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lilcatlovingactress's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Will add my thoughts later but overall I loved it
Powerful story on addiction growing up and queerness and belonging
There’s something keeping me from giving it a full 5 stars but I don’t remember what it is
Powerful story on addiction growing up and queerness and belonging
There’s something keeping me from giving it a full 5 stars but I don’t remember what it is
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Racism and Transphobia
joi_love_and_books's review
dark
emotional
sad
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
5.0
ajpeyton's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
mckays's review
4.0
Objectively, this was an excellent read. The topics Jas Hammonds manages to tackle, the care with which she treats them, deserves 4 stars. Personal enjoyment wise, I’d say it’s 3 stars. This is a very heavy book, with some really intense topics in it. Jas has a page dedicated for trigger warnings, and I strongly encourage for those to be checked first.
But this was an excellent way to end my Pride month reads.
But this was an excellent way to end my Pride month reads.
elliott_roi's review against another edition
4.5
We Deserve Monuments was one of my favourite reads of 2023, so I was eager to pick up Thirsty. It didn't have me sobbing like We Deserve Monuments did, but it was still a heartfelt and important story.
Jas Hammonds' writing is always so gorgeous and this book was no exception. I loved the complexity of all the characters and the themes of family and addiction.
I think this is the first YA I've read that tackles alcoholism in this way and it will no doubt impact a lot of people.
Jas Hammonds' writing is always so gorgeous and this book was no exception. I loved the complexity of all the characters and the themes of family and addiction.
I think this is the first YA I've read that tackles alcoholism in this way and it will no doubt impact a lot of people.
bostieslovebooks's review
5.0
Thanks Roaring Brook Press for the gifted book.
Thirsty is a perfect example of why I don’t immediately dismiss books solely based on the age-range of the target audience. This YA fiction was an absolute gem! Hammonds is so talented at writing realistic, deeply compelling characters that are well-developed. Though the premise centers on alcoholism/addiction, the story explores a range of important topics such as identity, racism, and mental health. Despite being an emotionally heavy read, this book was hard to put down. There’s a lot packed into it, but it works. It works really well. While those with a connection to teen drinking would be a likely audience, I think anyone who has experience with social pressure may find this book of interest.
hollybrummond's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kylahken's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.5
This very quickly turns from a light story of a teenage girl having a fun and idyllic summer with her best friend and girlfriend, to a dark narrative of deep seeded self hatred and insecurity in the world (also fun, right?) I love an unlikable narrator, but i can’t entirely say she was unlikeable, I just think she’s human. I did want to hug (or smack) some sense into her, but that’s entirely the point. As someone who has a healthy relationship with my friends, family, partner, and alcohol, I never found myself truly judging Blake, just rooting for her. Hammonds does a wonderful job of reminding us just how flawed and complex and ultimately wonderful humans are, and how it’s okay to not be okay, to need help, to rely on those around have your best interest at heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Alcohol