laleha's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Everyone needs besties like Harrison and Linus.
elliott_roi's review against another edition
4.5
I'd definitely recommend Kings of B'more for folks who enjoy character-driven stories with low stakes.
The range of LGBTQ+ rep was amazing, and I liked that it was a love story, but not a romance. The two MCs are best friends and that doesn't change throughout the story and I adored this celebration of platonic love. There were also amazing found family vibes and it reminded me a bit of Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters.
This story was full of diverse characters and important conversations about queerness, race, and love (in all its forms). I highly recommend!
The range of LGBTQ+ rep was amazing, and I liked that it was a love story, but not a romance. The two MCs are best friends and that doesn't change throughout the story and I adored this celebration of platonic love. There were also amazing found family vibes and it reminded me a bit of Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters.
This story was full of diverse characters and important conversations about queerness, race, and love (in all its forms). I highly recommend!
reading_seas0n's review
medium-paced
2.0
TW: Racism, homophobia, violence, parental neglect, mental health, & depression.
I did not like the narrator; it really threw off my view of the characters from how they were portrayed.
Two friends who had always been in each other lives and went through neglectful parents, families being complicated and being black & lgbtq+ are about to lose each other as they go to school states apart. The only way to say goodbye with a bang is by taking inspiration from Ferris Bueller’s day off and adding their own spin on it as a way to have the best last few days with each other.
This story sounded adorable, and while it had cute and severe moments, it was way too long and a little tedious when reading. A good chunk of my dislike was due to the narrator's choice. It was just long and took forever to get to moments; it is character-driven, but the characters weren’t engaging or entertaining enough.
I did not like the narrator; it really threw off my view of the characters from how they were portrayed.
Two friends who had always been in each other lives and went through neglectful parents, families being complicated and being black & lgbtq+ are about to lose each other as they go to school states apart. The only way to say goodbye with a bang is by taking inspiration from Ferris Bueller’s day off and adding their own spin on it as a way to have the best last few days with each other.
This story sounded adorable, and while it had cute and severe moments, it was way too long and a little tedious when reading. A good chunk of my dislike was due to the narrator's choice. It was just long and took forever to get to moments; it is character-driven, but the characters weren’t engaging or entertaining enough.
august_raccoon's review
funny
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
4.0
kateleos's review
5.0
Ohhh my heart! The pictures Thomas paints, the world he builds, the friendships he makes space for…I loved this book so much.
bocasbri's review
3.0
Spoiler
the idea of one last great day was understandable but felt forced in some parts. some of the aspects of race and racism felt really out of place?? also, some of the aspects of Baltimore were just unrealistic or wrong. motorbikes?? being surprised at seeing black people? also, harrison’s lack of class understanding just felt really unlikely.melsuke's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tortime's review
5.0
Kings of B’more is a perfect summer read filled with friendship and a city adventure!
Linus and Harrison are two gay, black teens having the best summer together when Linus reveals that he and his dad are moving at the end of the week. Harrison is determined to make Linus’ last day memorable, so he plans a perfect day that will have them trekking all over the city. Of course, the best laid plans always go wrong, but these two friends still manage to have one wild day.
I loved that this book focuses on friendship. While there are mentions of crushes and “smooching,” the overall story really does follow the friendship between Linus and Harrison, as well as between their friend groups. I was so happy to get insights into how each boy views his friendships: their joys and insecurities alike. Both boys also have really healthy friendships, and although they have conflict with their parents, there is clearly love and caring in those relationships that are also explored. Overall, this book gave me such good, warm vibes and I would recommend it to almost anyone.
Linus and Harrison are two gay, black teens having the best summer together when Linus reveals that he and his dad are moving at the end of the week. Harrison is determined to make Linus’ last day memorable, so he plans a perfect day that will have them trekking all over the city. Of course, the best laid plans always go wrong, but these two friends still manage to have one wild day.
I loved that this book focuses on friendship. While there are mentions of crushes and “smooching,” the overall story really does follow the friendship between Linus and Harrison, as well as between their friend groups. I was so happy to get insights into how each boy views his friendships: their joys and insecurities alike. Both boys also have really healthy friendships, and although they have conflict with their parents, there is clearly love and caring in those relationships that are also explored. Overall, this book gave me such good, warm vibes and I would recommend it to almost anyone.
juliescalzo's review
3.0
“We will always be in each other’s lives, Harrison. Things are going to change. We’re going to change. But we’ll meet each other new every day. Believe that.”
This is a YA novel about two best friends: Harrison and Linus. They are two teenagers living in Baltimore, until Linus tells Harrison that he and his dad are moving to Charleston. Harrison is devastated, but after watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, decides to plan a Ferris day for he and Linus as they spend one last Saturday together.
As a high school teacher, I have a soft spot for teenagers, and I enjoyed Linus and Harrison as characters. They were definitely both pretty angsty, and the narration often felt somewhat scattered. I really liked the setting of Baltimore, especially when the two boys encountered the pride parade. I will say that this is VERY character focused. There’s not a ton of action, and it mostly takes place within one day.
If you like the book Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, you should definitely read this, as it has very similar vibes.
This is a YA novel about two best friends: Harrison and Linus. They are two teenagers living in Baltimore, until Linus tells Harrison that he and his dad are moving to Charleston. Harrison is devastated, but after watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, decides to plan a Ferris day for he and Linus as they spend one last Saturday together.
As a high school teacher, I have a soft spot for teenagers, and I enjoyed Linus and Harrison as characters. They were definitely both pretty angsty, and the narration often felt somewhat scattered. I really liked the setting of Baltimore, especially when the two boys encountered the pride parade. I will say that this is VERY character focused. There’s not a ton of action, and it mostly takes place within one day.
If you like the book Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, you should definitely read this, as it has very similar vibes.
ashleyjmel's review
5.0
What a delightful story. These characters are precious, and I need sequels. R. Eric Thomas is gifted at combining poignant observations and hilarious sarcasm in the same paragraph, and he does it again here but in YA form.