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Kings of B'more
Two Black, queer best friends face their last day together with an epic journey through Baltimore in this magnetic YA debut by celebrated cultural critic and bestselling Here For It author R. Eric Thomas.
With junior year starting in the fall, Harrison feels like he's on the precipice of, well, everything. Standardized testing, college, and the terrifying unknowns and looming pressures of adulthood after that--it's like the future wants to eat him alive. Which is why Harrison is grateful that he and his best friend Linus will face these things together. But at the end of a shift at their summer job, Linus invites Harrison to their special spot overlooking the city to deliver devastating news: he's moving out of state at the end of the week.
To keep from completely losing it--and partially inspired by a cheesy movie-night pick by his Dad--Harrison plans a send-off à la Ferris Bueller's Day Off that's worthy of his favorite person. If they won't be having all the life-expanding experiences they thought they would, Harrison will squeeze them all into their last day. They end up on a mini road trip, their first Pride, and a rooftop dance party, all while keeping their respective parents, who track them on a family location app, off their trail. Harrison and Linus make a pact to do all the things--big and small--they've been too scared to do. But nothing feels scarier than saying goodbye to someone you love.
With junior year starting in the fall, Harrison feels like he's on the precipice of, well, everything. Standardized testing, college, and the terrifying unknowns and looming pressures of adulthood after that--it's like the future wants to eat him alive. Which is why Harrison is grateful that he and his best friend Linus will face these things together. But at the end of a shift at their summer job, Linus invites Harrison to their special spot overlooking the city to deliver devastating news: he's moving out of state at the end of the week.
To keep from completely losing it--and partially inspired by a cheesy movie-night pick by his Dad--Harrison plans a send-off à la Ferris Bueller's Day Off that's worthy of his favorite person. If they won't be having all the life-expanding experiences they thought they would, Harrison will squeeze them all into their last day. They end up on a mini road trip, their first Pride, and a rooftop dance party, all while keeping their respective parents, who track them on a family location app, off their trail. Harrison and Linus make a pact to do all the things--big and small--they've been too scared to do. But nothing feels scarier than saying goodbye to someone you love.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2022
39 people are currently reading
5999 people want to read
About the author
R. Eric Thomas
7 books913 followersR. Eric Thomas (he/him) is a national bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. His books include, Here for It, or How to Save Your Soul in America, which was featured as a Read with Jenna pick on NBC's Today, Reclaiming Her Time: The Power of Maxine Waters, co-authored with Helena Andrews-Dyer, the YA novel Kings of B’more, a 2023 American Library Association Stonewall Honor book, and the essay collection Congratulations, the Best Is Over!
For his playwriting, Eric has won the Barrymore Award for Best New Play, the Dramatist Guild Lanford Wilson Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and was a finalist for the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award. On screen, he wrote for the Peabody Award-winning series Dickinson on AppleTV+ and Better Things on FX and is currently developing multiple film and television projects, including a half hour comedy based on his memoir. Off the page, Eric is also the long-running host of The Moth StorySlams in Philadelphia, and has been heard multiple times on The Moth Radio Hour.
For his playwriting, Eric has won the Barrymore Award for Best New Play, the Dramatist Guild Lanford Wilson Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and was a finalist for the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award. On screen, he wrote for the Peabody Award-winning series Dickinson on AppleTV+ and Better Things on FX and is currently developing multiple film and television projects, including a half hour comedy based on his memoir. Off the page, Eric is also the long-running host of The Moth StorySlams in Philadelphia, and has been heard multiple times on The Moth Radio Hour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
September 27, 2022
Kings of B'more had so much potential and I'm slightly disappointed at the way this one turned out. What I thought was going to be a book that centered Black boy joy ended up falling into the trap of showcasing the trauma of what it's like to be a Black boy in America. CW: parental abandonment, racism, harrasement, mental illness
Kings of B'more focuses on two queer Black boys who live in Baltimore by the name of Harrison and Linus. They are best friends and do everything together. In fact, Harrison plans for them to attend college together until Linus reveals that he's moving to Charleston with his dad. After watching Ferris Beuller's Day Off, Harrison decides to plan a last day for Linus in honor of their friendship. The two end up doing some pretty amazing things together while trying to avoid having to let each other go.
