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Shampoo Unicorn
Shampoo Unicorn: (noun)
1. A shower hairstyle in which one styles their lathered hair into the fluffiest soapy unicorn horn possible.
2. A podcast by two mysterious hosts exploring rural queer life--the isolation, the microaggressions, the boredom, and occasionally, the sky-shattering joy.
In the small town of Canon, West Virginia, most people care about three things: God, country, and football.
Brian is more into Drag Race, Dolly Parton, and his gig as one of the mystery hosts of his podcast, Shampoo Unicorn.
Greg's life should be perfect as the town's super-masc football star, but his secret is he's just as gay as Brian.
Leslie is a trans girl living in nearby Pennsylvania, searching for reasons to get out of bed every day. Her solace is listening to her favorite podcast. . . .
When a terrible accident occurs, it's Shampoo Unicorn that brings the three teens' lives together. And what begins as a search for answers becomes a story of finding connection.
Sawyer Lovett's powerful and ultimately joyful debut novel is about three teens, one podcast, and carving out a rainbow pocket in an otherwise red state.
1. A shower hairstyle in which one styles their lathered hair into the fluffiest soapy unicorn horn possible.
2. A podcast by two mysterious hosts exploring rural queer life--the isolation, the microaggressions, the boredom, and occasionally, the sky-shattering joy.
In the small town of Canon, West Virginia, most people care about three things: God, country, and football.
Brian is more into Drag Race, Dolly Parton, and his gig as one of the mystery hosts of his podcast, Shampoo Unicorn.
Greg's life should be perfect as the town's super-masc football star, but his secret is he's just as gay as Brian.
Leslie is a trans girl living in nearby Pennsylvania, searching for reasons to get out of bed every day. Her solace is listening to her favorite podcast. . . .
When a terrible accident occurs, it's Shampoo Unicorn that brings the three teens' lives together. And what begins as a search for answers becomes a story of finding connection.
Sawyer Lovett's powerful and ultimately joyful debut novel is about three teens, one podcast, and carving out a rainbow pocket in an otherwise red state.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2025
21 people are currently reading
4515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 15, 2024
I wrote this. It’s pretty good and I hope you like it.
October 5, 2025
This book was a lot in every way. I could relate to the characters living in small towns not welcoming to queer folk. There was something about the writing or the style maybe that made this one a little more for me to get through, this wasn’t a book I couldn’t put down, but I enjoyed it all the same. The characters were interesting, especially Leslie. I also wish we got to see a bit more of Riley, maybe her perspective? Brian and his friend Riley have a secret podcast where they use fake names to hide their identities, it’s a queer podcast. But when Brian’s childhood friend/crush is hit by a vehicle in what appears to be a hate crime the time for hiding is over. The podcast brings a group of friends together, but it does more and helps so many see they are not alone. This was harder to read in today’s America, but it’s important to face what’s hard sometimes.
November 3, 2024
An amazing debut!
February 14, 2025
I don't think this is a bad book, it's just Very much goes against my taste in style. It mixes first, second, and third person in a way I absolutely hated. Leslie feels almost completely forgotten about in the last third of the book, and unfortunately for me she was my favorite character. I also I don't like how the mystery is resolved.
I also think it might be better as an audiobook. If you're not as picky about PoV shifts, give it a try! It does have some great things to say.
(I won this book in a giveaway)
I also think it might be better as an audiobook. If you're not as picky about PoV shifts, give it a try! It does have some great things to say.
(I won this book in a giveaway)
June 12, 2025
When a terrible accident occurs, it’s Shampoo Unicorn that brings the three teens’ lives together. And what begins as a search for answers becomes a story of finding connection.
^from the publisher!
Y’all, I loved this book. There is some pure, pure magic in these pages. First of all - what INCREDIBLE blurbs @sawyerlovett got for this book. I originally saw @jeffzentner post about this book and fell in love with the cover. Then, Sawyer and I started following each other and talking a LOT. Sawyer is such a gem of a human and I’m so so grateful we’ve connected.
Back to the book though. Oh my GOSH. I messaged Sawyer my thoughts as I read. I fell so in love with the story, and honestly, I couldn’t put it down last night til I finished.
Brian, Riley, Leslie, Derek, Greg, and everyone else were so incredibly real to me. I loved the interludes of the podcast throughout. The multiple tenses of the story. The beautiful love story. The hope. The friendship. The acceptance. The forgiveness. Being better men than the ones who raised them. The fierce love of family. The loss of family. Hearts being broken. Hearts being healed. Miracles. The swoon worthy moments. The truly gorgeous full circle moment for Greg’s mom. The Pride. The end GOT ME SO GOOD. I cried so much.
Anyway, it was fantastic. Sawyer is wonderful. The story is a must-read for any month. But especially pride month. Read it however you can!
^from the publisher!
Y’all, I loved this book. There is some pure, pure magic in these pages. First of all - what INCREDIBLE blurbs @sawyerlovett got for this book. I originally saw @jeffzentner post about this book and fell in love with the cover. Then, Sawyer and I started following each other and talking a LOT. Sawyer is such a gem of a human and I’m so so grateful we’ve connected.
Back to the book though. Oh my GOSH. I messaged Sawyer my thoughts as I read. I fell so in love with the story, and honestly, I couldn’t put it down last night til I finished.
Brian, Riley, Leslie, Derek, Greg, and everyone else were so incredibly real to me. I loved the interludes of the podcast throughout. The multiple tenses of the story. The beautiful love story. The hope. The friendship. The acceptance. The forgiveness. Being better men than the ones who raised them. The fierce love of family. The loss of family. Hearts being broken. Hearts being healed. Miracles. The swoon worthy moments. The truly gorgeous full circle moment for Greg’s mom. The Pride. The end GOT ME SO GOOD. I cried so much.
Anyway, it was fantastic. Sawyer is wonderful. The story is a must-read for any month. But especially pride month. Read it however you can!
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August 7, 2025This is an endearing book, and it’s a good one to read if you’re struggling to come out to your family, but it’s equally good for average straight people to read. So often, in this world of echo chambers, it’s difficult to empathize with others when we have no concept of their experience. I also recommend this to anyone who has ever uttered the phrase, “love the sinner, but hate the sin.”
February 2, 2025
Shampoo Unicorn is a story that follows 3 LGBTQ teens who live in conservative small towns in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. They each provide a different perspective: the gay boy who everyone always just knew about and hosts a podcast, the masculine football player who is secretly gay, and a trans girl who is struggling to get through life until she can feel safe enough to live as her true self. Full disclosure: I am not LGBTQ myself, but as the parent of an LGBTQ teen, I enjoy reading stories that help me better understand those experiences.
At first I was a little unsure of the book. Each of the main characters’ portions are portrayed in a different perspective: 1st person (Brian), 2nd person (Greg), and 3rd person (Leslie). It took a bit to get used to, especially Greg’s 2nd person part. Plus we are also getting transcripts of Brian’s podcast, which I actually enjoyed a lot despite not being into podcasts personally. Once I got used to how the book was presented, I came to appreciate how the different perspectives gave each character a very distinctive feel and portrayed their individual experience especially well. For example, I found Greg’s 2nd person part to be very reflective and fitting for what his character goes through in the story. Leslie’s 3rd person perspective really drove home that she was undoubtedly a girl despite her male appearance, and we were seeing her authentic self. Leslie was actually one of my favorite characters, and I would have loved to see even more of her story.
I felt like this story was pretty character-driven, which I sometimes struggle with but actually enjoyed a lot in this book. I was impressed with the growth of characters, especially some of the secondary characters that were rather unexpected. I also appreciated the variety of LGBTQ experiences that were portrayed by fans of the podcast. This book turned out to be a heartwarming story that held a lot of meaning and left me with a sense of hope. What a wonderful debut novel – I look forward to seeing future books by Sawyer Lovett!
Thank you to Hyperion and BookishFirst for the advance review copy of Shampoo Unicorn! My review is voluntary and all opinions are completely my own.
At first I was a little unsure of the book. Each of the main characters’ portions are portrayed in a different perspective: 1st person (Brian), 2nd person (Greg), and 3rd person (Leslie). It took a bit to get used to, especially Greg’s 2nd person part. Plus we are also getting transcripts of Brian’s podcast, which I actually enjoyed a lot despite not being into podcasts personally. Once I got used to how the book was presented, I came to appreciate how the different perspectives gave each character a very distinctive feel and portrayed their individual experience especially well. For example, I found Greg’s 2nd person part to be very reflective and fitting for what his character goes through in the story. Leslie’s 3rd person perspective really drove home that she was undoubtedly a girl despite her male appearance, and we were seeing her authentic self. Leslie was actually one of my favorite characters, and I would have loved to see even more of her story.
I felt like this story was pretty character-driven, which I sometimes struggle with but actually enjoyed a lot in this book. I was impressed with the growth of characters, especially some of the secondary characters that were rather unexpected. I also appreciated the variety of LGBTQ experiences that were portrayed by fans of the podcast. This book turned out to be a heartwarming story that held a lot of meaning and left me with a sense of hope. What a wonderful debut novel – I look forward to seeing future books by Sawyer Lovett!
