robinks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I flew through this book, though as a fellow QT AAPI person, it was really challenging to read through the bullying and Aiden’s palpable feelings. I didn’t really like the art style, and the flame metaphor was a bit of a stretch, but overall this is a powerful, hopefully story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Bullying, and Misogyny
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Outing, and Sexual content
spookieboogie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Body shaming, Religious bigotry, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, and Racial slurs
Minor: Blood, Cursing, Self harm, Outing, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
brogan7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this book about a boy discovering his sexual identity. Set in a boy scout camp circa 1995, it traces the story of Aiden, a boy of mixed race who doesn't think he is gay but maybe he is gay...?
I loved the illustrations, the characters (Aiden himself but also his friends at camp, his girl pen pal best friend, his counsellors and his family). They were all complicated and imperfect and "real" because of it...it reminded me of how fraught those years are, grades 7-8-9...and I don't say that just in a lighthearted way. How hard it is to navigate identity when you're just starting out, and you don't have the understanding to name your own frame of reference...how hard it is to not fit in.
It also shows how deeply misogynistic and toxic adolescent boy culture is...which makes me sad for all of us.
I loved the illustrations, the characters (Aiden himself but also his friends at camp, his girl pen pal best friend, his counsellors and his family). They were all complicated and imperfect and "real" because of it...it reminded me of how fraught those years are, grades 7-8-9...and I don't say that just in a lighthearted way. How hard it is to navigate identity when you're just starting out, and you don't have the understanding to name your own frame of reference...how hard it is to not fit in.
It also shows how deeply misogynistic and toxic adolescent boy culture is...which makes me sad for all of us.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Homophobia, Body shaming, and Misogyny
tinyelfarcanist's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Flamer is a collection of toxic masculinity tropes represented in Aiden's summer camp peers and the bullying he is a victim of.
I was excited to read this highly rated queer tale. Unfortunately, I couldn't relate to the MC and the character development felt rushed.
I was excited to read this highly rated queer tale. Unfortunately, I couldn't relate to the MC and the character development felt rushed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Bullying, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Outing, Sexual content, Misogyny, Racism, and Body shaming
Minor: Fatphobia
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