There were a few things that I did enjoy about this book including the fact that it simply focused on the friendship between Linus and Harrison. I was happy to know that there wasn't some secret plot to get them together in a romantic way. This book literally was about the two of them exploring their deep love for each other and figuring out how to keep their bond once Linus moved away. I also adored Linus. It wasn't that I disliked Harrison, but Linus was definitely more my speed and my heart broke so much for him having to deal with the relationship that existed between him, his mom, and his dad. There was a level of complexity about him as a character that we didn't always get with Harrison and I appreciated that. It was a good contrast between the two personalities.
While I wanted to enjoy the sightseeing and other various experiences that Linus and Harrison shared during that day, I was completely torn away from the story by the insertion of racism that happens at the museum. Honestly, this story didn't need to include that. I know that it is a narrative that deserves its space in the world of literature, but this was about two Black queer boys figuring out their friendship. Adding racism and then overbearing parents who constantly reminded them that they weren't safe and needed to be watched at all times was too much. It took the joy away from the novel to the point that I couldn't even fully emotionally connect to the ending which was supposed to be extremely sentimental. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that racism wouldn't have happened or that it shouldn't be discussed in books for teens, but give them something to be happy about. This book would have been at least a four star read for me without that element.
Overall, I think it's a solid book and a lot of readers both teen and adult will enjoy it. There are theater references that I enjoyed. These may be over the top for some readers, but for me it was perfect and lends well to Harrison's personality. Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the book was overshadowed by the racism and the overprotective parents. Nevertheless, I'll be interested in seeing what R. Eric Thomas writes in the future.
Kings of B'more focuses on two queer Black boys who live in Baltimore by the name of Harrison and Linus. They are best friends and do everything together. In fact, Harrison plans for them to attend college together until Linus reveals that he's moving to Charleston with his dad. After watching Ferris Beuller's Day Off, Harrison decides to plan a last day for Linus in honor of their friendship. The two end up doing some pretty amazing things together while trying to avoid having to let each other go.
There were a few things that I did enjoy about this book including the fact that it simply focused on the friendship between Linus and Harrison. I was happy to know that there wasn't some secret plot to get them together in a romantic way. This book literally was about the two of them exploring their deep love for each other and figuring out how to keep their bond once Linus moved away. I also adored Linus. It wasn't that I disliked Harrison, but Linus was definitely more my speed and my heart broke so much for him having to deal with the relationship that existed between him, his mom, and his dad. There was a level of complexity about him as a character that we didn't always get with Harrison and I appreciated that. It was a good contrast between the two personalities.
While I wanted to enjoy the sightseeing and other various experiences that Linus and Harrison shared during that day, I was completely torn away from the story by the insertion of racism that happens at the museum. Honestly, this story didn't need to include that. I know that it is a narrative that deserves its space in the world of literature, but this was about two Black queer boys figuring out their friendship. Adding racism and then overbearing parents who constantly reminded them that they weren't safe and needed to be watched at all times was too much. It took the joy away from the novel to the point that I couldn't even fully emotionally connect to the ending which was supposed to be extremely sentimental. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that racism wouldn't have happened or that it shouldn't be discussed in books for teens, but give them something to be happy about. This book would have been at least a four star read for me without that element.
Overall, I think it's a solid book and a lot of readers both teen and adult will enjoy it. There are theater references that I enjoyed. These may be over the top for some readers, but for me it was perfect and lends well to Harrison's personality. Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the book was overshadowed by the racism and the overprotective parents. Nevertheless, I'll be interested in seeing what R. Eric Thomas writes in the future.
June 7, 2022
More thoughts found in this reading vlog.
This is a book that I wanted to enjoy. I went in expecting to get some #BlackBoyJoy and instead I got black boys getting profiled by museum security, these friends who were allegedly trying to spend their last day together being separated and then a third act where the parents have to talk to their children about their fears of them getting shot dead in a street somewhere.... And that's not to mention the copious amounts of fucking Hamilton references [ and Wicked and insert popular Broadway staple of the last two decades.... ]. Can we take a moment to discuss how these two black people in a majority black city were confused there were black people at Pride????
And like... I get it. I really do... but sir...
There were so many times I wanted to chuck this book across the room. I set it down for two weeks because I couldn't bring myself to read the last hundred or so pages.
Because in addition to the lackluster friend storyline there was a whole other subplot that kept interrupting the flow of the main story. This book just didn't click. The author was successful before they started writing books, so they don't need my endorsement, but this was just a miss on every level.
