The Gravity of Us
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The Gravity of Us 〰️
First off, I need to say how much I love the cover design for this book. It's stunning. (And excellent chapter formatting, too!)
Okay, now that that is out of the way, onto what I think about this book.
I loved it. I love how Stamper helps release the stigma of mental health. This book deals with some pretty severe mental health issues, and it shows us that it's okay not to be okay. Cal handles Leon's depression and his mother's anxiety very well for a teen his age. Learning about this subject from Cal's perspective is very important to readers of all ages.
As for the story, it was adorable. I do think that Cal and Leon fall in love a little too fast, however. But, I will say that I do find it believable that they fall for each other in the time that passed. It was cute watching their relationship grow. I also love that they got together early on so that we could see them as a couple more often. A lot of books I read have the characters get together only near the end, and then we have like maybe a chapter or two of them being cute and couple-ly together. Which, if written well, is still cute. I just like seeing characters together for longer than a few chapters. (Even in a slow-burn. It's possible! Look at my novel, SOUTH, as an example).
I will say, Stamper really did have me believe that Flash Fame was a real app. It's not, apparently. I looked it up in the app store, and it wasn't there. But it should be an app. And Cal's reporting style is something we need more of in today's media. I'd totally watch him. He low-key reminded me of Philip Defranco if he went live instead of recorded shows.
All in all, this was a great read with a cute couple. We need more queer Astrokids.
