keahreads's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-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
5.0
katreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
I do not read a lot of romance books from the perspective of the male protagonist, but after reading this I think I should read more. I liked Del and felt for him throughout the story. The message of the story was so important and meaningful and I liked seeing how Giles got there.
the_mickstape's review against another edition
3.0
This book was easy to read, but the middle took some time to get through. I started the book and easily got to the first few hundred pages and lost steam! Mainly because Del’s coming of age journey involved various subplots that tended to meander. But in the end, the amount of backstory and character development was paired with a lesson in toxic masculinity and feminism. This would be a great read for young male readers, if they’re willing to stick with the narrative.
amslersf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
An excellently plotted story about toxic masculinity. Rich in atmosphere and complex characters. This book hella stands out in the YA field for its narrative, character, and thematic complexity.
lispylibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
So good! A very modern and interesting look at male entitlement as well as how we ALL need to be better people . I really loved this story and how it Incorporates family
nikkid810's review against another edition
5.0
I think everyone should read this book! It was amazing. Funny and thoughtful and it points out some very important things about how people treat each other and unrealistic expectations regarding relationships. Great story!
luigihello's review against another edition
3.0
almost a 4 star so liek 4.7??? idk. i read this book after being told by my friend it’s amazing!! but imo it just doesn’t really feel like a big interesting story line… the whole book is basically small scenes squished together while also trying to tackle teenager issues in the modern age. the main character del basically really likes this girl kiera so he joins this purity pledge that she’s in just to try to get with her. then they show him doing stuff during the purity pledge. i felt like sometimes there was just a lot of filler but it did help really show the characters which leads me to my next point. omg del is SO ANNOYING!! i feel like he’s supposed to be un likable to show toxic masc but DAMN you don’t gotta make him THIS OBNOXIOUS… in the beginning of the book i kinda sympathized for his but just while the book continue. but i have to admit most of the time, dels annoying-ness really made me wanna read to see what stupid thing he was going to do next. also (sorry i forgot his name) but there was this kid that who was dels “friend” but the whole time del kinda just used him to get with kiera and i felt so bad omg. last thing the ending was actually pretty cute. they all go to this church dance thing (i think? i read this book a while ago) and in the end del doesn’t get to go to the dance with kiera which, THANK GOD!!! because if poor kiera had to go through a whole night with that annoying hoe, omg i would feel SORRY for her. anyways.. kinda got into a rant there but overall the book wasn’t bad at all (like it was pretty engaging), just those small things kinda got me hella mad. but i may pick up something from lamar giles because his writting style is amazing he seems very talented. (guys i actually liked this book even though it seems like i don’t
chyreads29's review against another edition
4.0
I really, really enjoyed this. My one qualm is that I don't feel like I ever knew Del outside of his obsession with Kiera. I wanted to know more about who he was as a person: his thoughts on religion, his everyday quirks, his dreams, and aspirations. But besides that, the cast of characters is drawn so vividly and they each hook you into their individual stories! What I really love most about this is the subject matter. It's a conversation piece on toxic masculinity and rape culture from the male perspective, which we really don't have enough of. This book is so important for youth and I especially want to put it in the hands of all the boys I teach.
bambamsam's review against another edition
3.0
2.5-rounded up-I thought this book was decent. Concept was interesting, but i didn't think the way the plot played out was justified. Maybe the style of writing wasn't for me, but i just wouldn't recommend as a fantastic read.
alisarae's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Wow. Wow. Lamar Giles is doing the Lord's work.
Del is a high school senior in a small community in Virginia. When his long-time crush Kiera becomes single, Del concocts a plan to join the purity pledge group at their church in order to spend more time with her and, hopefully, make a move. When his best laid plans start to crack, Del is confronted with a harsh reality: maybe he isn't the "good guy" after all.
I was floored by how well this story teaches the concept of toxic masculinity. Cuz, if even the so called "nice guys" can have destructive and harmful behaviors and attitudes, what hope is there for change, right? The story lights a clear path forward.
Besides that, the portrayal of Christianity in this book is so so so good. I'm a church girl myself, and I've made the rounds. This book is accurate. How Mr Giles built layers of scripture, honest questions about God, different types of relationships towards God and religion, toxic churches, youth group kids, and modeling of Jesus' behavior and teachings blew me away.
This story has meat. YA at its finest: sharp, funny, poignant, deep realistic characters, seamlessly woven cultural layers. Dang. Hats off.
Del is a high school senior in a small community in Virginia. When his long-time crush Kiera becomes single, Del concocts a plan to join the purity pledge group at their church in order to spend more time with her and, hopefully, make a move. When his best laid plans start to crack, Del is confronted with a harsh reality: maybe he isn't the "good guy" after all.
I was floored by how well this story teaches the concept of toxic masculinity. Cuz, if even the so called "nice guys" can have destructive and harmful behaviors and attitudes, what hope is there for change, right? The story lights a clear path forward.
Besides that, the portrayal of Christianity in this book is so so so good. I'm a church girl myself, and I've made the rounds. This book is accurate. How Mr Giles built layers of scripture, honest questions about God, different types of relationships towards God and religion, toxic churches, youth group kids, and modeling of Jesus' behavior and teachings blew me away.
This story has meat. YA at its finest: sharp, funny, poignant, deep realistic characters, seamlessly woven cultural layers. Dang. Hats off.