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Only on the Weekends: A Young Adult Gay Romance Novel in Verse About First Love and Self-Discovery
From the Stonewall Award-winning author of The Black Flamingo comes a romantic coming-of-age novel in verse about the beautiful--and sometimes painful--fallout of pursuing the love we deserve. The ideal next read for fans of Kacen Callender, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Becky Albertalli.
Fifteen-year-old Mack is a hopeless romantic--likely a hazard of growing up on film sets thanks to his father's job. Mack has had a crush on Karim for as long as he can remember and he can't believe it when gorgeous, popular Karim seems into him too.
But when Mack's father takes on a new directing project in Scotland, Mack has to move away, and soon discovers how painful long-distance relationships can be. It's awful to be so far away from Karim, and it's made worse by the fact that Karim can be so hard to read.
Then Mack meets actor Finlay on set, and the world turns upside down again. Fin seems fearless--and his confidence could just be infectious.
Award-winning author Dean Atta crafts a beautifully nuanced and revelatory story in verse about the exquisite highs and lows of first love and self-discovery.
Fifteen-year-old Mack is a hopeless romantic--likely a hazard of growing up on film sets thanks to his father's job. Mack has had a crush on Karim for as long as he can remember and he can't believe it when gorgeous, popular Karim seems into him too.
But when Mack's father takes on a new directing project in Scotland, Mack has to move away, and soon discovers how painful long-distance relationships can be. It's awful to be so far away from Karim, and it's made worse by the fact that Karim can be so hard to read.
Then Mack meets actor Finlay on set, and the world turns upside down again. Fin seems fearless--and his confidence could just be infectious.
Award-winning author Dean Atta crafts a beautifully nuanced and revelatory story in verse about the exquisite highs and lows of first love and self-discovery.
560 pages, Hardcover
First published May 24, 2022
52 people are currently reading
5637 people want to read
About the author
Dean Atta
20 books793 followersDean was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize for his debut poetry collection, I Am Nobody’s Nigger. His poems have been anthologised by Bad Betty Press, Emma Press, Stripes Publishing, Team Angelica and have appeared on BBC One, BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service and Channel 4. Dean was named as one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK by the Independent on Sunday. He regularly performs across the UK and internationally. Dean is a member of Keats House Poets Forum and Malika’s Poetry Kitchen. He has a Philosophy and English BA from the University of Sussex and a Writer/Teacher MA from Goldsmiths, University of London. Dean is a Tutor for Arvon and Poetry School and a Writer in Residence for First Story. His debut novel, The Black Flamingo, will be published in August 2019 by Hodder Children’s Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
June 19, 2022
Dean Atta played in my face for over five hundred pages.
I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading about children, so our main character acting foolish? Love that for him. You go Mack Coco, all that....
However, it was still frustrating to read. It felt like I was getting half a story.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but this one? The insides match the raggedy outside. Forever bitter these two black boys look like an early 00s dress up simulator while Fin looking just fine. Don't get me started on how the UK is out here hoodwinking people into think they gonna get two black boys falling in love when what you get is this mess.
There were so many topics that could have been explored if Atta didn't want to just keep pressing the enter key. There was no flow to the writing, the best moments were the various text messages.
I am embarrassed to have read this book. I cannot think of a single person whose life would be enriched by experiencing the journey that I went on with this reading experience. I am eagerly looking forward to returning this book to the library.
To the people that did enjoy this or did see themselves reflected, I love that for you. Truly. I wish I could have the experience that you did in place of the one I had.
I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading about children, so our main character acting foolish? Love that for him. You go Mack Coco, all that....
However, it was still frustrating to read. It felt like I was getting half a story.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but this one? The insides match the raggedy outside. Forever bitter these two black boys look like an early 00s dress up simulator while Fin looking just fine. Don't get me started on how the UK is out here hoodwinking people into think they gonna get two black boys falling in love when what you get is this mess.
There were so many topics that could have been explored if Atta didn't want to just keep pressing the enter key. There was no flow to the writing, the best moments were the various text messages.
I am embarrassed to have read this book. I cannot think of a single person whose life would be enriched by experiencing the journey that I went on with this reading experience. I am eagerly looking forward to returning this book to the library.
To the people that did enjoy this or did see themselves reflected, I love that for you. Truly. I wish I could have the experience that you did in place of the one I had.
May 24, 2022
Sometimes I adored the writing,
and sometimes I didn’t fancy the lyricism.
Sometimes I had all the emotions,
and sometimes I didn’t feel a thing.
Sometimes I wanted to rate this five gorgeous stars, and sometimes my rating was spiraling down.
How can I be so conflicted about a book?
Mack has mixed feelings too.
Being in love with K.,
wanting to be with him,
but always kept at a distance.
Then meeting Fin, so vibrant and alive,
a boy who immediately catches his eyes.
One boy still in the closet,
the other one so out and proud.
