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A review by maybeangela
If This Gets Out by Cale Dietrich, Sophie Gonzales
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I received an ARC from Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press) and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There's a part of me that knew immediately that I was going to adore this book; I've read one of both Cale and Sophie's books and loved them, so that plus the fact that I consider myself to be a boyband enthusiast equals one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. I am so happy that this book delivered!
Most importantly, I was excited to see how original Zach, Ruben, Angel and Jon felt. At no point during the book did I find myself making comparisons between them and real members of real boybands, but all four of the boys in Saturday felt so real. And just like any real boyband, their unique characteristics came together to form a cohesive unit, as not only coworkers but as believable best friends. In that same regard, the blossoming relationship between Zach and Ruben also felt completely believable. I particularly enjoyed the dual POVs most in that section of the book, where Zach was working out his own identity while Ruben silently questioned everything he thought he knew about his friendship with Zach.
I've always been the kind of person who was fascinated by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and the things behind the scenes that aren't as glitzy and glamorous. IF THIS GETS OUT portrayed that balance perfectly. I also appreciated the bits toward the end where the power that the fans of Saturday held was showcased in a positive light, as someone who has definitely been in those fans' shoes in the past.
There's a part of me that knew immediately that I was going to adore this book; I've read one of both Cale and Sophie's books and loved them, so that plus the fact that I consider myself to be a boyband enthusiast equals one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. I am so happy that this book delivered!
Most importantly, I was excited to see how original Zach, Ruben, Angel and Jon felt. At no point during the book did I find myself making comparisons between them and real members of real boybands, but all four of the boys in Saturday felt so real. And just like any real boyband, their unique characteristics came together to form a cohesive unit, as not only coworkers but as believable best friends. In that same regard, the blossoming relationship between Zach and Ruben also felt completely believable. I particularly enjoyed the dual POVs most in that section of the book, where Zach was working out his own identity while Ruben silently questioned everything he thought he knew about his friendship with Zach.
I've always been the kind of person who was fascinated by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and the things behind the scenes that aren't as glitzy and glamorous. IF THIS GETS OUT portrayed that balance perfectly. I also appreciated the bits toward the end where the power that the fans of Saturday held was showcased in a positive light, as someone who has definitely been in those fans' shoes in the past.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia