eliseondet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Self harm and Suicide attempt
mle11's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Outing, Bullying, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Deportation
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Self harm, Toxic friendship, Religious bigotry, Classism, and Blood
Minor: Police brutality, Forced institutionalization, and Racism
madelinedalton's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
Moderate: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcohol and Blood
livreads4fun's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Self harm
behindherpages's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Outing, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Deportation, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Police brutality and Self harm
kh_xion's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Hate crime, Suicidal thoughts, Lesbophobia, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Deportation, Self harm, Abandonment, Outing, Medical content, Mental illness, and Police brutality
tinyjude's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Although some topics are triggering and hard to read, the book is so easy to follow and the lovable characters make the pain melt away a little. Bo is the absolute cutest and I love how much of a lesbian disaster both girls were, it was cute and lighthearted. It hurt to see Yamiret hide so much of herself, but I understand and I wish I had the courage Bo showed here when I was in my catholic school. As well as I understand the struggle to think about ways of earning money in case you get kicked out of home when you show yourself. Also Jamal and Cesar :( babies, I hope the best for them because they also seemed so cute.
It's always the art teacher or the English teacher and we love it audjsjs
The book also deals with topics such as cultural identity, police brutality (*cough* acab) and immigration/intolerance towards immigrants, sexuality, putting boundaries in relation with your adopted white family as a person of colour dettached from your culture and your people, mental health issues, homophobia, mentions of colonialism, racist encounters, colourism, stereotypes about latine people, especially women.
I think the author did a fantastic job, and definitely all the tears I shed on the last chapters at 3 am are proof of that. But most of all, what filled my heart with joy and broke me was Yamiret and Cesar's mom. I love her.
Graphic: Outing, Biphobia, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Deportation, Violence, Hate crime, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Racism, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, and Forced institutionalization
rorythebean's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Xenophobia and Self harm
Minor: Deportation and Vomit
theliterarylair's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Rarely has a young adult novel resonated with me as profoundly as 'The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School.' This book manages to be both unapologetically bold and delicately empathetic in its exploration of identity, faith, and family dynamics. If I were still teaching, this would undoubtedly be a part of my curriculum, its themes and characters offering a poignant discussion point for students.
While my heart yearned for a different resolution, the emotional journey the characters undertake is a testament to their resilience and growth. They aren't just fictional entities; they're individuals with palpable strength and vulnerability. The ensemble cast, diverse in their backgrounds and experiences, feels authentic and raw – a mirror to the real world.
The narrative's exploration of seeing parents as flawed adults, and the complexities arising from conflict within the marriage, offers a stark yet compassionate look at the dynamics that shape us. It's a reminder that families are intricate tapestries, woven from both love and imperfections.
'The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School' brings empowerment to its readers, evoking a sense of understanding and belonging. It's been a while since I've encountered a book so adept at reaching the innermost corners of my 16-year-old, reminding me that literature can still be a safe haven for those who feel lost, and a beacon for those navigating the labyrinth of self-discovery.
In a landscape hungry for genuine representation, this book stands tall, a remarkable testament to the power of storytelling. Every chapter invites readers to explore not only the characters' lives but also their own emotions and perspectives. 'The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School' is a mirror reflecting the myriad colors of human existence. It's a call to embrace one's identity, confront adversity, and recognize the beauty within our lives. An absolute must-read for individuals of all ages, this novel is an eloquent reminder that voices silenced by society's noise deserve to be heard."
Graphic: Police brutality, Homophobia, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs, Deportation, Self harm, Lesbophobia, and Racism
writingcaia's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Yamilet, a Mexican-American girl, as been outed as a lesbian by her best friend, but thankfully due to some violence problems her brother has been forced to go to a private catholic high school and she worked hard so she could join him, protect him and get away from the old friends and school where her secret is not a secret anymore. No one knows her there and she’s hoping to keep her sexuality a secret. But, the first person to truly befriend that is not a racist, Bo, is gay and perfect, a girl that doesn’t let people walk over her.
Things get complicated and Yami starts to feel the need to come out, but she fears her catholic mother’s bias towards gay people, and her father and confidant has been deported back to Mexico a few years back. She hopes he will be able to be the first she come out too.
Her brother is hiding a lot and distracted by work and Bo, she doesn’t notice the changes and secrets.
As things progress so much is going to be revealed that upturns what Yami knew and how she saw life and what is happening around her.
I loved Yami’s voice, her brave and hardworking nature, the love she has for her brother, and the care for everyone she loves.
As I said before the book deals with some hard issues so check the trigger warnings, however they’re not heavily dug into, and it’s still a pretty endearing and light read, for the issues it deals with.
Super recommend it.
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, Self harm, Homophobia, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Outing and Deportation