I adore stories written in verse. Besides, I love messy characters and relationships. And I had high hopes for Only on the Weekends because I treasured The Black Flamingo. Only on the Weekend has so much to love. The supporting cast, the messiness, Karim, Fin, and Mack’s relationship with his dad. But somehow, I also felt let down.
Writing reviews usually comes easy to me but for this story? I just can’t find the words to express my feelings. I’m not even sure how I feel. Like I feel stuck in between? So, do I rate Only on the Weekends three stars because of my confusion and because I didn’t like everything? Or do I rate it four stars because I loved parts so much, was in awe of the poems, and cherished the ending?
I’ve been in doubt for over a month and finally made a decision. I’m going to rate this story four stars. If you like books written in verse and love messy characters and relationships, please check out this book! This could be a real gem for you!
I received an ARC from Hachette Children’s Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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and sometimes I didn’t fancy the lyricism.
Sometimes I had all the emotions,
and sometimes I didn’t feel a thing.
Sometimes I wanted to rate this five gorgeous stars, and sometimes my rating was spiraling down.
How can I be so conflicted about a book?
Mack has mixed feelings too.
Being in love with K.,
wanting to be with him,
but always kept at a distance.
Then meeting Fin, so vibrant and alive,
a boy who immediately catches his eyes.
One boy still in the closet,
the other one so out and proud.
I adore stories written in verse. Besides, I love messy characters and relationships. And I had high hopes for Only on the Weekends because I treasured The Black Flamingo. Only on the Weekend has so much to love. The supporting cast, the messiness, Karim, Fin, and Mack’s relationship with his dad. But somehow, I also felt let down.
Writing reviews usually comes easy to me but for this story? I just can’t find the words to express my feelings. I’m not even sure how I feel. Like I feel stuck in between? So, do I rate Only on the Weekends three stars because of my confusion and because I didn’t like everything? Or do I rate it four stars because I loved parts so much, was in awe of the poems, and cherished the ending?
I’ve been in doubt for over a month and finally made a decision. I’m going to rate this story four stars. If you like books written in verse and love messy characters and relationships, please check out this book! This could be a real gem for you!
I received an ARC from Hachette Children’s Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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July 1, 2022
Full review on my thoughts on this book on my YouTube channel! Link: https://youtu.be/Kea6GbObiZQ
February 14, 2023
I Don't know what to rate this book. I loved black flamingo and there where parts of this I really enjoyed too. But others felt either not explored enough or that I had hoped wasn't included. I get that the main character was fifteen and people learn from their mistakes and experience. But I didn't enjoy that a lot of this book was about having a relationship with someone and falling in love with another. Not my cup of tea. But I would definitely pick up something else by Dean Atta I'm the future
December 8, 2022
ouu this booked pissed me off. justice for K
July 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Personally, I do prefer The Black Flamingo but I think Only on the Weekends also deals with important topics such as race, gender, sex, friendships, love, family dynamics and more, and I think they were handled really well.
October 14, 2025
This story felt very basic, telling the story of a famous movie producers kid, his working class friends and boyfriend, and how his life changes when he's forced to move to Scotland from London. I felt that Mack never really went into depth of the rich/poor divide he and his friends and boyfriend had, and he lived very comfortably without really thinking about it.
June 22, 2022
I don’t usually read books written in verse, but last year I took a chance on the Black Flamingo, and absolutely loved it. As soon as I saw that Dean Atta was coming out with a new book, Only on the Weekends, I knew I had to read it.
Atta is the master of the smooth, lyrical, verse style of writing. I have read a lot of YA novels written in prose, and I really appreciate how the poignant emotions and themes Atta explores are expressed just as eloquently. Words are placed so meaningfully, and Mack’s personality was so palpable. I resonated with Mack’s insecurities and exploration of his identity. Mack was really sweet, and reminded me so much of Michael. Both boys really learn that they deserve to be loved. I adored the sweet moments shared on the couch between Mack, Maz and K. The atmosphere of the first act felt very loving. I felt the essence of queer joy, and it is something that Atta captures so beautifully. There is not enough authentic, queer British representation. There were so many times I laughed reading this, so many similarities to my own experience. I’ve heard so many of the same phrases and words directed at me by those I thought were friends, and strangers who had no reason to hate me.
Beyond the queer joy, this book explores important topics. Mack’s journey is very different to Michael’s. The tone shifted in the last half of the book. The love triangle created all the drama you would expect. It was difficult to read because I loved both K and Fin equally. We all know that I am the biggest fan of famous people dating and the exploration of the media in literature. I loved how Atta explored Fin’s anxiety, and the pressure to be the perfect queer and trans role model. K is an important representation of toxic masculinity and internalised homophobia, but also how we can unpack it, and learn to process queer trauma.
I would encourage everyone to read this. The representation of black, queer youth, and trans superstars, are so important. If you haven’t already, check out Atta’s other novel, the Black Flamingo, which is absolutely phenomenal!
