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vagaybond's review
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Transphobia, Vomit, Dysphoria, and Classism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, and Medical content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Genocide, Hate crime, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Trafficking
katrinaeames's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
That said, it is a white queer book. Aside from our love interest, the non-white characters don't really have as much depth as the white characters. And although I am happy to bash the anti-Asian racism that is the entire premise of Thourghly Modern Millie any day of the week, alluding to the racism of the show that will likely still have thousands of high school productions this year is not a stand-in for actually looking at the way race is impacting the people in the narrative here. This novel can look at the glaring and obvious examples of racism, but it doesn't handle the topic of race with any real nuance.
I would also say as someone who works in politics - the dream of a high schooler to move to DC, become a member of congress, and change the world is relatable; but the constant dismissal of other theories of change, of work that makes a difference in our communities everyday, and the way that Finch's stubbornness caused them to look down on doing actual political work was disappointing at best. It presents a narrative that I think harms teenagers' ability to see themselves taking action.
I think this is a book that tries. It could have been better. At its core this is a friends-to-lovers YA romance that feels a bit rushed in places. But the first-person POV let's us really dig into the feelings and complicated relationships of a support system that exists even when you don't feel like you have a lot of support.
Graphic: Transphobia and Dysphoria
Moderate: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Racism
Minor: Vomit
betweentheshelves's review
- 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
2.0
There are a lot of other reviews on here that talk about these issues better than I can, so definitely look them up! If you decide to pick this up, know going in that there's a lot of transphobia, racism, and homophobia. Proceed with caution!
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Alcoholism, Racism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Vomit
patandbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This story is following Finch Kelly who dreams of going to college in DC. In order to do so, he and his debate partner Jonah, need to win the National Speech & Debate Tournament. However, the final debate topic is trans rights which means he might have to debate against his own rights.
This books has amazing friendships that give me the warm fuzzies. The characters all feel so real in their flaws and strengths. I also appreciated the great Filipino representation in Jonah's character.
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Racism
melaniereadsbooks's review
- 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
4.5
Finch has one goal--get to Washington DC. This breaks down into a lot of smaller goals, like getting off Georgetown's deferment list and winning the National Debate Tournament. But when the topic for the debate is about the right of transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice, Finch is faced with a choice: give up all his previous goals, or argue against his own rights.
I loved this book from start to finish! I truly wish that it was longer because I loved watching Finch discover himself and truly come into his own throughout this book. Jonah was also an amazing part of this book and I loved him! I loved the parts where they were debating, and seeing the thoughts that Finch had, and how he dealt with everything! It was so cute and happy and I loved it so much!
Pub Date: August 24, 2021
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
Minor: Emotional abuse