Romance

The Mirror Season

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Rating: 5/5

TW: Sexual Assault, Bullying, Homophobia

“There is enough alive in me to grow a hundred rosebushes, a thousand blooms, a million leaves”

Oh Anne-Marie McLemore, you really know how to pull at my heartstrings and I love every minute of it. Stunning, haunting, and emotionally raw, this book sheds light on rape culture, the aftermath of sexual assault, and how they survive while pursuing a journey of healing. This wasn’t an easy book to get through, there were times where I cried and had to put the book down. Even with those difficult moments, McLemore intertwines hope, discovery, love, and finding magic in life while on a journey of healing.

“It costs something to listen to someone else’s story. People forget that sometimes.”

On a night like any, the world’s of Ceila and Lock come crashing down when they are sexually assaulted in rooms mirroring each other one fateful night. While Celia can remember what happened, Lock can’t and the guilt begins to weigh heavily on her. That guilt begins to impact her more than she wants as she tries to work through it while also trying to heal herself. The way that McLemore unwraps the many layers of Ceila’s guilt gives it so much more depth and it’s also truly heartbreaking.

“I hope he hasn’t put all this together, this thing we have in common that he can’t remember and I can’t forget.” 

The pain, hurt, loss, and even guilt that Ceila feels towards what happned with Lock especially as he doesn’t remember what actually happened is hard to read at times. I felt for Ceila who was concerned for Lock and took a lot of it on herself. Through this, a budding friendship forms and the two are able to heal each other while trying to take care of themselves. To me, those are the best kind of friendships where two people who may of not met on their own but they brought together by tragic events that happened in their lives. The way that McLemore writes the characters, we see them as real people going through very real situations and trying to heal from it which to me is a sign of a great author.

Months ago, I didn’t cry, and I didn’t scream because I thought if I started crying and screaming I’d never stop. But now, I don’t care if I scream forever. If I scream forever, they will have to hear me forever.

McLemore doesn’t hold back from exploring the power dynamics that pre-exist to that night of Lock and Ceila, both from poor to middle class backgrounds up against their rich white classmates who are related to people who have their names on buildings all over town. For Ceila, her peers not only look at her different because of the color of her skin but also her sexuality. For Lock, it’s the stigmatization and misconception that boys don’t get raped because of their gender that they should be able to defend themselves from being sexually assaulted. I appreciated how McLemore wrote Lock and how he struggled to heal from the trauma, it was raw and real.

But I know this one, the boy who needs light flooding into parts of him that have gone dark. And I am, in some way smaller than my hands, bringing him back to life.

While the subject material in the book are important for us to understand, no one should push themselves through it. Sometimes, I struggle with sexual assault is written in books and that was something that I was worried about while reading this so I was very pleased with how it was done and played out. Anne-Marie McLemore is an incredibly talented and wonderful writer and I have to say that this is her best book to date. So if you want to see if it’s up your alley, feel free but don’t feel pressured that you have to read it!

Cool For The Summer

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Rating: 3/5

“Just because you’re telling a good story, doesn’t mean it’s the right story. And I think that it’s really important to tell the right story.” 

Summer love can be fickle and for seventeen year old, Lara is arrives when she leasts expects it while on vacation in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Lara begins tp spend time with her mother’s assistant Jasmine and before she knows, an unlikely friendship begins to form. But, what if there is more to the friendship than meets the eye as Lara begins have dreams about a girl who looks similar to Jasmine sending Lara on a journey of self-discovery, accepting, and being more comfortable with being who you want to be and not what other people think.

While reading, I had flashbacks to Grease which is actually one of the my favorite movies and there are similarities between the two. This is a very cute and fun story and I really wished I could’ve gotten more into it but I couldn’t. I did like Lara and found her a very interesting and fun protagonist. I wish I had read this back when I was younger because her journey of self-discovery so I think she will be a hit for young readers who can relate and see themselves in her.

I wish the same could be said for the side characters and romance especially with Chase and his sudden interest in Lara. I felt like that could’ve been fleshed a bit more over the chapters because I could’ve really invest in them as a couple. Other parts of the plot were predictable and while I do enjoy love triangles, I didn’t feel like I was fully invested in it. But at the same time, showing the flaws in the relationship is a plus but I still feel like I needed more to really understand why he liked her. There were other parts of the book that surprised me as the serious and lighthearted events throughout the book balanced each other out.

Another thing that kinda rubbed me the wrong way was the way that certain people were described throughout the book. I felt like it was a bit of a checklist for diversity and it could’ve been better with more thought, effort, and consideration. So, that was something that impacted my enjoyment of reading the book. It was a cute book but I feel like it could’ve been better if there had been more effort put into the issues that I highlighted.





The Sky Blues

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Rating: 3.5/5

I think it’s the timid and slightly terrified energy he gave off; it reminded me of myself, when I get caught up in walking the straight way down the hall, or sounding less gay, or carrying my books like a guy is supposed to. We’ve both been struggling to bury our otherness beneath the surface, but I shouldn’t have assumed our otherness was the same.”

