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jess_polishedcomma's review
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Ableism and Bullying
Minor: Cursing
aromanticreadsromance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I cannot say enough good things about this book and its author!!! We NEED more platonic love stories (because platonic soulmates ARE a thing)!! Casey and Hayden's friendship was so beautiful. Both started closed off but slowly opened themselves up to each other.
This book has OwnVoices Deaf-Hard of Hearing representation (through Casey) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder representation (through Hayden). Casey is Polish-American and bisexual, and Hayden is Cuban-Italian American and aroace. I could relate SO much to both their storylines! Sydney Langford really captured not only what it's like to be a teenager but also what it's like to be a (newly) disabled teenager. I'm not Deaf-Hard of Hearing like Casey, but I was born with a vision impairment that didn't get diagnosed until I was a teen. So let me tell you the medical ableism against children and teenagers is alive and well. I had multiple doctors who didn't believe me and told my parents (while I was in the room, no less!) I was making it up for attention (which... if I wanted attention, there were far more effective ways to get it). It broke my heart to hear Casey (and I'm sure the author as well) go through a similar experience. Here's a radical idea... why don't we just... believe kids?
I also loved the discussion of grief related to Casey's sudden hearing loss. Grief doesn't just happen after a loved one dies, and I think we need to talk about non-death related grief more.
There's also a splash of romance in this (obviously not between the MCs, but between Casey and someone else...) that I really enjoyed, but it was not the main focus (nowhere near it).
Sydney Langford's sophomore release can't come soon enough (but unfortunately the world needs to wait until 2026) (srsly sydney if u need alpha beta and/or arc readers hmu ily) !!!
This book has OwnVoices Deaf-Hard of Hearing representation (through Casey) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder representation (through Hayden). Casey is Polish-American and bisexual, and Hayden is Cuban-Italian American and aroace. I could relate SO much to both their storylines! Sydney Langford really captured not only what it's like to be a teenager but also what it's like to be a (newly) disabled teenager. I'm not Deaf-Hard of Hearing like Casey, but I was born with a vision impairment that didn't get diagnosed until I was a teen. So let me tell you the medical ableism against children and teenagers is alive and well. I had multiple doctors who didn't believe me and told my parents (while I was in the room, no less!) I was making it up for attention (which... if I wanted attention, there were far more effective ways to get it). It broke my heart to hear Casey (and I'm sure the author as well) go through a similar experience. Here's a radical idea... why don't we just... believe kids?
I also loved the discussion of grief related to Casey's sudden hearing loss. Grief doesn't just happen after a loved one dies, and I think we need to talk about non-death related grief more.
There's also a splash of romance in this (obviously not between the MCs, but between Casey and someone else...) that I really enjoyed, but it was not the main focus (nowhere near it).
Sydney Langford's sophomore release can't come soon enough (but unfortunately the world needs to wait until 2026) (srsly sydney if u need alpha beta and/or arc readers hmu ily) !!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Moderate: Cursing
clyclone's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A brilliant story with tangible characters, realistic struggles, and an abundance of joy and belonging.
An absolute must-read for teens struggling to belong, disabled adults grieving their teenage years, or anyone trying to better understand the experiences of those around them.
An absolute must-read for teens struggling to belong, disabled adults grieving their teenage years, or anyone trying to better understand the experiences of those around them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Grief
elliott_the_clementine's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.25
Toothache-sweet!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Acephobia/Arophobia
the_queer_bibliophile's review
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
I received this ARC in a trade. All thoughts are my own. I absolutely adored reading this book! The characters were funny and relatable from the very beginning. And the humor and Millennial/Gen Z references where icing on the cake. This is literally a Platonic High School Musical, and I LOVE THAT.
The representation throughout this book is amazing in my opinion. Not only do we get disability representation with a Deaf/HOH MC, we get LGBTQ+ representation with the main two characters being bisexual and aroace, AND mental health representation as well, with one of the MCs experiencing anxiety attacks and a possible anxiety disorder. The representation of an anxiety attack was very realistic, but also keep in mind anxiety attacks look different for everyone.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to those looking for a feel-good, coming-of-age story of two queers and their found family.
The representation throughout this book is amazing in my opinion. Not only do we get disability representation with a Deaf/HOH MC, we get LGBTQ+ representation with the main two characters being bisexual and aroace, AND mental health representation as well, with one of the MCs experiencing anxiety attacks and a possible anxiety disorder. The representation of an anxiety attack was very realistic, but also keep in mind anxiety attacks look different for everyone.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to those looking for a feel-good, coming-of-age story of two queers and their found family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, and Grief
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