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Dirty London
All London Noble wanted out of her senior year of high school was anonymity. The complete opposite of Jasmine, her emotionally unstable baby sister, London has worked hard to stay out of the spotlight.
Then she discovers that Wade, one of the most popular guys in school, is gay like her and their new-found closeness based around their shared secret has half the student body convinced they're hooking up...and a lot of girls aren't happy about it. Now she's been dubbed "Dirty London." Rumors are flying about her inability to keep her clothes on, and London is pretty sure she's developing a crush on the one girl who sees through it all.
If she could admit why stealing boyfriends is the last thing on her mind—not to mention find out what's going on with Jasmine and her rapidly disappearing psych medications—her life would be a much brighter place. But if her and Wade's truth gets out, and if she doesn't find a way to help her sister, London faces losing a lot more than her obscurity.
Then she discovers that Wade, one of the most popular guys in school, is gay like her and their new-found closeness based around their shared secret has half the student body convinced they're hooking up...and a lot of girls aren't happy about it. Now she's been dubbed "Dirty London." Rumors are flying about her inability to keep her clothes on, and London is pretty sure she's developing a crush on the one girl who sees through it all.
If she could admit why stealing boyfriends is the last thing on her mind—not to mention find out what's going on with Jasmine and her rapidly disappearing psych medications—her life would be a much brighter place. But if her and Wade's truth gets out, and if she doesn't find a way to help her sister, London faces losing a lot more than her obscurity.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2014
10 people are currently reading
1884 people want to read
About the author
Kelley York
23 books604 followersKelley resides off the coast of Northern California with her wife, dogs, cats, and birds. In addition to writing, she has her A.S. in Anthropology, and is a graphic designer with a successful book cover design business called Sleepy Fox Studio. She spends her spare time playing video games and tabletop games like the nerd she is. Her specialty is LGBT+ fiction, usually with a dark twist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 5, 2016
This book was surprisingly amazing. I'll be honest, I didn't really expect much — I'm not the biggest fan of YA stories, especially set in high school, and this didn't initially sound like the most interesting thing ever to me, but now I'm so very glad I read it.
I wish it had been longer, not because I felt things were rushed at all, just because I would love to read much more about these characters.
If there's one thing Dirty London reminded me of, it's that high school is hell and straight teenage boys are the devil. Oh, and girls are freaking incredible. The main character is a serious badass, and it clearly runs in her family — London, Jasmine and their mom were such fantastic characters. The sisters's character development was so interesting, both individually and in regards to their relationship. At first I was mad at Jasmine for how she treated London regarding school, but god, I can't hold it against a teenage girl for how she deals with the nightmare that high school can be.
And London was so damn brave and ridiculously selfless. I loved how feminist her character was; her thoughts about what was going on with her, how she reacted to invasions of her privacy and men harassing her and knew that none of it was ever her fault, her fierce defensiveness and appreciation of her mother, her determination to keep her head high when awful people were throwing slurs at her; .
Amber was just delightful. I liked how natural the beginning of her relationship with London felt; there was no typical love-at-first-sight stuff, London had a crush on someone else when they met, and slowly fell for her as they got to know one another and the quiet girl from drama club turned out to be the one who saw London for who she truly was more easily than anyone else at school.
I could talk for hours about how much I liked every single character who wasn't an asshole. I'm also glad that, despite the relatively dark topics, this book never really felt hard for me to read — as in, emotionally draining or upsetting. That was probably because of how great London's narration was. She was so damn determined to just get through everything that was happening to her. And she was straight up hilarious in lighter moments ("God, I have to get my head on straight. (Hahaha...ha.)").
Frankly, I have no complaints. This was a pretty great read.
I wish it had been longer, not because I felt things were rushed at all, just because I would love to read much more about these characters.
If there's one thing Dirty London reminded me of, it's that high school is hell and straight teenage boys are the devil. Oh, and girls are freaking incredible. The main character is a serious badass, and it clearly runs in her family — London, Jasmine and their mom were such fantastic characters. The sisters's character development was so interesting, both individually and in regards to their relationship. At first I was mad at Jasmine for how she treated London regarding school, but god, I can't hold it against a teenage girl for how she deals with the nightmare that high school can be.
And London was so damn brave and ridiculously selfless. I loved how feminist her character was; her thoughts about what was going on with her, how she reacted to invasions of her privacy and men harassing her and knew that none of it was ever her fault, her fierce defensiveness and appreciation of her mother, her determination to keep her head high when awful people were throwing slurs at her; .
Amber was just delightful. I liked how natural the beginning of her relationship with London felt; there was no typical love-at-first-sight stuff, London had a crush on someone else when they met, and slowly fell for her as they got to know one another and the quiet girl from drama club turned out to be the one who saw London for who she truly was more easily than anyone else at school.
I could talk for hours about how much I liked every single character who wasn't an asshole. I'm also glad that, despite the relatively dark topics, this book never really felt hard for me to read — as in, emotionally draining or upsetting. That was probably because of how great London's narration was. She was so damn determined to just get through everything that was happening to her. And she was straight up hilarious in lighter moments ("God, I have to get my head on straight. (Hahaha...ha.)").
Frankly, I have no complaints. This was a pretty great read.
September 11, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Dirty London is included in Young Adult Hollywood's 23 LGBT YA Books You Should Be Reading.