Going into his senior year, Sky is ready to go out with a bang and make his best yet. Sky comes up with a brilliant plan to ask his crush, Ali to the prom and has to do that within thirty days. Sounds easy right? Well, when his brilliant plans get leaked by an anonymous hacker in a deeply homophobic email causes him to wish that he could leave town and finish his year at another high school. But, when his friends and others at the school encourage Sky to find out who is the behind the hack and expose them. Will Sky be expose this person for they are or will his small town blues stop Sky from embracing his true self? Find out in this fun, witty, and heartfelt debut!

This heartfelt debut was definitely one to enjoy from beginning to the end. There were a few things that I didn’t like that but I’ll get into that later. Sky is such a fun, witty, kind, friendly and wonderful main character I felt like I knew him. The other characters were a bit of hit and miss for me, I felt like some were well written and others were added for the sake of diversity. While I did enjoy the story, there were a few things that I think could’ve been better. The subplots felt rushed and quick so it was hard for me to stay invested and the ending was a bit vague.

Other than that, it was a pretty fun read so if you want to check it out, go for it!

Between Perfect and Real

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Rating: 4/5

“This is it; this is the moment when someone appears out of nowhere, demands to know what I’m doing with clothes for the wrong gender.”

Between Perfect and Real is a stunning and moving debut about finding your voice, being confident with who you are, and coming into your own. Dean Foster, the main protagonist is going through a lot of struggles with their identity as they are pretty sure they are transgender but their girlfriend, friends, and other family think they’re a lesbian. Dean is struggling with coming to terms with that and understanding that some people close to him may not be as accepting as they want. But, when Dean gets cast as the untraditional Romeo for the school play, things start to change as he feels this is their time to embrace who they are truthfully and authentically.

It didn’t take me long to become fully invested in the story especially with Dean’s journey throughout the book. While the book is full of moving and heart warming moments where you see Dean become more comfortable with themselves, there are also moments that break your heart and you want to give Dean a hug and tell them everything will be okay. I feel like I felt every emotion while reading this book and the way Stoeve fleshes out his characters, main and side makes you feel like you know them. They were very real and relatable especially Dean who wanted to not only be accepted by others who they really were but find that self-acceptance.

I very much enjoyed the LGBT with the other main and side characters. Zoe who is Dean’s girlfriend is lesbian, Ronnie is Dean’s best friend is black and gay, Allison, one of Dean’s and Zoe’s good friends, is japanese-american and bisexual, and then there are Nina and Jade who are trans and non-binary. I loved how welcoming they were and providing Dean and each other with love, acceptance, and support.

I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone as it was a very moving and empowering debut on coming into your own and being proud of it.

s.

Loveless by Alice Oseman

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Rating: 5/5

“She’s happy with who she is. Maybe it’s not the heteronormative dream that she grew up wishing for, but… knowing who you are and loving yourself is so much better than that, I think.” 

What a cute and endearing coming out story! Loveless is a story about Georgia, a young eighteen year old who struggling to come to terms with the fact that she’s never kissed, never had a relationship, or even a crush. She’s perplexed as to why that is and is trying to make sense of it while she starts at Durham University with her two best friends, Pip and Jason. With a new environment, new friends, and new adventures, Georgia starts a journey of self-acceptance, empowerment, and learns that love is so much more than she thought it was.

I’m a huge fan of Alice Oseman, she’s one of my favorite writers and I was really excited to start this for the LGBTQIA readathon. This was such a beautifully written coming out story and I loved that the main character, George identified as Aromantic-Asexual because that is what I identify as and it’s been a long journey to feel comfortable with that identity. I felt like out of all the characters, I related to her the most not just because of the aro-ace identity but to her personality. As someone who was a very shy, quiet, and reserved, I didn’t enjoy parties and going out and I did some of the same things Georgia did with her friends, Pip and Jason. I think she’s a well written character that teens and others will find relatable.

The secondary characters were well written and had great dynamics throughout the book. The story involves drama just as you would expect but it all works itself out in the end and you get a sense that Georgia is going to continue with her journey of self-acceptance and that something that we can all relate to in our own lives. Definitely would recommend this book to anyone! It’s super cute, real, relatable, and very empowering.



Zara Hossain Is Here

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Rating: 5/5

“It’s so easy to paint all the people you don’t want to accept with the same brush. That way you can tell yourself you’re just protecting your way of life and that they’re the ones encroaching upon your space.”

TW: Biphobia, Islamaphobia, Racism/Bullying, & Gun Violence

Looking at Zara Hossain from the outside, it would appear that she was living typical life of a teenage. But beneath it all, Zara is struggling to find and accept who she truly is also while battling islamaphobia at her high school. She doesn’t want to cause any trouble that would bring more harm to her and those around her especially when it comes to her family. Especially since anything could jeopardize their family’s stay in Texas while awaiting the approval of their green card which has been nine years in the making. But, what happens when Zara’s tormenter Tyler Benson starts leaving threatening messages that leads to a violent incident that puts Zara’s future at risk?

