kristenreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Toxic relationship, and Homophobia
gracieb0bell_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
good book if you're into drag/ lgbtq+ characters, but YA isn't my favourite genre anymore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Hate crime, Toxic relationship, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, Outing, and Transphobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
rochelle_reads's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
I picked this book up a little while ago after seeing it on bookstagram…because who doesn’t love glitter and some drag queens?! [minor spoilers]
The story follows
Robin Cooper, a freshly-turned 18 year old theatre student with a secret boyfriend and rejection letter to the London Acadamy of Performing Arts. He must juggle his newfound sense of loss and purposelessness (no I could not say that out loud nor spell it!) as well as keep on top of the mountain of lies he’s building along his drag journey.
Spoiler
This book was young YA and was very much a coming of age story for a young gay man finding his place in the world. I can imagine lots of people could relate to Robin’s naivety and we can all remember someone who treated us badly and we let them because we thought they loved us.
I both loved and hated the Rupaul-esqueness of this book, it felt a little bit cheesy in places but kept in well with the YA feel and I could definitely hear Mama Ru’s approval of the reads!
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I think it’s a really cute story that appreciates and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. But also reminds people that self-actualisation is a hard slog and when you overcome your biggest hurdle (yourself) you can achieve anything.
Rating: 💄💄💄
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime and Homophobia
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