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kfmcf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Listen. I get why people could be grumpy about what this book focuses on (spoilers - it's sex) BUT there are SO FEW YA books that look at sex this candidly and I know for me as a teen, it reinforced for me the idea of knowing when I was ready.
This book is not as good as the first - Sam doesn't feel like the same character in a lot of ways, Jack's family name is for some reason now Slater, for example. But there are some improvements or rather things that are just good. Lucy is a fully fledged character and is the best part of the book. I love seeing their sister relationship heal and grow.
David is still amazing. I love him.
Dauntra isn't necessary and her character drags down the book imo. I think this book more heavily indexing into what the president's politics are worked without her being there.
And I go back again to how much this book focuses on how the American society views sex in regards to teen girls - eg, If they have it, they're sluts, if they don't, they're perfect angels. That's gross and unnecessary. Women are autonomous and teaching them that sex is a power they hold equally is important. American sex education also COMPLETELY glosses over teaching what it means to be ready AND responsible. Readiness varies from person to person and that is a huge part of the characters' arcs here.
This book does not tell girls to have sex. It tells them that when they're ready they'll know.
This book is not as good as the first - Sam doesn't feel like the same character in a lot of ways, Jack's family name is for some reason now Slater, for example. But there are some improvements or rather things that are just good. Lucy is a fully fledged character and is the best part of the book. I love seeing their sister relationship heal and grow.
David is still amazing. I love him.
Dauntra isn't necessary and her character drags down the book imo. I think this book more heavily indexing into what the president's politics are worked without her being there.
And I go back again to how much this book focuses on how the American society views sex in regards to teen girls - eg, If they have it, they're sluts, if they don't, they're perfect angels. That's gross and unnecessary. Women are autonomous and teaching them that sex is a power they hold equally is important. American sex education also COMPLETELY glosses over teaching what it means to be ready AND responsible. Readiness varies from person to person and that is a huge part of the characters' arcs here.
This book does not tell girls to have sex. It tells them that when they're ready they'll know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual content