There are some great conversations about consent, making sure both parties feel safe and loved during sex, and no demonization of sexual desire. It also shows Neon is understandably nervous about his first time.

But I had to have some suspension of belief. In a good way! It felt so unrealistic to me, at times. Black parents have evolved because they’d never give no license to have sex or speak of the benefits of masturbation like this. That just wasn’t my testimony growing up 💀 And a side dude this well-adjusted? Unheard of. But I was pleasantly surprised that the men in Neon's life didn't give him the typical "sow your wild oats" advice.

That aside, I read through this pretty quickly. It had a lovely cover, but the story wasn’t my favorite. I think the simplicity and healthy conversations will definitely help teen readers not feel ashamed and gleam some understanding. So while, I wasn't engaged from a narrative point of view, I think the story has merit.

I liked the ear analogy too!