Thank you to Hyperion and BookishFirst for the advance review copy of Shampoo Unicorn! My review is voluntary and all opinions are completely my own.
December 9, 2024
Sawyer Lovett’s Shampoo Unicorn is a heartwarming and poignant exploration of identity, friendship, and the power of community. Set in the heart of West Virginia, the novel follows three young people—Brian, Greg, and Leslie—as they navigate the complexities of their lives and discover the transformative power of connection.
Brian, a self-proclaimed “queen,” is a bright and witty teenager who finds solace in the world of drag and pop culture. As the co-host of the popular podcast Shampoo Unicorn, he uses his platform to share his unique perspective and offer a much-needed voice for the LGBTQ+ community in his small, conservative town. Greg, on the other hand, is the star football player, the golden boy with the perfect life. However, beneath his macho exterior lies a secret: he is gay.
Leslie, a transgender girl living in nearby Pennsylvania, finds comfort in the world of podcasts, particularly Shampoo Unicorn. As she struggles with her own identity and the challenges of being trans in a society that often doesn’t understand her, she forms a deep connection with the podcast and its hosts.
When a tragic accident occurs, the lives of these three teens intersect in unexpected ways. As they come together to support one another and seek answers, they form a bond that transcends distance and difference. Through their shared experiences and unwavering support, they learn the importance of acceptance, empathy, and the power of human connection.
Lovett’s writing is both sensitive and insightful, capturing the nuances of teenage emotions and the complexities of identity. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique voice and perspective. The author skillfully balances moments of humor and levity with more serious themes, such as grief, loss, and the challenges of coming out.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. Lovett avoids stereotypes and clichés, instead offering authentic and nuanced depictions of queer characters. The novel also highlights the importance of allyship and the power of community in creating a more inclusive and accepting world.
While Shampoo Unicorn is a coming-of-age story, it is also a powerful social commentary. The novel sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in conservative communities, particularly those who may feel isolated and misunderstood. It also explores the impact of trauma and the healing power of friendship.
In conclusion, Shampoo Unicorn is a must-read for anyone who appreciates heartfelt stories about love, loss, and the power of human connection. Lovett’s masterful storytelling and compassionate characters will stay with readers long after the final page. This novel is a beacon of hope in a world that often feels divided, reminding us that love, understanding, and acceptance can triumph over adversity.
Brian, a self-proclaimed “queen,” is a bright and witty teenager who finds solace in the world of drag and pop culture. As the co-host of the popular podcast Shampoo Unicorn, he uses his platform to share his unique perspective and offer a much-needed voice for the LGBTQ+ community in his small, conservative town. Greg, on the other hand, is the star football player, the golden boy with the perfect life. However, beneath his macho exterior lies a secret: he is gay.
Leslie, a transgender girl living in nearby Pennsylvania, finds comfort in the world of podcasts, particularly Shampoo Unicorn. As she struggles with her own identity and the challenges of being trans in a society that often doesn’t understand her, she forms a deep connection with the podcast and its hosts.
When a tragic accident occurs, the lives of these three teens intersect in unexpected ways. As they come together to support one another and seek answers, they form a bond that transcends distance and difference. Through their shared experiences and unwavering support, they learn the importance of acceptance, empathy, and the power of human connection.
Lovett’s writing is both sensitive and insightful, capturing the nuances of teenage emotions and the complexities of identity. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique voice and perspective. The author skillfully balances moments of humor and levity with more serious themes, such as grief, loss, and the challenges of coming out.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. Lovett avoids stereotypes and clichés, instead offering authentic and nuanced depictions of queer characters. The novel also highlights the importance of allyship and the power of community in creating a more inclusive and accepting world.
While Shampoo Unicorn is a coming-of-age story, it is also a powerful social commentary. The novel sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in conservative communities, particularly those who may feel isolated and misunderstood. It also explores the impact of trauma and the healing power of friendship.
In conclusion, Shampoo Unicorn is a must-read for anyone who appreciates heartfelt stories about love, loss, and the power of human connection. Lovett’s masterful storytelling and compassionate characters will stay with readers long after the final page. This novel is a beacon of hope in a world that often feels divided, reminding us that love, understanding, and acceptance can triumph over adversity.
May 29, 2025
This YA debut was one of my most anticipated of the year - a small town queer true crime podcast style mystery? YES PLEASE! It did get a little darker than I was expecting (the cover had me thinking more light-hearted and funny) and while there were some humorous moments, where the story really shines is the varied look at a diverse cast of queer characters living in a small Southern mining town where homophobia runs rampant and one student is involved in a hit and run that leaves him in a coma. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Beartown by Frederik Backman or Pride or die by CL Montblanc. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 5, 2025
Tackling an LGBTQ+ Coming-of-Age story, Shampoo Unicorn takes the reader through a journey of love, loss, and acceptance. Lovett's narrative style is deeply perceptive, capturing the extremes of teenage emotion, showcasing the layers of each character. Readers can hear the distinct and authentic voices each character holds as they move through the text, applying the dynamic growth we're shown through Lovett's writing. The narrative weaves together playful and funny moments with some of the heavier themes. Lovett's heartfelt portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community sidesteps stereotypes and clichés, offering rich and authentic depictions of queer individuals navigating their realities, especially hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ youth in more conservative environments.
Set in West Virginia, Lovett introduces us to Brian, Greg, and Leslie, three members of the LGBTQ+ community who learn to find themselves through their found connection. Brian, a funny and charming drag queen, co-hosts the Shampoo Unicorn podcast, discussing how to survive in rural America as an LGBTQ+ member. He uses high platform to highlight his culture, and pop culture obssession, offering an authentic voice within his seemingly traditional small town. In contrast, Greg, the quarterback with everything going for him, presents how life isn't always what it appears; his masculinity keeps him closeted. Across state lines, Leslie, a transgender girl, finds safety in podcasts, particularly that of Shampoo Unicorn. She creates a bond with the co-hosts, clinging to their ability to see who she is behind it all. When tragedy strikes, the three young individuals navigate the emotional journey together, forming a strong bond. Through their shared vulnerabilities and support, they come to understand the significance of acceptance and the strength of empathy.
This novel serves as a radiant beacon of hope in a world that often feels fractured, reminding us that empathy, understanding, and unwavering acceptance have the power to triumph over even the most daunting adversity. Thank you to NetGalley, Disney Publishing, and Lovett for the ARC in exchange for this review.
Set in West Virginia, Lovett introduces us to Brian, Greg, and Leslie, three members of the LGBTQ+ community who learn to find themselves through their found connection. Brian, a funny and charming drag queen, co-hosts the Shampoo Unicorn podcast, discussing how to survive in rural America as an LGBTQ+ member. He uses high platform to highlight his culture, and pop culture obssession, offering an authentic voice within his seemingly traditional small town. In contrast, Greg, the quarterback with everything going for him, presents how life isn't always what it appears; his masculinity keeps him closeted. Across state lines, Leslie, a transgender girl, finds safety in podcasts, particularly that of Shampoo Unicorn. She creates a bond with the co-hosts, clinging to their ability to see who she is behind it all. When tragedy strikes, the three young individuals navigate the emotional journey together, forming a strong bond. Through their shared vulnerabilities and support, they come to understand the significance of acceptance and the strength of empathy.
This novel serves as a radiant beacon of hope in a world that often feels fractured, reminding us that empathy, understanding, and unwavering acceptance have the power to triumph over even the most daunting adversity. Thank you to NetGalley, Disney Publishing, and Lovett for the ARC in exchange for this review.
July 5, 2025
4.5 stars, 🎧
A couple of days ago I was scrolling on Libby and I found this book. The combination of the cover and the title seemed a little silly, but I was willing to give it a listen, for days when my brain power is low and I am so glad I did!
While listening to Shampoo Unicorn, I tried to figure out how much the narrators added to my experience. I am not a regular audiobook person yet, but I was entertained and focused the whole time and it was so good to hear emotions in their voices and chuckles where they actually did chuckle. In a way, it felt like I was a fly on the wall, in every scene (for better or worse).
I will not recap the story, you can all read it for yourself what this is about, but I will tell you that this is a queer YA story, where there is some romance, but it's of the growing up flavoured one, where we are finding our voices and ourself, where we are finding friends, were we are fighting back for ourselves.
I don't know if I laughted or cried more and I did both a bunch of times, at the same time (it was especially fun when I cried into the onions I was chopping up).
All in all, the book felt very nostalgic for me, in a way, altough I had no experience growing up like they did. I had Glee (which is a real mixed bag), my deer and sad shipping on fanfiction.net, as means of connection with the queer community. I had thw small town (village) experience and homophobia though.
Thank you, Sawyer Lovett, for your story, for letting me be a could-have-been version of myself and I am looking forward to reading from you again!
A couple of days ago I was scrolling on Libby and I found this book. The combination of the cover and the title seemed a little silly, but I was willing to give it a listen, for days when my brain power is low and I am so glad I did!
While listening to Shampoo Unicorn, I tried to figure out how much the narrators added to my experience. I am not a regular audiobook person yet, but I was entertained and focused the whole time and it was so good to hear emotions in their voices and chuckles where they actually did chuckle. In a way, it felt like I was a fly on the wall, in every scene (for better or worse).
