Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - This Is Why They Hate Us

A reminder of just how horny teen boys are. Really good book in giving an inside perspective to the young bi experience, tackles challenging topics like mental disorders, homophobia, religion, puberty, and even the different relationship styles of others. Very insightful and thought provoking.

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arlingtonchamberofgay's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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

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jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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

This is Why They Hate Us is the perfect example of a book that can save lives. If I had had this book as a teenager struggling with many of the same things as Qique I might have felt more comfortable seeking help earlier. Qique's story is so important for people of all ages!

Aaron H. Aceves is so so good at crafting likable characters who you can't help but root for. Qique's POV is hilarious, heartfelt, and so true to the messy nature of teenage-hood. All of his different relationships are handled so well. All of his hook ups remained true to who he is and what he was trying to do. I really really really (probably a lot more reallys too) his friendship with Fabiola who is basically his other half; they were both so funny and messy!

Read if you like coming of age stories with romance, diverse queer representation (bisexual, mentally ill, Latine, teenage boy mmc and several other side characters as well), and navigating queer identities as a teenager, and wholesome coming out stories. I genuinely can't wait to read whatever comes next for Aaron H. Aceves!

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johnbat's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

3.5

Admittedly the first third of the book is a bit of a slog, but starts to pick up around chapter 10

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tinytrashqueen's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful 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

3.5

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letsgolesbians's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful 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

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nelliepl's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective 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

4.5

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_bookish_lauren's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring 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

5.0

This was really a phenomenal story. I'd seen it recommend so many times and finally took the chance. I definitely regret waiting so long to read it. There was so much character developments for Enrique, finding himself and exploring his sexuality when all he really wanted was for his best friend Saleem to love him back.

Bisexuality can be a frustrating thing to navigate, especially as a teen. Society tells you you're confused and your fellow LGBTQ members tell you you're just greedy. And bisexual men, so many times, get erased. Told they're really gay. This book deals with external and internal biphobia, but also xenophobia because Saleem is Palestinian.

I loved seeing the progression of Enrique's friendships with both Fabiola and Saleem. They made a great trio of friends once Enrique was able to overcome his fear of what he was hiding from them.

Mental illness is also touch on heavily in this book. Enrique battles suicidal ideations and depressive episodes but takes the necessary steps to work toward bettering himself.

There is diverse representation in this book, and there are multiple queer characters. It's beautiful.

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