The first book of the “Anti Book Clurb” for the year. Really wish I could reclaim my time. 1.5/5

Look I know at this point the hype and early criticisms have come and gone and the author has amassed a huge amount of success with this series. However comma, I’m afraid that every critique about this book is warranted.

Not even getting into the personal things cause that ain’t my business, but the story itself. The writing is juvenile at best, which on its own is fine, there’s room for that. The world is underdeveloped, which can be fine on its own. Especially since this is a series. A lot of things can be written off as “just typical YA quirks” sure. But for the book to have all of this simultaneously. Pick a struggle for me please.

I’ve seen people say this feels like a Wattpad fanfic. I must say that’s an insult to them wattpad community.

This probably would be fine if this was your introduction to the genre…so you would have nothing to compare it to. But my main issue with most romantasy is that it’s never the best of either genre and I think this is a good example of that.

“Well, I really don’t see why getting out of Giovanni’s room means getting out of Paris.” 4.5

Wow…

this is one of those..”Sitting in a quiet dark room…staring into the void…wtf” type of stories…

In less than 200 pages, The late and great Mr. James Baldwin was able to convey a myriad of conversations and paint such a vivid emotional image. This might be the best…worst…book I have ever read.

Man just be who you are…be honest with who you are…don’t be ashamed of who you are…

Shit…i need a drink 🥃

“The American Standard translation orders men to triumph over sin, and you can call sin ignorance. The King James translation makes a promise in ‘Thou shalt,’ meaning that men will surely triumph over sin. But the Hebrew word, the word timshel—‘Thou mayest’—that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man. For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.’ Don’t you see?” 4.25/5

Teenage me would stand in disbelief that I read this monstrosity of a book and enjoyed it. Truly, a work of art.

There are probably a thousand reviews going into deep dives and thorough analysis on the symbolisms and meanings about this story. So I’ll spare you the long drawn out version.

This was a messy (in the family drama sense) but well crafted story from start to finish. The characters were worth investing in. The plot stayed consistent throughout. It’s a classic for a reason.

Would recommend.