This book is delightful, authentic with lots of things to offer. It has a strong emphasis on coming of out, as well as sexual identity, fantastic feminist movement, sister/family/friendship love with a little bit swooning.
Dirty London easily become one of my favorite books this year. Mini review to come.
Dirty London is included in Young Adult Hollywood's 23 LGBT YA Books You Should Be Reading.
This book is delightful, authentic with lots of things to offer. It has a strong emphasis on coming of out, as well as sexual identity, fantastic feminist movement, sister/family/friendship love with a little bit swooning.
Dirty London easily become one of my favorite books this year. Mini review to come.
January 21, 2024
rep: lesbian mc, gay side character
i wish i could just rate components of this book instead of the book itself as a whole. because the characters? 5 stars. the plot ideas? 5 stars. the parent/child relationships? 5 stars. the wlw/mlm solidarity? a bazillion stars. (honestly, i loved it so much!!!) the softness of the ending? again, a bazillion stars.
but then there comes the writing and here is where my trouble lies. bc I've read kelley's later book and i know for a fact how well she writes, but "dirty london" is abt five years old and just.... not on that level yet. which isn't to say it's badly written?? it's not! it's rly good! but im still sitting here imagining how much better it would be if kelley wrote it now & it fucks with my brain.
word of advice: read people's books in chronological order of how they've written them. don't be like me.
i wish i could just rate components of this book instead of the book itself as a whole. because the characters? 5 stars. the plot ideas? 5 stars. the parent/child relationships? 5 stars. the wlw/mlm solidarity? a bazillion stars. (honestly, i loved it so much!!!) the softness of the ending? again, a bazillion stars.
but then there comes the writing and here is where my trouble lies. bc I've read kelley's later book and i know for a fact how well she writes, but "dirty london" is abt five years old and just.... not on that level yet. which isn't to say it's badly written?? it's not! it's rly good! but im still sitting here imagining how much better it would be if kelley wrote it now & it fucks with my brain.
word of advice: read people's books in chronological order of how they've written them. don't be like me.
May 16, 2018
I liked it 3.5*
At first I thought a "dirty London" was like a new move like the dirty Sanchez but I was wrong. Regardless, I enjoyed this book but I did feel it took a bit of time to get to the "dirty London" name calling part. It takes place in college and of course there is lots of drama. There are also some pretty heavy topics such as abuse (drug and physical), bullying, and even rape (though no rape occurs the idea of "no means yes" is apparent).
The secondary characters were pretty well done though I would have thought Wade would have had more of a backbone but understandable why he didn't. I liked Amber best and London's sister does grow on you once she starts to grow up a bit.
Free with kindleUnlimited. 3.5*
At first I thought a "dirty London" was like a new move like the dirty Sanchez but I was wrong. Regardless, I enjoyed this book but I did feel it took a bit of time to get to the "dirty London" name calling part. It takes place in college and of course there is lots of drama. There are also some pretty heavy topics such as abuse (drug and physical), bullying, and even rape (though no rape occurs the idea of "no means yes" is apparent).
The secondary characters were pretty well done though I would have thought Wade would have had more of a backbone but understandable why he didn't. I liked Amber best and London's sister does grow on you once she starts to grow up a bit.
Free with kindleUnlimited. 3.5*
March 21, 2016
I was super disappointed in this book! I read a really positive review by
Cayce
, so I immediately bought it (although of course I did not immediately read it because I have a problem with reading books I actually purchase).
The first thing I was disappointed in was the main character, London. Even though this is told from first person POV, I was extremely detached from her the whole time. It was a little weird, since first person is usually so immersive, but it just wasn't in Dirty London.
The second is how assumptive London was regarding Wade. She saw him at an LGBT festival, and immediately assumed he was gay. GIRL, you should know that you can't assuming anything. There is no (or should be no) default, remember? And this was just such an example of bisexual erasure, and I was equally parts pissed and disappointed.
The third is how dramatic the whole thing was. Douchey jock, and bitchy girls. It was like watching a teenage soap opera, and I found it all a little too over the top for me, to be honest.
Unfortunately, Dirty London wasn't really for me, and I'm still looking for a lesbian YA book that I love.
The first thing I was disappointed in was the main character, London. Even though this is told from first person POV, I was extremely detached from her the whole time. It was a little weird, since first person is usually so immersive, but it just wasn't in Dirty London.
The second is how assumptive London was regarding Wade. She saw him at an LGBT festival, and immediately assumed he was gay. GIRL, you should know that you can't assuming anything. There is no (or should be no) default, remember? And this was just such an example of bisexual erasure, and I was equally parts pissed and disappointed.
The third is how dramatic the whole thing was. Douchey jock, and bitchy girls. It was like watching a teenage soap opera, and I found it all a little too over the top for me, to be honest.
Unfortunately, Dirty London wasn't really for me, and I'm still looking for a lesbian YA book that I love.
February 20, 2015
Kelley York's books have all been on my to-read list for a while, and I've even bought one, but I just hadn't gotten to read any yet. Then I saw she'd released an f/f romance, and had to give it a shot. I ended up enjoying it a lot. In London, York's crafted a character who's a delightfully realistic mix of seeming contradictions - she wants desperately to blend in, but she's also fiercely strong. She consents to a plan that involves pretending she's straight, but she also never wavers in her confidence of her self-identification and what she wants. She's emphatic about keeping her father out of her life, but she'll go to any lengths for her mother and sister.
