A great commentary on an important topic, with a really weak plotline...
I was very excited to read this, because I had so many good things, but I feel like my expectations were not met.
On the one hand, this book offers some really significant commentary on some significant, important topics. While set in 2003, the cultural conversation Rivera starts here is still relevant today. And it's encouraging to see diversity at play in a leading role for a book. I don't want to discount the importance of Rivera's voice in the larger conversation. All of that is a very good thing.
At the same time, I felt like the actual STORY was very lacking. All of the scenes felt like intentional setups for educational moments. Again--important educational moments. But the actual reading of those moments was rough. I don't feel like I got to know any of the characters beyond their cookie-cutter roles. The plot was disjointed, unevenly paced. And the writing was a bit inconsistent.
I would recommend this book as part of the queer canon, and as a great perspective/voice/type of representation. But I also feel that the overall story could have been stronger.
On the one hand, this book offers some really significant commentary on some significant, important topics. While set in 2003, the cultural conversation Rivera starts here is still relevant today. And it's encouraging to see diversity at play in a leading role for a book. I don't want to discount the importance of Rivera's voice in the larger conversation. All of that is a very good thing.
At the same time, I felt like the actual STORY was very lacking. All of the scenes felt like intentional setups for educational moments. Again--important educational moments. But the actual reading of those moments was rough. I don't feel like I got to know any of the characters beyond their cookie-cutter roles. The plot was disjointed, unevenly paced. And the writing was a bit inconsistent.
I would recommend this book as part of the queer canon, and as a great perspective/voice/type of representation. But I also feel that the overall story could have been stronger.