mg_libros's review against another edition
4.0
83/2023 Es la versión libro del musical del mismo nombre, pero esta vez contado desde el punto de las dos adolescentes, que lo único que quieren es poder ir juntas al baile de graduación. Para adolescentes, bien, a mí se me ha quedado cortito. Se lo he regalado a una amiga muchísimo más joven y espero que le guste mucho.
jashoney22's review against another edition
challenging
dark
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
goldberggg's review against another edition
3.0
If you haven't watched the musical prior to reading the book, then you might think the book is fine. I really liked the book, and I've never seen a musical before. Alyssa's still a confirmed lesbian, she says so herself multiple times.
I did feel like the ending was a little unrealistic. These parents and kids were livid that this girl wanted to change all the rules of Indiana and bring her girlfriend to the prom, and a song that's not even that good is the thing that changes their mind? I don't know how I feel about that. It has that whole instead-of-talking-it-out-their-relationship-gets-ruined-by-a-simple-misunderstanding trope going on, which can be infinitely frustrating to read.
Other than that, I liked the book and I'm extremely picky when it comes to the literature that I consume.
I did feel like the ending was a little unrealistic. These parents and kids were livid that this girl wanted to change all the rules of Indiana and bring her girlfriend to the prom, and a song that's not even that good is the thing that changes their mind? I don't know how I feel about that. It has that whole instead-of-talking-it-out-their-relationship-gets-ruined-by-a-simple-misunderstanding trope going on, which can be infinitely frustrating to read.
Other than that, I liked the book and I'm extremely picky when it comes to the literature that I consume.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
Two girls who want to go to prom together in a backwater town find trouble and chaos. Sadly, there were also things that were just unbelievable which lessened my liking for the book.
I just love books like this. We don't have prom here, so I am always looking for books that are about it. And this one was even higher on my OMG list when I found out it was about two sweet girls who wanted to go to the prom together. And the difficulties that followed.
Because this town doesn't like LGBT people. This town doesn't want them there. And Emma just wants to go to prom. I could feel that. And I was just heartbroken that all the things that already happened to her (her parents throwing her out of her home, bullying since then) only got worse and worse, and still she wanted to continue, because she also deserves to go to a prom. I just wanted to hug Emma so many times. Because things are hard and they get harder and harder, especially when prom happens and something awful happens. The poor girl completely falls apart and again I just wish I was there so I could hold her. No one deserves the things she went through. No one.
While I knew something was up with those Broadway stars I still enjoyed seeing them around, especially Barry was a favourite of mine. He really helped out Emma, he was there for her, and he made her feel like she wasn't alone. And I loved that they did everything they could for Emma and the prom. Sure, they had some egotistical reasons, but I know that at least Barry also meant it when he did all the things he did. Of course, I was a bit pissed when things came out. I expected it, but I was hoping it just wouldn't be true.
I was a big fan of Emma's grandma who was a kick-ass lady who didn't take crap from anyone and I loved how she helped out Emma, consulted with her if she really wanted something. She was just the sweetest and I am so happy Emma got to live with her.
I would have loved to see more romance between Alyssa and Emma. Now we have to rely on a lot of memories, and maybe a couple of moments.
I am glad that we saw POVs of both the girls, Alyssa and Emma. I have to say I was pulled more to the Emma POV. I don't know Alyssa is a sweet girl, but something was just not working with her for me.
I still don't get why people are afraid or angry at LGBT people. It isn't a disease, it isn't something bad, it isn't contagious. People should really be more open about things, and maybe read the bible a bit better and not just pick out the parts they like or that fit with their ideas.
However, there were at least three things that I found a bit too magical and which is why the book was almost a 4 star, but in the end there was enough to like so 4.5 star. I will put these under spoilers.
That the mom from the MC who was still in the closet would be totally OK with her daughter being gay. Or well, much better than anticipated. I don't believe that in the slightest. I have seen people like that mom and believe me they don't just go POOF and become slightly more normal people in just a couple of minutes. We do see that she is having a bit of a struggle with it, but that is all. Sorry, not believable.
That in the end Emma makes a vlog about the situation and writes a very sad song and everyone in the school is all OMG EMMA IS AMAZING and we are so so sorry, at least most of the peeps at school did that and it just made my eyes roll. It just felt a bit too magical and a bit too much like oh the ending is coming and I need to make it a happy and glittery one. Sure, I would have liked a happy ending, but this is just not how it works. People who are bigoted don't just magically change because of a song, or a conversation. It takes time. Talking. Time. More talking. Hope and praying that they will understand.
Believe me, there is a reason why I didn't come out as Bi until like 2 years ago. I have been grown up religiously (and still am Christian), and while my parents were pretty acceptable at points.. it was also not a situation to come out. Not to mention I don't know how the church would handle it but given they gave me a big speech about Harry Potter being evil, I think it is best I didn't explore things too much. So yeah, I just don't believe these situations would go the way they went.
