Reviews

Don't Tell My Mother by Brigitte Bautista

flaudfrawed's review

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

deadgoodbooks's review

emotional funny medium-paced

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

2.0

freddie's review

3.0

The book vividly paints the protagonist's sardonic attitudes towards her hypocritical, ultra-religious upbringing and community. It's easy to understand her. There is also a sense of gusto in the storytelling. However, the prose is peppered with a fair amount of clunky metaphors and pop culture references. Some parts of the writing feel clichéd.

dearbluebird's review

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

scythefranz's review

4.0

#LoveWins

thequeenreads's review

4.0

A little bit off on the writing but damn this was good. Self acceptance and understanding really is the key to a happy life. Love who you are so you can be free. Damn anyone who says otherwise.

khylabevibin's review

4.0

A relatively good book that only falls short because of its length. 4.5

dimine0987's review

3.0

Una buena lectura pero nada del otro mundo, me gustó la forma de escribir de la autora y los flashbacks que ponía estaban interesantes.

2021 Asian Readathon

ribs's review

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Raised in a conventional Christian household, 19 year-old Samantha went through lengths to discover herself and find peace with her identity. With her mother expecting so much of her, she has struggled to find a common ground between her religious faith and seeking acceptance. 

With so much going on in this book, I was reluctant about the plot and character development that takes place in under 100 pages but this book was straight-forward; the  pacing may be fast but Don’t Tell Your Mother managed to cover all what I look for in the story. I think this book’s only flaw was its length; it didn’t leave room to paint every bit of details that needs tending. 

A closeted lesbian falling in love with the town’s widowed outcast promises such a compelling story that Brigitte Bautista gave in detail (that she could muster within a hundred pages). It was emotional and stirring. It was a good book overall. I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Brigitte’s works. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Outing

Moderate: Suicide

jujujuy_'s review

emotional reflective fast-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? Yes

3.75