parent feels when the child isn't biologically theirs.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
nklosty's review against another edition
4.0
Milo and Hollis strike me as a perfect pair. Their banter and wit fit perfectly with teenagers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I'm left wondering what the Other F-word is though. 95
teehee_jeeello's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
snapplespice's review against another edition
2.0
This book seemed really promising, as I've never seen a YA novel about kids with lesbian moms looking for their sperm donor. As a lesbian myself, I love reading books about queer families and I am slowly building my LGBTQ YA collection to have available for my future children (who, like the characters in this story, will likely come from sperm donors). I took a personal interest in this book for a variety of reasons but unfortunately, I was left a bit disappointed.
First, I understand that Hollis is written as a character who has some deep regrets about the death of her non-bio mom/her relationship with her right before it happened, which I'm assuming is why she speaks of her death fairly nonchalantly for a majority of the book. Still, I found this really unsettling. She refers to this person (who raised her from before-birth) by her first name throughout the text. I also find it hard to believe that seven years after this woman's death, Hollis never spoke to one person about what she was feeling/thinking? From the beginning, this treatment of the dead non-bio mom put me off this character/made me hesitant about the rest of the story. Sure, it gets slightly better at the end, but I feel like it is a too-little, too-late situation.
Second, why include the random, not-quiet-thought-out love story between Milo and the girl at school? It is never really developed, and totally unnecessary for the storyline.
Third, Hollis doesn't seem to reflect upon her choices in even the smallest way. She hooks up with another girl's boyfriend for "fun", but mostly to get revenge on this girl who said something terrible in the 2nd grade. Yes, what she said was traumatic - but the issue of Hollis using sexuality to get revenge on another girl her age (who is clearly suffering at the hands of her own verbally abusive mother) was NOT handled well at all in this book. That's some serious "mean girl" stuff! I disliked Hollis as a character because of her inability to reflect or feel any sort of compassion for another clearly hurting character (other than the moment she calls her "not fat", which is meant as a compliment).
Finally, I wanted to learn more about JJ/his experiences as an adopted child. Small tid-bits are thrown out there, but we never really get to see the serious side of JJ (and there clearly is one).
While there were moments about this book I liked, I get the impression that the author underestimated the story she was trying to tell. I admit I don't know much about the author (only what her online bios reveal), but I am willing to bet she does not have/did not grow up in a queer family. The lesbian moms fall into many stereotypes (I feel more comfortable in pants! I obsess over my cat! We live in Brooklyn, where everyone is gay!) and the drive to find the sperm donor comes initially from wanting more medical information (which of course is valid, but you would think other reasons for wanting to find him might be a bit more present/developed). Overall, I'm glad this book attempted to tell a story that needs more attention, but it could have been a lot better.
Spoiler
First, I understand that Hollis is written as a character who has some deep regrets about the death of her non-bio mom/her relationship with her right before it happened, which I'm assuming is why she speaks of her death fairly nonchalantly for a majority of the book. Still, I found this really unsettling. She refers to this person (who raised her from before-birth) by her first name throughout the text. I also find it hard to believe that seven years after this woman's death, Hollis never spoke to one person about what she was feeling/thinking? From the beginning, this treatment of the dead non-bio mom put me off this character/made me hesitant about the rest of the story. Sure, it gets slightly better at the end, but I feel like it is a too-little, too-late situation.
Second, why include the random, not-quiet-thought-out love story between Milo and the girl at school? It is never really developed, and totally unnecessary for the storyline.
Third, Hollis doesn't seem to reflect upon her choices in even the smallest way. She hooks up with another girl's boyfriend for "fun", but mostly to get revenge on this girl who said something terrible in the 2nd grade. Yes, what she said was traumatic - but the issue of Hollis using sexuality to get revenge on another girl her age (who is clearly suffering at the hands of her own verbally abusive mother) was NOT handled well at all in this book. That's some serious "mean girl" stuff! I disliked Hollis as a character because of her inability to reflect or feel any sort of compassion for another clearly hurting character (other than the moment she calls her "not fat", which is meant as a compliment).
