Nothing too unique or stand out, but is was a very well written and lovely romance.
Even though this utilizes a trope that is often over dramatic and Nothing too unique or stand out, but is was a very well written and lovely romance.
Even though this utilizes a trope that is often over dramatic and over the top, this story remained fairly grounded. At the heart of this is a story about finding and accepting yourself. And doing what is right for you. I loved how Stevie found her own support system and was able to strengthen herself.
The ending/resolution felt a little too neat and tidy. But it was hopeful and uplifting - something LGBTQIA stories often lack. ...more
A quick, cute story about two people from opposite social groups bonding and falling for each other. Plays with gender stereotypes a bit. But it also A quick, cute story about two people from opposite social groups bonding and falling for each other. Plays with gender stereotypes a bit. But it also somewhat loses its focus - Alix asks Ezra for help controlling her anger. Nice setup, especially after Alix went into a blind rage after a hockey game. However, this is never really explored. They just kinda hang out and talk. Which is nice. But not exactly what the setup was. It still showed how important it is to have connections with others and how to overcome pass trauma and bullying. A lot is packed into this simple story....more
This covers a lot of important topics, but felt like it had too many storylines/plot points to give full attention to any. Felt a bit disjointed at tiThis covers a lot of important topics, but felt like it had too many storylines/plot points to give full attention to any. Felt a bit disjointed at times and rushed. ...more
I hadn't realized this was an Odysseus and Eurydice retelling until after I started it and Fussner did a great job of modernizing the tale.
T3.5 stars
I hadn't realized this was an Odysseus and Eurydice retelling until after I started it and Fussner did a great job of modernizing the tale.
The ending was really powerful and this felt different from other middle grade novels. It is raw and real - including some drinking, smoking, and parties that often aren't included in books about 7th graders. But there was just something missing, especially in the beginning. Everything happened fast and it could be because I was listening to the audiobook, but it was difficult to connect to the story and actually see/feel the girls fall in love. It was a blink and you'll miss it setup.
Overall, a really beautiful LGBTQ middle grade romance that could use just a little more development in the characters and setup. ...more
I was entertained and engaged with this story. I've read the rest of the series and looked forward to this last piece of it. However, this fa3.5 stars
I was entertained and engaged with this story. I've read the rest of the series and looked forward to this last piece of it. However, this falls into the trap a lot of rom-coms fall into - it lacks the necessary build up, tension, banter, connection between the two leads. I want to swoon with these characters. I want to feel that this other person is their person - that they complete each other. I want to see and feel that connection. I don't think that was here. Instead, parts that could have shown their connection and growth into something more were glossed over in montages. Steve is wooing Iris, so here is a quick list of the dates they went on. No! Show me pieces of those dates - their conversations! Something!
Also, the fake dating set up is barely utilized. Which, is fine. I didn't go into this book because I am ravenous for fake dating. But they kind of fake date in one or two scenes and then it feels kind of dropped. Honestly, this isn't a bad or good thing - in fact it could have made this story more interesting if that was leaned into more. But it felt more like the author just dropped it or got bored of it.
(view spoiler)[ I know third act break-ups are a point of discussion and disagreement right now. And while I don't have a problem with them, they need to serve a purpose. I would like to see more stories not do a third-act breakup, just for something new. So, once we hit that point in this story, I started getting my hopes up. It seemed like the story was going to do something different and not have that. Stevie was fighting for Iris and asking her to stay and talk through their conflict. And it felt like Iris was going to...and then she just leaves. And the story cemented itself into a 3 star, average, nothing special rom-com again. (hide spoiler)]
Oh and one more thing - Stevie's friends were the real villains in this story (view spoiler)[ and I would not have forgiven Ren so easily (hide spoiler)]....more
This is the definition of showing and not telling. The book starts with Sammy recapping all the misfortunes she just experienced, including DNF at 11%
This is the definition of showing and not telling. The book starts with Sammy recapping all the misfortunes she just experienced, including a breakup and almost losing her job. But I don’t know why the author didn’t choose to show these scenes. This book could have started as she was getting broken up with and actually show that event, making the start of the book grab your attention and allowing the reader to connect with Sammy.
Instead it just basically exposition dumps right away and it really turned me off of the book and I found myself avoiding picking it back up.
A cute realistic, relatable rom-com about two teens who meet-cute in a post office, lose each other, find each other, and fall in love - except one ofA cute realistic, relatable rom-com about two teens who meet-cute in a post office, lose each other, find each other, and fall in love - except one of them must go home at the end of summer. Ben and Arthur have about a month together and they pack a whole relationship in - dating, falling in love, fighting, breaking up, getting back together, (view spoiler)[ ultimately choosing to go their separate ways (hide spoiler)]
Sweet and fun, a nice story to fill a rom-com need....more
A great intro to pronouns and figuring out what feels right for you. This is a book for younger kids to show that it is okay to question what you wantA great intro to pronouns and figuring out what feels right for you. This is a book for younger kids to show that it is okay to question what you want to be called. Payden asks all the people in the community how they decided what was best for them, showing that this is not a taboo subject and it is easy to talk about.
An inclusive LGBTQ picture book that introduces a big topic in an easy way....more
An interesting take on the Cinderella story that could use a little more fleshing out. The story and idea is good, featuring diverse characters and a An interesting take on the Cinderella story that could use a little more fleshing out. The story and idea is good, featuring diverse characters and a lesbian romance and lots of strong females, but there were many holes in the plot. Plus it felt rushed and several reveals and resolutions just happened. Yet on the other hand many aspects felt predictable.
Overall, I think this would be a good intro to fractured fairy tales and fantasy for tween readers. If you haven't read a lot of those genres, some of the predictability wouldn't matter.
Still, I appreciate what it is trying to do. ...more
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