I'm in love with the ease of how Joya Goffeny wrote this story. Every  character is  realistic  in certain traits they have . Not to mention  I read this knowing I was going to learn some things. But I mean even then, some of it was unexpected.  

So as the main teen character, Monique, Or Mo for short,  learned about her vaginismus I felt utter respect.  Even though its YA and there were moments  of lack of maturity on the MC and side characters, Reggie and Sasha decisions. In particular with  Reggie, the wild and funny reform teen project for Mo's dad. But I'm okay with him as things were often  hectic and upbeat.  A necessary personality for  a  character  in this type of setting to ease the things Mo faced. Also Sasha who if there was a next book I'd want to read from her point of view.  She is everything and mature for how things unpack. 

On to a more serious note since thats all my thought on the main characters trio.

Sometimes to firgure out sexual activity or concerns help comes in the most unexpected way. I mean the people in life who are seemingly  the most religious.  This storyline made it a reminder again that help comes in surprising moments. That and learning  that not everyone  can be trusted at first. 

Anyways my emotions are wrecked into pieces. Then have rebuilt with new hope  by the end of Mo's  story. It was relatable in certain  ways. But when it wasn't  I felt  genuine  eagerness for Mo's self-discovery  journey.  

Man I love this book. The pressures of Purity culture and perfectionism are real and heavy. I don't read many books that address the topic as well as Joya has. The story resonates so deeply for me as PK. I love that Monique and Reggie both are honest about what they want and respect each other's boundaries. It reads as part cautionary tale and part inspiration for raising kids who are knowledgeable about their bodies and confident enough in themselves to be honest. 

This book brilliantly explored societies relationship with sex, teenagers expectations and the importance of knowing your own body and having strong friends and family to be able to talk to.

Add in religious communities more extreme views and the conflict of what you want vs everyone else can feel very traumatic. 

The book shines a light on largely unknown and discussed medical condition that is very important to feature in a YA book.

But themes aside, this story was gripping! I had so much fun hanging out with these catalysts and read this so quickly! 

Monique was a protagonist I easily sympathised with and was rooting for and her unlikely friendships was a joy to read about develop.

I loved the family dynamic as slowly we looked under the surface of Mo's family and Reggie's exploring prejudice and judging people.

Forgiveness, listening, talking and standing up for yourself were all shown beautifully here. The family and friendship dynamic shone. An unhealthy relationship and a blossoming healthy relationship were interwoven so well as we share Mo's journey as she starts to see things differently. I love the healthy relationship and rooted for it very early on, but the friendship is the star of this book as is the very healthy sex talks. Highly recommend!