kittic's review against another edition
5.0
Malinda Lo's tale of two girls in love is everything I needed this book to be. A triumph of historic LGBTQ+ fiction.
ayeshanagaria's review against another edition
couldn’t get into the writing style – very juvenile
baileyreneec's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
Wonderfully told story; one of the best young adult LGBTQIA+ novels. I love the intersectionality between race (with Lily and her family being Chinese), gender issues because of the expectations of what a woman's life is supposed to be like (marry a man and have children), and sexuality (the obvious persecution of gay, trans, and lesbian peoples at this time). The weaving of these issues is done intricately so as to give a full understanding of how many social norms and expectations are stacked against Lily throughout this entire novel.
threeracoonsinatrenchcoat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.75
winter2001's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship, Xenophobia, War, Racism, Colonisation, and Genocide
almostelle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, and Homophobia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, and Toxic friendship
mgj19's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The first 250 pages were very boring…the last 100 pages were pretty good! But there were lots of plot holes and the last chapter and epilogue felt rushed. Like what did happen to Kath? And how did Lilly get to write and speak with her over the phone without her aunt and uncle finding out? And WHY was the writing so SMALL?!?
psycheros's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
halsavannah's review against another edition
5.0
i can’t recommend this book enough!! this is such a gorgeous, queer coming-of-age story that will break your heart and then mend it back together.
every tiny, mundane moment in lily’s story felt important.
malinda lo puts the most tender, challenging, hard-to-express feelings into words in a way that makes you feel so seen and understood.
it healed my inner closeted, queer, teen heart.
every tiny, mundane moment in lily’s story felt important.
malinda lo puts the most tender, challenging, hard-to-express feelings into words in a way that makes you feel so seen and understood.
it healed my inner closeted, queer, teen heart.
balti's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
5.0