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huntertashea's review against another edition
5.0
Mentions of Diet Rite (my alcoholic grandparents go to mixer of my childhood- raspberry for my grandma and tangerine for my grandpa) and 2 Fast 2 Furious sexual awakenings??? I would die for Bash and Dro
em1br's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nikolas1975's review against another edition
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
libbith220's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
God where to even start. I fucking loved this book—I finished it last night, and I'm spending the day depressed because I'm no longer listening to it (audiobook). I took so many notes while reading this, and there were only a few minor critiques. Otherwise I was doing my best to put into words why I love this story so much.
The tagline for this book describes it as "unapologetically blunt and unforgettably real," which I think is spot on. It wasn't a sometimes-sad romance novel, but rather a story about two flawed yet earnest boys who better themselves (and FEEL better about themselves) with the help of each other. Yes it's a romance, but I love the platonic elements of the relationship so much; they truly become each other's best friend, and you can see how important their relationship is to each of them.
We get a dual POV in this book, and it was so expertly deployed. There's quite a lot of introspection (which I always enjoy in a novel), so we get firsthand accounts of how each character is feeling, but we also get to see them through the eyes of each other; we get to know their insecurities, but also get to see their strengths and value. Both Bash and Sandro are pretty self-aware, and I don't know how realistic that is for teenage boys, but it doesn't matter because it's all so good. And just because they're self-aware doesn't mean they're perfect; we get to see them make mistakes and learn and grow. There were plenty of times between them that the conversation could have gone south, but instead they are able to trust each other and talk it out.
Of course, though, there is one moment that goes very wrong and takes a while to come back from, but it was realistic. I feel like the tendency for authors nowadays is to throw in third-act drama whether it's deserved or not, but that wasn't the case here; the events fit the narrative of the story (it's pretty clear from early on that this book will have the potential for something heart-wrenching). Also, we got plenty of recovery time after it—I always hate when the story ends right after the conflict has been resolved, but here we got to spend a good amount of time with them afterwords.
This book just made me feel so much! Not just sad, but also hopeful. While I love both boys in this, I was a bit partial to Sandro, and he was the one who often made me cry (both sad and happy tears). Even though he had a shitty upbringing, he was still so optimistic about his future being better and working hard to make that better future, and it was just so lovely to read about and I'm literally tearing up while thinking about it. The ending was perfect for them, realistic yet hopeful, kind of like the whole story itself. I was fully sobbing when I finished, because I was just so overcome with emotion.
Besides the main story, I think the side characters were all very well crafted and utilized. Lucy was especially such a lovely figure, and I wish we had gotten to spend a bit more time with her (just because I like her, not because she wasn't around enough for the purpose of the story). And the writing was also top tier. I know I've gone on about how emotional this book was, but it had a good amount of lighthearted moments. And good humor! It got me to chuckle out loud a few times, which is unusual for me—it helped that I listened to the audiobook, so I couldn't accidentally skim ahead and spoil the joke for myself.
Speaking of the audiobook, MAD KUDOS to the readers for this!!!! I think they were absolutely perfect, right away settling me into the story and perfectly delivering the more emotional moments.
This is one of those books that I think a lot of other books try to be: gritty, realistic, emotional, heart-wrenching, inspiring, etc. But this one was actually able to pull it off. And while it is grittier than some, I didn't find it to be too much. Like I said, there was a good balance of humor, so it was never a heavy read, even with it's heavier moments. Frankly, I'm a bit stunned that this isn't more popular, because it deserves more readers. I simply cannot wait to revisit this book in the future (no literally, I'm actually considering re-listening to it while I still have it on loan from Libby).
Bonus—specific moments that made me cry:
Sandro thinking "I think I was supposed to love Bash" after the whole Incident with his family (sad)
Their first date, getting ready and getting their picture taken and being able to be public with their affection (happy)
When Bash gives Sandro his prayer bracelet and then Sandro gives Bash his chain, so they have something to remember each other by when they go off to college (sad and happy and everything in between)
The tagline for this book describes it as "unapologetically blunt and unforgettably real," which I think is spot on. It wasn't a sometimes-sad romance novel, but rather a story about two flawed yet earnest boys who better themselves (and FEEL better about themselves) with the help of each other. Yes it's a romance, but I love the platonic elements of the relationship so much; they truly become each other's best friend, and you can see how important their relationship is to each of them.
We get a dual POV in this book, and it was so expertly deployed. There's quite a lot of introspection (which I always enjoy in a novel), so we get firsthand accounts of how each character is feeling, but we also get to see them through the eyes of each other; we get to know their insecurities, but also get to see their strengths and value. Both Bash and Sandro are pretty self-aware, and I don't know how realistic that is for teenage boys, but it doesn't matter because it's all so good. And just because they're self-aware doesn't mean they're perfect; we get to see them make mistakes and learn and grow. There were plenty of times between them that the conversation could have gone south, but instead they are able to trust each other and talk it out.
Of course, though, there is one moment that goes very wrong and takes a while to come back from, but it was realistic. I feel like the tendency for authors nowadays is to throw in third-act drama whether it's deserved or not, but that wasn't the case here; the events fit the narrative of the story (it's pretty clear from early on that this book will have the potential for something heart-wrenching). Also, we got plenty of recovery time after it—I always hate when the story ends right after the conflict has been resolved, but here we got to spend a good amount of time with them afterwords.
