evaosterlee's review
funny
hopeful
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
3.25
onebook_more's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
teachinatardis's review
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? Yes
5.0
This book was laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming. I loved every second! It would make a great addition to any YA collection!
Peter is just like every other high school kid, except he's gay, his best friend is a high school drag queen with a pretty good following online, and he might have said something terrible that was recorded and now his image is lower than it was before, if that's even possible. So, he decides to throw a drag show in his southern small town featuring local high school queens to improve his image. He also thinks he might be in love with the same guy as his best friend, he might be feeling sorry for what he said...or maybe not...and he might be facing down some internalized homophobia. Will he produce a drag show or will he just get dragged?
Peter is the best kind of unreliable narrator. The kind who you see right through, and kind of want to scream at, but are hoping he'll find his way to something better. It felt honest and fresh in a way that I haven't experienced recently in my reading. Peter is self-conscious and at the same time a little narcissistic. I couldn't decide at points if he was a good friend or a terrible person, and that made me want to follow his story even more.
If you're looking for a great LGBTQIA+ read that is hilarious while facing down some serious topics, this is the book for you. You won't regret being dragged along with Peter and his friends.
Peter is just like every other high school kid, except he's gay, his best friend is a high school drag queen with a pretty good following online, and he might have said something terrible that was recorded and now his image is lower than it was before, if that's even possible. So, he decides to throw a drag show in his southern small town featuring local high school queens to improve his image. He also thinks he might be in love with the same guy as his best friend, he might be feeling sorry for what he said...or maybe not...and he might be facing down some internalized homophobia. Will he produce a drag show or will he just get dragged?
Peter is the best kind of unreliable narrator. The kind who you see right through, and kind of want to scream at, but are hoping he'll find his way to something better. It felt honest and fresh in a way that I haven't experienced recently in my reading. Peter is self-conscious and at the same time a little narcissistic. I couldn't decide at points if he was a good friend or a terrible person, and that made me want to follow his story even more.
If you're looking for a great LGBTQIA+ read that is hilarious while facing down some serious topics, this is the book for you. You won't regret being dragged along with Peter and his friends.
joymarieanderson's review
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
thephon22's review
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
disabledbookdragon's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-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
legalplanner's review
reflective
slow-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
3.5
First and foremost thanks to Netgalley, Anick press, and the author for allowing me to get an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.
At first, I found it extremely hard to get into because Peter was just a bleh kind of narrator. Not because he was brutally honest, but because he just seemed to be the backseat rider of his own life. That made it hard to want to root for him, but I suppose that is a part of the point of his story. He felt like a side character in his own story and that is always hard to overcome and find your place among things.
Alan at first was infuriating to me because he was almost ignoring who Peter is as a person and wanting Peter to be someone he's not. But I started to see that he was a friend of Peter even if he was a bit off the mark with showing it.
Overall, it was nice that this novel wasn't all rainbows and unicorns to an extent. It also felt like there was a lot more homophobia than I was prepared for. I also felt that it was infuriating that Peter wasn't "gay enough" as if someone can decide that for everyone and that gay should look the same. However, I know that in some cases that is how people see the world, black and white.
This was an interesting read and a great debut by Campbell.
At first, I found it extremely hard to get into because Peter was just a bleh kind of narrator. Not because he was brutally honest, but because he just seemed to be the backseat rider of his own life. That made it hard to want to root for him, but I suppose that is a part of the point of his story. He felt like a side character in his own story and that is always hard to overcome and find your place among things.
Alan at first was infuriating to me because he was almost ignoring who Peter is as a person and wanting Peter to be someone he's not. But I started to see that he was a friend of Peter even if he was a bit off the mark with showing it.
Overall, it was nice that this novel wasn't all rainbows and unicorns to an extent. It also felt like there was a lot more homophobia than I was prepared for. I also felt that it was infuriating that Peter wasn't "gay enough" as if someone can decide that for everyone and that gay should look the same. However, I know that in some cases that is how people see the world, black and white.
