Book Review: As Far As You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper

As Far As You'll Take Me

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As Far As You'll Take Me 〰️

This is the second book by this author that I've read, and I love Stamper's writing style. I love the story he wrote. And I love how he writes about mental health in queer teens. Mental health is super important, and it's a subject we need to destigmatize. Stamper is doing his part on the matter. It shows you that eating disorders and other mental health issues aren't just for girls or adults. It can happen to anyone.

I love the travel aspect of this story. At the time of finishing this book, Corona has been around for nearly three years and I, like many others, miss travelling. In a way, reading this book felt like I was in Europe alongside Marty. It's mentioned in the author's note at the end that Stamper has been to the places mentioned in the book. He did his research as the sites felt realistically described. I've been to Europe but none of the countries mentioned (yet!). But I felt like I have been there now, thanks to the author.

The story itself was a whirlwind of emotions. I could tell Megan was toxic and that something was off with Pierce since Marty met him. I love how Marty grew as a character by the end. His journey felt believable.

I also love the inclusion of so many queer characters. I'll never object to that.

I am glad Stamper also brings up the issue of outing someone before they are ready to come out. Especially in small towns. No one should be forced to come out. This whole issue was handled exceptionally well, in my opinion.

All in all, this was a great read. Not a cute romantic one like I thought it was going to be (though there were some moments), but a great read nonetheless.

Book Review: Queendom of Chaos by Ireland Aldridge

Queendom of Chaos

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Queendom of Chaos 〰️

NOTE: Aldridge has since changed her name to Ireland, and while the cover of her book has her dead name, the rest of this review will now refer to her as her true name, Ireland Aldridge.

What a journey! From start to finish, Aldrige has you hooked on this compelling story.

I loved all the characters and was devastated when Mara got killed. She was one of my favourite characters, and to have her young life end in such a tragic way, lost to the void, it broke my heart.

Aldridge has a beautiful writing style that is a joy to read. Each character was so unique, and the world-building was spot on. I loved my time in Taegaia. I can't wait for the second book. Especially since this book ends on such a massive cliffhanger that for sure makes you eager for the second book to be released. I know I can't wait.

I also loved our time in our world as much as Taegaia. Aldrige writes in a way that makes it feel as though you really were in the 1905s. Are we sure the author didn't use some magic to visit 1905 and see what it was like to be an interracial couple living in those times? No? Okay, but I don't believe you.

All in all, this book would be ten stars if I could. Loved it. I can't recommend it enough. If you are looking for a new fantasy read, this is the perfect book for you. Just be warned, the second book isn't out yet, so you'll be left wanting more like me. (But I have it on good accord that the second book has already been in the works!)

Do yourself a favour and support this fantastic new author today!

PS: Fun fact, Ireland was SOUTH’s proofreader! Check out her publishing services.

Book Review: Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan

Verona Comics

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Verona Comics 〰️

Boy Dugan really puts you through the emotional rollercoaster with this book, eh?

I loved this book from start to finish, as with all the other books by this author. Each character was so unique and well written. Especially Ridley. As someone with anxiety, I can say this was spot on. His character was extremely well done (to the point where I felt anxious and sad along with him). I loved his unique narrating style, and it fit his character perfectly. I also loved reading Jubilee's perspective. Both were just equally entertaining. And I love all the queerness that surrounds both these characters.

This book deals heavily with some serious mental health issues and I think it handled it very well, especially at the end when Ridley finally seeks the right help and treatment he needs. Because of this I think this makes the book an important read. I will say, however, that because of how well Ridley is written and the way his character deals with mental health, perhaps put off reading this book until you are in the right head space. Yes this book is a cute romance, but the darker aspects of it may trigger some unwanted thoughts and feelings.

Aside from the great characters and talk of mental health, I love the meet-cute of Jubilee and Ridely. I love how they still call each other Peak and Bats even after knowing each others real names. I love how supportive they were of each other. They were just a really cute couple to fall in love with. I wish them both a happy ending (even if they are fictional characters).

All in all, this was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

Book Review: The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper

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.

Book Review: Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

Hot Dog Girl

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Hot Dog Girl 〰️

This is Dugan's debut novel, and what a great way to start your writing career. This book wasn't the first of Dugan's I've read, but I'm happy to add it to my "books by Jennifer Dugan" collection. Not to mention, it was great to see a bi MC and represented very well.

I love how the MC's voice shines through in the pages. And yes, she is kind of annoying in her schemes, even other characters point it out, but she's still fun to read. (Plus, she grows a character as you read along, and we love a good redemption ark).