I would've loved more of a feel for "every day London" - even in first person, she felt somewhat distant, I think because her narration always seemed to be bouncing off other people or who she used to be. (For instance, she designs costumes, and may even want to go into costume design, but she sort of just produces them - we don't really see her studying fabrics or sketching or anything to suggest this is an actual passion, what her headspace gets into then, etc.) But on the whole, I found her engaging, bold, and real, and one thing I really enjoyed about this book was that I felt like we were really watching her earn all the relationships in her life; York really does show how and why some deepened, some weakened, and some just changed, as relationships are wont to do.
This is a relatively short book, and I could've stood to see some fleshing out, particularly of the ending, but it's by no means an unsatisfying read. From the romance to the family dynamics to the issue of slut-shaming to the coming out narrative, Dirty London has definitely ensured I'll be reading the rest of York's books, and hoping she writes more f/f soon.
I would've loved more of a feel for "every day London" - even in first person, she felt somewhat distant, I think because her narration always seemed to be bouncing off other people or who she used to be. (For instance, she designs costumes, and may even want to go into costume design, but she sort of just produces them - we don't really see her studying fabrics or sketching or anything to suggest this is an actual passion, what her headspace gets into then, etc.) But on the whole, I found her engaging, bold, and real, and one thing I really enjoyed about this book was that I felt like we were really watching her earn all the relationships in her life; York really does show how and why some deepened, some weakened, and some just changed, as relationships are wont to do.
This is a relatively short book, and I could've stood to see some fleshing out, particularly of the ending, but it's by no means an unsatisfying read. From the romance to the family dynamics to the issue of slut-shaming to the coming out narrative, Dirty London has definitely ensured I'll be reading the rest of York's books, and hoping she writes more f/f soon.
July 10, 2017
Really loved this book. It's pretty rare for a YA to have a MC who is so self aware as London is. It's refreshing. The sister arc was well done. The beard arc was pretty cool too. Dunno. I guess I really just liked London. She's a cool person.
May 25, 2015
London Noble is a high school senior, who—unlike most of her counterparts—doesn’t want to be popular. She really just wants to fly under the radar, unnoticed, till she can graduate and move on.
Her life is complicated by her younger sister, Jasmine, who is mentally unstable and doesn’t always take her meds. Add into the mix that she and her sister are polar opposites who have to share a room, plus London’s serious dislike of her estranged father, and you find one very stressed-out young woman.
Oh, yeah. Plus London is secretly gay.
One day, she finds herself invited to join the drama club. A girl London has been crushing on is in the club, so she accepts. While there, she meets Wade, a hugely popular stud. The two bond in drama club, and become friends of a sort.
Oh, yeah: it turns out Wade is secretly gay, also.
Their solution is a simple, if ill-advised one: London and Wade will act like a couple. They go on double-dates, carry on in school hallways, and look like a legitimate dating couple.
Where the complications arise is that few of the school’s popular girls can believe Wade would date London, who’s essentially a nobody. The only possible explanation, in their eyes, is that London is putting-out. After a night of drama club…well, drama, the rumor gets out that London has slept with another popular boy. Then another boy confesses that he, too, has had sex with London. Then another.
Eventually, London—who’d wanted nothing but anonymity—finds herself called the school slut. Her locker becomes emblazoned with the words “Dirty London,” and the popular girls are ruthless in taunting her.
Her only solace seems to be with Amber, a quiet fellow drama club student. Amber understands and serves as a friend when London most desperately needs one. The two grow closer, until London has forgotten all about the crush that got her into drama club in the first place.
Kelley York’s novel, “Dirty London,” does an excellent job presenting a troubled young girl. London just wants to escape high school unnoticed, and yet there she is, embroiled in the biggest social scandal of the year. Her relationship with her popularity-driven sister deteriorates with each subsequent embarrassing revelation, especially when London figures out exactly where Jasmine’s psych meds have been going.
London can’t believe the situation she’s found herself in, but with Amber’s help, she manages to cope. When illusions begin to dissolve in her world—when the truths out—London’s life becomes quite a bit easier.
I love Ms. York’s portrayal of London. I didn’t really want to be popular in high school, either. Let the other kids worry about it. Like a lot of teens, I just kept my head down and did my work, till I could graduate and go off to college. I had more friends than London—most kids do—but the idea was the same. Popular kids have some sort of manifest destiny to be popular, a golden ticket few of us are given.
Jasmine, too, is beautifully written. She is embarrassed by her sister in general. She doesn’t want any of her popular friends to know that London is her older sister. She cringes every time somebody could make the association. The way their relationship evolves is wonderfully handled.
I also like the way Amber figures into the story. There were no explosive meeting sparks. Amber just wants to be in the background, too. She doesn’t act in drama club. All she wants to do is work on sets and backdrops. That’s a perfect metaphor for her role in school, even as she grows to be more of a star in London’s eyes.
High school can be a bitch under the best of circumstances. In London’s case, it grows to seem insurmountable. But with Amber’s help and Wade’s—plus her mom’s—London can find her way through, and thrive despite her tumultuous year.
