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unmistakablyphoenix's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was not written for me, so I didn’t connect with the main character almost at all. I liked some of the side characters, despised some of the others.
I enjoyed watching the main character figure out himself and become emotionally stronger, I did admire him for his self awareness.
I also enjoyed the focus on music and instruments, I seem to enjoy YA books that have a big focus on a hobby the character loves. I think it grounds the story very well.
I found it hard to get through the first half of the book, but about 70% of the way in it got really good and finished on a high note.
I enjoyed the writing style, though it did get overly detailed at some points. I’m not sure if that’s a character quirk or the author’s style, so I guess I’d have to read another of his books to find out.
Would recommend this for queer men with an anxiety disorder and love of playing music, the main character should be very relatable for you!
I enjoyed watching the main character figure out himself and become emotionally stronger, I did admire him for his self awareness.
I also enjoyed the focus on music and instruments, I seem to enjoy YA books that have a big focus on a hobby the character loves. I think it grounds the story very well.
I found it hard to get through the first half of the book, but about 70% of the way in it got really good and finished on a high note.
I enjoyed the writing style, though it did get overly detailed at some points. I’m not sure if that’s a character quirk or the author’s style, so I guess I’d have to read another of his books to find out.
Would recommend this for queer men with an anxiety disorder and love of playing music, the main character should be very relatable for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Outing, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Homophobia, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
beniamino's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The way younger me would have EATEN THIS UP. It's a really great book for gay youth, I think, which is why I have to give it a low rating; I've just grown up a bunch. Maybe I've "toughened up" or something, but I found myself cringing at everything going on. Kind of weird how creepily similar I am with MC. His anxiety seems really overdone, but maybe that's just 'cause anxiety's a spectrum – also, probably I was just cringing at his conversations with others about anxiety because I never had those... his eating disorder plotline was done really really well, though; I also like the ending which focusses on him rather than the relationship. I have to give it a lower rating because his relationship with Pierce made me physically cringe, especially how fast it went... honestly, it's probably just been too long since I've read YA; but this is a perfect beach read, lighthearted when it's too dark, a great read for young gays. :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, and Outing
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual harassment
montyalmoro's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
larabezzina's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was enjoyable and a quick read that helped break me out of a reading slump (I finished it in one sitting) however while the story was enjoyable there were aspects of the writing and some coverage of sensitive topics that felt superficial. For example it felt as though the author just googled touristy spots in London and then wrote from that. Furthermore, while some topics like navigating toxic relationships were covered in great depth there were several incidents in the book that seemingly came out of no where such as eating disorders and an instance where the MC is nearly sexually assaulted and were then resolved as though they were trivial which felt insincere, unrealistic and tested my suspension of belief (including the fact that the MC has severe anxiety but still manages to drop everything and move overseas without a solid plan). Still, the book does a fantastic job of representing lgbt young people, is a wonderful story about found family and was rich in musical knowledge that felt very authentic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
just_fenne's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
(Okay so I want to start off by saying: sorry if there are mistakes in this. It’s 3AM and English is not my first language.)
As a LGBTQ+ teen with a “traditional” mum and bad anxiety I relate a lot with Marty. I did not expect this book to take such a dark turn but I do think that Stamper wrote about the right feelings in the right way.
The reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I think Marty’s mental and physical health issues were not as well portrayed at the end. The eating issues didn’t get mentioned again. For me it felt like most of his problems “ended” because he was on better terms with his parents. I wish the book/last chapter had been a little longer so these things would’ve been clearer to the reader.
As a LGBTQ+ teen with a “traditional” mum and bad anxiety I relate a lot with Marty. I did not expect this book to take such a dark turn but I do think that Stamper wrote about the right feelings in the right way.
The reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I think Marty’s mental and physical health issues were not as well portrayed at the end. The eating issues didn’t get mentioned again. For me it felt like most of his problems “ended” because he was on better terms with his parents. I wish the book/last chapter had been a little longer so these things would’ve been clearer to the reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Outing
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent
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