This is a book that I wanted to enjoy. I went in expecting to get some #BlackBoyJoy and instead I got black boys getting profiled by museum security, these friends who were allegedly trying to spend their last day together being separated and then a third act where the parents have to talk to their children about their fears of them getting shot dead in a street somewhere.... And that's not to mention the copious amounts of fucking Hamilton references [ and Wicked and insert popular Broadway staple of the last two decades.... ]. Can we take a moment to discuss how these two black people in a majority black city were confused there were black people at Pride????
And like... I get it. I really do... but sir...
There were so many times I wanted to chuck this book across the room. I set it down for two weeks because I couldn't bring myself to read the last hundred or so pages.
Because in addition to the lackluster friend storyline there was a whole other subplot that kept interrupting the flow of the main story. This book just didn't click. The author was successful before they started writing books, so they don't need my endorsement, but this was just a miss on every level.
May 11, 2022
I read the first half and skimmed the rest since I lost interest. I found this book boring and paced weird, there wasn't really any conflict, action, or emotion so I wasn’t invested in what was happening. And the dialogue felt stilted and the two MCs voices were indistinguishable to me. I’m still not sure if they were switching POVs or not. I expected this to be a modern retelling of Ferris bueller but with marginilized MCs and was intrigued, but that wasn’t quite what this is. The MC watches the movie and decides to try and recreate it (badly), but theres honestly very few similarities.
December 30, 2021
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I'm so glad this comes out in May. It's the perfect book to read right before or during Pride.
Kings of B'more is about two gay best friends. Harrison and Linus have been best friends since they first met. Harrison feels like he's on the precipice of everything: college, standarized testing, the rest of adult life. He's so glad he has his best friend Linus to count on. But when Linus tells him, he's moving away, the two boys are sent into a tail spin.
Harrison decides he has to make a grand gesture to cement his and Linus's friendship. With the help of his friend Aparna, he plans a grand adventure a la Ferris Bueller's Day Off before Linus leaves. What starts off as the perfectly planned day, quickly devolves into spontaneous side quests and dodging parents/authority figures.
This book was so much fun. It's absolutely full of queer Black joy and I loved every second of it. The ending had such a powerful message about how strong friendship is and how it should be cherished. It made me so emotional at the end!
I love both Harrison and Linus. They were so easy to relate to and I loved seeing their various relationships to family and their friendship circle. Going to the Pride Fest and other various activities with these two was so much fun. I loved getting to explore Baltimore with them. Then we had Aparna's intermissions which were so quirky and fun! I loved how she sets the scene like a theatre production.
Overall, cannot recommend this one enough. It's full of queer joy and celebrates friendship in a way that I don't often see in YA.
Rep: Black gay male MC, Black gay male (autistic-coded) MC, white bisexual female character, side MLM couple (interracial white and Black partners), queer female side characters, nonbinary side character, Indian-American female side characters both named Aparna, several Black side characters.
CWs: Abandonment, alcohol consumption. Moderate: suicidal thoughts (from a side character), racism.
I'm so glad this comes out in May. It's the perfect book to read right before or during Pride.
Kings of B'more is about two gay best friends. Harrison and Linus have been best friends since they first met. Harrison feels like he's on the precipice of everything: college, standarized testing, the rest of adult life. He's so glad he has his best friend Linus to count on. But when Linus tells him, he's moving away, the two boys are sent into a tail spin.
Harrison decides he has to make a grand gesture to cement his and Linus's friendship. With the help of his friend Aparna, he plans a grand adventure a la Ferris Bueller's Day Off before Linus leaves. What starts off as the perfectly planned day, quickly devolves into spontaneous side quests and dodging parents/authority figures.
This book was so much fun. It's absolutely full of queer Black joy and I loved every second of it. The ending had such a powerful message about how strong friendship is and how it should be cherished. It made me so emotional at the end!
I love both Harrison and Linus. They were so easy to relate to and I loved seeing their various relationships to family and their friendship circle. Going to the Pride Fest and other various activities with these two was so much fun. I loved getting to explore Baltimore with them. Then we had Aparna's intermissions which were so quirky and fun! I loved how she sets the scene like a theatre production.
Overall, cannot recommend this one enough. It's full of queer joy and celebrates friendship in a way that I don't often see in YA.
Rep: Black gay male MC, Black gay male (autistic-coded) MC, white bisexual female character, side MLM couple (interracial white and Black partners), queer female side characters, nonbinary side character, Indian-American female side characters both named Aparna, several Black side characters.
CWs: Abandonment, alcohol consumption. Moderate: suicidal thoughts (from a side character), racism.
June 13, 2022
Thank you Bookish First for my review copy.
