trash_reader_'s review against another edition
1. The ableism in this book is disgusting. You can have an autistic character without infantilizing them. And it IS autism, not Aspergers. If the author had done any research into a disability she wanted included in her book, she would have known that. But the autistic character wasn't there because she wanted queer AND disability representation. The autistic character was there for character development of everyone else and so we could see who the nice people were and who the mean people were.
2. I have an issue sometimes with people who middle-aged and older writing young adult novels about teenagers because 9 times out of 10, they don't know what they're doing when they're writing these teenaged characters and they come off as completely unbelievable. No teenager talks like that or acts like that.
3. Insta-attraction is a no-go for me. Almost always an immediate DNF.
2. I have an issue sometimes with people who middle-aged and older writing young adult novels about teenagers because 9 times out of 10, they don't know what they're doing when they're writing these teenaged characters and they come off as completely unbelievable. No teenager talks like that or acts like that.
3. Insta-attraction is a no-go for me. Almost always an immediate DNF.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Homophobia
space_bandit's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Ableism, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Bullying and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent
scarlett_sometimes_reads's review
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Ableism
nicolinebl's review
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-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? Yes
3.75
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. As someone who is very far away from Christianity (was one when I was young tho) it felt a bit preachy at the start of the book. I honestly found Jo a bit annoying because of how preachy and holier than thou she sounded.
But honestly, it's been a while so I had to get used to that. And when I got over myself, I quite enjoyed the book. Look, Dana was an a very annoying best friend imo. The homophobic people from Georgia weren't the greatest either (fuck Jessica!). But my goodness, I loved BTB, Mary Carlson & George. Not everything about this was the greatest like the plot basically being her having to hide her gay which just gives us some miscommunication and lying to have a plot. But I enjoyed the ride.
But honestly, it's been a while so I had to get used to that. And when I got over myself, I quite enjoyed the book. Look, Dana was an a very annoying best friend imo. The homophobic people from Georgia weren't the greatest either (fuck Jessica!). But my goodness, I loved BTB, Mary Carlson & George. Not everything about this was the greatest like the plot basically being her having to hide her gay which just gives us some miscommunication and lying to have a plot. But I enjoyed the ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Ableism
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Bullying, Gaslighting, Grief, Outing, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Miscarriage
shelvesofivy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Ableism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent, Eating disorder, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
kaylamac7777's review
emotional
hopeful
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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Miscarriage
mia_flanagan's review
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Outing and Homophobia
Minor: Eating disorder, Miscarriage, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Alcohol
writersrelief's review
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
5.0
Joanna Gordon of Atlanta, Georgia, has always lived as an out-and-proud lesbian. She is the daughter of a well-known radio evangelist, Reverend Anthony Gordon, who has always supported her. But when her father gets remarried and moves the family to Rome, Georgia, he asks Jo to go back into the closet as they settle into their new home and neighborhood. At first Jo resists, but then ultimately agrees. As a result, her new high school life is based on a lie. Hiding her identity is hard enough, but then she becomes interested in a local girl named Mary Carlson—which makes Jo question her allegiances. What does she value more? Her love for her father or her desire to be herself?
GEORGIA PEACHES AND OTHER FORBIDDEN FRUIT is a coming-of-age tale that is more than simply a story about growing up. It follows Jo and her battle with who she is, who her father asks her to be, and what her religion and the Southern United States say about her identity. The story brings forward allusions to biblical texts in a way that is inclusive to the LGBT community and defies what traditional beliefs normally dictate. Through Jo, the reader sees a different perspective on identity and identity politics through an unbiased, religious lens. The story also shows how members of the LGBT community can find peace and acceptance in their identities while living in the Bible Belt.
With a strong, young heroine, GEORGIA PEACHES AND OTHER FORBIDDEN FRUIT is a good read, especially for members of the LGBT community who are still trying to find their way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Homophobia
sandy_21's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Ableism
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Miscarriage, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
field_of_books's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a cute and cosy teen book accentuated with a forbidden sapphic romance. Our main characters are a good example of how you can be LGBTQ+ and still have Christian faith, demonstrating tolerance and acceptance. They show that growing up in a religious environment doesn’t always have to be painful or traumatic.
The book has the cute romance and dialogue on religion going for it- however I found the main characters decisions to be morally grey and felt they should have been held more accountable. I felt that outside of the romance and religious dialogue, there wasn’t a huge amount going for this book. It just needed a little bit ‘more’.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Cursing and Bullying
Minor: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Ableism, and Alcohol