I will not recap the story, you can all read it for yourself what this is about, but I will tell you that this is a queer YA story, where there is some romance, but it's of the growing up flavoured one, where we are finding our voices and ourself, where we are finding friends, were we are fighting back for ourselves.
I don't know if I laughted or cried more and I did both a bunch of times, at the same time (it was especially fun when I cried into the onions I was chopping up).
All in all, the book felt very nostalgic for me, in a way, altough I had no experience growing up like they did. I had Glee (which is a real mixed bag), my deer and sad shipping on fanfiction.net, as means of connection with the queer community. I had thw small town (village) experience and homophobia though.
Thank you, Sawyer Lovett, for your story, for letting me be a could-have-been version of myself and I am looking forward to reading from you again!
January 20, 2025
This book didn’t take me twelve days to read for any other reason than I devoured it until I had 40ish pages left and couldn’t bear the thought of closing the book on these characters and the story ending.
These characters, especially Leslie, will help so many people feel seen and heard and know they matter and that it can be okay one day. It touches on heavy subject matter, but it is so well done, thorough, and not bleak as so many LGBTQ+ YA books can be.
This book is so important. I know it is going to hit the shelves and the hearts of people of all ages with such love and gravity and hope. You will never forget Brian and Riley and Greg and Derek and Leslie and how they make you feel.
The world is hard and bad and good and beautiful and worth it. And this book and its author will help you believe of all of that.
These characters, especially Leslie, will help so many people feel seen and heard and know they matter and that it can be okay one day. It touches on heavy subject matter, but it is so well done, thorough, and not bleak as so many LGBTQ+ YA books can be.
This book is so important. I know it is going to hit the shelves and the hearts of people of all ages with such love and gravity and hope. You will never forget Brian and Riley and Greg and Derek and Leslie and how they make you feel.
The world is hard and bad and good and beautiful and worth it. And this book and its author will help you believe of all of that.
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July 29, 2025“Shampoo Unicorn” by Sawyer Lovett
Shampoo Unicorn: (noun) 1. A shower hairstyle in which one styles their lathered hair into the fluffiest soapy unicorn horn possible. Did you guys know this is a thing? Is this a thing?? lol
In Sawyer’s book, shampoo unicorn refers to a podcast, run by two mysterious hosts, exploring rural queer life in their small community. Followed mostly by isolated teens, the podcast creates a safe space for those living under the radar yet trying to find community. Then, when the most popular guy in school is the victim of a hate crime, this small and underrated podcast group takes on the case, catapulting the show, and it’s hosts, to national attention.
Shampoo Unicorn: (noun) 1. A shower hairstyle in which one styles their lathered hair into the fluffiest soapy unicorn horn possible. Did you guys know this is a thing? Is this a thing?? lol
In Sawyer’s book, shampoo unicorn refers to a podcast, run by two mysterious hosts, exploring rural queer life in their small community. Followed mostly by isolated teens, the podcast creates a safe space for those living under the radar yet trying to find community. Then, when the most popular guy in school is the victim of a hate crime, this small and underrated podcast group takes on the case, catapulting the show, and it’s hosts, to national attention.
October 22, 2024
I can’t wait for this book to be published so I can put it in the hands of my students. It’s so well written and such a good story.
April 14, 2025
I received this book in a contest through Goodreads. Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed this book. As an older adult it was great to read and get some insights of what our LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing. I liked the way it was written, how we got perspective from all the characters. I was pleased with the ending. Things were wrapped up but you know there is more story, more life.
I really enjoyed this book. As an older adult it was great to read and get some insights of what our LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing. I liked the way it was written, how we got perspective from all the characters. I was pleased with the ending. Things were wrapped up but you know there is more story, more life.
January 10, 2025
A moving YA debut that showcases a community of queer teens and the lengths that they have to go just to be themselves.
Brian and Riley host a podcast called Shampoo Unicorn that dives deep into what it is like being queer in a small town in West Virginia (which lies inside of the "Bible Belt" of the US). Their hometown of Canon may only care about things such as country living, the word of God, and football, but that doesn't stop Brian from being his authentic gay self (even if this leads to him being relentlessly picked on). Unbeknownst to Brian and Riley, their podcast is helping Leslie, a trans girl who lives in Pennsylvania, grapple with her own identity. And Greg appears to be living the life as a star football player on his team, but his teammates don't know one giant thing about him: he's secretly gay. When a shocking hate crime shakes Canon, Brian and Riley are willing to do anything in their power to figure out exactly what happens. Shampoo Unicorn brings a group of queer exiles together as they fight for the justice that they deserve.
As soon as I saw "Shampoo Unicorn," I knew I just had to read it. And boy, I was not disappointed. This book reminded me of "Two Boys Kissing" and "All American Boys" for various reasons. This is definitely a lofty compliment, because those books are fairly huge in the book world and the reason they are is because they speak out against injustices that need to be addressed. "Shampoo Unicorn" certainly does the same.
The way this book is told is so smart. It is told in three points of view: Brian, Leslie, and Greg's. Brian's PoV is told in first person, a reflection that he is sure of who he is. His perspective reads the most casually, as though you are just reading any other story. Leslie's PoV is told in third person, really bringing out her pronouns, which is a huge deal due to the fact that she is a closeted trans woman. The usage of third person also makes her sections read as very reflective, especially due to the fact that Lovett chose a singular topic for each chapter (things such as action, fear, and technology), which really brought out the message of each chapter. Greg's PoV was told in second person, which is an artform that is utilized pretty rarely. It worked perfectly for this book, because Greg is still rather unsure of himself and his identity. It also makes it super easy as the reader to place yourself in his shoes (it is hard not to do so when it literally reads "you" do everything). Greg goes through so many painful events, and his perspectives being written in second person really had my empathy card going wild. Long story short, the use of tenses and styles in this book was super poignant and I give the author many kudos.
The fact that Brian and Riley utilize a podcast to share their voices with the world even when the authorities wouldn't listen to them is nifty. In this day and age, podcasts are huge, so it was a great tie into pop culture as well as an effective way to spread the messages to the other characters in this story.
Speaking of characters, I truly adore all of them. Brian exudes swagger and coolness, but it was easy for me to tell how sensitive and unsure of himself he often is from the start of the novel. Riley is fierce and won't back down from any challenge. These two have great banter, and it is extremely fun to read the dialogue that makes up the episodes of their podcasts. Greg seems like a bit of a jerk at the beginning, but he really is just doing his best to survive as a secret queer kid in his own way. I can't say that all his decisions were right or good, but I see where he is coming from. I wasn't as attached to Leslie, but I could tell that Leslie's character showcased many of the author's personal experiences as a trans man (which I greatly appreciated). Beth and Derek stand out in their own ways too, even though they aren't as important of characters to the plot. The crew in this book is truly quite awesome, and it makes me sad that I have to part with them so soon.
One of my favorite parts about this book is that it delves into the complicated nature of devout Christians and the opinions that they often hold towards the LGBTQIA+ community and queerness in general. Canon is a remote small town with quite a religious population, so it is only natural that many outdated mindsets are still present in this town. "Shampoo Unicorn" does a fantastic job of showcasing the dangers of rural isolation and how it is a breeding ground for hatred and unjust prejudices. This book definitely better helped me understand how these mindsets are created in people, though it will always be hard for me to palate how people maintain these attitudes towards their fellow humans and still claim that they have Christian beliefs. This book handles these complex religious topics with such finesse, which is something that many would not dare to emulate.
Overall, "Shampoo Unicorn" is truly a work of art. I think everyone could benefit from reading this book, no matter one's knowledge or lack of knowledge on the queer community. I adore the characters and the quirky bonds that they have for one another. The slight romantic undertones present in this book are super mild, which made me super happy, but didn't distract from the main messages. This book tackles some tough topic matter, but it is all done with such skill. I especially love the moments that tackle rural isolation of communities and how it breeds outdated mindsets and prejudices. The use of perspective in this book is masterful, and I ate up every written word in this book. This book is shooting to the top of many of my rec lists, and I can't wait until this book ends up in the hands of more people. This story would also be a great one to discuss during a book club or with friends due to all the topics it tackles. Anyone who loves LGBTQIA+ literature must make this one a priority and anyone who wants to become more empathetic should totally check this one out as soon as possible. Seriously, I don't think I'll be able to recommend this one enough!
Brian and Riley host a podcast called Shampoo Unicorn that dives deep into what it is like being queer in a small town in West Virginia (which lies inside of the "Bible Belt" of the US). Their hometown of Canon may only care about things such as country living, the word of God, and football, but that doesn't stop Brian from being his authentic gay self (even if this leads to him being relentlessly picked on). Unbeknownst to Brian and Riley, their podcast is helping Leslie, a trans girl who lives in Pennsylvania, grapple with her own identity. And Greg appears to be living the life as a star football player on his team, but his teammates don't know one giant thing about him: he's secretly gay. When a shocking hate crime shakes Canon, Brian and Riley are willing to do anything in their power to figure out exactly what happens. Shampoo Unicorn brings a group of queer exiles together as they fight for the justice that they deserve.