I was all excited to read this Black joy story and it didn’t work out exactly in my favor as I hoped it would. I wanted a carefree story, but both of the main characters are dealing with some heavy issues. Then there were several incidents of racism and can we not in these Black joy books? I deal with that a lot in my everyday life. I just want to read a book about Black people at our best! No heavy themes, topics. Just carefree living life Black people. Not asking for too much.
Back to the book. There were some fun moments along the way. I do like the way the main characters were able to talk to their parents and have open dialogue at the end. I loved that this book focused on the importance of friendship and how platonic love doesn’t necessarily lead to romance which is a good thing. The story also had good diverse side characters as well which helped the story progress.
CW: Abandonment, mental health issues, incidents of racism.
3.5
I was all excited to read this Black joy story and it didn’t work out exactly in my favor as I hoped it would. I wanted a carefree story, but both of the main characters are dealing with some heavy issues. Then there were several incidents of racism and can we not in these Black joy books? I deal with that a lot in my everyday life. I just want to read a book about Black people at our best! No heavy themes, topics. Just carefree living life Black people. Not asking for too much.
Back to the book. There were some fun moments along the way. I do like the way the main characters were able to talk to their parents and have open dialogue at the end. I loved that this book focused on the importance of friendship and how platonic love doesn’t necessarily lead to romance which is a good thing. The story also had good diverse side characters as well which helped the story progress.
CW: Abandonment, mental health issues, incidents of racism.
3.5
October 3, 2022
This tried to be too many things and wound up being kinda... nothing. It’s told from three POVs (except one just suddenly stops and never picks up again) but the two male MC’s voices are very hard to tell apart. There’s nothing distinctive in their narration and they’re basically interchangeable. At one point one of them has anxiety, then it seems to swap to the other character, and then back again. Did they both have anxiety? I honestly can’t tell you. It was really confusing.
The dialogue never flows, and it’s at least 100 pages longer than it needs to be. For a book that was supposed to be about to besties spending an adventurous day together before one moves away, they actually spend very little time with each other. Most of the book they’re separated, so what was the point? I don’t get this one.
The dialogue never flows, and it’s at least 100 pages longer than it needs to be. For a book that was supposed to be about to besties spending an adventurous day together before one moves away, they actually spend very little time with each other. Most of the book they’re separated, so what was the point? I don’t get this one.
June 29, 2022
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL. The writing is full of all the humor and heart I have come to expect from Thomas, and I just adored this story about two boys who love each other so dang much.
Edit: This is also the first book I've read that addressed the pandemic explicitly, which was nice. They still lived in a fantasy future world where the pandemic was over, but there was some discussion about how scary and hard the early days were, and I really appreciated it.
Edit: This is also the first book I've read that addressed the pandemic explicitly, which was nice. They still lived in a fantasy future world where the pandemic was over, but there was some discussion about how scary and hard the early days were, and I really appreciated it.
January 6, 2023
the idea of one last great day was understandable but felt forced at some parts. some of the aspects of race and racism felt really out of place?? also, some of the aspects of Baltimore were just unrealistic or wrong. motorbikes?? being surprised at seeing black people? also, harrison’s lack of class understanding just felt really unlikely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2022
Thank you Penguin Teen for sending me an arc/finished copy for an honest review.
TW/CW: Racism, Alcohol consumption, abandonment
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Kings of B’More is a fun read that's filled with black joy and how friendships are as important as romantic love.
Romantic love seems to be the focus for most books, and it’s nice to read a story that shows how strong and powerful friendships can be.
Harrison is a great friend that did everything in his power to give us Linus, how best friend the best last day to prove that their friendship will last forever.
My one con for this book is that I felt by the end that it was dragging a little bit and that it needed to be 50 or so pages less.
And one of my favorite lines from this book is “Your heart will break in this life, but when it does break, I hope every crack makes more space inside for love.”
Overall, if you’re looking for a cute black queer story, then this is the perfect book to pick up.
TW/CW: Racism, Alcohol consumption, abandonment
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Kings of B’More is a fun read that's filled with black joy and how friendships are as important as romantic love.
Romantic love seems to be the focus for most books, and it’s nice to read a story that shows how strong and powerful friendships can be.
Harrison is a great friend that did everything in his power to give us Linus, how best friend the best last day to prove that their friendship will last forever.
My one con for this book is that I felt by the end that it was dragging a little bit and that it needed to be 50 or so pages less.
And one of my favorite lines from this book is “Your heart will break in this life, but when it does break, I hope every crack makes more space inside for love.”