As someone who identifies as white reading this story was important for me not just because of the LGBT themes but also racism, bullying, and islamaphobia. These are important themes that people should be educated and I felt like I was taking more away from this book than I anticipated. Especially in the wake of what has been happening in the last year or so and recently with the attacks on Asian American’s. I liked how she captured the racial prejudice that immigrants face in and outside their communities. I’ve taken a few courses during my counseling degree that actually talk about this particular issue and it can impact so much and it’s very sad.

I loved Zara, I thought she was a very well written protagonist and relatable. I felt for her especially when she was dealing with biphobia and islamphobia throughout her journey of not only living in Texas but attending a Christian High School. This is how she meets her love interest, Chloe who is also dealing with her own struggles that include her homophobic parents who refuse to believe that their daughter is part of the LGBT community. The other characters were well-written that really give great dynamics throughout the story. So in short, I think everyone should read this book because I took a lot away from it and I think others will too.

Late To The Party

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Rating: 4/5

“And I think being friends with someone should be like the concept of infinity—like you truly believe that person has no limits, and you just want to keep counting upward with them to see where they go.” 

Codi Teller never considered herself a party girl. Not because she hates parties but she prefers to be with her two best friends, Jakory and Maritza watching netflix or hanging out in their basement. So when Jakory and Maritza invite her to crash a party, she’s not too keen on the idea. But, what happens when she discovers one of the cool kids, Ricky kissing another boy in the dark. An unexpected friendship forms and takes Codi on a journey of expression, love, and self-acceptance than she ever imagined.

So this book was full of fun, energy, love, and great dynamics from beginning to end. The book deals with very real issues that teenagers deal with like outgrowing your friends, how you present yourself to others, and how that can impact your true self. Being a teen is complicated and I felt the way that Quindlen addressed the issues throughout the book was very well done and handled with care. Codi and Lydia were absolutely adorable and I thought the development of the relationship was well done and not over the top. In addition, there’s complex friendships that help add to the main characters and it felt real.

This is a coming of age story about understanding who you are as a person and the importance of self-acceptance. This is something that I strongly related to myself cause I didn’t truly start to accept myself until I was much older. When you’re a teen, it can be hard and difficult to know you want in life and who you want to be. Taking your time and understanding who you takes time and it shouldn’t be rushed.

Even if you’re not a teenager, I think anyone would find this book enjoyable so I was glad to come across it.

Can’t Take That Away

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Rating: 4/5

“It’s a song about rising above people’s expectations, because in order to become your best self, you have to stay true to yourself and choose love.”

The story starts with Carey, who dreams of being famous and being able to bring the house down. But, underneath all the talent are emotional scars from events that have occurred in their that is making harder to focus not only finding their voice but being to feel good with themselves. But things start to change when they meets Cris, a singer/songwriter who makes Carey feel seen for the first time in their life. When Cris’s help, Carey starts to accept who they are and embrace their identity. What follows is a tale of expression, acceptance, and most importantly love.

Wow, what a beautiful written emotional debut by Steven Salvatore. From the first to the last page, I went to laughing, crying, and feeling overwhelmed by the story. Salvatore brings so much life and complexity to the characters and made them very real and relatable. I found myself enjoying reading the different perspectives and thought they were all fleshed out well written character. What I really loved about this book is that Salvatore, titles the chapter in accordance with the individual’s pronouns. I found that very endearing and wonderful it was a way of letting the reader know what pronouns that individual wants to be referred by. I really liked that because I know that misgendering can be very upsetting so I thought that was sweet touch.

All in all a really great debut and I will looking out for more from Salvatore because I really enjoyed his writing style and how they craft their characters.

.

Perfect on Paper

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Rating: 4/5

For the first time, the very very first time, I really believed them. That my relationship status did not change me. And that even if other people didn’t agree, every single person in this room had my back without hesitation. I was with them and they were with me and we were with each other. A community within a community within a community. No questions asked. No proof needed. No valid form of identification required. We just belonged because we belonged.” 

For a fee, Darcy Phillips can solve all your relationships woes and tries to use her power for good. But, when her least favorite person Alexander Broughram finds out about her secret relationship advice service, she’s forced into being his personal dating coach or he will tell her secret. Alexander wants to win back his ex-girlfriend and Darcy is hiding a secret of her own that if it gets out, it could ruin all the happiness she has.

I picked this book up late for the June Goodreads Challenge on the discord server and I’m actually super happy that I did. I hadn’t heard of the book or writer before but I am going to check out her other books as I found this book very enjoyable and real. It was a very well written book that tackles not only tackles LGBT issues well but also writes about teens making questionable choices and making mistakes, well-written characters, good dynamics between the main and secondary characters etc.

Darcy is such a mess but I love it and I found her very relatable especially her struggles with her bisexuality and the biphobia she deals with. Not only that but I loved that Darcy’s sister was trans and they had such a wonderful relationship, it was so loving and supportive. I really had such a fun time reading this and I was really happy with the representation as that can be really hard to find.

Would definitely recommend this book to anyone!