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booksoversecondbreakfast'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
4.0
I read this as a part of Book Riot's Read Harder prompt and I'm glad I did. It's a bit out of my usual comfort zone for books, but I all-around enjoyed the book!
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Drug use, Racism, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Slavery, Suicide, and Cultural appropriation
bookishmillennial'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
“Don’t.
Don’t come out unless you want to. Don’t come out for anyone else’s sake. Don’t come out because you think society expects you to.
Come out for yourself.
Come out to yourself.
Shout, sing it.
Softly stutter.
Correct those who say they knew before you did.
That’s not how sexuality works, it’s yours to define.”
This is a YA novel-in-verse about Michael, a half Jamaican, half Greek-Cyprian young man growing up in the UK, going to college, and amidst trying to join clubs like the Greek Society and the LGBTQIA+ Club, he still feels like he doesn't quite fit in. He finally joins the Drag Club and begins to come into himself.
I loved following Michael's journey, as he named his feelings, had curious conversations with friends, and figured shit out for himself. It was vulnerable, confusing, and ultimately, hopeful.
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicide, and Lesbophobia
some_random_person_hi's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, Suicide, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
readandfindout's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
Graphic: Racial slurs and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Suicide, and Lesbophobia
leahlovesloslibros's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I didn't love it, but I did enjoy it more than I typically would enjoy poetry. The story was beautifully told in sections, and the verse was easy to follow while still being poetic. I liked that it was written in chronological order as well. The talks of intersectionality were highly important and relevant, both for the characters in the story and in today's society overall. Given the right person and situation, I would recommend this book.
Rep: biracial gay MC, lesbian SC, non-binary SC
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, and Racism
Minor: Suicide
sarah984's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Racism, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, and Transphobia
liteartha's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Drug use and Suicide
itsmeyseniab'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
4.5
I really enjoyed the format of this novel and fell in love with our main character Michael right away!
The topics that were discussed in this (like sexuality, toxic masculinity/gender stereotypes, and ethnic/racial identity to name a few) were addressed so raw and honestly and it frequently made me emotional. Watching Michael go through these different experiences and be shaped by them, from early childhood to his university years, was incredible!
I truly can't recommend this book enough, ESPECIALLY if you are a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo's novels written in verse!
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
Minor: Suicide
hannahmayhere's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Racism, and Transphobia
Minor: Suicide
readalongwithnat's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Child abuse and Suicide