Overall, if you’re looking for a cute black queer story, then this is the perfect book to pick up.
July 13, 2022
Ohhh my heart! The pictures Thomas paints, the world he builds, the friendships he makes space for…I loved this book so much.
June 3, 2022
4.5 rounded up!
Rather than giving another plot summary, I just wanna break down what I did love about this book:
- laugh out loud funny
- brought me to tears near the end
- focus on a best-friend relationship, which is not represented very often (especially between two queer Black boys who are FRIENDS and not romantic interests)
- normalization of diverse identities! Experiences specifically related to being Black, being queer, etc. were never tokenized or preachy. Ex. There were references to racism in a way that felt natural to the lives of the characters (examples include: being afraid of driving partly because of his parent’s lecture on the danger of “Driving While Black” because of the police; being mistaken for another Black person; etc). Teens of different races, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic statuses are presented in an organic way.
- going off of that... I also SUPER appreciated the inclusion of a character who is referred to with "they/them" AND IT IS NEVER SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT - IT SIMPLY IS WHAT IT IS! I read the character as nonbinary, but I don't think their identity/label (if they even have one) is mentioned. They're just a super cool character who is never misgendered or Othered. Hell yeah.
- the messages of the story: sometimes plans don’t end up being followed, reality doesn’t match your expectations, but that’s okay! You can roll with life, make the best decisions you can given the circumstances, and still *dazzle*
- the theme of agency (and lack thereof when you’re still a minor under the authority of your parent/guardian) that feels almost as central to the book as friendship
- details of youth that felt very relatable, like being afraid of driving, not understanding “DADDY” merch at Pride, complicated but loving sibling relationships, being afraid that your best friend has a DIFFERENT best friend besides you (and feeling jealous/insecure about it but trying to be cool)
Overall it's a very fun, heartwarming, surprisingly soft book. I was honestly surprised by how 'quiet' it often felt. Sure, there's plenty of humour and wit, and scenes of excitement of adventure, but there is also a lot of introspection for both leads. It's a pretty good balance of plot and character-focus, imo, though it did drag in parts - especially in the beginning.
Other critiques:
- sometimes the switches between the present and the flashbacks were jarring
- switching between Linus’ and Harrison’s POV was actually difficult for me to follow at times – perhaps because the voice of the novel doesn’t really change between the two, even though the characters have different ways of speaking when in dialogue. I do feel like Linus could’ve been developed a bit better – Harrison feels like a stronger/more distinct character.
NONETHELESS, this is a lovely YA book and I'm so glad it exists! <3
Thank you Eric and PRH for sending me an ARC to read!
Rather than giving another plot summary, I just wanna break down what I did love about this book:
- laugh out loud funny
- brought me to tears near the end
- focus on a best-friend relationship, which is not represented very often (especially between two queer Black boys who are FRIENDS and not romantic interests)
- normalization of diverse identities! Experiences specifically related to being Black, being queer, etc. were never tokenized or preachy. Ex. There were references to racism in a way that felt natural to the lives of the characters (examples include: being afraid of driving partly because of his parent’s lecture on the danger of “Driving While Black” because of the police; being mistaken for another Black person; etc). Teens of different races, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic statuses are presented in an organic way.
- going off of that... I also SUPER appreciated the inclusion of a character who is referred to with "they/them" AND IT IS NEVER SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT - IT SIMPLY IS WHAT IT IS! I read the character as nonbinary, but I don't think their identity/label (if they even have one) is mentioned. They're just a super cool character who is never misgendered or Othered. Hell yeah.
- the messages of the story: sometimes plans don’t end up being followed, reality doesn’t match your expectations, but that’s okay! You can roll with life, make the best decisions you can given the circumstances, and still *dazzle*
- the theme of agency (and lack thereof when you’re still a minor under the authority of your parent/guardian) that feels almost as central to the book as friendship
- details of youth that felt very relatable, like being afraid of driving, not understanding “DADDY” merch at Pride, complicated but loving sibling relationships, being afraid that your best friend has a DIFFERENT best friend besides you (and feeling jealous/insecure about it but trying to be cool)
Overall it's a very fun, heartwarming, surprisingly soft book. I was honestly surprised by how 'quiet' it often felt. Sure, there's plenty of humour and wit, and scenes of excitement of adventure, but there is also a lot of introspection for both leads. It's a pretty good balance of plot and character-focus, imo, though it did drag in parts - especially in the beginning.
