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cosmicwillow's review against another edition
medium-paced
1.0
this book couldve been really great and interesting if michael wasnt in it. hes such a dick and not at all in a likeable way. all my homies hate michael.
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Ableism, Pedophilia, and Rape
enchantressreads's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
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