Now I can hear you say, but Mehsi what about those Broadway stars that coincidentally hit the town. I can believe that, I have seen some stuff in newspapers, mostly from the US though, where this stuff is possible. I don't know how, but Youtube is a powerful medium that can make stuff happen.
The ending was pretty sweet and I loved that there were second chances for many things (and no I won't spoil which ones).
I also LOVE LOVE the cover, it is so sweet and I love the purple colour.
All in all, in overall, I loved reading this one, it was a good read. I would recommend it.
I just love books like this. We don't have prom here, so I am always looking for books that are about it. And this one was even higher on my OMG list when I found out it was about two sweet girls who wanted to go to the prom together. And the difficulties that followed.
Because this town doesn't like LGBT people. This town doesn't want them there. And Emma just wants to go to prom. I could feel that. And I was just heartbroken that all the things that already happened to her (her parents throwing her out of her home, bullying since then) only got worse and worse, and still she wanted to continue, because she also deserves to go to a prom. I just wanted to hug Emma so many times. Because things are hard and they get harder and harder, especially when prom happens and something awful happens. The poor girl completely falls apart and again I just wish I was there so I could hold her. No one deserves the things she went through. No one.
While I knew something was up with those Broadway stars I still enjoyed seeing them around, especially Barry was a favourite of mine. He really helped out Emma, he was there for her, and he made her feel like she wasn't alone. And I loved that they did everything they could for Emma and the prom. Sure, they had some egotistical reasons, but I know that at least Barry also meant it when he did all the things he did. Of course, I was a bit pissed when things came out. I expected it, but I was hoping it just wouldn't be true.
I was a big fan of Emma's grandma who was a kick-ass lady who didn't take crap from anyone and I loved how she helped out Emma, consulted with her if she really wanted something. She was just the sweetest and I am so happy Emma got to live with her.
I would have loved to see more romance between Alyssa and Emma. Now we have to rely on a lot of memories, and maybe a couple of moments.
I am glad that we saw POVs of both the girls, Alyssa and Emma. I have to say I was pulled more to the Emma POV. I don't know Alyssa is a sweet girl, but something was just not working with her for me.
I still don't get why people are afraid or angry at LGBT people. It isn't a disease, it isn't something bad, it isn't contagious. People should really be more open about things, and maybe read the bible a bit better and not just pick out the parts they like or that fit with their ideas.
However, there were at least three things that I found a bit too magical and which is why the book was almost a 4 star, but in the end there was enough to like so 4.5 star. I will put these under spoilers.
Spoiler
That the teens in the school were all very bigoted but when one celebrity talks to them about the bible just once they suddenly open up to everything. Sorry, it just doesn't go that fast. Believe me.That the mom from the MC who was still in the closet would be totally OK with her daughter being gay. Or well, much better than anticipated. I don't believe that in the slightest. I have seen people like that mom and believe me they don't just go POOF and become slightly more normal people in just a couple of minutes. We do see that she is having a bit of a struggle with it, but that is all. Sorry, not believable.
That in the end Emma makes a vlog about the situation and writes a very sad song and everyone in the school is all OMG EMMA IS AMAZING and we are so so sorry, at least most of the peeps at school did that and it just made my eyes roll. It just felt a bit too magical and a bit too much like oh the ending is coming and I need to make it a happy and glittery one. Sure, I would have liked a happy ending, but this is just not how it works. People who are bigoted don't just magically change because of a song, or a conversation. It takes time. Talking. Time. More talking. Hope and praying that they will understand.
Believe me, there is a reason why I didn't come out as Bi until like 2 years ago. I have been grown up religiously (and still am Christian), and while my parents were pretty acceptable at points.. it was also not a situation to come out. Not to mention I don't know how the church would handle it but given they gave me a big speech about Harry Potter being evil, I think it is best I didn't explore things too much. So yeah, I just don't believe these situations would go the way they went.
Now I can hear you say, but Mehsi what about those Broadway stars that coincidentally hit the town. I can believe that, I have seen some stuff in newspapers, mostly from the US though, where this stuff is possible. I don't know how, but Youtube is a powerful medium that can make stuff happen.
The ending was pretty sweet and I loved that there were second chances for many things (and no I won't spoil which ones).
I also LOVE LOVE the cover, it is so sweet and I love the purple colour.
All in all, in overall, I loved reading this one, it was a good read. I would recommend it.
notyourvegetable's review against another edition
3.0
It was kinda cute. Not outstandig or something like that. But it was nice and enjoyable to read :)
meg_lay11's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wombat_88's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
annaisreadingbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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
4.0
miraqueen's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
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? No
4.0