Thank you @teambkmrk and Hachette Kids for sending me an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review!
You can follow me on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
Atta is the master of the smooth, lyrical, verse style of writing. I have read a lot of YA novels written in prose, and I really appreciate how the poignant emotions and themes Atta explores are expressed just as eloquently. Words are placed so meaningfully, and Mack’s personality was so palpable. I resonated with Mack’s insecurities and exploration of his identity. Mack was really sweet, and reminded me so much of Michael. Both boys really learn that they deserve to be loved. I adored the sweet moments shared on the couch between Mack, Maz and K. The atmosphere of the first act felt very loving. I felt the essence of queer joy, and it is something that Atta captures so beautifully. There is not enough authentic, queer British representation. There were so many times I laughed reading this, so many similarities to my own experience. I’ve heard so many of the same phrases and words directed at me by those I thought were friends, and strangers who had no reason to hate me.
Beyond the queer joy, this book explores important topics. Mack’s journey is very different to Michael’s. The tone shifted in the last half of the book. The love triangle created all the drama you would expect. It was difficult to read because I loved both K and Fin equally. We all know that I am the biggest fan of famous people dating and the exploration of the media in literature. I loved how Atta explored Fin’s anxiety, and the pressure to be the perfect queer and trans role model. K is an important representation of toxic masculinity and internalised homophobia, but also how we can unpack it, and learn to process queer trauma.
I would encourage everyone to read this. The representation of black, queer youth, and trans superstars, are so important. If you haven’t already, check out Atta’s other novel, the Black Flamingo, which is absolutely phenomenal!
Thank you @teambkmrk and Hachette Kids for sending me an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review!
You can follow me on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
July 29, 2022
When I heard that the author of Black Flamingo came out with another book I was so excited. I really enjoyed this book. It gave me the perspective of just how hard LGBTQ+ community have it and trying to come out to the people they know. The fear of being judged or criticized for who they are. This was an easy read and I really enjoyed it. It dealt with two guys one who is openly gay and another one who isn’t ready to come out just yet. The dealing with school and families. And how being somebody secret can be really hard mentally.
Want to read
January 11, 2022I'm so excited to read this one. One of my 2022 must read, for sure.
July 22, 2022
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If someone asks me what disappointment looks like, I'll show them a picture of this book.
Mack has had a crush on K for as long as he can remember. When he ends up next to his cousin in class and they start hanging out outside of class, he can't believe his luck. His friend group gets bigger and he starts spending more and more time at K's house... When he finds out his feelings aren't unrequited, he's the happiest he's ever been but things aren't so simple because K isn't out and is very skittish about it all...
I wanna start by saying that I love novels in verse and I really loved The Black Flamingo and I was really looking forward to reading and loving this one. It is not what happened.
So what went wrong, you ask? Well.... a lot...
Let's start with Mack, our main character. While I love a layered and flawed main character, Mack was just so selfish, self-centered, infuriating and sometimes an actual doormat. He would fight his love interest on things like coming out or PDA but would let him get away with things like a nickname he hates, not paying any attention to his interests (though that was mutual) etc...
I think we all know by now that you shouldn't force someone to come out, they have to be ready to do so, it's their lives, their friends, I don't care if you're in a relationship or not.
I'm also extremely mad at this:
Cause they were kissing and K stopped it. And that gave me flashbacks to my ex pressuring me, blackmailing me for sex which is so obviously never okay.
A lot of it was so cringy too. K calling Mack "Big Mack" as a sweet nickname and then changing it to "Cupcake" had my eyes rolling so far back. And speaking of eye rolls, just the way Mack sometimes reacted to the barest of attention had me on an eye roll competition with myself. Guess what I lost.
Spoiler alert/rant about the ending.
So yeah, Mack treats everyone like crap, most of all Maz, K's cousin but some people aren't always nicest to him either so that's okay. Who cares that he's never there for his supposedly friends once he starts dating, who cares that he makes promises he never keeps, who cares about any of it? Who cares that when asked for space, he texts, calls and tries to talk to that person at school before going "so I'm giving you space" ARE YOU THOUGH?
No lie, his dad was also a bit of a dick and I wasn't too mad at Mack for being angry with him. i guess the character I liked most was Cleo but what she liked about Mack? I'll never understand. honestly, I don't understand what any of them liked about him, except maybe his childhood friends.
I was just so enraged during so much of this. Disappointment is not a strong enough word for what I feel for this book....
If someone asks me what disappointment looks like, I'll show them a picture of this book.
Mack has had a crush on K for as long as he can remember. When he ends up next to his cousin in class and they start hanging out outside of class, he can't believe his luck. His friend group gets bigger and he starts spending more and more time at K's house... When he finds out his feelings aren't unrequited, he's the happiest he's ever been but things aren't so simple because K isn't out and is very skittish about it all...
I wanna start by saying that I love novels in verse and I really loved The Black Flamingo and I was really looking forward to reading and loving this one. It is not what happened.
