Reviews

This book delves into crucial themes like homophobia, conversion therapy, bullying, abuse, mental health, and racism, which is commendable. Sadly I did not feel a connection with any of the characters. The growth of the protagonist felt rushed, lacking realism. The love interest of the book is Native American which is a very underrepresented minority in books. So I was excited to see that representation in this book, but this portrayal left much to be desired. The book's representation of Native Americans was disappointing, featuring racism, slurs, and hate crimes, which felt particularly inappropriate considering the author is white.

If anyone knows of books with authentic portrayals of queer Native American characters by Native American authors, I'd love recommendations!

jade_ls_lee's review against another edition

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4.0

Wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am!

Not what I expected but still good - maybe because of that. Nice to see a YA contemporary which can break out of the usual story beats.

lightlux's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

adambwriter's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

4.75

bookishfaye's review against another edition

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Was just reading a tad too young for me

and_so_she_reads_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad 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

5.0

mo_mentan's review against another edition

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4.0

2020
*3.5
- someone doesn't like the rolling stones
- i know too little about why it is a problem if non-own-voice authors write slurs in their books (in a way that the context obviously condems their use). i should probably educate myself about that
- i am, however, a little uncomfortable about a white author writing about native american (and even black) culture. maybe i am just a little too sensitive now or i am just scared of doing things wrong myself, because actually i think it is great to have this kind of representation
- the writing IS a little over the top in places but i actually don't mind too much
- the ending is strange and a little too much but overall ok
- i don't think the hal thing was necessary
- i loved how grey his father was as a character
- i didn't like the way the people at the trailor park were portrayed, as just lazy and violent. they had no depth to them, they were just bad people. which, sure, racism is bad and inexcusable and we do not have to talk about that, but they are still humans with motivations and problems and sorrows

all in all it seemed a little rough around the edges, but i mean it's a debut and would surely read the next book by this author

2023 correction: the author IS in fact native american, i dunno why i thought otherwise (in general but especially if it was based on looks it is of course very problematic and i am sorry!)

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