A review by foggy_rosamund
Vanilla by Billy Merrell

4.0

In my experience, the focus of LGBTQ YA novels is usually on the couple getting together, whereas this novel-in-verse is interested in a couple navigating their established relationship and eventual break-up. Merrell's use of free-verse poetry to tell the story is assured: frequently I feel like YA novels in verse use the free-verse too loosely and don't do enough with the form. Merrell's work surprised me by being careful, considered, and often interesting in his use of line-length or structure of poems. This story is assured: Merrell is careful with his characters, giving them space to explore their feelings, and generous with their emotions. The success of the story lies in the time he spends with his characters, and their growth and change, and his focus on the particular moments that have a big impact on their lives. He's also not afraid to discuss the physical side of sexuality, which makes the book feel very vivid and authentic. I thought he explored a number of different aspects of LGBTQ life with attention and honesty, and I was pleased that he included an asexual character. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, and how it got under my skin.