So what went wrong, you ask? Well.... a lot...
Let's start with Mack, our main character. While I love a layered and flawed main character, Mack was just so selfish, self-centered, infuriating and sometimes an actual doormat. He would fight his love interest on things like coming out or PDA but would let him get away with things like a nickname he hates, not paying any attention to his interests (though that was mutual) etc...
I think we all know by now that you shouldn't force someone to come out, they have to be ready to do so, it's their lives, their friends, I don't care if you're in a relationship or not.
I'm also extremely mad at this:
"Let's have breakfast," he says.
"It's gonna get cold,
And you're not meant to
Heat up food too many times."
What about me? I think.
How many times can I handle
Being heated up by K
And left to cool down again?
Cause they were kissing and K stopped it. And that gave me flashbacks to my ex pressuring me, blackmailing me for sex which is so obviously never okay.
A lot of it was so cringy too. K calling Mack "Big Mack" as a sweet nickname and then changing it to "Cupcake" had my eyes rolling so far back. And speaking of eye rolls, just the way Mack sometimes reacted to the barest of attention had me on an eye roll competition with myself. Guess what I lost.
Spoiler alert/rant about the ending.
So yeah, Mack treats everyone like crap, most of all Maz, K's cousin but some people aren't always nicest to him either so that's okay. Who cares that he's never there for his supposedly friends once he starts dating, who cares that he makes promises he never keeps, who cares about any of it? Who cares that when asked for space, he texts, calls and tries to talk to that person at school before going "so I'm giving you space" ARE YOU THOUGH?
No lie, his dad was also a bit of a dick and I wasn't too mad at Mack for being angry with him. i guess the character I liked most was Cleo but what she liked about Mack? I'll never understand. honestly, I don't understand what any of them liked about him, except maybe his childhood friends.
I was just so enraged during so much of this. Disappointment is not a strong enough word for what I feel for this book....
April 16, 2022
The Black Flamingo is one of my all time favourite books, so you can imagine how much I was anticipating this. Again I was immediately pulled in by Dean Atta's beautiful writing, which feels soft and full of heart without shying away from complicated topics. I really admire poets who are able to flesh out characters and an entire story so well while writing in verse.
I loved how flawed and complex all the characters here are. Mack is certainly not a perfect person, but also I'm convinced you can't come away from this book without loving him.
I loved how flawed and complex all the characters here are. Mack is certainly not a perfect person, but also I'm convinced you can't come away from this book without loving him.
July 22, 2022
Dean Atta knows how to create a rollercoaster of emotion in his novels, and Only on the Weekends is no exception. Told through verse, Atta tackles topics including identity, racism, fatphobia, gender, homophobia and more.
I love how Atta shows the raw messiness of teenagers years, coming to terms with your emotions and first love. Despite being written in verse, nothing is taken away from the narration and emotional impact on the reader - if anything, the verse, soft and lyrical, only enhanced the storytelling.
Another lovely surprise in this novel was the inclusion of a transgender love interest, which was lovely to see!
Overall, Only on the Weekends is a beautiful, young adult, coming of age book which I highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this beautiful copy to read and review!
I love how Atta shows the raw messiness of teenagers years, coming to terms with your emotions and first love. Despite being written in verse, nothing is taken away from the narration and emotional impact on the reader - if anything, the verse, soft and lyrical, only enhanced the storytelling.
Another lovely surprise in this novel was the inclusion of a transgender love interest, which was lovely to see!
Overall, Only on the Weekends is a beautiful, young adult, coming of age book which I highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this beautiful copy to read and review!
June 23, 2022
Rep: Black gay MC, Black closeted gay LI, trans LI, queer SCs, Black SCs
Okay, so: The black flamingo was an immediate 5 star read for me, so I really wanted to read this one too! I also really wanted to love this!
I just didn’t.
There are a lot of important topics raised in this, but overall I really couldn’t tell you what this story is about.
Apart from that I didn’t like any of the characters?
I like flawed and realistic characters, but everyone in this was kind of an asshole?
I don’t know, I expected so much more from this and it didn’t deliver on any end.
Okay, so: The black flamingo was an immediate 5 star read for me, so I really wanted to read this one too! I also really wanted to love this!
I just didn’t.
There are a lot of important topics raised in this, but overall I really couldn’t tell you what this story is about.
Apart from that I didn’t like any of the characters?
I like flawed and realistic characters, but everyone in this was kind of an asshole?
I don’t know, I expected so much more from this and it didn’t deliver on any end.
June 29, 2022
Black Flamingo was a truly stand-out read for me when I read it back in 2019, so I was beyond excited to read this upon its release and whilst it was a enjoyable enough read, it sadly didn't blow me away.
