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cosmicwillow's review against another edition
1.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Ableism, Pedophilia, and Rape
speterson47's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Highly recommend this book to those that enjoy realistic fiction, with a dash of romance and rule breaking, with a look at understanding others that are different from yourself.
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Sexual content
anne_shouseofdreams's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny, Abortion, and Pregnancy
yourpervertedneighbor's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I recently picked up "Heretics Anonymous" after scouring the internet for recommendations on funny and lighthearted reads, and I must say that I was generally pleased with what I found. Overall, I would rate this book a 3.75 out of 5 stars.
The story revolves around a group of misfit students who band together to form a secret society in their Catholic high school, with the aim of challenging the school's strict religious traditions. The characters are quirky and entertaining, and their interactions had me chuckling at times. The book's lighthearted tone was exactly what I was looking for.
That said, I did find myself occasionally put off by certain parts of the book, which I felt were a bit too naive or immature. However, I recognize that this is likely due to the fact that the characters are teenagers who lack life experience, and my own sensibilities may be somewhat jaded by comparison.
Despite this minor issue, "Heretics Anonymous" was an enjoyable read that left me feeling uplifted and entertained. I think it would be a great choice for young adult readers who are looking for a fun and easy read, especially those in the young adult demographic. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, but would caution that it may be too immature for some readers. While it may not be the most intellectually challenging book out there, it certainly has its moments of wit and charm.
Minor: Homophobia
enchantressreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"My name is Michael, and I'm a heretic."
Heretics Anonymous begins with Michael Ausman, a young atheist that's starting his first day at Catholic school. His father moves around a lot for his job, and he's never really made friends, and doesn't think he'll start now. But soon, Michael learns that not everyone attending a Catholic school is even Catholic. After meeting Lucy, a Colombian, feminist Catholic, he meets other friends of hers, including Avi (Jewish and gay), Max (Korean Unitarian), and Eden (Celtic pagan/polytheist). Together, they form Heretics Anonymous.
Heretics Anonymous wants to expose St. Clare's Preparatory School for the biased views and blatant lies they are spreading, beginning with their sex education class. They get the school's attention, and soon, Heretics Anonymous starts to go downhill.
I was very excited when I first saw this book announced. I figured out I was an atheist about the same time that Michael did. I was also one of the few atheists in school, and definitely felt left out. When I started reading it, however, I couldn't connect with Michael's character at all. He was rude and often thought lesser of the people around him. Even if you don't believe in any kind of religion, it's not right to treat religious people differently than yourself. I thought he would grow from this, but he didn't, really. He was pretty self-centered the entire book. Maybe that was the intention, but I didn't like his character at all.
My favorite character in this book was definitely Eden, and I'm sad we didn't get to see more of her. There was a brief moment of possible familial trauma, but it was never explored. I also loved Lucy. She was unapologetically herself, Catholic or not.
I wouldn't entirely recommend this book, but I wouldn't not recommend it either. It has pretty funny moments, if you can get over Michael being a douchebag through most of it.
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexism, and Abandonment
Minor: Pedophilia and Outing
xoodlebooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Moderate: Sexism, Religious bigotry, and Stalking
Minor: Ableism, Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Antisemitism, and Abandonment
penguininabluebox's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
alyssadavis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Sister. Father. It’s like getting a whole other family I didn’t want to spend time with.
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia