So I might be biased cause I love Adib. When I heard about this book I was super excited. The Darius the Great books are some of the best books I’ve ever read and I’ve become a huge fan of his.
This book is deff different then his Darius books. I thought it was super cute and had a lot of funny moments in it. While his previous books were much more serious, the goofiness in this book almost overpowered the topics being discussed. My only real critique is how it felt like a lot of the issues were forced and random. I did like a lot of the stuff talked about and a lot of the issues that were brought up are super important. Especially for queer individuals trying to find their places in the world.
I know nothing about Canada and this felt so Canadian I was hella lost a few times. However, the fanfic inserts took me out. I also like how the story was broken up in interviews, internet articles, and emails to add to the main story. A little BTS action like in a boy band documentary. There was also a good message in there about being your authentic self and using your platform for good in the world while also understanding your privilege.
I know for a fact a lot of teen boys bands are forced to have a certain image for their labels and the fact that Hunter was being forced to look like a “bottom” was extra infuriating. Im sure I would have hated everyone and exploded too if everything in my life was decided for me and put in the spotlight for people to critic and pick apart.
I did love Hunt and the guys. I was a little disappointed there wasn’t really a lot of focus on the other band mates and only focus on Hunter and Ashton with Kaivan. We didn’t get to see any of Kaivan’s brothers either. Kaivan was cute though and I was really rooting for them to stay together.
All in all this was a cute story you should totally read if you like Adib’s other books. I’m looking forward to reading much more of him in the future!! Just remember you aren’t alone in the world. Someone out there knows your struggles and is ready to embrace you for who you are.
This book is deff different then his Darius books. I thought it was super cute and had a lot of funny moments in it. While his previous books were much more serious, the goofiness in this book almost overpowered the topics being discussed. My only real critique is how it felt like a lot of the issues were forced and random. I did like a lot of the stuff talked about and a lot of the issues that were brought up are super important. Especially for queer individuals trying to find their places in the world.
I know nothing about Canada and this felt so Canadian I was hella lost a few times. However, the fanfic inserts took me out. I also like how the story was broken up in interviews, internet articles, and emails to add to the main story. A little BTS action like in a boy band documentary. There was also a good message in there about being your authentic self and using your platform for good in the world while also understanding your privilege.
I know for a fact a lot of teen boys bands are forced to have a certain image for their labels and the fact that Hunter was being forced to look like a “bottom” was extra infuriating. Im sure I would have hated everyone and exploded too if everything in my life was decided for me and put in the spotlight for people to critic and pick apart.
I did love Hunt and the guys. I was a little disappointed there wasn’t really a lot of focus on the other band mates and only focus on Hunter and Ashton with Kaivan. We didn’t get to see any of Kaivan’s brothers either. Kaivan was cute though and I was really rooting for them to stay together.
All in all this was a cute story you should totally read if you like Adib’s other books. I’m looking forward to reading much more of him in the future!! Just remember you aren’t alone in the world. Someone out there knows your struggles and is ready to embrace you for who you are.