Ratings40
Average rating4.4
Many queer teens need a book like this.Admittedly, I am not into reading YA, not because I look down on it, please no, I don’t mean it that way. As someone born outside the States I don’t connect to the typical YA plot points like “going to prom, what dress should I buy?” My teen years are better off forgotten, so I just stay reading adult novels.That said, I gave this book a chance because it was recommended many times by fellow Latinx readers so, why not? I’m glad to say it was an enjoyable, and to some extend, relatable read. I recommend this book to queer Latinx readers who were also raised in strict religious families. This novel is like a friend that understands you and also tries to cheer you up with its authentic sibling dynamics and occasional fun moments.Extra cheers for the amazing audiobook narrator.
One of my favorite book this year! (Given that I've only read 5 books, lol)
It's so much fun, sweet, and adorable! The author also handled the important and sensitive subject quite well.
Love love love! This is a book I read for my queer teen closeted self and man this book brought a lot of healing. TW because I wasn't prepared for this story line but there is SI discussed within this story and it was quite emotional.
Anyway, Yami and Cesar are the sibling duo I didn't know I needed. Their character development is so awesome to watch. I saw myself in them and at the same time I saw my siblings. They're precious, this story is precious. I love the writing style, it was very much like I was involved in every conversation and feeling all the emotional experiences each of the characters felt. Highly recommend this to young queer readers and newly out of the closet adults.
i might be learning that in my old age (a whole 20) i cant enjoy contemporary YA like i used to. there were a LOT of pretty bad cringy moments but third act was pretty good. im glad Reyes didnt do the “main couple breaks up and gets back together thing” in the third act, but rather it touched on a more darker subject with the whole family instead. i enjoyed the book, but i think imma start passing on ya with younger-than-18 charas lol
“I want to feel something other than pain.” Summarizes the book quite well.
Way too much queer suffering, narration is exhausting (probably also due to this being YA), story drags on and the end feels rushed. What I can say is that the story is ‘cute', the young characters aren't necessarily dislikable, there's humour in it and little jokes, but there's not enough that distracts from the gloominess of the entire story. There's worse stories I've read, but the fact that I thought halfway through ‘When will this end?' is one of the main reasons I cannot give this book a 3.
It's like someone took all anti-gay tropes and shoved it into one story. Oh, and on top of that, some racism-sprinkles as well.
I would've liked the following TWs or mentioned themes before I went into this, to be very honest. I might have made the choice not to read it instead: Forced outing, abusive mother/household, homophobia (repeatedly, story driven by), religious bigotry, casual racism, assault (due to, again, homophobia), suicide and self-harm, internalized homophobia, bullying [...]
I absolutely hated Yami's mum, and it makes zero sense that she acted completely differently at the end. It's a process. As well as, you've treated your daughter like shit for so long, it's suddenly all forgiven? PLEASE. Ridiculous. Same goes for Yami's dad but y'know, the other way around. Makes very little sense to me.
i was a tad intimidated by the page count before i started (this was part of a book swap where the picks were meant to be on the shorter side) but it moved pretty quickly. this was a relatively “easy” read, but the high school setting stressed me out and so did one of the major plot points even though there was a content warning for it at the beginning so i theoretically should have been prepared.
really adored this book. From the relationship between Yami and Ceasar to the budding relationship and awkwardness with Yami and Bo. It was all just wholesome and relatable. This is definitely a book I wish I had in highschool.
The fear that Yami and Ceasar had to just be who they are in the comfort of their own homes due to rejection from their parents. Yami over working herself just to make sure they are secure when they are locked out. I loved how she immediately took steps to make sure they were going to be safe, but I hate how she had to feel like anyways. Yet this is the reality for many LGBTQ+ youth still living with their parents. To just put aside themselves for other happiness and peace of mine while internally they are suffering. And just like Ceasar, suffering in silence.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the mother's acceptance of her kid's sexuality... completely caught me off guard. AND the fact that their mom dropped her husband due to him being homophobic??? A queen 👸🏾 is what she is.
If you couldn't tell by now I completely and whole heartedly recommend this book 🩵
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