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A review by bookswithbibi
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
5.0
This book was EVERYTHING!! Above all else, this is one of the few books where I've felt so seen (especially as a Chinese transracial adoptee).
I'm not sure if I can adequately put into words what this book means to me. I knew I was going to like (from the title and chapter titles) but I didn't expect for it to hit me so deeply in the feels. First of all, I loved, loved, loved the rep. There was rep from multiple cultures, ethnicities and types of relationships, and I felt this was done exceptionally well as a YA book. I also personally loved that the love interest was a Chinese adoptee with white parents. I found that the inner turmoil this character faced (it wasn't focused on as much of course, but was touched upon in a few pivotal moments) reflected parts of how I feel and felt growing up with a white parent in a white neighbourhood. I never went to Catholic school and I'm not Catholic but I appreciated how these characters navigated this part of their life/identity and that this struggle was touched upon.
I loved Yami and her family! I did find that some of the conflicts could've been resolved easily (or avoided) with better communication, but I do understand why Yami was hesitant to start these conversations. Also, as this is YA, the voice can be a bit young at times, but I didn't mind it, and I think it really captures her journey and process from beginning to end. I loved that Yami and her mom made jewelry on the side and that this process of making and connecting was part of the story. I also loved the little cultural moments and pieces spread throughout—also shoutout to the moments of community care and reciprocation, truly 10/10.
Even though this is a YA book, I think readers of all ages and life stages should read this, as it's a truly beautiful story of finding oneself. Ultimately, this book is so needed and wonderful. One reviewer calls it
"a warm, protective hug for teens who are fighting to be seen as themselves in a world that wants them to hide" and I couldn't agree more. This is THE YA book to read.
I'm not sure if I can adequately put into words what this book means to me. I knew I was going to like (from the title and chapter titles) but I didn't expect for it to hit me so deeply in the feels. First of all, I loved, loved, loved the rep. There was rep from multiple cultures, ethnicities and types of relationships, and I felt this was done exceptionally well as a YA book. I also personally loved that the love interest was a Chinese adoptee with white parents. I found that the inner turmoil this character faced (it wasn't focused on as much of course, but was touched upon in a few pivotal moments) reflected parts of how I feel and felt growing up with a white parent in a white neighbourhood. I never went to Catholic school and I'm not Catholic but I appreciated how these characters navigated this part of their life/identity and that this struggle was touched upon.
I loved Yami and her family! I did find that some of the conflicts could've been resolved easily (or avoided) with better communication, but I do understand why Yami was hesitant to start these conversations. Also, as this is YA, the voice can be a bit young at times, but I didn't mind it, and I think it really captures her journey and process from beginning to end. I loved that Yami and her mom made jewelry on the side and that this process of making and connecting was part of the story. I also loved the little cultural moments and pieces spread throughout—also shoutout to the moments of community care and reciprocation, truly 10/10.
Even though this is a YA book, I think readers of all ages and life stages should read this, as it's a truly beautiful story of finding oneself. Ultimately, this book is so needed and wonderful. One reviewer calls it
"a warm, protective hug for teens who are fighting to be seen as themselves in a world that wants them to hide" and I couldn't agree more. This is THE YA book to read.