As soon as I saw "Shampoo Unicorn," I knew I just had to read it. And boy, I was not disappointed. This book reminded me of "Two Boys Kissing" and "All American Boys" for various reasons. This is definitely a lofty compliment, because those books are fairly huge in the book world and the reason they are is because they speak out against injustices that need to be addressed. "Shampoo Unicorn" certainly does the same.
The way this book is told is so smart. It is told in three points of view: Brian, Leslie, and Greg's. Brian's PoV is told in first person, a reflection that he is sure of who he is. His perspective reads the most casually, as though you are just reading any other story. Leslie's PoV is told in third person, really bringing out her pronouns, which is a huge deal due to the fact that she is a closeted trans woman. The usage of third person also makes her sections read as very reflective, especially due to the fact that Lovett chose a singular topic for each chapter (things such as action, fear, and technology), which really brought out the message of each chapter. Greg's PoV was told in second person, which is an artform that is utilized pretty rarely. It worked perfectly for this book, because Greg is still rather unsure of himself and his identity. It also makes it super easy as the reader to place yourself in his shoes (it is hard not to do so when it literally reads "you" do everything). Greg goes through so many painful events, and his perspectives being written in second person really had my empathy card going wild. Long story short, the use of tenses and styles in this book was super poignant and I give the author many kudos.
The fact that Brian and Riley utilize a podcast to share their voices with the world even when the authorities wouldn't listen to them is nifty. In this day and age, podcasts are huge, so it was a great tie into pop culture as well as an effective way to spread the messages to the other characters in this story.
Speaking of characters, I truly adore all of them. Brian exudes swagger and coolness, but it was easy for me to tell how sensitive and unsure of himself he often is from the start of the novel. Riley is fierce and won't back down from any challenge. These two have great banter, and it is extremely fun to read the dialogue that makes up the episodes of their podcasts. Greg seems like a bit of a jerk at the beginning, but he really is just doing his best to survive as a secret queer kid in his own way. I can't say that all his decisions were right or good, but I see where he is coming from. I wasn't as attached to Leslie, but I could tell that Leslie's character showcased many of the author's personal experiences as a trans man (which I greatly appreciated). Beth and Derek stand out in their own ways too, even though they aren't as important of characters to the plot. The crew in this book is truly quite awesome, and it makes me sad that I have to part with them so soon.
One of my favorite parts about this book is that it delves into the complicated nature of devout Christians and the opinions that they often hold towards the LGBTQIA+ community and queerness in general. Canon is a remote small town with quite a religious population, so it is only natural that many outdated mindsets are still present in this town. "Shampoo Unicorn" does a fantastic job of showcasing the dangers of rural isolation and how it is a breeding ground for hatred and unjust prejudices. This book definitely better helped me understand how these mindsets are created in people, though it will always be hard for me to palate how people maintain these attitudes towards their fellow humans and still claim that they have Christian beliefs. This book handles these complex religious topics with such finesse, which is something that many would not dare to emulate.
Overall, "Shampoo Unicorn" is truly a work of art. I think everyone could benefit from reading this book, no matter one's knowledge or lack of knowledge on the queer community. I adore the characters and the quirky bonds that they have for one another. The slight romantic undertones present in this book are super mild, which made me super happy, but didn't distract from the main messages. This book tackles some tough topic matter, but it is all done with such skill. I especially love the moments that tackle rural isolation of communities and how it breeds outdated mindsets and prejudices. The use of perspective in this book is masterful, and I ate up every written word in this book. This book is shooting to the top of many of my rec lists, and I can't wait until this book ends up in the hands of more people. This story would also be a great one to discuss during a book club or with friends due to all the topics it tackles. Anyone who loves LGBTQIA+ literature must make this one a priority and anyone who wants to become more empathetic should totally check this one out as soon as possible. Seriously, I don't think I'll be able to recommend this one enough!
September 11, 2025
Loved this. Loved it, loved it, loved it❤️❤️❤️
As a member of one of those small rural towns and not knowing very many out and proud people in my teenage years, these voices sure spoke a lot to me.This is a beautiful book, and all the emotions...so true to life. One of the best books I've read this year, for sure!
As a member of one of those small rural towns and not knowing very many out and proud people in my teenage years, these voices sure spoke a lot to me.This is a beautiful book, and all the emotions...so true to life. One of the best books I've read this year, for sure!
June 28, 2025
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: Shampoo Unicorn: (noun)
1. A shower hairstyle in which one styles their lathered hair into the fluffiest soapy unicorn horn possible.
2. A podcast by two mysterious hosts exploring rural queer life--the isolation, the microaggressions, the boredom, and occasionally, the sky-shattering joy.
In the small town of Canon, West Virginia, most people care about three things: God, country, and football.
Brian is more into Drag Race, Dolly Parton, and his gig as one of the mystery hosts of his podcast, Shampoo Unicorn.
Greg's life should be perfect as the town's super-masc football star, but his secret is he's just as gay as Brian.
Leslie is a trans girl living in nearby Pennsylvania, searching for reasons to get out of bed every day. Her solace is listening to her favorite podcast. . . .
When a terrible accident occurs, it's Shampoo Unicorn that brings the three teens' lives together. And what begins as a search for answers becomes a story of finding connection.
Sawyer Lovett's powerful and ultimately joyful debut novel is about three teens, one podcast, and carving out a rainbow pocket in an otherwise red state.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Mixing three tenses to mark the three major PoVs...well, not likely to thrill me. I've referred to the "Satanic second" and the chest-pokey 'you'" often enough to set up a serious takedown of a story that mixes first, second, and third persons in one narrative.
I didn't hate it.
Wait! Before you call the butterfly-net-bearers, let me explain. First-person Brian is out, gay, and proud...he gets to tell us his story face-on because it will cost him nothing he isn't used to paying in terms of acceptance of himself and by others. Brian is so fully inhabiting his queerness that he podcasts about it.
Like someone who never quite faces you as you talk to them, studly Greg puts distance between his internalized homophobia and his powerful queer desires every way he can. Using the intimate, yet distancing, second person is a very effective way of starting to own his "shadow" side, the part of himself that he knows is there but has no map in his world for bringing forward. He's learning the secret that hiding something is bringing it to the center of your identity but without honesty.
Poor wee Leslie! She's trans in a culture that fears the mere mention of transness. She, quite logically, speaks in the third person of "Leslie" until she can find her way out of a multiply-locked prison of biological maleness. She is protecting Leslie, nurturing her, bringing her up in a sense until she can be in a place that is less risky to life and limb.
So there is a reason for this initially awkward splitting of tenses. It's also the case that I'm very old, and don't need klaxons to figure stuff like this out...the fifteen-year-olds this book is aimed at could use a nudge like this to think more deeply. Interspersed with direct address come transcripts of podcasts Brian does to reach isolated gay people. It makes the story's stakes feel immediate in this highly mediated age we live in.
I found myself enjoying this read more than I'd feared I would after discovering the unorthodox narrative strategy. It is a book I hope reaches, physically reaches to be explicit, its intended audience. In the prevailing climate of rage and hatred being stoked from so many corners, it could prove a lifeline to some badly in need of one.
Please, if your gaydar pings around a young person, please gift that young soul this story as a lifeline.
The Publisher Says: Shampoo Unicorn: (noun)
1. A shower hairstyle in which one styles their lathered hair into the fluffiest soapy unicorn horn possible.
2. A podcast by two mysterious hosts exploring rural queer life--the isolation, the microaggressions, the boredom, and occasionally, the sky-shattering joy.
In the small town of Canon, West Virginia, most people care about three things: God, country, and football.
Brian is more into Drag Race, Dolly Parton, and his gig as one of the mystery hosts of his podcast, Shampoo Unicorn.
Greg's life should be perfect as the town's super-masc football star, but his secret is he's just as gay as Brian.
Leslie is a trans girl living in nearby Pennsylvania, searching for reasons to get out of bed every day. Her solace is listening to her favorite podcast. . . .
When a terrible accident occurs, it's Shampoo Unicorn that brings the three teens' lives together. And what begins as a search for answers becomes a story of finding connection.
Sawyer Lovett's powerful and ultimately joyful debut novel is about three teens, one podcast, and carving out a rainbow pocket in an otherwise red state.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Mixing three tenses to mark the three major PoVs...well, not likely to thrill me. I've referred to the "Satanic second" and the chest-pokey 'you'" often enough to set up a serious takedown of a story that mixes first, second, and third persons in one narrative.
I didn't hate it.
Wait! Before you call the butterfly-net-bearers, let me explain. First-person Brian is out, gay, and proud...he gets to tell us his story face-on because it will cost him nothing he isn't used to paying in terms of acceptance of himself and by others. Brian is so fully inhabiting his queerness that he podcasts about it.
Like someone who never quite faces you as you talk to them, studly Greg puts distance between his internalized homophobia and his powerful queer desires every way he can. Using the intimate, yet distancing, second person is a very effective way of starting to own his "shadow" side, the part of himself that he knows is there but has no map in his world for bringing forward. He's learning the secret that hiding something is bringing it to the center of your identity but without honesty.