Other critiques:
- sometimes the switches between the present and the flashbacks were jarring
- switching between Linus’ and Harrison’s POV was actually difficult for me to follow at times – perhaps because the voice of the novel doesn’t really change between the two, even though the characters have different ways of speaking when in dialogue. I do feel like Linus could’ve been developed a bit better – Harrison feels like a stronger/more distinct character.
NONETHELESS, this is a lovely YA book and I'm so glad it exists! <3
Thank you Eric and PRH for sending me an ARC to read!
July 27, 2022
Trigger Warnings: Cemetery, anxiety, mention of the pandemic, divorce, parental abandonment, moving, racism, lying
Representation: Black, Gay, Lesbian, They/them pronouns
Kings of B’More is a contemporary YA story of two high school aged, Black, queer boys on their last day together. When Linus breaks bad news to Harrison, he takes it upon himself to build a perfect day exploring the city with his best friend.
This finished copy was provided by Bookish first in exchange for an honest review.
While reading this book, I realized that I don’t actually like narrators. It is not specific to this story but I had much rather have a character POV/multiple POVs. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the adventure and excitement of their trip. I loved the inclusion of Pride and the thrift store sounded so fun!
As a white person, it is not my place to critique but I do wish this story had more Black joy. I think fictional realism is a perfect description for the story because of trauma included.
Representation: Black, Gay, Lesbian, They/them pronouns
Kings of B’More is a contemporary YA story of two high school aged, Black, queer boys on their last day together. When Linus breaks bad news to Harrison, he takes it upon himself to build a perfect day exploring the city with his best friend.
This finished copy was provided by Bookish first in exchange for an honest review.
While reading this book, I realized that I don’t actually like narrators. It is not specific to this story but I had much rather have a character POV/multiple POVs. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the adventure and excitement of their trip. I loved the inclusion of Pride and the thrift store sounded so fun!
As a white person, it is not my place to critique but I do wish this story had more Black joy. I think fictional realism is a perfect description for the story because of trauma included.
June 8, 2023
I felt like I did myself a disservice going into this book expecting a typical YA love story. This story was so full of love but not romantic in any way. Throughout the story, Harrison and Linus are spending their day not expressing how Linus’s move to South Carolina will obviously change their friendship. By the end of it when we finally get how they truly feel it felt so meaningful. This book was a whirlwind events, but it felt like things were happening to these characters but they weren’t actually experiencing it. We never went deeper. It’s weird because I felt a lot of this book Linus and Harrison were separated and I wanted more from their dynamic. I feel like the best part of this book was it being set in Baltimore and me actually knowing the places they were describing. This was a cute story about a friendship between two Black gays boys from Baltimore but I never felt truly connected to this story.
June 2, 2022
Linus has some bad news. He's moving to South Carolina, so his best friend, Harrison, plans the ultimate farewell for him in the tune of Ferris Buller's Day Off. He's got the whole day planned down to a science, a day that will take them to Pride, joyriding in a convertible, and even ending with a ride on the Ferris wheel. But despite Harrison's neatly crafted plan (with the help of his friend Aparna), nothing goes as expected.
This book surprised me. It wasn't chock full of action or suspense at every turn. Nothing unbelievable happened to Harrison and Linus. It's just a story of two best friends rolling with the unexpected punches. It's a real and raw story of two best friends doing everything they can not to say goodbye, and since that's something I just experienced, I felt this in my bones. I loved this book with my whole heart. Harrison and Linus, though different, were two meticulously crafted characters who came to life through Thomas's heartfelt and funny prose. I really enjoyed the interactions between Aparna and Cool Aparna. It's also very rare that a book makes me cry, but the last two chapters had me misty.
I cannot recommend this book enough especially if you have a best friend you love with your whole heart. Definitely read this book!
This book surprised me. It wasn't chock full of action or suspense at every turn. Nothing unbelievable happened to Harrison and Linus. It's just a story of two best friends rolling with the unexpected punches. It's a real and raw story of two best friends doing everything they can not to say goodbye, and since that's something I just experienced, I felt this in my bones. I loved this book with my whole heart. Harrison and Linus, though different, were two meticulously crafted characters who came to life through Thomas's heartfelt and funny prose. I really enjoyed the interactions between Aparna and Cool Aparna. It's also very rare that a book makes me cry, but the last two chapters had me misty.
I cannot recommend this book enough especially if you have a best friend you love with your whole heart. Definitely read this book!
did-not-finish
June 23, 2022DNF at 10%
I’m not clicking with the characters or the writing style so I’m setting this aside for now.