Highly Recommended
Her life is complicated by her younger sister, Jasmine, who is mentally unstable and doesn’t always take her meds. Add into the mix that she and her sister are polar opposites who have to share a room, plus London’s serious dislike of her estranged father, and you find one very stressed-out young woman.
Oh, yeah. Plus London is secretly gay.
One day, she finds herself invited to join the drama club. A girl London has been crushing on is in the club, so she accepts. While there, she meets Wade, a hugely popular stud. The two bond in drama club, and become friends of a sort.
Oh, yeah: it turns out Wade is secretly gay, also.
Their solution is a simple, if ill-advised one: London and Wade will act like a couple. They go on double-dates, carry on in school hallways, and look like a legitimate dating couple.
Where the complications arise is that few of the school’s popular girls can believe Wade would date London, who’s essentially a nobody. The only possible explanation, in their eyes, is that London is putting-out. After a night of drama club…well, drama, the rumor gets out that London has slept with another popular boy. Then another boy confesses that he, too, has had sex with London. Then another.
Eventually, London—who’d wanted nothing but anonymity—finds herself called the school slut. Her locker becomes emblazoned with the words “Dirty London,” and the popular girls are ruthless in taunting her.
Her only solace seems to be with Amber, a quiet fellow drama club student. Amber understands and serves as a friend when London most desperately needs one. The two grow closer, until London has forgotten all about the crush that got her into drama club in the first place.
Kelley York’s novel, “Dirty London,” does an excellent job presenting a troubled young girl. London just wants to escape high school unnoticed, and yet there she is, embroiled in the biggest social scandal of the year. Her relationship with her popularity-driven sister deteriorates with each subsequent embarrassing revelation, especially when London figures out exactly where Jasmine’s psych meds have been going.
London can’t believe the situation she’s found herself in, but with Amber’s help, she manages to cope. When illusions begin to dissolve in her world—when the truths out—London’s life becomes quite a bit easier.
I love Ms. York’s portrayal of London. I didn’t really want to be popular in high school, either. Let the other kids worry about it. Like a lot of teens, I just kept my head down and did my work, till I could graduate and go off to college. I had more friends than London—most kids do—but the idea was the same. Popular kids have some sort of manifest destiny to be popular, a golden ticket few of us are given.
Jasmine, too, is beautifully written. She is embarrassed by her sister in general. She doesn’t want any of her popular friends to know that London is her older sister. She cringes every time somebody could make the association. The way their relationship evolves is wonderfully handled.
I also like the way Amber figures into the story. There were no explosive meeting sparks. Amber just wants to be in the background, too. She doesn’t act in drama club. All she wants to do is work on sets and backdrops. That’s a perfect metaphor for her role in school, even as she grows to be more of a star in London’s eyes.
High school can be a bitch under the best of circumstances. In London’s case, it grows to seem insurmountable. But with Amber’s help and Wade’s—plus her mom’s—London can find her way through, and thrive despite her tumultuous year.
Highly Recommended
August 23, 2016
If you're looking for a good coming out story, look no further! This was honestly so great; the shippy stuff is on point, there's mild angst here and there, and the relationship between the MC and her sister totally made me cry multiple times. I desperately want a sequel novella a few years into the future *heart eyes emoji*
I'll add a few more lines of my thoughts later, but truly, this one is worth reading!
I'll add a few more lines of my thoughts later, but truly, this one is worth reading!
February 12, 2015
Dirty London is a different kind of coming of age story, because London needs to find herself again, deal with those who might not accept her, and fight to get her confidence back.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
June 21, 2017
Yesssssssss
After a string of not-so-good novels, DIRTY LONDON is exactly what I needed. I can't even form a coherent thought because I just enjoyed this book so much. The characters were amazing and well rounded, the storyline was intriguing with great writing. I'll definitely be picking up more of Kelley's books.
After a string of not-so-good novels, DIRTY LONDON is exactly what I needed. I can't even form a coherent thought because I just enjoyed this book so much. The characters were amazing and well rounded, the storyline was intriguing with great writing. I'll definitely be picking up more of Kelley's books.
April 11, 2017
I liked this book a lot. It has everything one look in a YA book. Teenager drama, coming out, high school drama. I just wish it lasted a little bit more and that we could read about London and Amber.
December 3, 2015
"I am normal. I am a human being just as deserving of love and happiness as the next person. No, I am not the problem."
Dirty London is a beautiful book that I believe everyone should read. It's light, short and lovely. London is such an amazing character that I really love and I believe everyone should read about her and her struggles. This book is about finding yourself, being true to who you are and standing up to people who would do anything to push you down. What is so amazing about London is that even though she is so sure about certain parts of her life, she is just as confused about others, and it's great to see her finding herself once again.
This book is funny and amazing with lovely friendships, love and sisterhood. I recommend!
---
First reaction:
Sisterhood, love, friendships! This was great and such a cute and wonderful book, I loved reading about London. More detailed review to come.
Dirty London is a beautiful book that I believe everyone should read. It's light, short and lovely. London is such an amazing character that I really love and I believe everyone should read about her and her struggles. This book is about finding yourself, being true to who you are and standing up to people who would do anything to push you down. What is so amazing about London is that even though she is so sure about certain parts of her life, she is just as confused about others, and it's great to see her finding herself once again.
