markwillnevercry's review
3.5
Pretty good. I really liked the way the story was told and how the mood was kept. Yes, it was an emotional trip for the writer, but it still was a summer camp and things were still happening whether they wanted them to or not. It was interesting to read, but at the start I was unsure about how much I wanted to continue with it because of the art style (it really did not matter that much).
If someone is discouraged by the warning about minor/adult relatioship - there is no power imbalance, since the relationship does not really get that far (like past talking), but the homophobia is intense. It is not everywhere through the story, but at the places were it is - it is bad.
If someone is discouraged by the warning about minor/adult relatioship - there is no power imbalance, since the relationship does not really get that far (like past talking), but the homophobia is intense. It is not everywhere through the story, but at the places were it is - it is bad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, and Homophobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
kays_reading_journal's review
medium-paced
2.0
This graphic memoir tells the tale of Maggie’s discovery of her sexuality between the ages of 15-17. I enjoyed the writing style and the voice that shined through. Despite popular opinion, the art style didn’t really bother me once I got into the story.
The major problem I had with this memoir was the relationship at the center. I was really excited to read a self-discovery/ coming out story when I picked this up, but that joy was overshadowed by the inappropriate relationship at the center.
I understand that this is a memoir and is nonfiction, but this toxic dynamic wasn’t frowned upon. The only character who pointed out the issue also went about it in a homophobic way, in a way that conveyed to the reader she was wrong about everything.
If this memoir had included just one little part in the future of the author pointing out the toxicity, I probably would’ve rated this much higher. But unfortunately, I believe this book will be advertised to younger kids, and the unhealthy relationship is romanticized too much for me to feel comfortable recommending this to anyone.
I think Thrash is a really good storyteller. This felt like I was being told a tale of someone’s past while sitting around a bonfire in summer. If anything, the art style helped immerse the reader in the teen summer camp setting.
Again, just one page stating the relationship is an unhealthy one would’ve made my rating at least 4.5⭐️
P.s. it seems like a lot of reviewers didn’t realize this is nonfiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
twinsinparadise's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
i would give it 4.75 cus the writing was AMAZING. i loved it. but i could not get over the quality of the art; and the art hindered my understanding of the books plot sometimes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
ellajane047's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
as a teenage lesbian at summer camp it definitely hit! as others have mentioned the art style definitely took some getting used to, but i honestly didn’t find it too grating. maggie’s emotional turmoil was so so real and i know a lot of people were bothered by the sudden ending but i thought it actually captured the way so many relationships of this nature do end. and of course, the age gap was weird. i will give some leeway since i know it’s a graphic memoir and i appreciate maggie thrasher staying true to her experience. i do think seeing as she’s writing as an adult reflecting on her experience it could have been portrayed a little more critically (especially seeing as the graphic novel is being marketed to a YA audience). but! my silly little criticisms aside, i did really enjoy this book and i would definitely check out more from maggie thrasher in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Lesbophobia
robinks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
The art style wasn’t my favorite, and it spoke to a specific white, female, queer experience. However, Maggie’s internal monologues eloquently described the experience of a teen crush.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Bullying, and Homophobia
rain08's review
challenging
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
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