I’m not clicking with the characters or the writing style so I’m setting this aside for now.
Read
May 29, 2024dnf, the writing style is not for me (i can’t stop thinking about why none of the words are contracted) and the foundational concept just bummed me out too much to keep reading.
July 8, 2022
A really lovely book about a subject that I would argue is under explored- queer platonic friendships. Reading this made me feel joyful along with contemplating my own friendships as an adult- what matters when relationships shift and change, and how to celebrate them every step of the way.
June 3, 2022
I love love loved the Ferris Buller's day off vibes. Seeing all the locations around Baltimore that are visited. It really is a slice of homemade pie. The friendship is wonderful and both characters are absolutely charming and easy to love.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
July 6, 2023
Amazing book about two young, Black, queer boys celebrating their deep and loving friendship as they go on a Ferris Bueller- inspired day around DC and Baltimore before one of them has to move away. Fun, inspiring and so well written! The author, R. Eric Thomas, has a weekly newsletter that is also great :)
May 26, 2022
Thank you to Penguin Teen, Bookish First, and Netgalley for an arc of this book!
When Harrison learns his best friend, Linus, is moving away in a few days, he plans an epic "Ferris Day" inspired by Ferris Bueller's Day Off to try and cement their friendship and make sure Linus knows how much he matters.
This is such a cute and fun book about the importance of friendship and platonic relationships! I wasn't a huge fan of Harrison's narration, but I really enjoyed Linus' pov and I loved watching their friendship and the ways they showed each other that they mattered. This book is super cute and wholesome and I definitely recommend picking it up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Racism
When Harrison learns his best friend, Linus, is moving away in a few days, he plans an epic "Ferris Day" inspired by Ferris Bueller's Day Off to try and cement their friendship and make sure Linus knows how much he matters.
This is such a cute and fun book about the importance of friendship and platonic relationships! I wasn't a huge fan of Harrison's narration, but I really enjoyed Linus' pov and I loved watching their friendship and the ways they showed each other that they mattered. This book is super cute and wholesome and I definitely recommend picking it up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Racism
Want to read
May 27, 2022Why do I already have a lump in my throat
"Linus invites Harrison to their special spot overlooking the city to deliver devastating news: he's moving out of state at the end of the week. To keep from completely losing it... Harrison plans a send-off a la Ferris Bueller's Day Off that's worthy of his favorite person. If they won't be having all the life-expanding experiences they thought they would, Harrison will squeeze them all into their last day. They end up on a mini road trip, their first Pride, and a rooftop dance party..."
"Linus invites Harrison to their special spot overlooking the city to deliver devastating news: he's moving out of state at the end of the week. To keep from completely losing it... Harrison plans a send-off a la Ferris Bueller's Day Off that's worthy of his favorite person. If they won't be having all the life-expanding experiences they thought they would, Harrison will squeeze them all into their last day. They end up on a mini road trip, their first Pride, and a rooftop dance party..."
June 2, 2022
Kings of B’more was so full of love, friendship and queer black boy happiness that I couldn’t help smiling the entire time I was reading it.
When Linus announces that his family is moving away within the week, it turns Harrison’s life on his head. What will he do without seeing his best friend every day? They’ve known eachother since they were children and he doesn’t want to lose his friendship. So that’s when he decides to plan one last adventure!
Harrison plans a Ferris Bueller Day that will make it where Linus never forgets him. All they have to do is make sure neither of their parents find out. And just be back in time for Baltimore Pride! Because that’s how they need to finish the day… surrounded by other queer people!
There is a lot of incredible representation in this book! We have 2 gay black boys as MC’s, a slew of incredible queer and BIPOC side characters and an MC who is neurodivergent. So hopefully everyone finds someone to connect to. I definitely saw myself in Harrison a lot and wanted them all to find their joy!
My favorite part of this book was the fact that it wasn’t about finding love or some kind of scheme to stop his family from moving, it was about the magic of friendship, finding that person who means the world to you, whom you can’t live without and need to be a part of your life forever. So this was a true Happily Ever After for me. I’m not left needing to know what happens next or if they stay together. I know in my heart how their future unfolds and I’m so happy for it!
When Linus announces that his family is moving away within the week, it turns Harrison’s life on his head. What will he do without seeing his best friend every day? They’ve known eachother since they were children and he doesn’t want to lose his friendship. So that’s when he decides to plan one last adventure!
