Scan barcode
emilyrpf's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
twoony's review
5.0
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball was an incredibly sweet and thoughtful read. Riley's faced by femmephobia within our very own community where, unfortunately, even more phobias rise. Our community absolutely battles amongst itself and this story addresses those struggles while also showing that Riley makes mistakes along the way too. I love that Riley acknowledges that people will continue to make mistakes, as I'm someone who believes we will be making dumb decisions until the day we die. That's life. Taking a step in the right direction to do better will happen at every age and it's what matters. I also love that this took a direction I didn't expect. I was curious if Riley would end up with anyone by the end of the book and I might have been hoping for a certain couple from the get-go that, thankfully, won! All in all, I had a fun time with Riley's story and I'll have the warm fuzzies for at least a week after this.
act4life25's review
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for an advanced digital copy.
I have read two books by Jason June before this one (Jay’s Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue). I think these books are all (for the most part) lighthearted and enjoyable reads. I do think there can be some sensitive topics discussed but feel like these are relatively tame queer representation to feel seen and acknowledged. A perfect light-hearted read with some cute romance.
I have loved all of the characters that Jason June writes about. They all feel like genuine people (even the not-so-great characters). The way they are written helps me to immediately relate them to someone I know in my personal life.
This was a quick read and it was nice to read something that was fun. I felt like this book had a “life lesson” that the character had to learn in the end, which was a little cheesy. However, I did like the choice that Riley made in the end with another character (trying to avoid any spoilers). It was refreshing.
I have read two books by Jason June before this one (Jay’s Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue). I think these books are all (for the most part) lighthearted and enjoyable reads. I do think there can be some sensitive topics discussed but feel like these are relatively tame queer representation to feel seen and acknowledged. A perfect light-hearted read with some cute romance.
I have loved all of the characters that Jason June writes about. They all feel like genuine people (even the not-so-great characters). The way they are written helps me to immediately relate them to someone I know in my personal life.
This was a quick read and it was nice to read something that was fun. I felt like this book had a “life lesson” that the character had to learn in the end, which was a little cheesy. However, I did like the choice that Riley made in the end with another character (trying to avoid any spoilers). It was refreshing.
dharshanirymond's review
3.0
Jason June seem to take us on this express train like how Riley bulldozes on with life (slightly kidding). I loved the underlying theme of the plot than the execution. It was good no doubt but, I have some serious concerns about the contradictory behavior that Riley shows. When they're trying to put forth that everyone and their feelings are valid, they comment linking genitalia with sexuality and assume someone's gender based on their looks. Of course teenagers make mistakes and learn from them but, for all the damage that they cause, they just grovel and repent in a couple of chapters which seemed to be not enough.
kaedmopo's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sparky_penny's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
While this book seemed very well intentioned, a lot of the language around gender was very gender essentialist and cringey.
jugglingpup's review
1.0
To see a full review check it out here.
I was really excited to read a YA that tackled femmephobia. Femmephobia is rampant in the world. It is so gross too. Then the femmephobia immediately invalidated trans men as men, because gender and sexuality came down to penises yet again. The MC who was supposed to be the hero and know the right thing just keeps coming back to genitalia equals gender AND sexuality over and over again.
I was really excited to read a YA that tackled femmephobia. Femmephobia is rampant in the world. It is so gross too. Then the femmephobia immediately invalidated trans men as men, because gender and sexuality came down to penises yet again. The MC who was supposed to be the hero and know the right thing just keeps coming back to genitalia equals gender AND sexuality over and over again.
siggyo's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, Grief, and Outing