Somewhere along the way, in trying not to get hurt, we buried everything we used to love about ourselves instead of embracing our beauty and what others have labeled our flaws.
This book is funny and amazing with lovely friendships, love and sisterhood. I recommend!
---
First reaction:
Sisterhood, love, friendships! This was great and such a cute and wonderful book, I loved reading about London. More detailed review to come.
July 16, 2016
4.5
I really loved this. The main highlight of this book was London's relationship with those around her. I loved her dynamic with her sister Jasmine. I loved her relationship with Amber and Wade. Really cute f/f story - definitely recommend.
I really loved this. The main highlight of this book was London's relationship with those around her. I loved her dynamic with her sister Jasmine. I loved her relationship with Amber and Wade. Really cute f/f story - definitely recommend.
March 28, 2017
Entertaining read that had me glued to the end.
April 10, 2016
(April 4th, 2016)
So, erm... I may have stayed up until 6 a.m. in my need to finish a book... again. *blush*
This one is a pretty standard coming-out YA contemporary, though more focused on the main character and her relationships during her last year of high school than actually coming out. Where it sets itself apart from the rest is that a) it's kind of not badly written at all and b) its protagonist is actually a fully developed character who is just fine with who she is - so instead of completely unnecessary angst, most of the conflict results from her last-minute attempts at making her time in a closed-minded school community matter, at least to herself.
I LOVED London. She isn't perfect, her family is far from it, but they try. There's nothing artificial about their love of each other, or their frustrations either, for that matter. London is perhaps one of the most relatable protagonists I've ever encountered in this genre, and her relationship with her little sister is so true to life my heart aches.
What didn't work for me, then, is that the book isn't content with simply portraying ordinary family drama - what befalls London in school when she decides not to blend in any more occasionally feels a bit overdone. It's even acknowledged multiple times in the narrative that some of it feels taken straight out of a cheap teen movie. If it really is a common HS experience, I really can't say anything other than I'm sorry; but personally, I would mostly recognize it from half-assed stereotypes.
By the end, that actually becomes quite a problem. The story itself is a nice, feel-good, everyday sort of story. It's a shame that it has to fit itself into a ready-made mold to create additional tension (and I don't mean just what L's bullies make her endure, I mean the entire structure of the novel and how it's fitted against her after-school drama club activities and the play they're making - it's just been done so many times). The whole thing would have felt so much more organic had it just, ehm, been what it was.
Maybe all that energy would have been better directed at developing the romance, which as it stands, is sadly rather bland. I appreciate that it wasn't sudden and all-consuming - York seems pretty aware of the pitfalls of the genre she's writing in - but having London remark time after time how she really can't read Amber honestly feels a tad lazy. Since A doesn't get half the character development as London, or even her mother, does, it's hard to care about them maybe getting together. I would be lying if I said I hadn't expected more based on how true-to-life most of the other relationships feel in the book.
But overall, it does exactly what it sets out to do with surprising honesty and nuance. (BTW, I don't necessarily agree that there is bi-erasure in this novel - I think London had pretty good reasons for assuming what she did, and I really didn't see her assuming much to begin with. Not that this changes the fact that no one explicitly identifies as bi.)
I had a few niggles with it, but based on York's acknowledgements and what she says she wanted to do with this story, I'd say she pretty much nailed it for the target audience. I enjoyed it a lot and wish there was more quality queer girl fluff out there - this was nice now, but would have been sorely needed in my life some years ago - but at the same time, I'm pretty excited to check out the author's darker works.
So, erm... I may have stayed up until 6 a.m. in my need to finish a book... again. *blush*
This one is a pretty standard coming-out YA contemporary, though more focused on the main character and her relationships during her last year of high school than actually coming out. Where it sets itself apart from the rest is that a) it's kind of not badly written at all and b) its protagonist is actually a fully developed character who is just fine with who she is - so instead of completely unnecessary angst, most of the conflict results from her last-minute attempts at making her time in a closed-minded school community matter, at least to herself.
I LOVED London. She isn't perfect, her family is far from it, but they try. There's nothing artificial about their love of each other, or their frustrations either, for that matter. London is perhaps one of the most relatable protagonists I've ever encountered in this genre, and her relationship with her little sister is so true to life my heart aches.
What didn't work for me, then, is that the book isn't content with simply portraying ordinary family drama - what befalls London in school when she decides not to blend in any more occasionally feels a bit overdone. It's even acknowledged multiple times in the narrative that some of it feels taken straight out of a cheap teen movie. If it really is a common HS experience, I really can't say anything other than I'm sorry; but personally, I would mostly recognize it from half-assed stereotypes.
By the end, that actually becomes quite a problem. The story itself is a nice, feel-good, everyday sort of story. It's a shame that it has to fit itself into a ready-made mold to create additional tension (and I don't mean just what L's bullies make her endure, I mean the entire structure of the novel and how it's fitted against her after-school drama club activities and the play they're making - it's just been done so many times). The whole thing would have felt so much more organic had it just, ehm, been what it was.
Maybe all that energy would have been better directed at developing the romance, which as it stands, is sadly rather bland. I appreciate that it wasn't sudden and all-consuming - York seems pretty aware of the pitfalls of the genre she's writing in - but having London remark time after time how she really can't read Amber honestly feels a tad lazy. Since A doesn't get half the character development as London, or even her mother, does, it's hard to care about them maybe getting together. I would be lying if I said I hadn't expected more based on how true-to-life most of the other relationships feel in the book.