Poor wee Leslie! She's trans in a culture that fears the mere mention of transness. She, quite logically, speaks in the third person of "Leslie" until she can find her way out of a multiply-locked prison of biological maleness. She is protecting Leslie, nurturing her, bringing her up in a sense until she can be in a place that is less risky to life and limb.
So there is a reason for this initially awkward splitting of tenses. It's also the case that I'm very old, and don't need klaxons to figure stuff like this out...the fifteen-year-olds this book is aimed at could use a nudge like this to think more deeply. Interspersed with direct address come transcripts of podcasts Brian does to reach isolated gay people. It makes the story's stakes feel immediate in this highly mediated age we live in.
I found myself enjoying this read more than I'd feared I would after discovering the unorthodox narrative strategy. It is a book I hope reaches, physically reaches to be explicit, its intended audience. In the prevailing climate of rage and hatred being stoked from so many corners, it could prove a lifeline to some badly in need of one.
Please, if your gaydar pings around a young person, please gift that young soul this story as a lifeline.
June 16, 2025
Canon, West Virginia, is a small mining town in transition. The mine has figuratively dried up, the mayor is black, and one of the football team's star players was just expelled from school for engaging in sexual behavior with the quarterback, so actually two star football players have been expelled. Providing commentary on life in a small town where residents are holding onto their guns and their bigoted attitudes is Shampoo Unicorn, a podcast hosted by two teenagers who go by the monikers Sassy and Mimi. When Greg, the ex-best friend of Mimi and Sassy, is one of the expelled football players who then gets critically injured in a hit and run, Mimi and Sassy decide to reveal their true names and conduct their own investigation into who aimed for and connected with Greg and landed him in a coma, using the podcast's popularity to help.
About an hour away, in rural Pennsylvania, Leslie is gathering her courage to come out to her parents. Again, these rural small towns and their residents aren't usually very receptive to anyone who isn't white, straight, and packing heat with a confederate flag flying. Leslie is an avid listener to this really great podcast called Shampoo Unicorn. It's giving her the courage she will need to begin living her authentic self. When Sassy and Mimi reveal that they are seniors at Canon High School in Canon, West Virginia, and their real names are Riley and Brian, and that Gayeighbor is their ex-best friend, Greg, whom they want to get justice for, Leslie wonders if and how she can help.
And what about the quarterback who was expelled, also? What about Greg's on-again, off-again girlfriend? Are they the recipients of any of the aftermath of the expulsion and Greg's hit-and-run? Could one of them have been the one driving the car as revenge for Greg ruining their lives? And if not them, then who? As time passes and Greg continues to exist in a coma, Brian and his group of friends, with the help of Greg's mom and their podcast community, do all they can to find out who injured Greg, but more importantly, to help Greg and the larger community find healing.
Gah. What a fantastic read. I literally stumbled onto this book, and I am SO glad I did. From start to finish, I loved it. There were a few flaws; most books have a few flaws, but I could and did easily overlook those in favor of the bigger picture. I would have liked to hear more of Leslie's voice, as her storyline felt like an afterthought, but I was really happy to get her voice as much as we did. I think Lovett could probably write a second book to this one, featuring the same characters, but giving Leslie's voice the most significant part of the story to get a glimpse of her life in her town, with Riley, Brian, Greg, and Derek as the supporting voices. While Lovett included a bit of a mystery to solve in this story, that isn't the main point or focus of this story, so nobody should lean too heavily on that part of the story. Lovett brought these characters, all of them, to life so believably that I was enraged with Greg's dad and all the other small-minded, bigoted people - they all hit a little too close to home, especially in the times we are living in right now. I sometimes forgot that this was a work of fiction. I hope Sawyer Lovett continues to write. What an excellent debut!
About an hour away, in rural Pennsylvania, Leslie is gathering her courage to come out to her parents. Again, these rural small towns and their residents aren't usually very receptive to anyone who isn't white, straight, and packing heat with a confederate flag flying. Leslie is an avid listener to this really great podcast called Shampoo Unicorn. It's giving her the courage she will need to begin living her authentic self. When Sassy and Mimi reveal that they are seniors at Canon High School in Canon, West Virginia, and their real names are Riley and Brian, and that Gayeighbor is their ex-best friend, Greg, whom they want to get justice for, Leslie wonders if and how she can help.
And what about the quarterback who was expelled, also? What about Greg's on-again, off-again girlfriend? Are they the recipients of any of the aftermath of the expulsion and Greg's hit-and-run? Could one of them have been the one driving the car as revenge for Greg ruining their lives? And if not them, then who? As time passes and Greg continues to exist in a coma, Brian and his group of friends, with the help of Greg's mom and their podcast community, do all they can to find out who injured Greg, but more importantly, to help Greg and the larger community find healing.
Gah. What a fantastic read. I literally stumbled onto this book, and I am SO glad I did. From start to finish, I loved it. There were a few flaws; most books have a few flaws, but I could and did easily overlook those in favor of the bigger picture. I would have liked to hear more of Leslie's voice, as her storyline felt like an afterthought, but I was really happy to get her voice as much as we did. I think Lovett could probably write a second book to this one, featuring the same characters, but giving Leslie's voice the most significant part of the story to get a glimpse of her life in her town, with Riley, Brian, Greg, and Derek as the supporting voices. While Lovett included a bit of a mystery to solve in this story, that isn't the main point or focus of this story, so nobody should lean too heavily on that part of the story. Lovett brought these characters, all of them, to life so believably that I was enraged with Greg's dad and all the other small-minded, bigoted people - they all hit a little too close to home, especially in the times we are living in right now. I sometimes forgot that this was a work of fiction. I hope Sawyer Lovett continues to write. What an excellent debut!
December 30, 2024
Summary: As Greg’s father grew angrier and crueler, Greg retreated farther into the straight, masc, football-star persona that kept his father pacified, hiding away anything his father might read as gay and abandoning his former friend, Brian. But getting caught with another boy in his school’s locker room torpedoes any hope he had of keeping up his protective lie till he could escape to college. Expelled from school, athletic scholarships outreach without his place on the school football team, and stuck at home with his abusive father, one accident sends his life into a spiral. Before he has a chance to find a new way forward a hit-and-run leaves him drifting in a coma.
Life as the only out queer kid in a small West Virginia town left Brian isolated and stifled despite his loving family and close friend. He and his best friend started their podcast Shampoo Unicorn, which explores the rural queer experience, as an outlet for him to express himself in a way he couldn’t in real life. But when a hate crime occurs in his town and the police do little to investigate it the podcast becomes something more. Brian uses his platform to track his and his friends’ amateur investigation and call for any information to be shared. Almost overnight it blows up, reaching more people and building a larger community than he could have imagined.
Leslie hunts for the little things that help her keep going day by day – a stolen tube of lipstick, a bowl of ice cream for breakfast, an episode of her favorite podcast Shampoo Unicorn. As a closet trans girl, she’s stuck thinking of her life as something she’ll get to claim one day. One day she’ll be somewhere she can start experimenting with wearing skirts and make-up openly; one day she’ll be able to introduce herself with her real name; one day she’ll take her first dose of hormones. When the hosts of Shampoo Unicorn reveal their identities and talk about how a kid in their town was attacked for being gay, it drags all Leslie’s feelings up to the surface, and in a moment of vulnerability and courage she breaks down and tells her mom everything she’s been going through.
Reflections: Shampoo Unicorn gives voice to various manifestations of queer isolation and loneliness in places where community is hard to come by. Brian’s out and proud as gay despite the bullying from his peers, but without an irl community it’s in some ways left him more isolated and struggling to express himself openly. Greg hides behind a veneer of machismo to keep himself safe in an abusive household, which not only cuts him off from people who could understand and support him but also leaves him struggling with being complicit in his friends’ and teammates’ homophobia. Leslie comes into her own and finds support online but can’t find the courage to make the changes in her real life that will let her stop struggling day after day and start living as herself.
I related the most to Leslie. Even without the fear of abuse or virulent bigotry from her family or friends, her fear still told her to keep holding off until that perfect time and perfect place to be herself. It was beautiful to see her overcome that and be embraced with love and support immediately even if her parents needed time to learn. All the characters’ stories were written equally well, though, with compassion and nuance.
Life as the only out queer kid in a small West Virginia town left Brian isolated and stifled despite his loving family and close friend. He and his best friend started their podcast Shampoo Unicorn, which explores the rural queer experience, as an outlet for him to express himself in a way he couldn’t in real life. But when a hate crime occurs in his town and the police do little to investigate it the podcast becomes something more. Brian uses his platform to track his and his friends’ amateur investigation and call for any information to be shared. Almost overnight it blows up, reaching more people and building a larger community than he could have imagined.
Leslie hunts for the little things that help her keep going day by day – a stolen tube of lipstick, a bowl of ice cream for breakfast, an episode of her favorite podcast Shampoo Unicorn. As a closet trans girl, she’s stuck thinking of her life as something she’ll get to claim one day. One day she’ll be somewhere she can start experimenting with wearing skirts and make-up openly; one day she’ll be able to introduce herself with her real name; one day she’ll take her first dose of hormones. When the hosts of Shampoo Unicorn reveal their identities and talk about how a kid in their town was attacked for being gay, it drags all Leslie’s feelings up to the surface, and in a moment of vulnerability and courage she breaks down and tells her mom everything she’s been going through.
Reflections: Shampoo Unicorn gives voice to various manifestations of queer isolation and loneliness in places where community is hard to come by. Brian’s out and proud as gay despite the bullying from his peers, but without an irl community it’s in some ways left him more isolated and struggling to express himself openly. Greg hides behind a veneer of machismo to keep himself safe in an abusive household, which not only cuts him off from people who could understand and support him but also leaves him struggling with being complicit in his friends’ and teammates’ homophobia. Leslie comes into her own and finds support online but can’t find the courage to make the changes in her real life that will let her stop struggling day after day and start living as herself.
I related the most to Leslie. Even without the fear of abuse or virulent bigotry from her family or friends, her fear still told her to keep holding off until that perfect time and perfect place to be herself. It was beautiful to see her overcome that and be embraced with love and support immediately even if her parents needed time to learn. All the characters’ stories were written equally well, though, with compassion and nuance.
June 5, 2025
Shampoo Unicorn is an upper young adult novel that is mainly written in the format of narration from a podcast of the same name hosted by two teenagers in a rural Bible-belt town in America. Being from England and never visited America I didn’t fully comprehend what that term meant until I did a brief research before reading this book and I can only imagine how hard it must be to be the least bit alternative in these areas of the country must be, and I think Shampoo Unicorn highlights the issues many must face in a way that is understandable but I can imagine, is also relatable to those living across those states.
This is a true LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age story which takes the reader and the various teens we meet across the story, on a journey of love, loss and acceptance both for themselves and for some of the characters; their parents too. Sawyer Lovett has created characters who feel like those many teenagers would go to school with, or see themselves in and their writing style ensures the reader is in the trenches so to speak alongside the few teens who live in the small town of Canon, WA as various events unfold that shine light on how LGBTQIA+ people are often treated, how sometimes being under the radar is how you can survive and also, how sadly people often twist their religion to suit their hatred of others.
The author tackles not only the events but the various emotions that are felt in the aftermath with care and an honest light on how things affect the person who is the victim of the targeted attack. I highly doubt there is anyone who doesn’t read Shampoo Unicorn who hasn’t experienced some form of hate crime, from strangers or from those who are supposed to love and support us regardless of who we love or who we identify as a person. I certainly have and the more minor moments of abuse towards the characters were ones I could relate to and I respected how they wrote it so it does hit hard. I liked how there is a natural blend of moments of joy, and humour in the story, alongside the more serious aspects that take place in the book.
I also appreciated how the author portrays the queer teenagers without any of the stereotypes and clichéd imagery we often see in the media, and instead we have an authentic portrayal of what it means to be queer as you handle the various hurdles placed in front of you, especially in a society that is built upon a belief that you must love the sinner, but hate the sin etc.
This was a book I couldn’t put down, I only did so when my eyes were too heavy only to pick it up and carry on when I woke. I wanted to see justice and acceptance for this group of fictional characters even now as we face much of the hate and distrust they do in our lives. I think without doubt, that Shampoo Unicorn not only shows the realities we can face, even the extreme and potentially life-altering or ending ones; but also stands as a sign of hope for the reader. We can hope for acceptance, for love and understanding and for some who don’t get that from their own family can instead discover a far-reaching ‘found family’ out there to love us for who we are.
This is a true LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age story which takes the reader and the various teens we meet across the story, on a journey of love, loss and acceptance both for themselves and for some of the characters; their parents too. Sawyer Lovett has created characters who feel like those many teenagers would go to school with, or see themselves in and their writing style ensures the reader is in the trenches so to speak alongside the few teens who live in the small town of Canon, WA as various events unfold that shine light on how LGBTQIA+ people are often treated, how sometimes being under the radar is how you can survive and also, how sadly people often twist their religion to suit their hatred of others.
The author tackles not only the events but the various emotions that are felt in the aftermath with care and an honest light on how things affect the person who is the victim of the targeted attack. I highly doubt there is anyone who doesn’t read Shampoo Unicorn who hasn’t experienced some form of hate crime, from strangers or from those who are supposed to love and support us regardless of who we love or who we identify as a person. I certainly have and the more minor moments of abuse towards the characters were ones I could relate to and I respected how they wrote it so it does hit hard. I liked how there is a natural blend of moments of joy, and humour in the story, alongside the more serious aspects that take place in the book.
I also appreciated how the author portrays the queer teenagers without any of the stereotypes and clichéd imagery we often see in the media, and instead we have an authentic portrayal of what it means to be queer as you handle the various hurdles placed in front of you, especially in a society that is built upon a belief that you must love the sinner, but hate the sin etc.
This was a book I couldn’t put down, I only did so when my eyes were too heavy only to pick it up and carry on when I woke. I wanted to see justice and acceptance for this group of fictional characters even now as we face much of the hate and distrust they do in our lives. I think without doubt, that Shampoo Unicorn not only shows the realities we can face, even the extreme and potentially life-altering or ending ones; but also stands as a sign of hope for the reader. We can hope for acceptance, for love and understanding and for some who don’t get that from their own family can instead discover a far-reaching ‘found family’ out there to love us for who we are.
August 21, 2025
There's a lot to like about Shampoo Unicorn by Sawyer Lovett. There's a lot to dislike, too. But that's because I'm a picky bitch.
Some random thoughts:
- For years I have been DYING to find a queer book (or, honestly, literally any book or movie or piece of media, period) to be set in West Virginia. This is such a unique location with a LOT of interesting and distinctive features that set it apart from other places in the US.
- In some ways I think Lovett really nails representing WV; the gradually dying economy, the descent of many residents into MAGA/Republicanism, and the "everyone knows everyone's business but nobody says a word about it" vibe is spot-on West Virginia.
- Why do characters repeatedly say they live in the south????? What????? Unless things have changed a LOT since I was last in WV that would be heresy.
- In general I'm confused about where in WV this book is set - perhaps an issue few other readers might have due to a lack of familiarity with the state. The story is set about an hour away from Pennsylvania, yet there are coal mines in the area - which, okay, I guess there are a few in north/central/eastern panhandle WV, but that's really more of a south/south-central thing. I feel like a focus on forestry would've made more sense for this region.
- I think the author could have taken so much more advantage of the location. One of the fascinating things about the state is how utterly rural it can be, yet the characters almost never leave their town. Imagine if one of the protagonists lived on some gravel-lined country road 30 minutes from town and couldn't go to school since they were snowed in, or if they went to the county high school up the holler because there just aren't enough people for more than one school. The characters' hatred for where they live and quiet desperation to escape would have that much more of an impact if the claustrophobic feeling of rural WV were really described in depth. In my opinion, the desolation of WV is one of its most haunting, fascinating features, and the author really failed to account for this.
- I absolutely love some of the ideas in this book. A(n attempted) murder mystery, a podcast for rural kids, and queer kinship/family are all fantastic ideas, and I think they were all achieved quite nicely.
- The book has three narrators in three different perspectives - first, second, and third person. This is a lot.
- I think the book would have been significantly stronger without Greg or Leslie's POVs. I don't think Leslie really added much to this story, and Greg is a great character but his POVs felt too repetitive and did too much telling and not enough showing.
- Also, I don't understand why Leslie decided to
Anyways, I do like the book overall and I look forward to seeing what else this author writes in the future.
Some random thoughts:
- For years I have been DYING to find a queer book (or, honestly, literally any book or movie or piece of media, period) to be set in West Virginia. This is such a unique location with a LOT of interesting and distinctive features that set it apart from other places in the US.
- In some ways I think Lovett really nails representing WV; the gradually dying economy, the descent of many residents into MAGA/Republicanism, and the "everyone knows everyone's business but nobody says a word about it" vibe is spot-on West Virginia.
- Why do characters repeatedly say they live in the south????? What????? Unless things have changed a LOT since I was last in WV that would be heresy.
- In general I'm confused about where in WV this book is set - perhaps an issue few other readers might have due to a lack of familiarity with the state. The story is set about an hour away from Pennsylvania, yet there are coal mines in the area - which, okay, I guess there are a few in north/central/eastern panhandle WV, but that's really more of a south/south-central thing. I feel like a focus on forestry would've made more sense for this region.
- I think the author could have taken so much more advantage of the location. One of the fascinating things about the state is how utterly rural it can be, yet the characters almost never leave their town. Imagine if one of the protagonists lived on some gravel-lined country road 30 minutes from town and couldn't go to school since they were snowed in, or if they went to the county high school up the holler because there just aren't enough people for more than one school. The characters' hatred for where they live and quiet desperation to escape would have that much more of an impact if the claustrophobic feeling of rural WV were really described in depth. In my opinion, the desolation of WV is one of its most haunting, fascinating features, and the author really failed to account for this.
- I absolutely love some of the ideas in this book. A(n attempted) murder mystery, a podcast for rural kids, and queer kinship/family are all fantastic ideas, and I think they were all achieved quite nicely.
- The book has three narrators in three different perspectives - first, second, and third person. This is a lot.
- I think the book would have been significantly stronger without Greg or Leslie's POVs. I don't think Leslie really added much to this story, and Greg is a great character but his POVs felt too repetitive and did too much telling and not enough showing.
- Also, I don't understand why Leslie decided to
Anyways, I do like the book overall and I look forward to seeing what else this author writes in the future.
May 13, 2025
This is a gutting, but ultimately hopeful YA novel that follows several teens as they navigate being queer in small-town West Virginia. Brian has always been out and proud, and runs an anonymous podcast called Shampoo Unicorn with his bestie Riley where they explore rural queer life. Their former childhood best friend, Greg, is a football jock who is closeted and lives with his abusive, drunk father and a mother who loves him, but struggles to accept him. Leslie is a trans girl who lives an hour away, listens to the podcast, and struggles with coming out during her Senior year and wanting to live as her true self. When Greg is caught in the locker room after a game with another football player, they are both expelled, and Greg is the victim of a hit-and-run that in all likelihood, is a hate crime. Determined to help their former friend while he is comatose and fighting for his life, Brian and Riley openly share the case on the podcast and begin their own investigation. People from all over send tips and affirming LGBTQ+ stories, and Leslie contacts them to help plan a Pride Event in their town. As their worlds collide, they work together to navigate their problems and learn so much about acceptance, love, and being their true, authentic selves.
While the different points of view coupled with the transcripts of the podcast were a bit jarring at the very beginning, they begin to flow more as the novel progresses and each POV helps to shape the characterization of the three main characters. Brian uses first-person, as he's always been outgoing and sure of himself and is leading the investigation. Greg uses 2nd person, which was a bit awkward at first, but he grew on me as I realized how distant he feels from himself and how he hides his true nature to survive in a house with his domineering, homophobic father. The point of view also worked nicely when he was in the coma, reflecting what he remembers, hears, and smells as he slowly comes back to himself. Leslie uses 3rd person, which reveals that she clearly identifies as female even when the rest of the world doesn't always see her that way, and her voice strengthens as she comes into her own.
The side characters in this novel were also wonderful, as Riley is a strong ally who is never performative, supports her friends, & calls them on their crap. Derek was perhaps my favorite, as his evolution from careless, spoiled rich boy to one who attends therapy and apologizes for the trauma he caused both Brian and Greg, is much needed in a world of ever-worsening manosphere bullcrap. Even Beth, the lesbian cheerleader, is a welcome surprise who extends her help to the group and reveals the unspoken bonds of humanity.
I loved this book, as it's a great mix of self-discovery, acceptance, and mystery. I highly recommend for all libraries and any LGBTQ+ student looking to see themselves represented in YA. My GSA students will love this one!
While the different points of view coupled with the transcripts of the podcast were a bit jarring at the very beginning, they begin to flow more as the novel progresses and each POV helps to shape the characterization of the three main characters. Brian uses first-person, as he's always been outgoing and sure of himself and is leading the investigation. Greg uses 2nd person, which was a bit awkward at first, but he grew on me as I realized how distant he feels from himself and how he hides his true nature to survive in a house with his domineering, homophobic father. The point of view also worked nicely when he was in the coma, reflecting what he remembers, hears, and smells as he slowly comes back to himself. Leslie uses 3rd person, which reveals that she clearly identifies as female even when the rest of the world doesn't always see her that way, and her voice strengthens as she comes into her own.
The side characters in this novel were also wonderful, as Riley is a strong ally who is never performative, supports her friends, & calls them on their crap. Derek was perhaps my favorite, as his evolution from careless, spoiled rich boy to one who attends therapy and apologizes for the trauma he caused both Brian and Greg, is much needed in a world of ever-worsening manosphere bullcrap. Even Beth, the lesbian cheerleader, is a welcome surprise who extends her help to the group and reveals the unspoken bonds of humanity.
I loved this book, as it's a great mix of self-discovery, acceptance, and mystery. I highly recommend for all libraries and any LGBTQ+ student looking to see themselves represented in YA. My GSA students will love this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
Thank you Hyperion and BookishFirst for this ARC, these opinions are my own. I loved how this story is told! Essentially there are 3 point of views in the story. Brian’s point of view is told in two ways. Through podcast and in first person. Leslie’s point of view is told in third person. Greg’s point of view is the most unique and changes over time. With Greg’s point of view it’s as if the reader is Greg but someone else is telling you what is happening in your life. I love how his point of view is given! For the story Brian and Greg are from the same small town and used to be friends. Leslie is from a small town about an hour away from them. Brian and Greg live in a conservative town where religion is very important. Brian is a gay kid who didn’t really have the option of being in the closet, the way he copes with the life of a small town queer kid is through his podcast Shampoo Unicorn. It’s anonymous and all about small town queer life. Leslie is a long time fan, she’s spent her life knowing she’s a girl but also knowing she’ll have to hide that part of herself until she leaves her small town, Shampoo Unicorn makes her feel seen. Greg knows that it’s Brian’s podcast but with his religious drunk of a father he just can’t risk being friends with him anymore. Plus it’s easier to stay closeted if he doesn’t associate with the only known queer kid in town. But he has to cope with his life somehow. When he’s outed is the most unfortunate way it rocks his life. Then tragedy strikes bringing the 3 and their friends together. Together they’ll learn what love, acceptance, strength, community, and family mean. Shampoo Unicorn is a beautiful story, go in prepared because there is some deep stuff discussed in the book that’ll be relatable for so many queer people! It’s all handled terrifically though! I loved the self-actualization in this book! I love how it happens for Leslie and Greg! Greg’s pov is so unique and readers really get to see that change. I think that might be one of my favorite things about the book, Sawyer Lovett takes readers through this deep experience that allows you to grow with the characters, to feel what they feel. Heartwarming, gut wrenching, and heartbreaking! Full of love, growth, strength, fear, heart, community, found family, and so much more! I love Brian, Leslie, and Greg as well as their friends Riley, Beth, and Derek! A queer must read!
May 1, 2025
Let me be clear, I found this book deeply entertaining!
Especially the first 100 pages. Like every other page I was going, oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, OH MY GOSH????
I was reading it on a train and for the life of me I could not put it down. I was desperately trying to wrap my head around what in the world was going on. A WHIRLWIND pace.
Some parts of this book feel very personal and familiar to me. I resonated with a lot of prose.
Some of it fell flat for me, though. (The ruler metaphor lol?)
I do appreciate that this book was striving to be character-driven. A few parts of these characters, though, I couldn't get over.
We need all the queer books we can get, and I trust it finds its audience. This one simply didn't sit well with me.
Especially the first 100 pages. Like every other page I was going, oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, OH MY GOSH????
I was reading it on a train and for the life of me I could not put it down. I was desperately trying to wrap my head around what in the world was going on. A WHIRLWIND pace.
Some parts of this book feel very personal and familiar to me. I resonated with a lot of prose.
Some of it fell flat for me, though. (The ruler metaphor lol?)
I do appreciate that this book was striving to be character-driven. A few parts of these characters, though, I couldn't get over.
We need all the queer books we can get, and I trust it finds its audience. This one simply didn't sit well with me.
May 8, 2025
#29
The Good
Deals with trauma, sexuality, gender, masculinity, queerness in general, and more which are all good things to exist in a book for young adults.
The Bad
Tells instead of showing – so the small town never felt like a full thing. We never got to sit with certain moments/events because we were told how to feel and what to think.
Execution of the story- It undercuts some really good conversations and setup like the incident.
Small town aspect is surface level.
At points it felt like moments happened and characters existed to make a certain conversation happen. It felt inorganic.
The Meh
I wonder if the storytelling style just did not mesh with me.
Thoughts
I. Final bookishfirst book I received for review- The site has been down since December 2024 so I think I have processed it, but I want to acknowledge it. I notice I feel less bummed about the site ending than with The Trouble with Anna (https://themollyweather.wordpress.com...) probably in result of the different feelings I have towards both books. I connected more with Trouble with Anna, so I felt the loss of not being able to see those first couple of chapter thoughts.
II. Sometimes it seems like the south is not able to be a fully formed real place but is instead a symbol that exists to only represent conservatism/oppression. I do not want to necessarily put this at the feet of this book because it showed different representations of southern people. Nonetheless, it did tap into the south (oppressive) vs north (progressive) dichotomy.
Random article (Why Has America Been So Reluctant to ‘Own’ the South?: https://www.whatitmeanstobeamerican.o... ) found when looking up this thought.
I received this for review from Hyperion via bookishfirst
The Good
Deals with trauma, sexuality, gender, masculinity, queerness in general, and more which are all good things to exist in a book for young adults.
The Bad
Tells instead of showing – so the small town never felt like a full thing. We never got to sit with certain moments/events because we were told how to feel and what to think.
Execution of the story- It undercuts some really good conversations and setup like the incident.
Small town aspect is surface level.
At points it felt like moments happened and characters existed to make a certain conversation happen. It felt inorganic.
The Meh
I wonder if the storytelling style just did not mesh with me.