Finally, I wanted to learn more about JJ/his experiences as an adopted child. Small tid-bits are thrown out there, but we never really get to see the serious side of JJ (and there clearly is one).
While there were moments about this book I liked, I get the impression that the author underestimated the story she was trying to tell. I admit I don't know much about the author (only what her online bios reveal), but I am willing to bet she does not have/did not grow up in a queer family. The lesbian moms fall into many stereotypes (I feel more comfortable in pants! I obsess over my cat! We live in Brooklyn, where everyone is gay!) and the drive to find the sperm donor comes initially from wanting more medical information (which of course is valid, but you would think other reasons for wanting to find him might be a bit more present/developed). Overall, I'm glad this book attempted to tell a story that needs more attention, but it could have been a lot better.
einsteinapproved's review against another edition
emotional
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.75
bestdressedbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know where to start with this book. First of all this is more of a 3.5 star rating. I enjoyed it more than I didn't enjoy it but there are some issues.
I love most of the characters in the story, the relationships that build, the back stories as well were told quite well.
But
I hate Hollis! Its hard to be invested in a story when its a split perspective and one of then you really don't like. On the flip side I love Milo.
There were too many typical YA tropes:
-mean girl use to be be best friends
-the first guy introduced (not Milo) ends up with the main character
-the parents being cool about something no parent in real life works agree too because it serves the story line.
And the ending.......i don't know if I loved it or hated it. Too simplistic or left everything up to the readers imagination.
I love most of the characters in the story, the relationships that build, the back stories as well were told quite well.
But
I hate Hollis! Its hard to be invested in a story when its a split perspective and one of then you really don't like. On the flip side I love Milo.
There were too many typical YA tropes:
-mean girl use to be be best friends
-the first guy introduced (not Milo) ends up with the main character
-the parents being cool about something no parent in real life works agree too because it serves the story line.
And the ending.......i don't know if I loved it or hated it. Too simplistic or left everything up to the readers imagination.
michelle_pink_polka_dot's review against another edition
5.0
This book was practically perfect. I consider myself a fairly pessimistic person, and always find at least one or two annoyances with every book. Even if they are minor. I think good reviews should always point out the good AND the bad, so I like to explore what I like and what didn't work as well for me. So as I'm reading this book, I'm like WHAT am I going to say that I would change?? Upon closing the book, I realized I got nothing.
So this book is initially about Milo and Hollis (and the book features them as duel narrators) and how they are half siblings-- related through their sperm donor. They had met as small kids and haven't kept in touch, but now Milo wants Hollis to help him find out who their sperm donor is. Milo SAYS it's for medical reasons (he has severe allergies), but it becomes obvious that the reason goes way deeper than that.
Eventually they find out that there are more people that had children using the same donor as theirs-- meaning they have OTHER half-siblings. They all join in group email sessions discussing everything from their feelings about finding their donor to home life to genetics to everyday life things.
Milo has this pot-head friend at school, and I kind of thought ah-ha!! This is what I'm not going to like about this book. The D-Bag friend. But, no. JJ freaking GREW on me. Once we really get to know JJ, it's impossible not to like him.
So what exactly did I love about this book: Besides everything?? Okay, I loved the way the author handled Hollis and her hook-ups with Gunner (a football player that she was using to get back at a friend and also distract her from her feelings). It could have left me with a bad taste in my mouth-- but I kind of loved Hollis for it. FINALLY!! A girl who admits that she likes hooking up. It's okay for us to do it too people!! Also, I think a lot of people use sex and sexy-times as a way to feel good about themselves or for all sorts of various reasons that have nothing to do with the person they're hooking up with. I love that that was explored.
I loved all the siblings and their relationships with each other!! I loved the parents and all their issues and complicated feelings about the kids wanting to find the donor. I loved how Ms. Friend took us on a journey-- and that journey ended up being really exciting. By mid-point in the book, I was on pins and needles waiting for them to figure out how to find their donor & wondering what this man would think about finding out his sperm donation resulted in having 5 children.
This was the most unique book that I've read in a long time. It didn't go into any usual tropes and it didn't randomly let a romance take over the plot when there were bigger issues to deal with. I can't wait to read more by Natasha Friend!!
