Reviews

Vanilla by Billy Merrell

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abitofcourage'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? It's complicated

4.0

Wow. I wasn’t expecting this book to be what it is. It’s about love, sex, belonging, asexuality, gender fluidity, doubts...it’s about so much. I absolutely love Angel, although I was unsure of them until about 3/4 of the way through. But I love them...I picture them as a literal Angel. Hunter pissed me off the majority of the book, but luckily ended up redeeming himself. Vanilla...I just feel so much for that boy, thinking something was wrong with him; luckily he had Angel there with him.
Oh, yeah. I spent the last 30 pages it so absolutely bawling my eyes out. Not quite sure why. It was just so beautiful, so fulfilling and sweet.

mathop's review against another edition

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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

3.0

canteen143's review

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2.0

the idea of the book was good but it wasn't executed well. i am actually very disappointed with it right now, i was angry for like 70% of the book. as an asexual person, i saw myself with van but then the execution ruined it. how some parts turned out to sound so aphobic. i hated how some of them felt so immature and horrifying to read. gosh, i wanna hug van and angel.

foggy_rosamund's review against another edition

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4.0

In my experience, the focus of LGBTQ YA novels is usually on the couple getting together, whereas this novel-in-verse is interested in a couple navigating their established relationship and eventual break-up. Merrell's use of free-verse poetry to tell the story is assured: frequently I feel like YA novels in verse use the free-verse too loosely and don't do enough with the form. Merrell's work surprised me by being careful, considered, and often interesting in his use of line-length or structure of poems. This story is assured: Merrell is careful with his characters, giving them space to explore their feelings, and generous with their emotions. The success of the story lies in the time he spends with his characters, and their growth and change, and his focus on the particular moments that have a big impact on their lives. He's also not afraid to discuss the physical side of sexuality, which makes the book feel very vivid and authentic. I thought he explored a number of different aspects of LGBTQ life with attention and honesty, and I was pleased that he included an asexual character. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, and how it got under my skin.

sc104906's review against another edition

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3.0

This novel in verse describes the relationship between Vanilla and Hunter. These two guys went from being best friends to boyfriends. It has come to the point in their relationship and lives where sex becomes a hot topic of conversation. Hunter really wants to take their relationship to the next level, while Vanilla isn't quite so sure. This novel is about Vanilla's progression to his own identity, working in issues of homosexuality, asexuality and the sexual spectrum.

Hunter was not presented in a positive light, though I could understand his motivations. I think this is an important book and it begins further highlighting vocabulary that is not typically addressed in other novels.

duggireads's review against another edition

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2.0

I found this book really difficult to read. I think because it was so close to the experience of being a teenager, and the pain of not knowing yourself, and in taking up space and hurting others whilst you figured that out. I put this down in the middle for a long time, and then picked it up and read the rest in one sitting. I think it's so fantastic to read some asexual representation - especially with gay romanticism. It was thought provoking and beautifully written. I loved the novel in poetry format. I think this book really came out ahead of it's time and is such a valuable addition to YA.