Thoughts
I. Final bookishfirst book I received for review- The site has been down since December 2024 so I think I have processed it, but I want to acknowledge it. I notice I feel less bummed about the site ending than with The Trouble with Anna (https://themollyweather.wordpress.com...) probably in result of the different feelings I have towards both books. I connected more with Trouble with Anna, so I felt the loss of not being able to see those first couple of chapter thoughts.
II. Sometimes it seems like the south is not able to be a fully formed real place but is instead a symbol that exists to only represent conservatism/oppression. I do not want to necessarily put this at the feet of this book because it showed different representations of southern people. Nonetheless, it did tap into the south (oppressive) vs north (progressive) dichotomy.
Random article (Why Has America Been So Reluctant to ‘Own’ the South?: https://www.whatitmeanstobeamerican.o... ) found when looking up this thought.
I received this for review from Hyperion via bookishfirst
May 24, 2025
Shampoo Unicorn was a decent read, but some things didn’t work for me. One was the flipping between 1st, 2nd and 3rd person. It was distracting and I had to re-read parts to figure out how I was supposed to interpret. Second, Shampoo Unicorn is a podcast and the podcasters used nicknames to save their true identities. Once a major part of plot occurs, that gets thrown out the window and they immediately state their true identities. If it was that easy then why even be incognito to start? The interviews and answers obtained were also too easy. They interviewed key characters that were completely open books about extremely private questions. It just didn’t feel organic. It felt like everything kept falling into place because plot would have suffered otherwise.
I ended up enjoying Leslie’s journey the most! Unfortunately, she got lost along the book’s writing and disappeared for a few chapters. I realized we were so focused on Brian and Greg that Leslie went on the back burner.
I was also surprised how easily Brian accepted Greg who had treated him like crap for years. I get we all have times we wish we would have been better people. However, Brian went from using his podcast to bash Greg and his friends to hooking up with him in all of 24 hours.
What I enjoyed was a realistic glimpse of being a blue dot in a red area. Especially, if queer. Many people forget there are people in red areas who are not in alignment with the majority of politics and thinking. It can be tough being authentic due to the backlash. I loved Leslie’s journey and the hope plus love she felt by end of book. I’m not sure what there is to gain from Brian and Greg’s story because nothing other than finding out who hurt Greg happened. Sure they have a love story but the town learned nothing from all the pain that happened. Which I guess is life. People watch harm and hurt come to LGBTQIA+ community all the time and don’t care. So maybe that’s why there was no happy ending in regard to that.
I ended up enjoying Leslie’s journey the most! Unfortunately, she got lost along the book’s writing and disappeared for a few chapters. I realized we were so focused on Brian and Greg that Leslie went on the back burner.
I was also surprised how easily Brian accepted Greg who had treated him like crap for years. I get we all have times we wish we would have been better people. However, Brian went from using his podcast to bash Greg and his friends to hooking up with him in all of 24 hours.
What I enjoyed was a realistic glimpse of being a blue dot in a red area. Especially, if queer. Many people forget there are people in red areas who are not in alignment with the majority of politics and thinking. It can be tough being authentic due to the backlash. I loved Leslie’s journey and the hope plus love she felt by end of book. I’m not sure what there is to gain from Brian and Greg’s story because nothing other than finding out who hurt Greg happened. Sure they have a love story but the town learned nothing from all the pain that happened. Which I guess is life. People watch harm and hurt come to LGBTQIA+ community all the time and don’t care. So maybe that’s why there was no happy ending in regard to that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
This book was definitely something I needed to read.
As a queer person in a town of less than 5k in rural Mississippi, this book really resonated with me. What little representation of small town LGBTQ+ people is out there usually focuses on how miserable it is and how the person can't wait to leave. This book shows that ugly side, yes, but it is all wrapped up in such queer joy. It really makes a statement on how we can carve out our own pockets of space. It is the wonderful idea that you can be happy exactly where you are. It is the wonderful idea that no matter how small your world seems, you can always find people that share in an experience you thought no one else did.
The fact that this is a debut novel is really astonishing. It is written so beautifully. Each character is so real and well-characterized, though I do feel that a few felt like they could have been fleshed out better. The alternating between first, second, and third person was a really great choice. It gives you such insight into how a character is viewing themselves at different points in the story. I also really appreciated the handling of Leslie's deadname. Like, no, we don't need to know what it is. Blank it out, it isn't who she is.
This book really spoke to me. I hope anyone looking at this review will consider reading the book! Please show the author your support, I can't wait to see what he writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
As a queer person in a town of less than 5k in rural Mississippi, this book really resonated with me. What little representation of small town LGBTQ+ people is out there usually focuses on how miserable it is and how the person can't wait to leave. This book shows that ugly side, yes, but it is all wrapped up in such queer joy. It really makes a statement on how we can carve out our own pockets of space. It is the wonderful idea that you can be happy exactly where you are. It is the wonderful idea that no matter how small your world seems, you can always find people that share in an experience you thought no one else did.
The fact that this is a debut novel is really astonishing. It is written so beautifully. Each character is so real and well-characterized, though I do feel that a few felt like they could have been fleshed out better. The alternating between first, second, and third person was a really great choice. It gives you such insight into how a character is viewing themselves at different points in the story. I also really appreciated the handling of Leslie's deadname. Like, no, we don't need to know what it is. Blank it out, it isn't who she is.
This book really spoke to me. I hope anyone looking at this review will consider reading the book! Please show the author your support, I can't wait to see what he writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2025
A fantastic upper YA debut by @sawyerlovett that I’m so excited to share on the first day of Pride month.
🦄
In the small town of Canon, WV it’s hard being anything other than cisgender, white or heterosexual. Brian loves to share about his life as a queer teen living in a very small and conservative town on his anonymous podcast with his best friend and ally. Brian definitely fits in in Canon since he appears straight, is white and plays football, but no one knows he’s also gay. Leslie is a team girl living in Pennsylvania who is a fan of Brian’s podcast: Shampoo Unicorn. When Greg is caught having sexual relations with a fellow teammate in the locker room, his whole world implodes, which affects Brian and Leslie in different ways.
🌈
I’m so happy this was the first book I read this month so I could share it with everyone. Fans of Meredith Russo’s Birthday will love this new book that’s available now. All the characters are relatable and their connections made me so happy, despite them dealing with heavy topics in their lives. I actually loved the way it was written in different POVs (even each character getting a different perspective from 1st, 2nd and 3rd person) and with a podcast and letter format as well. This novel allows for hope in a time where all things seem hopeless.
CW: homophobia, child abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, emotional abuse, car accident, hospitalization, hate crime, forced outing, suicidal ideation, religious bigotry, alcohol, alcoholism, divorce
.
🦄
In the small town of Canon, WV it’s hard being anything other than cisgender, white or heterosexual. Brian loves to share about his life as a queer teen living in a very small and conservative town on his anonymous podcast with his best friend and ally. Brian definitely fits in in Canon since he appears straight, is white and plays football, but no one knows he’s also gay. Leslie is a team girl living in Pennsylvania who is a fan of Brian’s podcast: Shampoo Unicorn. When Greg is caught having sexual relations with a fellow teammate in the locker room, his whole world implodes, which affects Brian and Leslie in different ways.
🌈
I’m so happy this was the first book I read this month so I could share it with everyone. Fans of Meredith Russo’s Birthday will love this new book that’s available now. All the characters are relatable and their connections made me so happy, despite them dealing with heavy topics in their lives. I actually loved the way it was written in different POVs (even each character getting a different perspective from 1st, 2nd and 3rd person) and with a podcast and letter format as well. This novel allows for hope in a time where all things seem hopeless.
CW: homophobia, child abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, emotional abuse, car accident, hospitalization, hate crime, forced outing, suicidal ideation, religious bigotry, alcohol, alcoholism, divorce
.
April 10, 2025
I was able to get my hands on an ARC of Sawyer Lovett's debut novel from a friend who owns a bookstore. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. (Full disclosure: I was in grad school with Lovett.) The characters all feel very real, with authentic inner and outer lives. Lovett employs all three points of view in this book: Brian's story is told in first person, Greg's in second, and Leslie's in third. Each of these points of view make sense for the character who uses them. Brian is the most sure of his identity, so he gets first person. Leslie's gender is of the utmost importance to her, so it is emphasized in third person. Greg's story feels almost as though it is happening to someone else as he is and working on becoming comfortable with who he is, so he gets second person.
I liked Lovett's use of the many stories of queer folks from all walks of life. They felt authentic. (I actually wondered if they were real as I was reading.) There was a moment at the end of the story when, while reading in public, I actually burst into (happy) tears. In all, this book is a celebration of queer identity, perseverance, allyship, and living out loud. I would highly recommend it. I look forward to Lovett's next book!
One thing, though--if I had one quibble with the book, it's that I wanted more of Leslie. Maybe a sequel about her?
I liked Lovett's use of the many stories of queer folks from all walks of life. They felt authentic. (I actually wondered if they were real as I was reading.) There was a moment at the end of the story when, while reading in public, I actually burst into (happy) tears. In all, this book is a celebration of queer identity, perseverance, allyship, and living out loud. I would highly recommend it. I look forward to Lovett's next book!
One thing, though--if I had one quibble with the book, it's that I wanted more of Leslie. Maybe a sequel about her?
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