But overall, it does exactly what it sets out to do with surprising honesty and nuance. (BTW, I don't necessarily agree that there is bi-erasure in this novel - I think London had pretty good reasons for assuming what she did, and I really didn't see her assuming much to begin with. Not that this changes the fact that no one explicitly identifies as bi.)
I had a few niggles with it, but based on York's acknowledgements and what she says she wanted to do with this story, I'd say she pretty much nailed it for the target audience. I enjoyed it a lot and wish there was more quality queer girl fluff out there - this was nice now, but would have been sorely needed in my life some years ago - but at the same time, I'm pretty excited to check out the author's darker works.
July 11, 2016
I really needed a casual, light read and I got it here. I really liked this book, and I especially liked the way Wade and London, a gay man and lesbian, were such close, intimate friends because I think a lot of media portrays us as opposites or as really disliking being around one another. Some of my most meaningful friendships are with gay men and so many gay men and lesbians I know have friendships of similar closeness. They're turned into a "joke" or an "opposites" thing far too often. A friend of mine, a gay man who is about 30 years old, said to me that he thinks the friendships between gay men and lesbians are some of the most unique, even purest, things in the world because there's no possibility of romantic entanglements.
What I didn't like was a section that compared being a gay male and being a gay female. It didn't reflect on how hard it is being overlooked or invalidated as a gay woman, or not having your feelings taken seriously or having them seen as unimportant or fake. Nor did it address the extreme sexualisation of lesbians, often by men, which some consider a form of sexual harassment or sexual violence. Not to mention the actual physical violence lesbians sometimes face.
Overall, it wasn't an especially complex read. There were also a couple of plot inconsistencies with small things like hair colour and one or two spelling mistakes, but it is an independently published novel so I'm not that hung up on it.
What I didn't like was a section that compared being a gay male and being a gay female. It didn't reflect on how hard it is being overlooked or invalidated as a gay woman, or not having your feelings taken seriously or having them seen as unimportant or fake. Nor did it address the extreme sexualisation of lesbians, often by men, which some consider a form of sexual harassment or sexual violence. Not to mention the actual physical violence lesbians sometimes face.
Overall, it wasn't an especially complex read. There were also a couple of plot inconsistencies with small things like hair colour and one or two spelling mistakes, but it is an independently published novel so I'm not that hung up on it.
August 1, 2015
Grade B-
Nobody in London's conservative community knows she's lesbian. When she encounters a classmate at a Gay Pride event, they agree to pretend they're dating. At home she's juggling a younger sister who's refilling her anxiety medication much too often, a mom who works morning until night and a deadbeat drug addicted father. She's got a crush on a girl in drama club, too. Soon rumors begin to fly and not the kind of gossip a closeted lesbian teenager expects.
London is an easy character to root, although at times she's too passive and willing to buy into herself as a loser. I wished she would have stood up for herself sooner. The minor characters also had interesting stories and unique personalities.
While I can't put my finger on anything wrong with DIRTY LONDON, this novel felt very forgettable. Kelley York didn't make me feel anything, characters didn't jump off the page, I never held my breath in anticipation. The plot was fine. Everything was fine.
THEMES: LGBT, high school, friends, crushes, dating, gossip, substance abuse, physical abuse
Nobody in London's conservative community knows she's lesbian. When she encounters a classmate at a Gay Pride event, they agree to pretend they're dating. At home she's juggling a younger sister who's refilling her anxiety medication much too often, a mom who works morning until night and a deadbeat drug addicted father. She's got a crush on a girl in drama club, too. Soon rumors begin to fly and not the kind of gossip a closeted lesbian teenager expects.
London is an easy character to root, although at times she's too passive and willing to buy into herself as a loser. I wished she would have stood up for herself sooner. The minor characters also had interesting stories and unique personalities.
While I can't put my finger on anything wrong with DIRTY LONDON, this novel felt very forgettable. Kelley York didn't make me feel anything, characters didn't jump off the page, I never held my breath in anticipation. The plot was fine. Everything was fine.
THEMES: LGBT, high school, friends, crushes, dating, gossip, substance abuse, physical abuse
June 28, 2015
FAKE DATING THAT DOESN'T END THE WAY ALL OTHER FAKE DATING DOES
This book was great. London was is a wonderful character that knows who she is but just wants to fly under everyone's radar at school after being burned by a friend in middle school.
She's adorable, awkward, and just super cute.
Now TECHNICALLY, this is fake dating. BUT it's not fake dating that leads to the two of them falling in love...and while I will forever and always love that trope, I loved this book so much for not going that route (also how could they? Not once did London ever question her sexuality throughout this entire book. She firmly knew she was homosexual before we even meet her and that is just something so wonderful in itself)
There's angst and drama and family (FAMILY IS SO IMPORTANT IN THIS BOOK, IT REMINDS ME OF A CERTAIN NA SERIES WE [most] ALL KNOW AND LOVE) issues and being true to yourself. It's such a fun book, you're honestly not gonna wanna put it down as soon as you pick it up.
This book was great. London was is a wonderful character that knows who she is but just wants to fly under everyone's radar at school after being burned by a friend in middle school.
