A review by bethbarron
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan for the audio-arc! 

The plot follows a group of teens who try to locate Shara Wheeler (that they all kissed recently) through a series of clues left by Shara.

I appreciated the setting - Alabama, somewhat religious admin at a high school - and the development of queer teens throughout their time at high school. The first 2/3 made me think of As Simple As Snow by Gregory Galloway.

When Chloe, the main character, finds Shara, I almost put the book down. It was anticlimactic given the tension/mystery that was built up.

The last third, however, really came out of left field and was interesting. All in all, I love Casey McQuiston's work, but this wasn't my favorite. Give their other stuff a try, though!