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tukaloy's review against another edition
5.0
Where is the 6* button.
This is my second read by Joya Goffney and now I will probably pick up anything she writes. A wonderful, wholesome, small town black YA romance. Minus the heavy black trauma that tends to show up in a lot of books with a black cast. Not every book has to bring that energy (moving on). I was not aware of the subject matter in this book before picking it up and I was so happy that I didn't. It allowed me to enjoy the unfolding of this story and how the problem was handled. I have heard of vaginismus but never knew how it was treated; so can I say this book was educational? There was one other character trait that surprised me, because we don't see enough of it (Reggie). Don't want to spoil it for other readers. Monique's growth and development was a delight to see. I loved when she said that the things you hate in others are usually the things you hate in yourself (paraphrasing). She grew so much, finally seeing how she was defining herself based on Dom, her dad, even her mom. Sasha knows and accepts herself, while still leaving room to grow and change and wonder. Reggie's full character was gradually revealed in very satisfying stages. He is the boyfriend you want for your daughter. Monique's aunt gave me Jennifer Lewis vibes (no f's to give, will say what needs to be said). The topics of sex, religion, womanhood, were all handled with grace & care. The community of women supporting women that came from this book is one we all need in our lives. This was an absolute joy to read. Recommending to everyone.
This is my second read by Joya Goffney and now I will probably pick up anything she writes. A wonderful, wholesome, small town black YA romance. Minus the heavy black trauma that tends to show up in a lot of books with a black cast. Not every book has to bring that energy (moving on). I was not aware of the subject matter in this book before picking it up and I was so happy that I didn't. It allowed me to enjoy the unfolding of this story and how the problem was handled. I have heard of vaginismus but never knew how it was treated; so can I say this book was educational? There was one other character trait that surprised me, because we don't see enough of it (Reggie). Don't want to spoil it for other readers. Monique's growth and development was a delight to see. I loved when she said that the things you hate in others are usually the things you hate in yourself (paraphrasing). She grew so much, finally seeing how she was defining herself based on Dom, her dad, even her mom. Sasha knows and accepts herself, while still leaving room to grow and change and wonder. Reggie's full character was gradually revealed in very satisfying stages. He is the boyfriend you want for your daughter. Monique's aunt gave me Jennifer Lewis vibes (no f's to give, will say what needs to be said). The topics of sex, religion, womanhood, were all handled with grace & care. The community of women supporting women that came from this book is one we all need in our lives. This was an absolute joy to read. Recommending to everyone.
nocturnalgunner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-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
3.75
Very cute book, specially introspective for me as a black girl who grew up in church and struggled with some of the same issues that Monique does.
bee_licious's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this novel soo much I lit flew through it. The writer style was so amazing it was so easy to read and the awareness it is giving to people is amazing. I got this novel from a thrift store and I lit loved is so much I cant even explain it. The family dynamic the problems girls have to go through, it was all so relatable and very comforting This is my five start and I haven't given much books a five star only 2 have made it to that place. I would highly recommend reading this
reading_beyond_the_book_cover's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
lena09's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? No
3.75
nlittlejohn's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tsingkeai's review against another edition
Great plot idea however the story was too fast paced and the characters were not fleshed out enough to feel likable towards.
moodreader727's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.75