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A review by analenegrace
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-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
As a Louisianan, a bisexual, and a Gleek, this was a Casey McQuiston. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read, but I am so so glad I finally did. In this book, Casey tells the beautiful journey of someone who comes to understand the beauty of living in the Southern United States, even when it is so incredibly hard. This is also clearly a Quinn and Rachel from Glee fan fiction. It is hard for these two concepts to co-exist, but damn does Casey do it.
Chloe was a hard character to read at times as a lifelong Louisianan; her SoCal perspective on the South is frustrating, especially her relationship to Georgia's decisions, but seeing her grow to understand what community and love and life mean in Alabama is so important. The evangelical setting was also too familiar to me and hard to read, but again, it was done in a way that makes me know how seriously Casey took telling this story, and I so appreciate them for that.
While Chloe and Shara are so important, the side characters are so deeply compelling. Georgia's story, both her romance and personal life, made me so emotional as a southern who stayed and believes in change. Smith and Rory were both interesting additions to the lore of Shara Wheeler and so deeply romantic. I was rooting for them more than Chloe/Shara at times! Chloe's other theater friends, her moms, her teacher, and even the other popular kids, were such wonderful additions to this book that made it feel well-rounded.
This made me tear up so much; my literal only criticism is that I think some of the pop culture references were took specific to the time it was written and that bothers me.
Everyone read this ASAP
Chloe was a hard character to read at times as a lifelong Louisianan; her SoCal perspective on the South is frustrating, especially her relationship to Georgia's decisions, but seeing her grow to understand what community and love and life mean in Alabama is so important. The evangelical setting was also too familiar to me and hard to read, but again, it was done in a way that makes me know how seriously Casey took telling this story, and I so appreciate them for that.
While Chloe and Shara are so important, the side characters are so deeply compelling. Georgia's story, both her romance and personal life, made me so emotional as a southern who stayed and believes in change. Smith and Rory were both interesting additions to the lore of Shara Wheeler and so deeply
This made me tear up so much; my literal only criticism is that I think some of the pop culture references were took specific to the time it was written and that bothers me.
Everyone read this ASAP