A review by therewillbenewsuns
And Other Mistakes by Erika Turner

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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

4.5

This was a really well-done debut by Erika Turner. It gives me hope for the future of queer YA literature. The main character, Aaliyah, is a Black lesbian who was forced out of the closet during her sophomore year of high school, leading her to drop out of her passion, track and field. About to start junior year, she has to figure out how to gain back her team's trust, in addition to being a baby gay with old and new crushes colliding. Aaliyah is fleshed out and imperfect, someone who I found myself empathizing with and rooting for, while also feeling frustrated with her as she navigates maintaining old and building new relationships. As a former baby gay from a religious family, I saw myself in her awkwardness and desire to be/feel loved as herself, to feel like there was nothing wrong with her. 

What I really appreciated about this book is that none of the conflicts were wrapped up in a bow at the end.
I think it showed a lot of strength and growth that Aaliyah does not try to get back together with Tessa, and knows she needs to do some self work before trying to sustain a romantic relationship. I also loved that she does not start a romance with Marissa, and instead asks for what she needs which is her best friend.


No relationships are fully put back together, but how could they be? That will take time and healing. They're teens dealing with college applications and unstable homes and relationships and sexuality and religion and the mess of life! And I think Turner captured that chaos and instability well, while also leaving the audition with a glint in their eyes-- a move towards new possibilities. 
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