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bibliomich's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-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
I was only a few chapters into Thirsty when I realized that this book would likely become one of my favorite reads of 2024, and that feeling stuck with me for the remainder of the book. Jas Hammonds is such a talented writer, and one whose work I've been meaning to read for a long time. This book was truly unputdownable, and I devoured it, which was particularly surprising given the heavy nature of the content and themes (including alcoholism, peer pressure, transphobia, classism, and racism).
What I loved:
- The writing style: Jas Hammonds writes in a way that is both beautifully lyrical and also so, so readable. There was a slow-building tension throughout the first three-quarters of the book that made me feel like I couldn't put the book down for even a minute. I absolutely needed to find out where Blake, Ella, and Annetta's stories would take them.
- The relationships: It's so challenging to have such a large cast of characters who all have different, complicated relationships with each other, but this was one of my favorite parts of Thirsty. I especially enjoyed the depiction of Blake's evolving relationships outside of her romantic partnership with Ella.
- The resolution: There were so many directions Jas Hammonds could have taken the story, and (without giving away any spoilers) I appreciated the ending that we were given. It may not have been neat and tidy, but it provided the believable closure I needed.
- The setting: There's just something about a "summer story", and as a former lifeguard who spent whole summers poolside, I was immediately sucked into the story.
- The audiobook narration: This is the first book I've listened to narrated by Alaska Jackson, but certainly won't be my last. The narration was EXCELLENT. Each character had a distinct voice, and the acting was emotionally resonant.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced listener copy!
What I loved:
- The writing style: Jas Hammonds writes in a way that is both beautifully lyrical and also so, so readable. There was a slow-building tension throughout the first three-quarters of the book that made me feel like I couldn't put the book down for even a minute. I absolutely needed to find out where Blake, Ella, and Annetta's stories would take them.
- The relationships: It's so challenging to have such a large cast of characters who all have different, complicated relationships with each other, but this was one of my favorite parts of Thirsty. I especially enjoyed the depiction of Blake's evolving relationships outside of her romantic partnership with Ella.
- The resolution: There were so many directions Jas Hammonds could have taken the story, and (without giving away any spoilers) I appreciated the ending that we were given. It may not have been neat and tidy, but it provided the believable closure I needed.
- The setting: There's just something about a "summer story", and as a former lifeguard who spent whole summers poolside, I was immediately sucked into the story.
- The audiobook narration: This is the first book I've listened to narrated by Alaska Jackson, but certainly won't be my last. The narration was EXCELLENT. Each character had a distinct voice, and the acting was emotionally resonant.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced listener copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Outing, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, Racism, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Dysphoria, and Classism
shereadytoread's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the most striking YA novels I’ve ever read. It deals with mental health, addiction, toxic relationships, self-esteem and identity issues. It is a sapphic story and there is also nonbinary rep.
I don’t think I’ve seen alcohol addiction written with such depth in YA without coming across as shock content before. I thought every piece of this story was handled with such complexity and respect.
Disclaimer: I participated in a paid partnership with the publisher but a review was not a requirement, and all thoughts about the book are my own. My full video review is available here: https://www.tiktok.com/@shereadytoread/video/7368836676992486699
I don’t think I’ve seen alcohol addiction written with such depth in YA without coming across as shock content before. I thought every piece of this story was handled with such complexity and respect.
Disclaimer: I participated in a paid partnership with the publisher but a review was not a requirement, and all thoughts about the book are my own. My full video review is available here: https://www.tiktok.com/@shereadytoread/video/7368836676992486699
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Racism
oldandnewbooksmell's review
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Trigger Warnings: (as per beginning of novel) alcohol addiction, self-hatred, suicidal ideation, racial microaggressions, transphobic thetoric, and non-consensual outing
During the summer before college, Blake, her girlfriend, Ella, and their best friend, Annetta have one goal: join the exclusive Serena Society at their college. The sorority promises status and lifelong connections to a network of powerful, trailblazing women of color. Ella’s acceptance is a certainty - so is Annetta really - both of their mothers are Serena’s alum. However, Blake has a lot more to prove.
Blake comes from a working-class background and lacks confidence, nothing like Ella. Luckily, she finds courage with drops of liquor because when she drinks, she becomes Big Bad Bee - funny, bold, and unstoppable. But, as Serena pledging intensifies, so does Blake’s drinking, but it doesn’t stop at just partying. Ella assures Blake that she’s fine; nothing she’s doing isn’t what needs to be done to make the cut.
But the closer she gets to success, the more Blake’s drowning. With her future so bright ahead, Blake must decide how far she’s willing to go and to lose to step into the bright light of her dreams.
I absolutely adored Jas Hammond’s debut novel, We Deserve Monuments, so I’ve been highly anticipating their second novel since they announced it on their Instagram. Goodness, this doesn’t disappoint.
Blake was such a complex character - one that made it so hard to keep rooting for her as she continuously turned to alcohol, but I wanted her happy ending and was proud of her when she really tried. On top of trying to get into the Serena Society, Blake is not only navigating the transition between high school life and college but also her identity, her past, and what that means for her future and her place in the world.
I also love the relationship we see between both Blake and Ella and Blake and Annetta and how both characters interact with her. We see the type of support (or lack of support) that they give Blake and how she responds to it and it gives the characters more depth and realistic interactions.
Overall, this is a wonderful coming of age novel about an 18-year-old and her relationship with both drinking and those around her. I would somewhat argue that this novel could fall under the New Adult genre and not YA, but could see it being either.
*Thank you Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
dhatislandbookworm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
How far would you go to be accepted, even if it’s self-destructive? Once again, Jas Hammonds is disrupting the young adult genre with their sophomore effort, Thirsty. It’s the summer before freshman year and we’re following 18-year-old Blake (aka Big Baddie Bee) as she tries to join the exclusive Serena Society — and the limits she’s willing to push herself to do so.
Reading this was like watching a wreck in slow motion — and I mean that as a good thing.
From the jump, we understand Blake’s motivation to join the Serenas and why she drinks so heavily. Her inner monologue is characterized so effectively that you do empathize with her and all the shit she’s going through. However,Hammonds ensures you’re still aware that Blake won’t find validation and the answers she’s seeking at the bottom of a bottle. As a result, you’re rooting for Blake (and cussing her ass out at the same time tbh) to make wiser decisions, drop the toxic people around her, and get on the track to sobriety.
Blake is one of the most complex teenage protagonists I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and Hammonds did an excellent job on making her feel genuine. And not only are there poignant conversations about alcohol addiction, but classism, racism, gender, peer pressure, and emotionally abusive relationships as well, which are handled with so much care. By the end of the book, tears were shed.
I loved We Deserve Monuments, but Thirsty cemented Hammonds as an auto-buy author for me. It’s been a week since I’ve read it and it’s STILL on my mind. I also want to give my kudos to the narrator who did an excellent job at bringing this cast of characters to life.
I’m excited to see what Hammonds has up their sleeve next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Transphobia, and Outing
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
sarahsbookstacks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism and Infidelity
spinesinaline's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Jas Hammonds does it again. Big thanks to the publisher for an e-ARC to review!
Loads of content warnings which the author details in a note at the start, including alcohol addiction, self-hatred, racial microaggressions, and transphobic rhetoric.
I was a little apprehensive when I saw that this release is about drinking as that’s not particularly relevant to me so I wasn’t sure how my reading experience would go but I shouldn’t have been worried. Hammonds continues to write impressive, intense stories about teens and their emotions that can reach you whether or not you have directly comparable experiences with the characters. I'm loving the continued bittersweet nature of their books and will continue to seek them out.
Loads of content warnings which the author details in a note at the start, including alcohol addiction, self-hatred, racial microaggressions, and transphobic rhetoric.
I was a little apprehensive when I saw that this release is about drinking as that’s not particularly relevant to me so I wasn’t sure how my reading experience would go but I shouldn’t have been worried. Hammonds continues to write impressive, intense stories about teens and their emotions that can reach you whether or not you have directly comparable experiences with the characters. I'm loving the continued bittersweet nature of their books and will continue to seek them out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Racism, Transphobia, and Outing
booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
4.5
Imagine the vibes of Euphoria intertwined with an exclusive college society for women of color. Blake, her girlfriend Ella, and her best friend Annetta are trying to navigate the challenges of pledging into this society, all while Blake struggles with her excessive drinking. Thirsty delves into themes of alcohol abuse, toxic relationships, family bonds, and the transition from high school to college. Alaska Jackson's narration is exceptional, truly bringing the story to life. This is a must-read book that everyone should pick up.
cw
alcohol
hazing
toxic relationship
gaslighting
bullying
cw
alcohol
hazing
toxic relationship
gaslighting
bullying
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racism, Sexual content, Vomit, and Outing
danzibooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
justinekorson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.25
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
This was such a good story. I was first intrigued by the title and the cover. I knew it might be a coming-of-age type of story so I was wondering why it was called thirsty until I read the synopsis. I really related to Blake because I also drink when I get nervous (not the the extent that Blake does though) and her self-deprecating thoughts were very relatable. I could understand her anxiety and self-hate so I really felt for her when she was having such a hard time and pushing herself to great lengths to try to get into the Serena Society.
My favorite character was probably Annetta though because they were so caring, kind, and loyal. I loved that they were trying to hard to help Blake and kept trying despite how many times Blake pushed them away. I was glad the two of them were able to make up in the end and stay friends.
I was a little surprised that the story kept going after Blake and Ella had their break-up conversation but the chapters afterwards were really important to the plot and Blake's recovery overall. I really enjoyed how the story ends on a very hopeful note.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
This was such a good story. I was first intrigued by the title and the cover. I knew it might be a coming-of-age type of story so I was wondering why it was called thirsty until I read the synopsis. I really related to Blake because I also drink when I get nervous (not the the extent that Blake does though) and her self-deprecating thoughts were very relatable. I could understand her anxiety and self-hate so I really felt for her when she was having such a hard time and pushing herself to great lengths to try to get into the Serena Society.
My favorite character was probably Annetta though because they were so caring, kind, and loyal. I loved that they were trying to hard to help Blake and kept trying despite how many times Blake pushed them away. I was glad the two of them were able to make up in the end and stay friends.
I was a little surprised that the story kept going after Blake and Ella had their break-up conversation but the chapters afterwards were really important to the plot and Blake's recovery overall. I really enjoyed how the story ends on a very hopeful note.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Lesbophobia, Outing, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
ems_book_shelf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was really good and touched on a lot of heart-heavy topics. There were many jaw dropping “what the fuck” moments and the hazing from the society was insane to read about. I thought it touched on alcoholism in college kids REALLY well. As well as the peer pressure to “keep up” and be cool around people you’re trying to impress, and especially the internal monologue of “do I have a problem or don’t I have a problem” when it came to drinking.
I really liked the ending, and I thought the way Ella was portrayed was so well done. Like a very emotionally abusive S/O but in such a subtle way that by the end you’re like “holy fuck this bitch is terrible”
I wished we had a little more personal growth for Bree, especially when her drinking centered around her self hatred. When did those thoughts about herself start? Why did we never see them in everyday thoughts? I think some parts of the MC feel flat because of this, but overall I really liked Bree and I thought her ending was really great
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked the ending, and I thought the way Ella was portrayed was so well done. Like a very emotionally abusive S/O but in such a subtle way that by the end you’re like “holy fuck this bitch is terrible”
I wished we had a little more personal growth for Bree, especially when her drinking centered around her self hatred. When did those thoughts about herself start? Why did we never see them in everyday thoughts? I think some parts of the MC feel flat because of this, but overall I really liked Bree and I thought her ending was really great
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Outing, and Toxic friendship