A review by emilynied
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

3.25

I think I prefer Casey McQuinston's adult books over the YA, just because I think they delve a little deeper plotwise and character-wise. I was excited for the mystery here but felt like the stakes just weren't that high considering no other character besides Chloe really cared about Shara's supposed disappearance, not even her parents. It felt like there were easier ways to go about finding her than a trail of cryptic letters signed with XOXO. The side characters here were the highlight for me, especially Smith and Rory (love them). The plot lagged a bit, especially in the middle of the book and the transition from the first half to the back half felt a little weird but all of the happy endings were super sweet. 

McQuinston also begins the book with a preface for some readers who may come from a Southern Baptist or Evangelical Christian background - and the tough experiences queer youth have to face each and every day growing up in that culture. It was thoughtful and considerate and I'm glad it was included.