A review by careinthelibrary
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My most recent read is a new favourite. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's funny and hopeful despite dealing with really difficult subject matter. Yamilet, Cesar, Bo, and Jamal are the heart and soul of this story. Yami will make so many lesbians feel seen, especially those experiencing religious shame and bigotry.
There's gay, bi, and lesbian rep and discussions around coming out forced outings, homophobia. There's Mexican, Black, and Chinese transracial adoptee rep but also scenes with racism, slurs, and ignorance. Characters struggle with mental illness, self-harm, and suicidal ideation and institutionalization is also discussed. But I found myself laughing and smiling through the tears and the tension. The joy peeks through the troubles.
I love the portions on beading and how it connects Yami to her Indigenous roots. She has a complicated relationship with her father and beading keeps her grounded, pays the bills, and allows her to bond with her brother and mom during their make sessions.
Bo also has a well-rounded character arc and is complex in her understanding of herself, her queerness, her culture, her family. I love how Bo and Yami learn together and don't assume things about one another's upbringing and experiences.
This was just a giant hug of queer coming-of-age, sibling supportiveness, and standing up for each other and yourself. And I shared it with friends.
@janeanthereadingqueen (on IG) and I read it pretty much back to back and she loved it just like I did. So glad we share so many good reads together, my friend.
I know @nativeladybookwarrior also loved this book, so go check out her review of it on IG and Booktube.
It's funny and hopeful despite dealing with really difficult subject matter. Yamilet, Cesar, Bo, and Jamal are the heart and soul of this story. Yami will make so many lesbians feel seen, especially those experiencing religious shame and bigotry.
There's gay, bi, and lesbian rep and discussions around coming out forced outings, homophobia. There's Mexican, Black, and Chinese transracial adoptee rep but also scenes with racism, slurs, and ignorance. Characters struggle with mental illness, self-harm, and suicidal ideation and institutionalization is also discussed. But I found myself laughing and smiling through the tears and the tension. The joy peeks through the troubles.
I love the portions on beading and how it connects Yami to her Indigenous roots. She has a complicated relationship with her father and beading keeps her grounded, pays the bills, and allows her to bond with her brother and mom during their make sessions.
Bo also has a well-rounded character arc and is complex in her understanding of herself, her queerness, her culture, her family. I love how Bo and Yami learn together and don't assume things about one another's upbringing and experiences.
This was just a giant hug of queer coming-of-age, sibling supportiveness, and standing up for each other and yourself. And I shared it with friends.
@janeanthereadingqueen (on IG) and I read it pretty much back to back and she loved it just like I did. So glad we share so many good reads together, my friend.
I know @nativeladybookwarrior also loved this book, so go check out her review of it on IG and Booktube.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Bullying, Racism, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Outing
Moderate: Deportation, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, and Mental illness