This was an interesting read and a great debut by Campbell.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Gaslighting
annamay1021's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a huge fan of drag in general and Drag Race, I had SO much fun reading this! What great representation of not only queer teens, but the diversity within the LGBTQ kids in this book is awesome- some fat, some mean, some nice, some rich, some middle class.
The way the author perfectly encompassed the awkwardness and cringey-ness of being a teenager and figuring all that out in a rural small town was so relatable.
This book was so fun, but at the same time dealt with some tough topics such as bullying (and cyber-bullying), homophobia, suicide, and more.
I can’t wait for queer kids to get their hands on this book, and to see what else the author does in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, and Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent and Suicide
dogoodwithbooks's review
funny
informative
tense
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
3.5
I would like to thank NetGalley and Annick Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In Curtis Campbell’s YA debut novel, Dragging Mason County, Peter Thompkins finds himself agreeing to produce Mason County’s first annual drag show, starring his best friend Alan Good (aka Aggie Culture), after getting himself into a fight with one of the popular guys in school. While dealing with the town’s reactions to the show as well as his complicated friendship with Alan, Peter has to learn about stepping out of the shadows on his own terms.
Dragging Mason County is a read I wasn’t quite expecting when I first got this book on NetGalley, but I did end up enjoying it. I think Campell’s decision to have Peter, a complex anti-hero, as the main character and narrator for this book was an interesting choice. While I personally wasn’t fond of him at times (I mean some of the things he says in the book are completely terrible) and there were times in the book that part of me felt like Alan might have been a better choice as the narrator/MC, I do think the message of feeling like a sidekick in your own life was presented very well in Dragging Mason County.
Other than the quarrels over who should have been the main character, I do think Campbell did well for a debut novel. The writing was solid and Campbell does a great job with world-building for the rural setting of Mason County as well as the community Peter finds while producing the drag show.
If you’re looking for a YA novel featuring a MC who’s more blunt than the average person or are looking for a queer found family YA book, you might enjoy reading Dragging Mason County.
In Curtis Campbell’s YA debut novel, Dragging Mason County, Peter Thompkins finds himself agreeing to produce Mason County’s first annual drag show, starring his best friend Alan Good (aka Aggie Culture), after getting himself into a fight with one of the popular guys in school. While dealing with the town’s reactions to the show as well as his complicated friendship with Alan, Peter has to learn about stepping out of the shadows on his own terms.
Dragging Mason County is a read I wasn’t quite expecting when I first got this book on NetGalley, but I did end up enjoying it. I think Campell’s decision to have Peter, a complex anti-hero, as the main character and narrator for this book was an interesting choice. While I personally wasn’t fond of him at times (I mean some of the things he says in the book are completely terrible) and there were times in the book that part of me felt like Alan might have been a better choice as the narrator/MC, I do think the message of feeling like a sidekick in your own life was presented very well in Dragging Mason County.
Other than the quarrels over who should have been the main character, I do think Campbell did well for a debut novel. The writing was solid and Campbell does a great job with world-building for the rural setting of Mason County as well as the community Peter finds while producing the drag show.
If you’re looking for a YA novel featuring a MC who’s more blunt than the average person or are looking for a queer found family YA book, you might enjoy reading Dragging Mason County.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Bullying, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Suicide
heresmika's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.25
<i> Thank you NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd for sending me this book for review consideration! All opinions are my own. </i>
in a small southern town, a group of queer teens comes together to make a drag show. peter, the main character, argues with someone and in the heat of the moment says hurtful things. unfortunately, it was all filmed and uploaded online, and peter’s reputation is in shambles. to support his best friend (a teen drag queen), impress the new guy in town, and mostly, fix his reputation, peter offers to produce Mason County’s debut Drag Extravaganza!
i really like the dialogue in this book! a lot of it feels like conversations that i would have with my friends. the characters are witty and funny, and they aren’t afraid of teasing each other. you could sense that peter and alan have been friends for a while just from the way they talk to each other.
