A review by literaryintersections
Bananapants by Penny Reid

emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Idk what to say, being back in the KiTC world was absolutely stellar and Ava and Desmond broke my heart. Seeing them both interact with their parents, seeing their parents flaws, especially when they struggled with being parents. Desmond and Quinn especially because we know what he is like, we know he loves Desmond, we know he is just scared and we know how he is when he's scared. The panic attack scene was particularly beautiful and heartbreaking. It's fun because as the reader you know so much more about their parents than the kids do. Greg and Desmond as well was beautiful to read. And then Ava and Quinn: "Like why complicate it? You're his dad. He's your kid. Isn't that enough?" GOOD LORD. 

"Thank you for loving me, Mom. And thank you for taking time out of your life to help me."  - WHEW 

But the best parts were how Reid wrote about bipolar disorder. How the characters supported Desmond while also weighing him down. How Desmond grew with and around Ava and how they loved each other. Idk how Reid did it but it was wonderful. I also think that Ava is ace or demi and I loved how that was written (even if not 100% stated) in how she approached love and sex. I just absolutely loved this story. 

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