This book just made me feel so much! Not just sad, but also hopeful. While I love both boys in this, I was a bit partial to Sandro, and he was the one who often made me cry (both sad and happy tears). Even though he had a shitty upbringing, he was still so optimistic about his future being better and working hard to make that better future, and it was just so lovely to read about and I'm literally tearing up while thinking about it. The ending was perfect for them, realistic yet hopeful, kind of like the whole story itself. I was fully sobbing when I finished, because I was just so overcome with emotion.
Besides the main story, I think the side characters were all very well crafted and utilized. Lucy was especially such a lovely figure, and I wish we had gotten to spend a bit more time with her (just because I like her, not because she wasn't around enough for the purpose of the story). And the writing was also top tier. I know I've gone on about how emotional this book was, but it had a good amount of lighthearted moments. And good humor! It got me to chuckle out loud a few times, which is unusual for me—it helped that I listened to the audiobook, so I couldn't accidentally skim ahead and spoil the joke for myself.
Speaking of the audiobook, MAD KUDOS to the readers for this!!!! I think they were absolutely perfect, right away settling me into the story and perfectly delivering the more emotional moments.
This is one of those books that I think a lot of other books try to be: gritty, realistic, emotional, heart-wrenching, inspiring, etc. But this one was actually able to pull it off. And while it is grittier than some, I didn't find it to be too much. Like I said, there was a good balance of humor, so it was never a heavy read, even with it's heavier moments. Frankly, I'm a bit stunned that this isn't more popular, because it deserves more readers. I simply cannot wait to revisit this book in the future (no literally, I'm actually considering re-listening to it while I still have it on loan from Libby).
Bonus—specific moments that made me cry:
Their first date, getting ready and getting their picture taken and being able to be public with their affection (happy)
When Bash gives Sandro his prayer bracelet and then Sandro gives Bash his chain, so they have something to remember each other by when they go off to college (sad and happy and everything in between)
bethany6788's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Two track and field athletes, Sebastian and Sandro, unexpectedly discover a deep and powerful love amidst personal struggles and family challenges, defying expectations and risking everything for their newfound connection.
I absolutely devoured this audio y’all. Devoured. I already knew I loved the story, but the audio was another level. Max Meyers as Sandro and Lee Osorio as Bash had me in my feelings. They were so good at embodying these characters that I got lost in the story. I was cracking up and crying. Wiping away tears one minute and feeling so hopeful the next.
James Acker has such an incredible YA voice. Truly, one scene I think about all the time is when Bash and Dro decide to be intimate. There is constant communication, consent, and a true appreciation for each other. “I just want to look at you.” I melt EVERY SINGLE TIME. These two boys and their fiery personalities and learning how to love each other at the same time. That first accidental kiss to the first knocking teeth kiss to the fights to the love to the date. It is pure magic in book form and obviously I had to start the Teenage Dietbags audio right after and imagine my DELIGHT when I hear Lee and Max again. I didn’t even check who was narrating and it made me so happy.
Goddamn, I love this book.
@james_um_acker - you are incredible. Max and Lee - you are too. Thank you for blessing my eyes and ears with this magical book.
I absolutely devoured this audio y’all. Devoured. I already knew I loved the story, but the audio was another level. Max Meyers as Sandro and Lee Osorio as Bash had me in my feelings. They were so good at embodying these characters that I got lost in the story. I was cracking up and crying. Wiping away tears one minute and feeling so hopeful the next.
James Acker has such an incredible YA voice. Truly, one scene I think about all the time is when Bash and Dro decide to be intimate. There is constant communication, consent, and a true appreciation for each other. “I just want to look at you.” I melt EVERY SINGLE TIME. These two boys and their fiery personalities and learning how to love each other at the same time. That first accidental kiss to the first knocking teeth kiss to the fights to the love to the date. It is pure magic in book form and obviously I had to start the Teenage Dietbags audio right after and imagine my DELIGHT when I hear Lee and Max again. I didn’t even check who was narrating and it made me so happy.
Goddamn, I love this book.
@james_um_acker - you are incredible. Max and Lee - you are too. Thank you for blessing my eyes and ears with this magical book.
mchellea's review against another edition
5.0
“Maybe ’cause I haven’t been talking so well for a while but it’s like I forgot how. I’m always speaking too fast or too slow and my tongue gets whiplash. I end up babbling like an asshole. And in my head, it’s worse. I say one thing off the cuff and my brain reels. But then he speaks and the noise stops.”
Wow. A strong and emotional debut novel. It pulled me in right from the start and I ended up reading it all in one sitting. Went into this knowing it was a YA first love/queer love story and expected a cute, sweet coming-of-age story but I did not expect the rawness of both of the MCs. Even though Bash and Sandro seemed more mature for their age due to the circumstances they were put through (and born in), they still felt like realistic high schoolers. It was more internal monologues than actual dialogue (also dual-POVs which I surprisingly enjoyed) but I think it worked perfectly. This also touched a good deal on grief and broken families and I was left feeling so…..????
God this author really got me laughing out loud and crying throughout the entirety of the book at 2 in the morning. I can’t wait to read more of his work.
Wow. A strong and emotional debut novel. It pulled me in right from the start and I ended up reading it all in one sitting. Went into this knowing it was a YA first love/queer love story and expected a cute, sweet coming-of-age story but I did not expect the rawness of both of the MCs. Even though Bash and Sandro seemed more mature for their age due to the circumstances they were put through (and born in), they still felt like realistic high schoolers. It was more internal monologues than actual dialogue (also dual-POVs which I surprisingly enjoyed) but I think it worked perfectly. This also touched a good deal on grief and broken families and I was left feeling so…..????
God this author really got me laughing out loud and crying throughout the entirety of the book at 2 in the morning. I can’t wait to read more of his work.
missamckenna's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0