at the beginning of the book, i liked how supportive alan and peter are for each other, they had a united front. peter may criticize alan to his face, but the moment someone else says something, he will defend him like alan did nothing wrong. however, because of a long miscommunication, it started to feel awkward at times. their friendship has a lot of ups and downs throughout the book, and you can’t help but love their silly actions.
the main character’s thought process is so interesting! he says a lot of out-of-pocket things and keeps hurting people, but it makes the book a lot more entertaining. as you see his backstory, you learn to love him despite his attitude.
i also really enjoyed the idea of the book. trying to make a name for yourself while still dealing with a town that doesn't like you is difficult, and i appreciated that the author used comedy to describe these moments that so many people can relate to. the characters were brave and loveable, and i was rooting for their cause. the book showed that people can change and grow and that it's okay to become someone else. it was very comforting to see change as good rather than something to be scared of.
however, i didn’t really like how people said peter wasn’t "gay enough" because he didn’t want to act feminine, and how his friends keep pushing him to do things he isn’t interested in. i also don’t like how people kept saying that he didn’t do enough or doesn’t care about the show. yes, he decided to produce it for selfish reasons, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t do something wonderful. no one else even attempted to make their town a safe space, so the fact that he even took the role means so much. it felt as though the other characters were too harsh towards peter, rather than offering advice.
despite the important storyline, interesting characters, and funny plot, i kept putting the book down. i’m not exactly sure why, but i had to take breaks from the book. i think peter was a bit dense at times which led to some difficult-to-read moments, and the drama from the beginning of the book kept dragging on rather than developing other plot lines.
overall, i enjoyed this fast-paced, fun book! you would love the characters and the over-the-top storyline.
in a small southern town, a group of queer teens comes together to make a drag show. peter, the main character, argues with someone and in the heat of the moment says hurtful things. unfortunately, it was all filmed and uploaded online, and peter’s reputation is in shambles. to support his best friend (a teen drag queen), impress the new guy in town, and mostly, fix his reputation, peter offers to produce Mason County’s debut Drag Extravaganza!
i really like the dialogue in this book! a lot of it feels like conversations that i would have with my friends. the characters are witty and funny, and they aren’t afraid of teasing each other. you could sense that peter and alan have been friends for a while just from the way they talk to each other.
at the beginning of the book, i liked how supportive alan and peter are for each other, they had a united front. peter may criticize alan to his face, but the moment someone else says something, he will defend him like alan did nothing wrong. however, because of a long miscommunication, it started to feel awkward at times. their friendship has a lot of ups and downs throughout the book, and you can’t help but love their silly actions.
the main character’s thought process is so interesting! he says a lot of out-of-pocket things and keeps hurting people, but it makes the book a lot more entertaining. as you see his backstory, you learn to love him despite his attitude.
i also really enjoyed the idea of the book. trying to make a name for yourself while still dealing with a town that doesn't like you is difficult, and i appreciated that the author used comedy to describe these moments that so many people can relate to. the characters were brave and loveable, and i was rooting for their cause. the book showed that people can change and grow and that it's okay to become someone else. it was very comforting to see change as good rather than something to be scared of.
however, i didn’t really like how people said peter wasn’t "gay enough" because he didn’t want to act feminine, and how his friends keep pushing him to do things he isn’t interested in. i also don’t like how people kept saying that he didn’t do enough or doesn’t care about the show. yes, he decided to produce it for selfish reasons, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t do something wonderful. no one else even attempted to make their town a safe space, so the fact that he even took the role means so much. it felt as though the other characters were too harsh towards peter, rather than offering advice.
despite the important storyline, interesting characters, and funny plot, i kept putting the book down. i’m not exactly sure why, but i had to take breaks from the book. i think peter was a bit dense at times which led to some difficult-to-read moments, and the drama from the beginning of the book kept dragging on rather than developing other plot lines.
overall, i enjoyed this fast-paced, fun book! you would love the characters and the over-the-top storyline.