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therewillbenewsuns's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a really well-done debut by Erika Turner. It gives me hope for the future of queer YA literature. The main character, Aaliyah, is a Black lesbian who was forced out of the closet during her sophomore year of high school, leading her to drop out of her passion, track and field. About to start junior year, she has to figure out how to gain back her team's trust, in addition to being a baby gay with old and new crushes colliding. Aaliyah is fleshed out and imperfect, someone who I found myself empathizing with and rooting for, while also feeling frustrated with her as she navigates maintaining old and building new relationships. As a former baby gay from a religious family, I saw myself in her awkwardness and desire to be/feel loved as herself, to feel like there was nothing wrong with her.
What I really appreciated about this book is that none of the conflicts were wrapped up in a bow at the end.I think it showed a lot of strength and growth that Aaliyah does not try to get back together with Tessa, and knows she needs to do some self work before trying to sustain a romantic relationship. I also loved that she does not start a romance with Marissa, and instead asks for what she needs which is her best friend.
No relationships are fully put back together, but how could they be? That will take time and healing. They're teens dealing with college applications and unstable homes and relationships and sexuality and religion and the mess of life! And I think Turner captured that chaos and instability well, while also leaving the audition with a glint in their eyes-- a move towards new possibilities.
What I really appreciated about this book is that none of the conflicts were wrapped up in a bow at the end.
No relationships are fully put back together, but how could they be? That will take time and healing. They're teens dealing with college applications and unstable homes and relationships and sexuality and religion and the mess of life! And I think Turner captured that chaos and instability well, while also leaving the audition with a glint in their eyes-- a move towards new possibilities.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Alcohol
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to Macmillan for the free advance copy of this book.
- AND OTHER MISTAKES is the book you're looking for if you want a coming of age story that's messy, emotional, and filled with all the uncertainties of being a teenager.
- Not only that, but it's a diverse cast that's being allowed to be messy and difficult, featuring kids from many different background and with varying identities.
- I loved the exploration of the lines between friendship and love, and how extra messy they can get when queerness enters into the equation.
- Please do check the content warnings, since this book is pretty heavy. If you're up for it, it's more than worth it.
- AND OTHER MISTAKES is the book you're looking for if you want a coming of age story that's messy, emotional, and filled with all the uncertainties of being a teenager.
- Not only that, but it's a diverse cast that's being allowed to be messy and difficult, featuring kids from many different background and with varying identities.
- I loved the exploration of the lines between friendship and love, and how extra messy they can get when queerness enters into the equation.
- Please do check the content warnings, since this book is pretty heavy. If you're up for it, it's more than worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Religious bigotry, Outing, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content
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