amu_pdf's reviews
332 reviews

I know this looks crazy but I read the second book for Down Bad and actually really enjoyed it so I thought I would give the first one a chance. I still liked this book, I think the world building and storytelling is really good. I do enjoy the second one more as I was more invested in the couple whereas in this book, I liked them together but was really passionate about them. However, this was still a fun and very good read. I will most likely be reading the third one. 

YA wlw is honestly my favorite subgenre at this point. This is another really good one. There is a good mix of serious topics and romance in this book. It discusses a lot about the struggles of bi acceptance, islamophobia, and racism. It shows how you can grow apart from your childhood friends as you learn more about yourself and who you are. I think that it was very well written and it is a read I recommend.

I don’t know if it’s due to the narrator, the actual writing, or if I just wasn’t interested in this book, but I do not recommend the audiobook for this read. I found myself constantly going back because I wasn’t able to keep track of the plot. Honestly, I can’t say I really understand it now, but then again I just really wasn’t invested in the plot or characters so that could just be on me.

This is SO GOOD. It does such an amazing job talking about discovering who you are and coming out in a place where you might not be accepted. It discusses the dynamics of a small town, how religion plays a role, along with the pressures of your family and friends. As an ex-catholic lesbian myself, I think this was a very moving, heartbreaking, and beautiful novel. 

So is it really found family? …Not really. But I was struggling to find a found family book that was not fantasy and I have another challenge to read all the Gossip Girl books so I am counting it. They are found family in a sick and twisted way where they all hate each other and constantly screw each other and screw each other over. This has been one of my least favorite of the series so far. Dan, Blair, and Serena were all making weird (not just questionable) decisions throughout the book and Jenny and Elise were being interesting to say the least with their choices. It’s a stepping stone to the more interesting books, but it felt like a lot of filler. 

I think this book was a very interesting view on rural living (specifically Ohio, obvi) and how people are very stuck in their ways there. The plot is very well written and I stayed invested through out. It has a lot of social commentary on race, class, and gender. It is a bit of a heavy read, but I think it is a good read to allow you to think of your preconceived notions about the topics discussed along with your views on rural America. 

This book has a very interesting concept. It talks about parallel universes and all the “what ifs” in life I thought it was really god in both plot and writing. It brings an interesting perspective to death and the life you choose to live. . 

Honestly insane plot. If I was the Kelly, I’d cash the check and never look back. Very frequently I was begging and pleading for her to stand up and despite it taking way too long, I’m glad she eventually did. I have mixed feelings about Ryan because he was insane and should be locked up but if they backstory was different, I would be obsessed with him. I just can’t get over the fact that he didn’t believe Kelly when she went to him with the assault story. I am very conflicted on what rating to give this book because of the backstory, but I am sticking to 3 stars because that is the only aspect that I am not happy with. I feel like I would’ve enjoyed this book so much more if the backstory was slightly altered. 

The story being told through Georgia’s eyes made sense but then bringing in Todd’s thoughts in the afterlife was an interesting addition. I don’t really know if I liked it that much or if I felt like it added anything, but it didn’t take anything away from the read. I honestly did not expect the reveal of what happened that lead to Todd’s death. It also wasn’t unbelievable which was nice. Sometimes when the plot twist is unexpected, it doesn’t really make sense in the plot but in this book it did and I enjoyed reading it.

I have mostly no qualms with this book. I think it’s a sweet and short romcom. The characters are very likeable and I think that they will stay together after the events of the book end. My only qualm is how easily avoidable the main conflict is. I’m not a huge fan of miscommunication, just like most people. However, I know it can be done really well. In this case, it was less of miscommunication and more of Shelby making assumptions and decisions for Eric without talking to him first. It did get to be a bit frustrating, but not to the point where I started to dislike the book.