A review by nokvi
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

3.75

I always say this but I always rate YA more leniently because I'm not the target audience and I try to imagine how teen me would feel. (Honestly it was about 3 stars)

Honestly, Teen me would not read contemporary romance but I think if she did she would love this book. While there was very limited ugly crying and the plot was rather predictable, I truly enjoyed how this work tackled issues of race, especially internalized biases that we may hold ourselves to and how one navigates a world that they are not welcomed in. How it addressed Classism is also appropriate, as Quinn has some thoughts that had me like Girl? You sure this is the thought process you want it subscribe to?

Is it the best book for targeting these issues? No but I imagine for a teen trying to figure their lives out, especially in circumstances (not the blackmail part but operating in a world where you are othered) that Quinn find herself in, would be glad for a character that's so relatable. 

I'm also a sucker for unlikely friendships and finding the persons that were meant for you, there's nothing more beautiful that community and with what happening to Hattie, I'm glad Quinn
found a friend in Livvy


The journey of self acceptance and
removal of dependency from her journal
is wonderful and I'm actually very happy with the third act and the establishment of boundaries
If she had forgiven Carter immediately I would have been most upset


Excuse Me while I ugly cry is a beautiful journey of self acceptance, setting personal boundaries and carrying yourself out of your comfort zone, the importance of community and family amongst things. While I do find it somewhat immature (for my age) in terms of its target audience I firmly believe it's a strong contender 

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