gagne's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
a heartfelt young adult sapphic book about being a person of faith while finding oneself
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Death
The book takes place around a youth group church trip to Mexico, meaning a lot of talk about Christianity, faith, the church, as well as service trips abroad.ahopper7's review
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
4.5
I really wish I had this book when I was a teenager! I found myself in Aki’s character in so many ways, growing up gay black and Christian, all the thoughts she had, I also had. I think Robin did a good job of showing us the world through Aki’s eyes and hitting some of the lessens we learn as teens, even as I’m reading this at 31 I connected with the story and the characters. My heart ached for Christa’s character because she had to be shoved in the closest, so many of my friends and past partners had to hide themselves in that way. I liked how religion was a part of this story without being preachy or depressing, because often when religion and LGBTQ+ characters are in the same story, it’s either or and this story did a good job of showing how these two can coexist. I no longer considered myself religious but I 100% would have loved to have this as a teen. Also I’m pretty sure this is the first book I’ve ever read that actually addressed safe f/f sex, which I think should 100% get more coverage. I didn’t get the Lori storyline at some parts, and I do wish that I didn’t see the word chortled so many times, legit never even heard that before. Overall, I think the story was beautiful.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Homophobia
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