The writing was hit or miss in terms of flow and at points, felt simply like clunky sentences, rather than the Atta's lyrical and rhythmic poetry I fell for in Black Flamingo. The characters and the relationships also fell flat for me and whilst I enjoyed following the relationship between Mack and his Dad, I wish I'd felt something other than frustration towards the friendships and romance (both of which felt pretty toxic to me?) Whilst I commend Atta for the topics he covered, I do wonder whether this is a case of trying to do to much in one book? That being said, this was an enjoyable read that definitely had its moments but unfortunately didn't live up to the beauty of Black Flamingo.
The writing was hit or miss in terms of flow and at points, felt simply like clunky sentences, rather than the Atta's lyrical and rhythmic poetry I fell for in Black Flamingo. The characters and the relationships also fell flat for me and whilst I enjoyed following the relationship between Mack and his Dad, I wish I'd felt something other than frustration towards the friendships and romance (both of which felt pretty toxic to me?) Whilst I commend Atta for the topics he covered, I do wonder whether this is a case of trying to do to much in one book? That being said, this was an enjoyable read that definitely had its moments but unfortunately didn't live up to the beauty of Black Flamingo.
July 29, 2022
1.5/2 stars
Such an unlikeable protagonist. Tries pressuring his boyfriend into coming out, cheats on him, and we’re expected to empathize/sympathize with him? His boyfriend wasn’t great either- distant and unresponsive, so there really was no winning here lol.
Skip.
Such an unlikeable protagonist. Tries pressuring his boyfriend into coming out, cheats on him, and we’re expected to empathize/sympathize with him? His boyfriend wasn’t great either- distant and unresponsive, so there really was no winning here lol.
Skip.
May 27, 2022
Dean Atta's Black Flamingo was one of the most creative and inspired stories I read last year, and in a similar vein, Only on the Weekends is a coming of age tale written entirely in verse.
This YA story follows 15 yr old Mack who has always had a crush on Karim and when they finally become boyfriends, he feels like he's found the one. That is until his dad moves him from London to Scotland and Mack finds out just how painful love can be.
Dean Atta has such a lyrical way with words, which helps to get the poignant themes, such as feelings of insecurity, first loves and many more, across in such an eloquent way. I didn't find this to be as impactful as the Black Flamingo, hence the lower rating, but still such a good book for the YA age range.
A must buy author for me!
This YA story follows 15 yr old Mack who has always had a crush on Karim and when they finally become boyfriends, he feels like he's found the one. That is until his dad moves him from London to Scotland and Mack finds out just how painful love can be.
Dean Atta has such a lyrical way with words, which helps to get the poignant themes, such as feelings of insecurity, first loves and many more, across in such an eloquent way. I didn't find this to be as impactful as the Black Flamingo, hence the lower rating, but still such a good book for the YA age range.
A must buy author for me!
October 26, 2022
My personal bar for YA is pretty low, but this was… not good. I wouldn’t say I disliked it per se, but I truly don’t understand why this novel was written in “free verse”. I am by no means a poetry purist, but ever since rupi kaur, everyone seems to believe that adding random line breaks to normal sentences turns everything into poetry. I am here to tell you: it does NOT! Enjambments have to mean something. They have to add something to the meaning of a stanza. To me, it really felt like the author just did whatever to sound poetic and nothing quite grinds my gears like random line breaks when they simply don’t need to be there. Add to that the incredibly lazy similes and imagery and this book just didn’t really do anything for me.
April 22, 2022
This was such a cute little story! I will admit that I didn’t like the writing style to begin but it grew on me. I did feel that the book ended kind of abruptly, but that could just be because I wanted to know more of the fallout from Mack’s decisions.
Overall, the book was good. It had some points that were very cute and moved the story along. It had enjoyable characters and an easy to follow premise.
Thank you NetGalley and Harpercollins for this eARC.
Only on the Weekends releases May 24, 2022!
Overall, the book was good. It had some points that were very cute and moved the story along. It had enjoyable characters and an easy to follow premise.
Thank you NetGalley and Harpercollins for this eARC.
Only on the Weekends releases May 24, 2022!
Read
June 10, 2022DNF. Life is too short to force myself to read things that bore me 😪
V sad I didn't vibe with this one when it was a most anticipated of the year
V sad I didn't vibe with this one when it was a most anticipated of the year
June 30, 2022
2.5 ~ I'm quite torn with this one...
On one hand, I'm happy to see a book cover a realistic cast of imperfect characters and relationships. In YA books so far, especially books about queer black people, we've rarely read about characters this "real" in the sense that they're young, figuring things out, and making a lot of mistakes along the way, sometimes being particularly toxic.
There is all kinds of rep from the trans white guy, to the black gay MC who questions polyamory (though underdeveloped), a black gay love interest absolutely in love with the MC but not ready to be out (loved seeing how you can love someone while knowing the relationship you have can't work), a group of friends who can be loveable at times while remaining homophobic on certain issues (not touched on enough), an interesting and pretty realistic father/son conflict where the dad tries his best for his son but his son only sees the negativity that comes from it...
