A review by thissagreads
Thirsty by Jas Hammonds

challenging hopeful 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

3.5

Another solid read by Jas Hammonds! There are trigger warnings in the beginning of the book which is nice, and gives some insight into what kind of heaviness the main character will be dealing with, which I appreciate.

This novel does a really good job, highlighting the complexities of being mixed race, with parents that take quite the backseat on support, pledging, PLUS a girlfriend who may or may not the best for her. I think the author did a brilliant job of weaving pledging, while battling addiction and keeping the timeline clear and between one summer and flash backs to the past. While I was constantly frustrated with the main character Blake, I was also rooting for her during her journey, because she deserved to feel good about herself, no matter what trash was thrown her way.

My biggest issue was that
Annette’s gender outing wasn’t discussed enough. She forgave Blake pretty quickly, and it didn’t seem too realistic to be forgive so quickly. ESPECIALLY since they were arguing and hurting each other’s feelings before that particular incident. And then for Ella to not say much of anything afterwards?! EVEN WHEN BLAKE AND ELLA RAN INTO EACH OTHER ON CAMPUS, was so frustrating! Ella CHEATED on Blake and then outed Annette! So she DEFINITELY needed to be held accountable, not just Roxane! Ella shouldn’t have been allowed to continue to that year, even if her mom was an advisor, and she should’ve gotten some kind of consequence besides Blake not wanting to date her again. Because she ended up with some basketball girl anyways, so booo for not getting consequences for her terrible actions!


That being said, I did love the real queer, kids of color, representation. If this has a sequel I will definitely read it.  Well done.
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