wenwanzhao's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the kind of awkward, raw, and somehow still lighthearted queer YA novel I don’t think we could’ve gotten a few years ago. What I found most attractive about This Is Why They Hate Us was the premise, the harem concept just isn’t used enough, even though it has a lot of potential. I think this book really accomplished what it set out to do, and I found myself pretty attached to Quique by the end (despite him being a 16 year old mess). Yes, I did find it a bit difficult to get into, and I have grown enough to cringe at how teenagers think, but I think TIWTHU is a worthy YA read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Mental illness, Homophobia, Alcohol, Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
mal_bookedatfirstsight's review against another edition
4.5
This book will likely make you uncomfortable at parts
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Hate crime, and Violence
shamelesslyash's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I wanted 2(!) years for this book. When I first saw Aaron's tweet about it I was sold. I loved that he doesn't shy away from how confusing sexuality, life, everything can be. It's hard trying to figure yourself out! I liked how this was a slow burn and things weren't all pretty and happy and turns out ok in the end. It takes time, mistakes, and learning about yourself before what you want can happen.
This was such a beautiful and at times heartbreaking read. I love that we get to know Enrique and not just his love life, but the good, the bad, and the ugly. I would highly recommend this.
(Also thank you Aaron for saying how bad Call me By Your Name is!!! Seriously it's wrong on so many levels!)
This was such a beautiful and at times heartbreaking read. I love that we get to know Enrique and not just his love life, but the good, the bad, and the ugly. I would highly recommend this.
(Also thank you Aaron for saying how bad Call me By Your Name is!!! Seriously it's wrong on so many levels!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Self harm, Alcohol, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Hate crime
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