The issue with this is that it can become a great point of frustration for readers who are clearly reading hurtful things and seeing relationships being or becoming quite bad and hurtful themselves. It is difficult to care for the characters, to get behind the relationships, when it's clear that they're not right and that characters are doing hurtful things and they aren't being addressed enough.
And it's frustrating when the main relationship that you get more and more invested in is the one which stops, and another relationship which felt underdeveloped, rushed, "I love you after spending a few hours with you" type of rushed, is the one who gets a happy turnout.
As readers we can't grab onto that and care for their happy get-together...
I think that these issues, which could be overlooked to some extent, were accentuated by the writing style.
The phrases are very short, very matter-of-fact, chapters end very quickly and abruptly. It feels like there is so much to cover that there is little time to spend on anything.
There were so many great ideas and important topics, and yet we didn't really get to delve deep into any of them.
And I'm a little disappointed because The Black Flamingo was one of my favourite books of 2020. I loved the writing style for that story, I loved hearing Dean Atta read it himself. It was extremely poetic.
But this story, told this way, just didn't quite work for me.
On one hand, I'm happy to see a book cover a realistic cast of imperfect characters and relationships. In YA books so far, especially books about queer black people, we've rarely read about characters this "real" in the sense that they're young, figuring things out, and making a lot of mistakes along the way, sometimes being particularly toxic.
There is all kinds of rep from the trans white guy, to the black gay MC who questions polyamory (though underdeveloped), a black gay love interest absolutely in love with the MC but not ready to be out (loved seeing how you can love someone while knowing the relationship you have can't work), a group of friends who can be loveable at times while remaining homophobic on certain issues (not touched on enough), an interesting and pretty realistic father/son conflict where the dad tries his best for his son but his son only sees the negativity that comes from it...
The issue with this is that it can become a great point of frustration for readers who are clearly reading hurtful things and seeing relationships being or becoming quite bad and hurtful themselves. It is difficult to care for the characters, to get behind the relationships, when it's clear that they're not right and that characters are doing hurtful things and they aren't being addressed enough.
And it's frustrating when the main relationship that you get more and more invested in is the one which stops, and another relationship which felt underdeveloped, rushed, "I love you after spending a few hours with you" type of rushed, is the one who gets a happy turnout.
As readers we can't grab onto that and care for their happy get-together...
I think that these issues, which could be overlooked to some extent, were accentuated by the writing style.
The phrases are very short, very matter-of-fact, chapters end very quickly and abruptly. It feels like there is so much to cover that there is little time to spend on anything.
There were so many great ideas and important topics, and yet we didn't really get to delve deep into any of them.
And I'm a little disappointed because The Black Flamingo was one of my favourite books of 2020. I loved the writing style for that story, I loved hearing Dean Atta read it himself. It was extremely poetic.
But this story, told this way, just didn't quite work for me.
August 24, 2022
I was expecting so much from this book, but it looks and reads as though it was written by an eleven year old. And seriously, what is with all of the new lines???
Honestly, just pretty boring. No plot twists and felt like the author was just trying to include as much LGBTQ content as possible. Like "ooh, let's make the taxi driver's child non-binary". Don't get me wrong, representation is important. But it added nothing to the story. And then there is the fleeting page about whether Mack is polygamous. I mean come on- keep to one story line and fully develop it.
I mean, great work to Atta for including lots of variations of characters, but please please focus on the storyline before this. Depth of characters to the story is way more important than "shoving in" a non-binary child here, and a couple of bisexual pals.
Overall, reading the blurb to this book is basically reading the book. Nothing else happens tbh 🤷
Honestly, just pretty boring. No plot twists and felt like the author was just trying to include as much LGBTQ content as possible. Like "ooh, let's make the taxi driver's child non-binary". Don't get me wrong, representation is important. But it added nothing to the story. And then there is the fleeting page about whether Mack is polygamous. I mean come on- keep to one story line and fully develop it.
I mean, great work to Atta for including lots of variations of characters, but please please focus on the storyline before this. Depth of characters to the story is way more important than "shoving in" a non-binary child here, and a couple of bisexual pals.
Overall, reading the blurb to this book is basically reading the book. Nothing else happens tbh 🤷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2023
A very very, disappointing 2 stars
I am so so so sad that I just didn't enjoy this. There are so many elements that I feel I really enjoyed, but then there was something in this that I just absolutely detested and because it was such a main part of the book it just kind of ruined everything for me.
Saying that there are quite a few things that I enjoyed that I really do want to highlight because I think this rating reflects my personal preference of something (without going into spoilers).
- K. I have to say I really did enjoy learning about K. We see that he's not super comfortable with his sexuality but he really does try to do thinks to make Mack feel loved and that he does want to be with him. I feel like so many people would be able to relate to K and I think he was wrote in such a way that many people will be able to see themselves in them.
- Friendship dynamics, I liked that they could air their shit and be like nah you've made me feel this way and that whoever was friends with who they had this fiercely loyal protection between them.
