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Slip
SLIP is a Young Adult Science Fiction novel about transgender identity.
All 17-year-old Xavier can think about is graduating high school and moving to a place where no one will look twice at him. Everyone at school thinks he’s gay, but he’ll take the rumors over everyone knowing his truth. For 17-year-old Natasha, life’s pretty good. She’s popular, has two best friends, and is dating the captain of the football team, the object of Xavier’s crush.
After witnessing a traumatic event at a Halloween bash, Xavier and Natasha experience a night which forces them to view the world through each other’s eyes. Soon Natasha is faced with the grim realization that her identity dictates how the people in her life treat her. Meanwhile, it’s a concept which Xavier knows painfully well. As they struggle to accept certain truths of their realities, they can tell no one what’s happening to them. No one would believe them anyway, because they barely believe it themselves.
All 17-year-old Xavier can think about is graduating high school and moving to a place where no one will look twice at him. Everyone at school thinks he’s gay, but he’ll take the rumors over everyone knowing his truth. For 17-year-old Natasha, life’s pretty good. She’s popular, has two best friends, and is dating the captain of the football team, the object of Xavier’s crush.
After witnessing a traumatic event at a Halloween bash, Xavier and Natasha experience a night which forces them to view the world through each other’s eyes. Soon Natasha is faced with the grim realization that her identity dictates how the people in her life treat her. Meanwhile, it’s a concept which Xavier knows painfully well. As they struggle to accept certain truths of their realities, they can tell no one what’s happening to them. No one would believe them anyway, because they barely believe it themselves.
- GenresYoung Adult
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 8, 2020
This book opens like a contemporary YA, with two main character POVs - Natasha, a cis girl with a wonderful boyfriend and a good life, and Xavier, who's on the outside looking in at school. Both these teens end up at the same party, and are witness to an attempted sexual assault on another student. And in the aftermath, something SciFi/paranormal happens.
I want to put that up front, because I was really enjoying this as a simple contemporary - both main characters were interesting, well-written, with appealing voices. When the SciFi element came in, at first I resented it, for taking the story I thought I was getting with its realistic obstacles, and preventing a truly realistic progression. It took me several chapters to get sucked back into the story, and the new reality these two characters face. I think if I knew, going in, that the realism was going to get shaken up, it would have helped with enjoyment of this story. (The blurb is a bit too subtle about it.)
Once I was reconciled with the direction the story had taken, I did find it involving, and sometimes surprising. It addressed gender and identity from an unusual perspective. The character perspectives are not as angsty as they could well have been for the issues raised, but the MCs have some believable flaws and face some real challenges. They both make mistakes and learn things about who their families and friends are. Both grow in their self-understanding and how they see the world. The writing is smooth and very readable. Bonus points for biracial MCs.
The ending is warm and positive. I came out satisfied with where I left these characters along their journey to adulthood.
content warnings for
I want to put that up front, because I was really enjoying this as a simple contemporary - both main characters were interesting, well-written, with appealing voices. When the SciFi element came in, at first I resented it, for taking the story I thought I was getting with its realistic obstacles, and preventing a truly realistic progression. It took me several chapters to get sucked back into the story, and the new reality these two characters face. I think if I knew, going in, that the realism was going to get shaken up, it would have helped with enjoyment of this story. (The blurb is a bit too subtle about it.)
Once I was reconciled with the direction the story had taken, I did find it involving, and sometimes surprising. It addressed gender and identity from an unusual perspective. The character perspectives are not as angsty as they could well have been for the issues raised, but the MCs have some believable flaws and face some real challenges. They both make mistakes and learn things about who their families and friends are. Both grow in their self-understanding and how they see the world. The writing is smooth and very readable. Bonus points for biracial MCs.
The ending is warm and positive. I came out satisfied with where I left these characters along their journey to adulthood.
content warnings for
June 8, 2019
Title: Slip
Author: Quoleena Sbrocca
Publisher: Quoleena Sbrocca
ISBN: B07R6FYMY1
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
All 17-year-old Xavier can think about is graduating high school and moving to a place where no one will look twice at him. Everyone at school thinks he’s gay, but he’ll take the rumors over everyone knowing his truth. For 17-year-old, Natasha, life’s pretty good. She’s popular, has two best friends, and is dating the captain of the football team, the object of Xavier’s crush.
After witnessing a traumatic event at a Halloween bash, Xavier and Natasha experience a night which forces them to view the world through each other’s eyes. Soon Natasha is faced with the grim realization that her identity dictates how the people in her life treat her. Meanwhile, it’s a concept which Xavier knows painfully well. As they struggle to accept certain truths of their own realities, they can tell no one what’s happening to them. No one would believe them anyway, because they barely believe it themselves.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
This book was a wild ride of teenage issues; Bullies, feeling isolated, family difficulties all built around a paranormal situation that brought two individuals together who were more alike than anyone could imagine.
Now at first I was a little bit confused about what was happening to Xavier and Natasha, but once the situation became clear I was drawn into their lives in ways that Was both unexpected and riveting. As they began to understand the how their lives differed they began to try and find ways to help each other out. The concept of alternate dimensions was brought to life is this spellbinding story allowing the reader a glimpse into the lives of two individuals who were is some ways different, but in others very much the same.
Author: Quoleena Sbrocca
Publisher: Quoleena Sbrocca
ISBN: B07R6FYMY1
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
All 17-year-old Xavier can think about is graduating high school and moving to a place where no one will look twice at him. Everyone at school thinks he’s gay, but he’ll take the rumors over everyone knowing his truth. For 17-year-old, Natasha, life’s pretty good. She’s popular, has two best friends, and is dating the captain of the football team, the object of Xavier’s crush.
After witnessing a traumatic event at a Halloween bash, Xavier and Natasha experience a night which forces them to view the world through each other’s eyes. Soon Natasha is faced with the grim realization that her identity dictates how the people in her life treat her. Meanwhile, it’s a concept which Xavier knows painfully well. As they struggle to accept certain truths of their own realities, they can tell no one what’s happening to them. No one would believe them anyway, because they barely believe it themselves.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
This book was a wild ride of teenage issues; Bullies, feeling isolated, family difficulties all built around a paranormal situation that brought two individuals together who were more alike than anyone could imagine.
Now at first I was a little bit confused about what was happening to Xavier and Natasha, but once the situation became clear I was drawn into their lives in ways that Was both unexpected and riveting. As they began to understand the how their lives differed they began to try and find ways to help each other out. The concept of alternate dimensions was brought to life is this spellbinding story allowing the reader a glimpse into the lives of two individuals who were is some ways different, but in others very much the same.
March 29, 2019
Thank you, Quoleena Sbrocca, for sending me this wonderful book for honest review.
This book is told form two points of view. One is Xavier, a lonely senior who can't wait to finish high school. The other is Natasha a popular girl whose life is close to perfect. They hardly know the other exists until a traumatic event at the Halloween party intermingles their life forever. Now they have to figure out how to walk in each other's shoes.
TW: attempted sexual assault, some homophobia, bullying, physical violence.
What I like: the friendship that develops between Xavier and Natasha and how two people who are so different form each other learn to help and support each other. I also liked the way the book is written which makes for a very easy and quick read.
One reservation I have is that as a non-American who studies in a small high school I found it hard to relate to the atmosphere and setting of a large American high school.
This book is told form two points of view. One is Xavier, a lonely senior who can't wait to finish high school. The other is Natasha a popular girl whose life is close to perfect. They hardly know the other exists until a traumatic event at the Halloween party intermingles their life forever. Now they have to figure out how to walk in each other's shoes.
TW: attempted sexual assault, some homophobia, bullying, physical violence.
What I like: the friendship that develops between Xavier and Natasha and how two people who are so different form each other learn to help and support each other. I also liked the way the book is written which makes for a very easy and quick read.
One reservation I have is that as a non-American who studies in a small high school I found it hard to relate to the atmosphere and setting of a large American high school.
March 21, 2019
The short blurb bit: Seventeen-year-old, Xavier is a high school student with a secret. It’s a secret so heavy that Xavier would rather live with the rumors that are spread around that he’s gay than reveal the truth. Natasha is a high school student who is living the good life. She is dating the Captain of the football team (on whom Xavier has a crush), she has great friends and she’s popular.
