Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Przewodnik lesbijki po katolickiej szkole by Sonora Reyes

386 reviews

miss_vonnegut's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• 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

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. It does deal with topics like coming out, racism, homophobia, depression, etc, but it handles them with care and doesn't do it to an extreme extent. I feel like, while it could be triggering for some, it could also potentially be healing once someone's in a place where they're ready for that. All the characters were fantastic and I loved them all so much. I won't say much, but it does end in a good place. If you're concerned about the content warnings and want some spoilers in relation to those, here you go:

One of the main character's parents turns out to be homophobic but the other doesn't. Both siblings are doing well at the end. I found the way the non-homophobic parent reacted to the kids coming out was very lovely and heartwarming. In general, some slurs are used, there's homophobic school bullying, and internalized homophobia is discussed.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia

Moderate: Bullying, Racism, Outing, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Deportation

Minor: Racial slurs and Police brutality

zoenelson's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful sad 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? No

4.0

I enjoyed much of this story: the sibling dynamics between the protagonist and her brother, Yami's personal growth, budding romances, Yami's strong narrative/voice, and the humor laced throughout. I love that the author embraced their heritage, identity, and culture - it was one of the things that drove me to read this novel. I appreciated the author's ambition in tackling heavy topics related to suicide, homophobia, religious bigotry, parental hatred, and more. At times, though, it felt like certain story lines and issues didn't get fully developed like

Yami's work for Emma, Emily's entrance to the squad, Yami's feelings about her prom dress being ripped, and Jenny being a mirror of Bianca

. I also loved Mami's character but wasn't fully convinced

she would recognize the unfair pressure she put on Yami (at least not so quickly). I did think the response to both her kids being queer was within the realm of possibility and very funny.

I also love that this story didn't punish characters for lying like some novels do (such as using a lie as a major conflict point).

Specifically, Yami and Bo. Other romances would have been shattered or set back for the lies these two told to each other to protect themselves in a hostile environment. Here, both characters had a developed level of empathy.

Overall, I think this novel captured a lot of the feelings of a Mexican-American queer teenager in a hostile space.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia

Moderate: Racism and Outing

Minor: Suicide attempt

marsueand's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Religious bigotry

Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Lesbophobia, and Deportation

Minor: Mental illness and Classism

lesliermonk's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Deportation

dcdc's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia

Moderate: Bullying, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, and Religious bigotry

Minor: Forced institutionalization

euyrdice's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.0

But when I’m watching my people dance. When I see my own skin on the stage. There’s something about the joy on their faces and in their bodies that feel ancient somehow. And I feel like my ancestors have been with me all along. I can almost see them here, dancing with us.

I’m still reeling by how much this book impacted me. Not ashamed to say I related to Yamilet in a lot of ways.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Racism

Moderate: Suicide attempt

Minor: Deportation

cats_and_rabbits's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

4.75

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its twists and turns.  I began to feel so attached to both siblings and each of their journeys, and felt wistful when I completed the book. I am hoping for a spinoff that features the narrator’s brother.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Deportation

Minor: Toxic friendship

ali1311's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny 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

This was such a sweet book. A bit lengthly in the middle, but other than that, I really appreciated a lot of the stylistic elements. Yami's voice was so clear and her narration really felt like we were in her head, unfiltered. I appreciated the complications throughout the book and the topics discussed. I think some of the secondary characters were a bit unnecessary, but no harm was done by having them around. Overall, this book was a really refreshing YA read if a bit long.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, and Suicide attempt

amylee_21's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Self harm, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Outing, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Classism, and Deportation

jachnax's review against another edition

emotional funny informative inspiring sad fast-paced

• 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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, and Outing

Moderate: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Deportation

Minor: Bullying, Misogyny, Police brutality, Abortion, and Alcohol