- Okay I didn't like Mack as a person because of what he did BUT I did like that he was authentically himself, and became more open with how he wanted to express himself.
- Macks father and Gem. I know he wasn't always there but he just emanated to much pride when it came to Mack and he truly loved him.
Okay I just need to get this off my chest without going too spoilery, the reason that this is rated so low is because I really, really disliked Mack as a character. I HATED what he was doing, it felt so selfish in some parts but then he'd be so giving in others and my head just can't wrap around things like this. I genuinely feel like if the big thing happened but not the way it did I don't think I'd have this much of an ick, but I can't deal with how things came to an end and I low key felt bad for certain characters and Mack was just so blasé about it. I wanted to rip my hair out and scream. Honestly just thinking about it is pissing me off all over again.
On that note I'm finishing my partial rant review. Really disappointed that I didn't like this as much as what I thought I would have but I guess that's just how it played out. I will definitely still continue to read Dean Atta because I thoroughly enjoy their writing style, just sadly for me the themes in this just didn't work out well for me.
I am so so so sad that I just didn't enjoy this. There are so many elements that I feel I really enjoyed, but then there was something in this that I just absolutely detested and because it was such a main part of the book it just kind of ruined everything for me.
Saying that there are quite a few things that I enjoyed that I really do want to highlight because I think this rating reflects my personal preference of something (without going into spoilers).
- K. I have to say I really did enjoy learning about K. We see that he's not super comfortable with his sexuality but he really does try to do thinks to make Mack feel loved and that he does want to be with him. I feel like so many people would be able to relate to K and I think he was wrote in such a way that many people will be able to see themselves in them.
- Friendship dynamics, I liked that they could air their shit and be like nah you've made me feel this way and that whoever was friends with who they had this fiercely loyal protection between them.
- Okay I didn't like Mack as a person because of what he did BUT I did like that he was authentically himself, and became more open with how he wanted to express himself.
- Macks father and Gem. I know he wasn't always there but he just emanated to much pride when it came to Mack and he truly loved him.
Okay I just need to get this off my chest without going too spoilery, the reason that this is rated so low is because I really, really disliked Mack as a character. I HATED what he was doing, it felt so selfish in some parts but then he'd be so giving in others and my head just can't wrap around things like this. I genuinely feel like if the big thing happened but not the way it did I don't think I'd have this much of an ick, but I can't deal with how things came to an end and I low key felt bad for certain characters and Mack was just so blasé about it. I wanted to rip my hair out and scream. Honestly just thinking about it is pissing me off all over again.
On that note I'm finishing my partial rant review. Really disappointed that I didn't like this as much as what I thought I would have but I guess that's just how it played out. I will definitely still continue to read Dean Atta because I thoroughly enjoy their writing style, just sadly for me the themes in this just didn't work out well for me.
July 14, 2022
ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS features:
• Novels in Verse
• Set in the UK (London & Glasgow)
• Queer YA Romance
• Coming of Age Story
• Love Triangle
• LGBTQIA+ Rep (Gay, Trans, Bi)
• Black MC & SC’s
• Single Father
• Plus Size Rep
• Nigerian (Yoruba) & Scottish dialect
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
#TheBlackFlamingo set an incredibly high bar to follow on from and #OnlyOnTheWeekends once again shows that @deanatta knows how to write a beautiful coming of age story that doesn't shy away from bringing relatable issues and character's to the page.
ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS follows Mack, a rich Black teen in London who lives with his Dad who is a famous film director. When Mack is paired up with Maz during food tech class they become fast friends which leads to him being introduced to his crush, her cousin Karim (K), the schools most popular basketball star. However, Mack’s love life get more complicated when his Dad moves them to Scotland where he meets trans teen icon, Finlay.
I love a good complex character and Mack is definitely messy, at times frustratingly so. He is longing to love and be loved in return and in the process of finding it, he is selfish and takes the people around him for granted. But it’s so good to read a story that is realistic with characters that are familiar and true to life. I wish Mack explored in more detail K’s background, culture and his reasons for not wanting to come out. I would love a follow up story with K, Maz and Uncle O.
The friendships with Femi, Cleo and Fin were at times equally hard to read and heart-warming, it spoke to the struggles many teens face. I particularly appreciated the dynamic with Mack and his Dad and how it evolved.
The writing and poetry woven into the story was so naturally done, it was a pleasure to read even as it dealt with issues of racism, homophobia, toxic masculinity, anxiety, body confidence, grief, forgiveness and the freedom of being yourself.
If Atta wasn't on my auto-read authors list before he definitely is now.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
• Novels in Verse
• Set in the UK (London & Glasgow)
• Queer YA Romance
• Coming of Age Story
• Love Triangle
• LGBTQIA+ Rep (Gay, Trans, Bi)
• Black MC & SC’s
• Single Father
• Plus Size Rep
• Nigerian (Yoruba) & Scottish dialect
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
#TheBlackFlamingo set an incredibly high bar to follow on from and #OnlyOnTheWeekends once again shows that @deanatta knows how to write a beautiful coming of age story that doesn't shy away from bringing relatable issues and character's to the page.
ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS follows Mack, a rich Black teen in London who lives with his Dad who is a famous film director. When Mack is paired up with Maz during food tech class they become fast friends which leads to him being introduced to his crush, her cousin Karim (K), the schools most popular basketball star. However, Mack’s love life get more complicated when his Dad moves them to Scotland where he meets trans teen icon, Finlay.
I love a good complex character and Mack is definitely messy, at times frustratingly so. He is longing to love and be loved in return and in the process of finding it, he is selfish and takes the people around him for granted. But it’s so good to read a story that is realistic with characters that are familiar and true to life. I wish Mack explored in more detail K’s background, culture and his reasons for not wanting to come out. I would love a follow up story with K, Maz and Uncle O.
The friendships with Femi, Cleo and Fin were at times equally hard to read and heart-warming, it spoke to the struggles many teens face. I particularly appreciated the dynamic with Mack and his Dad and how it evolved.
The writing and poetry woven into the story was so naturally done, it was a pleasure to read even as it dealt with issues of racism, homophobia, toxic masculinity, anxiety, body confidence, grief, forgiveness and the freedom of being yourself.
If Atta wasn't on my auto-read authors list before he definitely is now.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
July 13, 2022
3.5 🌟 my first Dean Atta read - I have his other book, The Black Flamingo, on my bookshelf still to read - and I'll definitely be reading that pronto.
[AD: Thanks to Pride Book Tours for gifting me a free copy in return for an honest review]
SYNOPSIS
"From the Stonewall Award-winning author of The Black Flamingo comes a romantic coming-of-age novel in verse about the beautiful--and sometimes painful--fallout of pursuing the love we deserve. The ideal next read for fans of Kacen Callender, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Becky Albertalli.
WHAT I ENJOYED
✔️ Atta's writing style was a wonderfully unique reading experience, so poetic and I loved the varying formats.
✔️ The way this book represents race, gender and sexual identity is so accessible and important for young readers.
✔️ Every part of the book that is set in my home city of Glasgow. How the city is represented is so lovely to see, it was like a fab tourist trail of a place, bursting with culture and diversity that I think is often overlooked.
✔️ The main character, Mack aka Mackintosh (named after Charles Rennie Mackintosh) is so well developed and complex it was good to watch him explore his own identity as he goes through the ups and downs of self-discovery, young love and friendship.
✔️ Mack's friends and family were also well-written and developed side characters that brought a lot to the story.
I will definitely be picking up The Black Flamingo next!
[AD: Thanks to Pride Book Tours for gifting me a free copy in return for an honest review]
SYNOPSIS
"From the Stonewall Award-winning author of The Black Flamingo comes a romantic coming-of-age novel in verse about the beautiful--and sometimes painful--fallout of pursuing the love we deserve. The ideal next read for fans of Kacen Callender, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Becky Albertalli.
WHAT I ENJOYED
✔️ Atta's writing style was a wonderfully unique reading experience, so poetic and I loved the varying formats.
✔️ The way this book represents race, gender and sexual identity is so accessible and important for young readers.
✔️ Every part of the book that is set in my home city of Glasgow. How the city is represented is so lovely to see, it was like a fab tourist trail of a place, bursting with culture and diversity that I think is often overlooked.
✔️ The main character, Mack aka Mackintosh (named after Charles Rennie Mackintosh) is so well developed and complex it was good to watch him explore his own identity as he goes through the ups and downs of self-discovery, young love and friendship.
✔️ Mack's friends and family were also well-written and developed side characters that brought a lot to the story.
I will definitely be picking up The Black Flamingo next!
June 19, 2022
3,5
I felt very conflicted about this book. The Black Flamingo is one of my favourite books and since I listened to that on audio I decided to listen to this one as well. But the black flamingo was narrated by Dean Atta and this one wasn't which maybe also made me like it less. There were parts I didn't really like/care about while there were other parts I found very beautiful and loved. That's why I decided to rate it 3,5 stars
I felt very conflicted about this book. The Black Flamingo is one of my favourite books and since I listened to that on audio I decided to listen to this one as well. But the black flamingo was narrated by Dean Atta and this one wasn't which maybe also made me like it less. There were parts I didn't really like/care about while there were other parts I found very beautiful and loved. That's why I decided to rate it 3,5 stars
December 11, 2022
this was just way too damn long and the ending just made me upset
August 28, 2022
too long with little plot for me :/ very disappointed after loving The Black Flamingo
September 19, 2022
I am a huge fan of The Black Flamingo but I can’t say the same about this. I know this was written for young kids and I am definitely not the intended reader and I had to remind myself that I am reading a book where the characters are children and they’re going to be acting like children. I didn’t enjoy this, I didn’t not like the main character, and I didn’t really feel much reading this, not like the authors first book.
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