They both end up a costume party one night. Xavier is persuaded to go by his friend, Janice. They share some tincture and settle in for a good time. Natasha arrives with her boyfriend and meets up with her girlfriends. As sometimes happens, the party gets out of hand. A girl named Adel is almost sexually assaulted, but Xavier and Janice get there just in time to stop it. Meanwhile, AJ’s friend is drunk and needs to be driven home. Natasha gets behind the wheel and hits Adel as she’s running from the party.
Both teens return home that night...and the most bizarre adventure begins...
No spoilers here! so if you want to read a more revealing review of this book... head to my blog. http://www.kinziethings.com :D
I received an ARC of this book by Quoleena Sbrocca on Goodreads in exchange for an unbiased review.
They both end up a costume party one night. Xavier is persuaded to go by his friend, Janice. They share some tincture and settle in for a good time. Natasha arrives with her boyfriend and meets up with her girlfriends. As sometimes happens, the party gets out of hand. A girl named Adel is almost sexually assaulted, but Xavier and Janice get there just in time to stop it. Meanwhile, AJ’s friend is drunk and needs to be driven home. Natasha gets behind the wheel and hits Adel as she’s running from the party.
Both teens return home that night...and the most bizarre adventure begins...
No spoilers here! so if you want to read a more revealing review of this book... head to my blog. http://www.kinziethings.com :D
I received an ARC of this book by Quoleena Sbrocca on Goodreads in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 6, 2021
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review
If you think Freaky Friday was a rollercoaster, it's nothing compared to Quoleena Sbrocca's Slip. Xavier and Natasha are two different teenagers with two separate lives. Tasha has an amazing quarterback boyfriend and a group of popular girls that she calls her friends. Xavier is a sweet and sensitive boy struggling with his identity, who adores his mother and baby sister, intolerant father and a lesbian friend who has his back. He's different and people know it. Both end up at the same party in which a young girl is assaulted but saved by Xavier, only to be moments later hit by Natasha when they leave the bash after things go south. After a long night, the two wake up to the oddest thing. They have completely switched places in what could only be described as some crazy alternative universe. They have the same parents but Natasha wakes up in Xavier's body while he wakes up in hers. Being able to communicate only in their dreams, the two struggle to figure out why this happened and how to fix it.
I loved how much Quoleena Sbrocca actually drew me into her writing. I found myself so invested and rereading something because I want to make sure I understood and let it sink in. The journey that Xavier and Natasha go through in order to come to this understanding and finally acceptance and beautiful change was so heartfelt and emotional that you can't help but grow attached to the characters. It's been a while that a book has made me think and had such an impact on me in the end as Slip did. I also absolutely loved how Sbrocca caught my attention right at the beginning with her modern writing and use of pop culture. It draws you in, then Xavier and Natasha hook themselves into you. We need more books like this in the world, especially now with all the intolerance that is being spread everywhere. After reading Slip, I'm definitely going to check out the author's other books.
If you think Freaky Friday was a rollercoaster, it's nothing compared to Quoleena Sbrocca's Slip. Xavier and Natasha are two different teenagers with two separate lives. Tasha has an amazing quarterback boyfriend and a group of popular girls that she calls her friends. Xavier is a sweet and sensitive boy struggling with his identity, who adores his mother and baby sister, intolerant father and a lesbian friend who has his back. He's different and people know it. Both end up at the same party in which a young girl is assaulted but saved by Xavier, only to be moments later hit by Natasha when they leave the bash after things go south. After a long night, the two wake up to the oddest thing. They have completely switched places in what could only be described as some crazy alternative universe. They have the same parents but Natasha wakes up in Xavier's body while he wakes up in hers. Being able to communicate only in their dreams, the two struggle to figure out why this happened and how to fix it.
I loved how much Quoleena Sbrocca actually drew me into her writing. I found myself so invested and rereading something because I want to make sure I understood and let it sink in. The journey that Xavier and Natasha go through in order to come to this understanding and finally acceptance and beautiful change was so heartfelt and emotional that you can't help but grow attached to the characters. It's been a while that a book has made me think and had such an impact on me in the end as Slip did. I also absolutely loved how Sbrocca caught my attention right at the beginning with her modern writing and use of pop culture. It draws you in, then Xavier and Natasha hook themselves into you. We need more books like this in the world, especially now with all the intolerance that is being spread everywhere. After reading Slip, I'm definitely going to check out the author's other books.