She's adorable, awkward, and just super cute.
Now TECHNICALLY, this is fake dating. BUT it's not fake dating that leads to the two of them falling in love...and while I will forever and always love that trope, I loved this book so much for not going that route (also how could they? Not once did London ever question her sexuality throughout this entire book. She firmly knew she was homosexual before we even meet her and that is just something so wonderful in itself)
There's angst and drama and family (FAMILY IS SO IMPORTANT IN THIS BOOK, IT REMINDS ME OF A CERTAIN NA SERIES WE [most] ALL KNOW AND LOVE) issues and being true to yourself. It's such a fun book, you're honestly not gonna wanna put it down as soon as you pick it up.
April 29, 2015
I was able to borrow this through the Kindle Lending Library, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It came on my radar when GR recommended it based on my reading Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel, and this was actually a much better book. The author did a great job of exploring all the relationships in London's life, which made it really compelling.
June 2, 2015
Meh? Meh. I was specifically looking for a cute romance with lesbians but this was just too predictable and simple to satisfy me. The prose wasn't exciting enough to transform this into a quick afternoon read and if it wasn't so short I doubt I would have pushed through.
October 26, 2014
I don't read YA anymore because it seems that everyone is following the same formula.
Everyone except Kelley York!
Dirty London is just another reason why I'm such a fan...
Everyone except Kelley York!
Dirty London is just another reason why I'm such a fan...
December 17, 2019
*sobs* I don’t know how it happened but I somehow managed to delete/lose my review before saving it *more pitiful sobs*
I thoroughly enjoyed Dirty London and wish I had it in me to rewrite my review but it’s 2 am and I’m fighting to keep my eyes open so I refer you to Julia’s lovely review.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dirty London and wish I had it in me to rewrite my review but it’s 2 am and I’m fighting to keep my eyes open so I refer you to Julia’s lovely review.
April 19, 2020
Suprise, suprise, teenager that actually look nad act like teenagers. Such a refreshing change. Jokes aside, the characters in this are pretty great. Tey feel like real teenagers, awkward, vulnerable, eager, angry, and even naive. The naive quality is especially present in the main character, London. There's a specific belief, or rather disbelief that someone will want to harm you for no reason present in her, which makes the entire thing a bit hard to swallow for me. I get the feeling that if I had read this book a few years ago, it would have connected with me much more strongly. At 23 though, it just makes me cringe in remembrance of the stupid things I let fly when I was a teenager.
That, however, is pretty much the only thing I have a bit of a problem with. London really does feel like someone I could know in real life, with her own separate life and family. It specifically this that I liked. The connection to her family felt like such an important part of the book, that it often felt more compelling than the 'main' plot. You don't often see that in YA, not mention queer YA. Another thing that's rarely seen in queer YA, a queer girl who doesn't struggle with her sexuality. London simply is queer, and while that plays an enormous part in the books events, it never feels like the center of the universe for her. It's a refreshing thing to see.
Another intersting aspect was how simply being part of the LGBTQ+ community, two completely different people can become connected. The sentiment of stickng together and sticking up for each other, depite being vastly different people with vastly differen experiences, is definitely nice to see expressed so successfully. As much as the different situations that this support comes up, would be intersting to talk about, that's completely spoiler territory so I'll leave it at that.
The author also doesn't shy away from including a romantic subplot, that of course in true YA fashion goes completely sideways. However, I love that the initial love interest didn't turn out to be a complete ass. The 'endgame' love interest and her relationship, and friendship, with London was also cute as all hell and twice as wholesome.
The themes and plots and subplots in this book are all wonderfully handled, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone with a penchant for romance and YA fiction. Overall, the book is a fun read, that I would have absolutely loved a few years ago, but even now I still like and would pick up again anytime.
Quotes I liked:
"I desperatley want to believe I am not alone."
"I am a human being just as deresving of love and happyness as the next person. I tell myself this every day."
"I'd be an optimist if people didn't suck so much."
"'The Gay' is not infectious, the worls is not coming to an end, and people are happy. Gosh, how about that."
That, however, is pretty much the only thing I have a bit of a problem with. London really does feel like someone I could know in real life, with her own separate life and family. It specifically this that I liked. The connection to her family felt like such an important part of the book, that it often felt more compelling than the 'main' plot. You don't often see that in YA, not mention queer YA. Another thing that's rarely seen in queer YA, a queer girl who doesn't struggle with her sexuality. London simply is queer, and while that plays an enormous part in the books events, it never feels like the center of the universe for her. It's a refreshing thing to see.
Another intersting aspect was how simply being part of the LGBTQ+ community, two completely different people can become connected. The sentiment of stickng together and sticking up for each other, depite being vastly different people with vastly differen experiences, is definitely nice to see expressed so successfully. As much as the different situations that this support comes up, would be intersting to talk about, that's completely spoiler territory so I'll leave it at that.
The author also doesn't shy away from including a romantic subplot, that of course in true YA fashion goes completely sideways. However, I love that the initial love interest didn't turn out to be a complete ass. The 'endgame' love interest and her relationship, and friendship, with London was also cute as all hell and twice as wholesome.
The themes and plots and subplots in this book are all wonderfully handled, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone with a penchant for romance and YA fiction. Overall, the book is a fun read, that I would have absolutely loved a few years ago, but even now I still like and would pick up again anytime.
