A review by madamenovelist
Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Body shaming, Biphobia, Homophobia, Sexual harassment, and Ableism
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Fatphobia, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, and Bullying
I content tagged moderate cultural appropriation because one of the POV characters is Chinese Australian and the author is … definitely not. And while I assume no harm was intended, I personally feel uncomfy about a white author writing a quirky primary hair-colored Asian protagonist that just drop 3 or 4 small references to her heritage and that’s it.
It was very refreshing to read about Charlie’s & Jamie’s & Taylor’s friendship, Charlie becoming more comfy in her bisexuality and ,, and Taylor learning to navigate stressful environments while autistic. Several of Taylor’s moments hit me like a freight train in a good way. I just wish the author had not picked a heritage for Charlie she could not accurately flesh out.
One more thing that’s more a personal quibble: it was hard to suspend disbelief that Alyssa would actually . I was rolling my eyes while listening to the audiobook because REALLY?!??