kaseyadams94's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a sweet, romantic way to talk about such an important topic. Throughout the book I questioned how much I actually new about HIV, and this really enlightened me. I loved the romance aspects and how the queer representation was uplifting and not dreadful. I hope to find more novels that spread positivity about black queer people.
cf831's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
stachmou77's review against another edition
5.0
I loved everything about it. If you want a diverse book with gay dads, a black teenager suffering from HIV, bi/gay inclusion, romance, teen drama, you'll be served.
The thing I appreciate the most is that the characters are not their sexuality. Often in books, you can tell that this character is the stereotypical "insert any kind of group" and their entire personnality is based on their trait, which is ridiculous, by the way. So it was quite refreshing reading something so heavy, in terms of inclusion, and not feeling irritated.
I even shed a few tears at the end.
The thing I appreciate the most is that the characters are not their sexuality. Often in books, you can tell that this character is the stereotypical "insert any kind of group" and their entire personnality is based on their trait, which is ridiculous, by the way. So it was quite refreshing reading something so heavy, in terms of inclusion, and not feeling irritated.
I even shed a few tears at the end.
khaleesimod93's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
While I personally didn't love this book, I think it's a very important book for teens and young adults. It takes on complicated issues and simplifies them so they are easier to digest and comprehend. Some of my personal issues with the story were the unnecessary drama between Simone, Claudia, and Lydia. I felt that it was just added for dramas sake and didn't really add to the overall theme of the story. I also felt that the whole letters thing could have been better handled had Simone gone to an adult. She does acknowledge it towards the end of the book, but it felt more like an afterthought. Simone did grow over the course of the book, and I love the themes discussed. It's not my favorite but a good book for educational purposes on different subjects.
gingerale06's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chloebunny's review against another edition
4.0
"My HIV isn't a threat to you, but your ignorance is a threat to me."
loved this book so much!
loved this book so much!
probablykatie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
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? No
5.0
hellosarahlou's review against another edition
4.0
Such a beautiful book! Highlights some incredibly important issues in society- race, sexuality, HIV/AIDS. An educative (and fun!) read for all ages. Looking forward to seeing what’s next for you Camryn x
moniipeters's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Chronic illness, and Racism
bookishwithsarah's review against another edition
3.0
While the premise of this book sounded very interesting and informative, I felt a bit let down by the execution of it.
Simone was born HIV positive and has known about it her whole live. She’s been adopted by her two dads and they have a fairly open relationship, especially surrounding the HIV.
“Fear is powerful,” Dad says, nodding his head. “And I think that’s the reason why so many people are ignorant.”
I was hoping for more of everything. While Simone does start dating Miles, she also receives threatening messages to stop hanging out with him. Of course it takes time to set up the story, but the interesting parts only come in the last 100 pages and therefore, the ending felt rushed.
More of when the students found out and what happened after would’ve been better.
Simone was born HIV positive and has known about it her whole live. She’s been adopted by her two dads and they have a fairly open relationship, especially surrounding the HIV.
“Fear is powerful,” Dad says, nodding his head. “And I think that’s the reason why so many people are ignorant.”
I was hoping for more of everything. While Simone does start dating Miles, she also receives threatening messages to stop hanging out with him. Of course it takes time to set up the story, but the interesting parts only come in the last 100 pages and therefore, the ending felt rushed.
More of when the students found out and what happened after would’ve been better.