I will say there were too many scenes of people getting sick, however. And it was written with too much detail most of the time for my liking. But if you take those scenes out, this book was a great read.

It did get better when you watch Lou slowly fall in love with her bestie, Seeley. You see it before she does, and you can tell Seeley wanted more than friendship all along. So, when they finally got together, I may have squealed in happiness for them. Seeley is just such a fun character to read as well, and I love the relationship (both as friends and more) between her and Lou.

I love myself a nice YA rom-com, and this was a perfect example of it. It was filled with many emotions, and as mentioned, Lou as a narrator is just really fun to read. (Even if her plans for the summer were a bit messed up, she eventually came around to being a great human being).

All in all, loved it, like all of the other books I've read by Dugan. 10/10 would recommend.

Book Review: Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster by Andrea Mosqueda

Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster

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Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster 〰️

This was a great read, though admittedly, it took me a few chapters to get into it. It was a bit slow initially, and I wasn't fully invested in the story. But when as soon as the art project and romance finally came into play, then I was hooked until the end.

Side note, before I continue, I just want to say I thought that Maggie would end up in a poly relationship at the end since she was into three people. It didn't, but it was an exciting thought all the same.

I loved the representation of Mexican culture and that the MC was Mexican. And bi! We need more queer-coloured representation. I also loved the idea for Maggie's art project. I thought it was cool and a great idea. But when things came crashing down in the end, I was just as shook as she was in realizing maybe it wasn't a good idea after all. I'm glad things worked out for her, however, I was happy to see her with Dani. I do think it worked out a little too perfectly, almost like a movie. But it's a sappy romance, so I'm here for it and all the cheese anyway.

I would have liked to see more Meggie and Dani scenes, though, especially near the end. But I'll live.

Though I felt the pacing was off at the start, I loved Meggie's description of things. Like how she describes photography and her Instagram captions. The artist in me loves that.

All in all, though it kind of boring at the start, if you stick it through, it does get really good, and for that, I recommend it.

Book Review: All That's Left In The World by Erik J. Brown

All That's Left In The World

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All That's Left In The World 〰️

Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions this book was. From start to finish, I was hooked and invested in this story.

All That's Left in the World Cover

I love reading post-apocalypse stories, and having there be an LGBTQ+ element to it was a huge bonus. I find it funny (unclear why) about the brief mention of COVID in this book, especially seeing how it's still going on. While the author did talk briefly about writing COVID into his book in the author's note, the main focus was the superflu and the aftermath. It's interesting to see how humanity could behave if a virus rapidly wiped us out. After all, even during a worldwide pandemic in real life, you'd think the world would have united to stop the virus, but we are anything but. So to see how the world is after the superflu in this novel feels scarily accurate, despite it being fiction.

I love a good slow-burn romance, and the buildup between Andrew and Jamie was perfect. I could feel them slowly fall in love and come to terms with their feelings.

Pretty much the only negative I have to say about this book is the passing of time, and this is a huge nitpick. After all, the boys are travelling all across America by foot, and that takes a while. But I just felt like there were a lot of "days passed" scenes, and it made it feel a bit filler-y. But I get it, and it was necessary; it just felt like filler all the same.

All in all, 10/10. There are a few scenes that may be super sensitive to some readers, but I think it's definitely worth the read.

Book Review: Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Before I begin, is it just me, or did Leah gain weight since the first book, and I didn't notice? Like, maybe I missed it in Simon's book, but I had no idea she was a plus-size character. I love the body representation; I just must not have noticed that in her character description cause when I was reading this book, I was a bit thrown off by her being a bigger girl. But she owns it, and I love that.

Anyway, that aside, I loved this book. I love a good sapphic romance. Also, I love the bi representation. We need more of that in media, I think.

Leah did come off a bit too teen antsy for me, but that's her character, so Albertalli nailed that. I would have liked to see her do a bit of the nerdy stuff she's always telling us about than just, well, telling us she's into nerdy things. My inner nerd needs it. But still, I enjoyed reading her much more than Molly in book two. She felt more fleshed out as a character.

One nitpick I will say, however, is that Leah telling Abby she can't be a little bi and that she has to label herself properly irked me. It's Abby's choice on how she wants to be labelled. If Abby is only 5% into girls and 95% into guys, she's still bi. No one should tell you how you identify.

That being said, this was a cute read and a worthy sequel to Love, Simon. It was nice to see the OG cast again, and fun to read little cameo's to characters in the second book. This book was a much better fit for the Simonverse than book two. (Which, it being a sequel and featuring the main cast again, wasn't hard to do).