Quotes I liked:
"I desperatley want to believe I am not alone."
"I am a human being just as deresving of love and happyness as the next person. I tell myself this every day."
"I'd be an optimist if people didn't suck so much."
"'The Gay' is not infectious, the worls is not coming to an end, and people are happy. Gosh, how about that."
January 19, 2015
As I write this review, I barely remember the story of Kelley York's Dirty London. I started reading the book with lots of enthusiasm and excitement, but when I got to the second half, my pace somehow slowed down and from then on, I just have a faint idea of what I read. The most important point, however, is that it was not the book, but me. I was way too occupied to give the book my hundred percent. Nevertheless, what I read and remember was simply too good.
Unlike other Kelley York books that I have read and loved for the sole reason that someone dies in each book, Dirty London is the exact opposite. The author says herself that no death in the book is really "weird" for her. And it was the same for me. I waited, and waited, and waited. But no death came. What did happen in Dirty London, contrary to other Kelley York books, is life. Life happened at the end of it, and life tried to happen throughout it.
Like I have said before, my memory of what I read is not too the sharpest. But from the strain that I am putting on it, I do remember that London, the protagonist, her sister Jasmine, her mother, her friend Wade and her new found friend and lover Amber really stood out as characters. Even secondary characters were well developed and superbly portrayed. To top it all off, the story revolved around a school play and incidents of abuse hidden underneath all the drama. I found the book to be depressing, yes, but in a very rebellious and strong way. Also, for a F/F romance, the first that I read by Kelley York, the chemistries were auite sizzling.
Dirty London was a fantastic and fabulous read that I really enjoyed. I only wish I had given it less time to finish and more time to think over. But keeping all that aside, as with any Kelley York book- although not with the same intensity as others- this one rocked too.
Unlike other Kelley York books that I have read and loved for the sole reason that someone dies in each book, Dirty London is the exact opposite. The author says herself that no death in the book is really "weird" for her. And it was the same for me. I waited, and waited, and waited. But no death came. What did happen in Dirty London, contrary to other Kelley York books, is life. Life happened at the end of it, and life tried to happen throughout it.
Like I have said before, my memory of what I read is not too the sharpest. But from the strain that I am putting on it, I do remember that London, the protagonist, her sister Jasmine, her mother, her friend Wade and her new found friend and lover Amber really stood out as characters. Even secondary characters were well developed and superbly portrayed. To top it all off, the story revolved around a school play and incidents of abuse hidden underneath all the drama. I found the book to be depressing, yes, but in a very rebellious and strong way. Also, for a F/F romance, the first that I read by Kelley York, the chemistries were auite sizzling.
Dirty London was a fantastic and fabulous read that I really enjoyed. I only wish I had given it less time to finish and more time to think over. But keeping all that aside, as with any Kelley York book- although not with the same intensity as others- this one rocked too.
July 31, 2017
Probably the best YA I read this year. It reminded me of how I felt after reading Forgive Me If I've Told You This Before, in a way it made me happy teens now have access to stories such as this one. I loved how London was self aware, centered, and fun without sounding like an adult. I was proud of her throughout the whole ordeal and how she handled the situations at school and with her family as well.
It's been a couple of weeks since I've read this one but I still think about it, which is why this is undoubtedly a 5 stars for me. The reviews were what tipped me over, so I hope this encourages someone else to give this book a chance :)
It's been a couple of weeks since I've read this one but I still think about it, which is why this is undoubtedly a 5 stars for me. The reviews were what tipped me over, so I hope this encourages someone else to give this book a chance :)
August 30, 2014
Kelley York always has a good story to tell, and Dirty London is no different! Though Hushed is still my favourite of hers, this book was still a good, quick read.
Dirty London is well worth a read, so just go buy it, okay? Okay.
Dirty London is well worth a read, so just go buy it, okay? Okay.
December 29, 2014
Wow. Just Wow
I am amazed at this author and her capability to write such beautiful words.
I could relate to so, so much that London went through. I could FEEL what she felt, could understand her, could love her easily.
Kelley York, you should never stop writing.
I cried at points, I laughed at others. That is how much this book affected me.
Absolutely awesomely fantabulous.
I am amazed at this author and her capability to write such beautiful words.
I could relate to so, so much that London went through. I could FEEL what she felt, could understand her, could love her easily.
Kelley York, you should never stop writing.
I cried at points, I laughed at others. That is how much this book affected me.
Absolutely awesomely fantabulous.
September 29, 2015
I had a huge doubt starting this but I ended up happy about it.
I just have to point out how I love London, she blew me away after a few chapters.
Thank you the focus was not only on sexuality, but also on family relationships with no link with London's sexuality (yaaay) and friendships.
I may have ship a couple after a while so hard that I shocked myself ahah
NIce novella to read ^-^
I just have to point out how I love London, she blew me away after a few chapters.
Thank you the focus was not only on sexuality, but also on family relationships with no link with London's sexuality (yaaay) and friendships.
I may have ship a couple after a while so hard that I shocked myself ahah
NIce novella to read ^-^
March 24, 2017
Excellent! Really well written with great characters all around. There were a lot of unexpected twists and turns that kept the story all the more interesting and fun to read. I read it in one sitting. Highly recommend.
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