OVERALL: This book needs WAY more attention. I thought it was witty, silly, nuanced, and one of the most unique YA books I've read in a long time. Do yourself a favor and add this to the TBR.
My Blog:
So this book is initially about Milo and Hollis (and the book features them as duel narrators) and how they are half siblings-- related through their sperm donor. They had met as small kids and haven't kept in touch, but now Milo wants Hollis to help him find out who their sperm donor is. Milo SAYS it's for medical reasons (he has severe allergies), but it becomes obvious that the reason goes way deeper than that.
Eventually they find out that there are more people that had children using the same donor as theirs-- meaning they have OTHER half-siblings. They all join in group email sessions discussing everything from their feelings about finding their donor to home life to genetics to everyday life things.
Milo has this pot-head friend at school, and I kind of thought ah-ha!! This is what I'm not going to like about this book. The D-Bag friend. But, no. JJ freaking GREW on me. Once we really get to know JJ, it's impossible not to like him.
So what exactly did I love about this book: Besides everything?? Okay, I loved the way the author handled Hollis and her hook-ups with Gunner (a football player that she was using to get back at a friend and also distract her from her feelings). It could have left me with a bad taste in my mouth-- but I kind of loved Hollis for it. FINALLY!! A girl who admits that she likes hooking up. It's okay for us to do it too people!! Also, I think a lot of people use sex and sexy-times as a way to feel good about themselves or for all sorts of various reasons that have nothing to do with the person they're hooking up with. I love that that was explored.
I loved all the siblings and their relationships with each other!! I loved the parents and all their issues and complicated feelings about the kids wanting to find the donor. I loved how Ms. Friend took us on a journey-- and that journey ended up being really exciting. By mid-point in the book, I was on pins and needles waiting for them to figure out how to find their donor & wondering what this man would think about finding out his sperm donation resulted in having 5 children.
This was the most unique book that I've read in a long time. It didn't go into any usual tropes and it didn't randomly let a romance take over the plot when there were bigger issues to deal with. I can't wait to read more by Natasha Friend!!
OVERALL: This book needs WAY more attention. I thought it was witty, silly, nuanced, and one of the most unique YA books I've read in a long time. Do yourself a favor and add this to the TBR.
My Blog:
charmaineac's review against another edition
4.0
I read a few Natasha Friend books a really long time ago (probably a decade ago?), so it's been a while. What struck me about this story was how unique it was! I haven't read any books about in vitro fertilization before, and I felt like this book painted a really good picture of the different kinds of realities that would lead to that choice. It might have been more interesting if Pam were alive instead of Leigh, but that's the only thing I could think of!
I really thought we were going to see some Hollis-Milo action, so I was pleasantly surprised by their respective crushes. Also, JJ is prime, and I think I like his story the most. His vested interest in the progeny project is absolutely plausible. Hollis is so angry and gets caught up by such small maters. I hope she gains some perspective on these things that bug her, and that she learns how to forgive and forget. Milo, on the other hand, needs to put some big-boy pants on and take initiative. I do feel for his sheltered and highly allergic childhood though.
The story ended a little too open-ended for my liking. I wish we got to see some interactions with Will Bardo! At the same time, it makes sense that the story ended like it did. I'm sure half-siblings via artificial insemination make a relationship like no other, and I hope this topic gets explored more as technology improves.
I really thought we were going to see some Hollis-Milo action, so I was pleasantly surprised by their respective crushes. Also, JJ is prime, and I think I like his story the most. His vested interest in the progeny project is absolutely plausible. Hollis is so angry and gets caught up by such small maters. I hope she gains some perspective on these things that bug her, and that she learns how to forgive and forget. Milo, on the other hand, needs to put some big-boy pants on and take initiative. I do feel for his sheltered and highly allergic childhood though.
The story ended a little too open-ended for my liking. I wish we got to see some interactions with Will Bardo! At the same time, it makes sense that the story ended like it did. I'm sure half-siblings via artificial insemination make a relationship like no other, and I hope this topic gets explored more as technology improves.