I don’t think I have identified with a character so thoroughly as I did with Nick. He is queer and quirky and he has ADHD and anxiety and an unhealthy interest in superheroes and fanfiction. We have all these things in common so it’s not so strange for me to love him so much. His supportive friend group and dad are very well done, especially the dialogue and obvious comfort the characters share.
The little hints as to what is happening are easy to follow but still the conclusions threw me for a loop at times. This is basically what fanfic readers would call crackfic taken seriously. Very real emotions and heavy topics are taken seriously but the crackfic aspects shine through all the same, making this an extremely enjoyable, relatable read. Part of the crackfic aspects come from the references to Marvel superheroes, particularly Spiderman. I can think of various different ways this book could have started with a Spiderman fanfic. Maybe it’s because I’m always reading Spiderman fanfics and was looking for those similarities but then there is a particular line when one of the characters is referred to as a knockoff Harry Osborn and...well, I’m sunk for this book, let me tell you.
The dynamic between Nick and his friends is straight up enviable. They’re all very different. Seth and Nick have been best friends since they were kids. Nick is very extra and intense and Seth is more subdued, wearing cravats, sure, but he’s more quiet and contained. Gibby is smart and rational, happy to support Nick with his crazy ideas and keep secrets when necessary. Jazz is a cheerleader, pretty and popular. She’s actually really smart and observant, but is bubbly and upbeat, which can make her seem like an airhead sometimes. Gibby and Jazz are dating and Nick has been nursing a crush on Seth for years, though he’s so oblivious that he has no idea. Talk about a slow burn.
There are mature conversations all around, particularly between Nick and his dad, both of whom are human and make mistakes. We all say things we don’t mean, especially when we’re worried about someone we love. These two male characters are somewhat emotionally constipated in that they find it difficult to talk about their emotions. They certainly don’t mind having them, though. Nick cries several times, over various different things, good and bad; he’s very open.
Nick has ADHD, as well as massive anxiety and trauma, after his mom died two years previously in what seemed to be a bank robbery. There are a couple panic attacks that are somewhat described in detail, as well as spiraling thoughts and manic activities. The way ADHD and anxiety are described is next level. Other books tackle these subjects and do it well, but Nick’s particular brand of neuroses just vibes with my own and made it so easy to fall into this book and understand his reasoning. I probably understand him better than I should for all that his thoughts are described as disordered.
Nick remains my favorite character! Followed closely by Gibby, Jazz, and Seth. Gibby is most definitely my second favorite most of the time. She’s so badass: intelligent and well spoken, willing to stand up for herself and her friends at the drop of a hat, even if it means putting herself in danger to do so. I recommend this series for anyone with ADHD, anyone who loves superheroes, and anyone who wants a realistic portrayal of queer identity and love. It does go over the top, and often, but don’t we do that as people? Aren’t we all a little extra sometimes?
The little hints as to what is happening are easy to follow but still the conclusions threw me for a loop at times. This is basically what fanfic readers would call crackfic taken seriously. Very real emotions and heavy topics are taken seriously but the crackfic aspects shine through all the same, making this an extremely enjoyable, relatable read. Part of the crackfic aspects come from the references to Marvel superheroes, particularly Spiderman. I can think of various different ways this book could have started with a Spiderman fanfic. Maybe it’s because I’m always reading Spiderman fanfics and was looking for those similarities but then there is a particular line when one of the characters is referred to as a knockoff Harry Osborn and...well, I’m sunk for this book, let me tell you.
The dynamic between Nick and his friends is straight up enviable. They’re all very different. Seth and Nick have been best friends since they were kids. Nick is very extra and intense and Seth is more subdued, wearing cravats, sure, but he’s more quiet and contained. Gibby is smart and rational, happy to support Nick with his crazy ideas and keep secrets when necessary. Jazz is a cheerleader, pretty and popular. She’s actually really smart and observant, but is bubbly and upbeat, which can make her seem like an airhead sometimes. Gibby and Jazz are dating and Nick has been nursing a crush on Seth for years, though he’s so oblivious that he has no idea. Talk about a slow burn.
There are mature conversations all around, particularly between Nick and his dad, both of whom are human and make mistakes. We all say things we don’t mean, especially when we’re worried about someone we love. These two male characters are somewhat emotionally constipated in that they find it difficult to talk about their emotions. They certainly don’t mind having them, though. Nick cries several times, over various different things, good and bad; he’s very open.
Nick has ADHD, as well as massive anxiety and trauma, after his mom died two years previously in what seemed to be a bank robbery. There are a couple panic attacks that are somewhat described in detail, as well as spiraling thoughts and manic activities. The way ADHD and anxiety are described is next level. Other books tackle these subjects and do it well, but Nick’s particular brand of neuroses just vibes with my own and made it so easy to fall into this book and understand his reasoning. I probably understand him better than I should for all that his thoughts are described as disordered.
Nick remains my favorite character! Followed closely by Gibby, Jazz, and Seth. Gibby is most definitely my second favorite most of the time. She’s so badass: intelligent and well spoken, willing to stand up for herself and her friends at the drop of a hat, even if it means putting herself in danger to do so. I recommend this series for anyone with ADHD, anyone who loves superheroes, and anyone who wants a realistic portrayal of queer identity and love. It does go over the top, and often, but don’t we do that as people? Aren’t we all a little extra sometimes?