August 17, 2026
Slip is a thought-provoking young adult science fiction novel that uses an extraordinary premise to explore identity, perception, acceptance, and the experience of being misunderstood. At the center of the story are seventeen-year-old Xavier and Natasha, two teenagers whose lives appear very different on the surface. Xavier is eager to leave high school behind, while Natasha seems to have the kind of social life many teenagers would envy.
Everything changes after they witness a traumatic event at a Halloween party and experience something that forces them to see the world through each other's eyes. This unusual shift becomes an effective way of exploring how identity influences the way people are treated. Natasha begins confronting realities that Xavier has already experienced firsthand, while Xavier is forced to navigate a situation that makes him reconsider aspects of his own understanding.
What makes the story especially interesting is the secrecy surrounding their experience. Neither character can easily explain what is happening to them, and even they struggle to believe their own reality. That creates both emotional tension and a compelling speculative mystery while giving the novel room to examine empathy and the difficulty of understanding experiences outside one's own.
For readers who enjoy young adult science fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, identity-centered stories, speculative concepts, and emotionally driven coming-of-age narratives, Slip offers an intriguing combination of science fiction and social exploration. Its central premise provides a distinctive way to examine transgender identity while keeping the story grounded in the complicated emotional world of adolescence.
Everything changes after they witness a traumatic event at a Halloween party and experience something that forces them to see the world through each other's eyes. This unusual shift becomes an effective way of exploring how identity influences the way people are treated. Natasha begins confronting realities that Xavier has already experienced firsthand, while Xavier is forced to navigate a situation that makes him reconsider aspects of his own understanding.
What makes the story especially interesting is the secrecy surrounding their experience. Neither character can easily explain what is happening to them, and even they struggle to believe their own reality. That creates both emotional tension and a compelling speculative mystery while giving the novel room to examine empathy and the difficulty of understanding experiences outside one's own.
For readers who enjoy young adult science fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, identity-centered stories, speculative concepts, and emotionally driven coming-of-age narratives, Slip offers an intriguing combination of science fiction and social exploration. Its central premise provides a distinctive way to examine transgender identity while keeping the story grounded in the complicated emotional world of adolescence.
April 12, 2019
This book was not quite what I expected when I started it. However, I liked it the more I got into it. Xander and Tash are both high school students at the same school. They live completely different lives as Xander lives with his parents and little sister and has has few friends, can't wait to graduate. After a rumor had been spread in the past, his classmates think he is gay. He is lonely. Tash on the other hand has a lot of friends and a cute, popular boyfriend. Her life and Xander's are so different. One night at a party, they both are involved in an extremely violent and traumatic event. Both of them are obviously affected so much to the point that they dream each other lives and then they in face wake up in each other's bodies. This book is no so much about the scifi body switch but the differences in their lives and how Xan and Tash experience each other's lives in their exchanged bodies. A very interesting look at how high school is different for each person. Also, I really loved how Tash and Xander became friends as the story progressed--how they supported each other and helped one another. Interesting premise for a YA book. Good solid writing and great characters. Thanks to NG for the ARC!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2023
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
It took me a really long time to get through about 25% of this book. This is largely because after reading a quarter of the book, I had still seen nothing other than a bunch of kids talking about a party, getting ready for a party, doing a bunch of drugs at a party, talking about whether or not they should do more drugs at a party, and nearly killing someone as a result of all of it. There was no point to any of it, and it was wildly unrealistic and over the top. DNFed because I couldn't stand to sit through one more page.
It took me a really long time to get through about 25% of this book. This is largely because after reading a quarter of the book, I had still seen nothing other than a bunch of kids talking about a party, getting ready for a party, doing a bunch of drugs at a party, talking about whether or not they should do more drugs at a party, and nearly killing someone as a result of all of it. There was no point to any of it, and it was wildly unrealistic and over the top. DNFed because I couldn't stand to sit through one more page.
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June 18, 2019Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews