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sugarcainn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was incredibly well-written and the story was so good. It's a great coming of age, finding yourself story that includes a strong friendship that ultimately makes it through the turmoil. Thirsty is a powerful, sad and angry story about addiction, losing yourself and ultimately rebuilding your life. This book made me incredibly angry from start to finish and I think that's what it's supposed to do a little. Read the trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Transphobia, and Toxic friendship
otakatoe3's review
adventurous
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Vomit, Grief, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
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
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
bookishmillennial's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This is the story of the summer before 18-year-old Blake Brenner (biracial Black & white) goes to college with her longtime girlfriend Ella (biracial Filipina & Black) & their best friend, Annette, who is recently reeling over her mom leaving Virginia to pursue her career in NYC. Ella is the epitome of wealthy elite, being a legacy kid at their upcoming college and in the secret Serena Society that Ella's mom is an advisor for now. Meanwhile, Blake puts more and more distance between her and her family, especially her white mom who never put in the effort to learn what is necessary to raise a biracial Black child.
Blake's family is *not* wealthy, and this comes up a lot as the three besties rush for the Serena Society all summer, especially under the scrutinizing eye of Roxanne, a current Serena Society member. Blake confronts all the things she hates about herself: her behavior when she drinks, her family's class and lack of status, her white mom, her relationship with Ella, and more. Side characters explore their gender identities, familial dynamics, and more, and each character is layered, and cleverly nuanced.
Okay, as to not spoil this book for you, but to pitch it to you, and convince you to read it, I know that nothing I say will do this book justice. It is a privilege to have read it, and to have had the physical book in my hands, I'm serious!!!! To put it quite simply: This is one of the best books I have ever read. Jas Hammonds is a master of their craft, and I am quite simply in awe of their talent. I genuinely feel so lucky that I got to read an ARC of this?! Blake interrogates her feelings, both about herself and those surrounding her; she makes messy, painful decisions out of insecurity, spite, and fear; and though you may question her choices at times, no one is harder on Blake than Blake herself.
This delved deep into the shame, regret, pain, agony, grief, and self-hatred that one feels in the midst of alcoholism and addiction, but never painted them as a villain. Blake was just.... human. She was still worthy of redemption, of forgiveness, of hope, of something more. She still deserved better from those who claimed to care for her. Damn, this book wrecked me but then gently nudged me to remind me that it would be okay, and to believe in and root for Blake.
Some other things that stood out to me that are kind of spoilers, enjoy these unstructured thoughts:
This is the story of the summer before 18-year-old Blake Brenner (biracial Black & white) goes to college with her longtime girlfriend Ella (biracial Filipina & Black) & their best friend, Annette, who is recently reeling over her mom leaving Virginia to pursue her career in NYC. Ella is the epitome of wealthy elite, being a legacy kid at their upcoming college and in the secret Serena Society that Ella's mom is an advisor for now. Meanwhile, Blake puts more and more distance between her and her family, especially her white mom who never put in the effort to learn what is necessary to raise a biracial Black child.
Blake's family is *not* wealthy, and this comes up a lot as the three besties rush for the Serena Society all summer, especially under the scrutinizing eye of Roxanne, a current Serena Society member. Blake confronts all the things she hates about herself: her behavior when she drinks, her family's class and lack of status, her white mom, her relationship with Ella, and more. Side characters explore their gender identities, familial dynamics, and more, and each character is layered, and cleverly nuanced.
Okay, as to not spoil this book for you, but to pitch it to you, and convince you to read it, I know that nothing I say will do this book justice. It is a privilege to have read it, and to have had the physical book in my hands, I'm serious!!!! To put it quite simply: This is one of the best books I have ever read. Jas Hammonds is a master of their craft, and I am quite simply in awe of their talent. I genuinely feel so lucky that I got to read an ARC of this?! Blake interrogates her feelings, both about herself and those surrounding her; she makes messy, painful decisions out of insecurity, spite, and fear; and though you may question her choices at times, no one is harder on Blake than Blake herself.
This delved deep into the shame, regret, pain, agony, grief, and self-hatred that one feels in the midst of alcoholism and addiction, but never painted them as a villain. Blake was just.... human. She was still worthy of redemption, of forgiveness, of hope, of something more. She still deserved better from those who claimed to care for her. Damn, this book wrecked me but then gently nudged me to remind me that it would be okay, and to believe in and root for Blake.
Some other things that stood out to me that are kind of spoilers, enjoy these unstructured thoughts:
Ella's motivations were driven by this need to uphold the status that was already placed onto her perfect lil' head at birth, but I found her character to be so fascinating. It shows that you do not have to be white to uphold systems that do not serve people of color, even if they are seemingly targeted towards them? Like the Serena Society is specifically for young women of color, but it also perpetuated problematic messaging that you needed to drink, be friends with the "right" people, and have the right clothes / job / partner / etc. in order to fit in. That's just subscribing to what colonialism and white supremacy taught us, and Ella makes decisions based on upholding Black excellence, when it is only depriving herself of genuine, authentic connections with herself and others; and it's actively harming those around her who are struggling. Wild. JH, you making Ella half-Filipina was the right move because Ella's people-pleasing, gaslighting, toxic positivity, and fear of not delivering perfection was *wildly* authentic. The conversation between Blake and her mom about her comment that Mariah Carey was "only half Black" was a reckoning. I appreciated that Blake held her mom accountable for microaggressions with that as a salient example, but still gave her the chance to do better. Blake seemingly wrote her mom off with Ella's influence, as Ella called Blake's mom "so hopelessly white," and like sure, that can be true. However, you can also name those feelings and invite your mom to do better if you feel like the relationship is salvageable, and instead, Ella just posited her mom as perfect and Blake's mom as irredeemable, which is interesting because Ella actually felt almost irredeemable to me for a lot of this book (but she isn't, she just needs to go on her own unlearning journey). I fear I may never recover from the carnival family day where Blake just left. I cried and shook my head, I yelled at the book, and I got such deep secondhand-shame. JH's writing is phenomenal. Stellar. Unbelievable. I could feel the heartache through the page. Still recovering. Still tearing up thinking about this scene! It is indelibly seared into my brain forever.
I am simmering in the pure wonder that I have as I ruminate on how JH does what they do. I'm speechless at how moved I was by this. I sobbed into my pillow, took breaks to hug the book, and whispered, "Blake baby, noooooo" so many times. I cannot properly express how monumentally this book affected me (okay wait, do you get it? Because JH's other book is named "We Deserve Monuments" ?! GET IT?! okay, I'll stop being corny)
Check content warnings below, and take care while reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content
moreadsnrambles's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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 book was incredible! I went through such an emotional journey from devastated to hopeful. I found myself really connecting with different pieces of the characters and rooting for Blake.
The premise of the story was so interesting, with the inclusion of a secret society reminiscent of Greek life and the pledging process. Jas did an incredible job creating an intricate story that not only makes you feel for the characters but also touches on the effects wealth inequality, racism, and mental health issues can have on people.
I absolutely recommend this book to folks who enjoy queer and coming-of-age stories that center mental health issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Drug use, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Vomit, and Classism