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mamareadstuff's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
As a 30 something, I was obviously not the target audience, but it was a great YA, coming of age story. Add in being Black and Jewish, trying to come out, a blended family, mental illness, sibling bonds, first relationships, and more. It's a LOT for one book, but the author did a great job at not making it an afterschool special, not shying away from nuance, and telling a compelling story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Violence, Stalking, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, Racism, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Abortion, Death of parent, and Alcohol
citymouse's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia and Alcohol
Minor: Mental illness, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Stalking
station12reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"Right now, I just want to look at my brother, be at peace with the fact that he's going to get better."
"Little & Lion" by Brandy Colbert is a captivating coming-of-age novel that delicately melds themes of identity, mental health, and the complexities of romantic, platonic, & familial love. Colbert's writing effortlessly drew me into the lives of sister and brother MCs Suzette (Little) and Lionel (Lion), creating an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact.
What truly sets "Little & Lion" apart is its portrayal of mental health. Colbert handles the topic with remarkable sensitivity, shining a spotlight on Lion's struggle with bipolar disorder. Her heartfelt approach brings an authenticity that helps readers empathize deeply with the characters' experiences and the impact of mental health on their relationships.
The forms of love depicted in this story transcend traditional boundaries. The bonds between family, friends, and romantic partners are explored in all their complexity, showcasing the myriad ways in which love can both heal and challenge us. The relationships between Little, Lion, and their friends are beautifully nuanced, offering a profound exploration of loyalty, forgiveness, and acceptance.
I'd highly recommend this read to any reader YA and up, as it deals with some mature themes and does include sexual experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content and Stalking
amandalorianxo's review
emotional
reflective
medium-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
3.0
I loved the multi faceted layers and diversity that is in this novel. Our Reformed Jewish bisexual black female main character, Suzette, is trying to navigate her summer before her senior year and decides to go home after spending a year in boarding school in Massachusetts. When she was gone, her stepbrother Lionel was going through adjustments to his life, having recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and taking meds. There was so much that was done right and some things that I wasn’t 100% sure about. I might have to re-read later to figure out what exactly wasn’t hitting the mark but it might revolve around Rafaela and Lionel (as a couple not individually although Lionel won’t be winning Favorite Male Character from me.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Sexual content, Blood, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
laurenw's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Lesbophobia, and Outing
Moderate: Biphobia, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Antisemitism, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abortion
leigh_ann_15_deaf's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Deaf reader reviewing books with deaf characters.
The diversity in this novel is excellent. I like narrator's voice and interesting story. Heartfelt. Enjoyable.
As for the deaf character, Emil. I'm a little iffy.
So, he has Ménière's disease, which makes him "late-deafened," and he identifies as hard of hearing. He unabashedly wears hearing aids, as has been wearing them since a few months before the start of the novel. All of this is fantastic! Except the author seems to be confused about hearing aids.
It's just a little strange how he doesn't take care of these super expensive devices at all. He never seems to take them off. In fact, he seems to sleep in them, which is particularly odd. Especially considering not once has he ever needed to change the batteries. (Where can I get these, please?)
Emil also has "waterproof" hearing aids, which don't exist. There are several "water resistant" brands on the market, but these can only be submerged for very short periods of time, and that's with extra equipment like "go-pro" cases and waterproofing kits. The largest time limit I'm aware of for getting hearing aids wet is 30 minutes. So you would prep them to get in the water, then swim for 25 minutes max, and get out to dry your devices as quickly and carefully as possible. Otherwise you'll be spending hundreds to thousands to either fix or replace them! But Emil just jumps right into the pool, twice, and we never see him drying these babies off. I was screaming internally!
Another thing that bothered me is that Suzette keeps touching his hearing aids. Cringe! I know I'm not alone in that, because touching the devices can often trigger painful feedback or make "itchy" noises.
As far as Emil and communication difficulties, there is none. No one ever needs to repeat anything. That's not necessarily a bad representation, but it does stand out to me.
Something I find funny (in a ha-ha way): Suzette calls Emil's name as he walks away after an argument, but he doesn't turn around. And it's impossible to know whether this is because he didn't hear her or for the drama. Kiss-fist.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, though I do wish the author had been a little more accurate with the hearing aids.
Link to ranked list of deaf characters in fiction: https://modcast.blog/2022/12/17/ranked-deaf-characters-in-fiction/
The diversity in this novel is excellent. I like narrator's voice and interesting story. Heartfelt. Enjoyable.
As for the deaf character, Emil. I'm a little iffy.
So, he has Ménière's disease, which makes him "late-deafened," and he identifies as hard of hearing. He unabashedly wears hearing aids, as has been wearing them since a few months before the start of the novel. All of this is fantastic! Except the author seems to be confused about hearing aids.
It's just a little strange how he doesn't take care of these super expensive devices at all. He never seems to take them off. In fact, he seems to sleep in them, which is particularly odd. Especially considering not once has he ever needed to change the batteries. (Where can I get these, please?)
Emil also has "waterproof" hearing aids, which don't exist. There are several "water resistant" brands on the market, but these can only be submerged for very short periods of time, and that's with extra equipment like "go-pro" cases and waterproofing kits. The largest time limit I'm aware of for getting hearing aids wet is 30 minutes. So you would prep them to get in the water, then swim for 25 minutes max, and get out to dry your devices as quickly and carefully as possible. Otherwise you'll be spending hundreds to thousands to either fix or replace them! But Emil just jumps right into the pool, twice, and we never see him drying these babies off. I was screaming internally!
Another thing that bothered me is that Suzette keeps touching his hearing aids. Cringe! I know I'm not alone in that, because touching the devices can often trigger painful feedback or make "itchy" noises.
As far as Emil and communication difficulties, there is none. No one ever needs to repeat anything. That's not necessarily a bad representation, but it does stand out to me.
Something I find funny (in a ha-ha way): Suzette calls Emil's name as he walks away after an argument, but he doesn't turn around. And it's impossible to know whether this is because he didn't hear her or for the drama. Kiss-fist.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, though I do wish the author had been a little more accurate with the hearing aids.
Link to ranked list of deaf characters in fiction: https://modcast.blog/2022/12/17/ranked-deaf-characters-in-fiction/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, Stalking, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Biphobia, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Abortion