Harrison plans a Ferris Bueller Day that will make it where Linus never forgets him. All they have to do is make sure neither of their parents find out. And just be back in time for Baltimore Pride! Because that’s how they need to finish the day… surrounded by other queer people!
There is a lot of incredible representation in this book! We have 2 gay black boys as MC’s, a slew of incredible queer and BIPOC side characters and an MC who is neurodivergent. So hopefully everyone finds someone to connect to. I definitely saw myself in Harrison a lot and wanted them all to find their joy!
My favorite part of this book was the fact that it wasn’t about finding love or some kind of scheme to stop his family from moving, it was about the magic of friendship, finding that person who means the world to you, whom you can’t live without and need to be a part of your life forever. So this was a true Happily Ever After for me. I’m not left needing to know what happens next or if they stay together. I know in my heart how their future unfolds and I’m so happy for it!
June 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this young adult book about the friendship between two Black, gay boys in Baltimore (key word is friendship, not love interest). I loved the nod to Ferris Bueller’s Day off and I especially loved the well written relationship between Harrison and Linus. I did think the transition between some of the memories and the present could have been more clear. I loved the representation in this book and felt like race was dealt with appropriately and naturally. Harrison is gearing up for junior year, but Linus has some big news that will disrupt all of Harrison’s careful planning. Inspired by a recently discovered Ferris Bueller’s Day off (and yes this part made me feel super old) Harrison decides they need one last day where they will uncharacteristically skip work and not be honest with their parents who track their locations by phone app. And the Ferris Day is born.
April 3, 2024
Re-read March / April 2024 - I still enjoyed this novel as much as the previous time. The platonic love felt by Harrison and Linus was so heartwarming. More teen boys should be able to love their friends aloud and that should absolutely includes gay/queer black boys too. The side characters also helped round out the adventure of a weekend that Harrison and Linus have in the city of Baltimore. Lowkey one of the few times I wanted an epilogue that centered around the strong bond of these two teens and their cast of lively bunch.
I loved this diverse, achillean take on Feris Bueller’s Day off except make it set in Baltimore and focus on male friendship. I def recommend this to anyone who wants a character center story with dual POV.
I loved this diverse, achillean take on Feris Bueller’s Day off except make it set in Baltimore and focus on male friendship. I def recommend this to anyone who wants a character center story with dual POV.
March 18, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
I loved R. Eric Thomas' memoir, Here For It, with its humor and pop culture/Broadway references combined with reflecting on his life and journey to making sense of being gay, Black, and Christian in America. So I was excited to read his YA debut, which turned out to be basically all of that in YA rather than essay form, with 16-year-old queer best friends Harrison and Linus in Baltimore who are off on an epic Ferris Bueller-like adventure around the city, before Linus' dad moves him to South Carolina the next day. There are antics and misadventures, no surprise when you consider the inspiration, with the added challenge of foiling parents when they have "check-in" apps installed on your phone, rather unlike Ferris...
The 1-day setup, the friends grappling with their anxieties about changes to their relationship but also their own personal anxieties about growing up and figuring out the world (all while chafing at the restrictions put on them by their parents, which feel unreasonable given that they're being expected to start figuring out their life - college, etc.) and not quite knowing how to express this other than trying to have an epic adventure, and all of the things that go wrong in the day but eventually bring them together in a new way reminded me a lot of the recent YA novel Take Me Home Tonight. A fun and quick read. But then R. Eric Thomas brings in more to consider alongside the coming of age - such as coming of age as a Black person and/or a queer person and especially figuring out how to "be" in this space. The characters struggle with confidence and anxiety in this arena, and their adventures along the way, along with the supporting cast with diverse sexual orientation, help them to inhabit their own bodies and their identities. There are some particularly lovely scenes that happen at a Pride parade and party.
There were times it felt a bit rambling (maybe I can see this coming out from the memoir style of his previous book - sometimes we follow Harrison's train of thought, and it is all over those tracks, indicative of his personality but a bit rambling all the same) and slower on the pacing, and of course it is YA so the emotions were rather big at times. But overall I enjoyed my time reading it and am glad this story showcasing the bond and love of friendship (without needing to turn to any romance). And of course I am reading this as a white woman in her 30s - but I felt like I got to see some Black joy along with some reality of being a Black teen boy. (Have seen some reviews that comment this isn't really Black boy joy lit if the boys are dealing with incidents of racism and profiling, which I can see too - I personally read it as showing both sides, but I can see how someone would also want to have the opportunity to read a story about Black characters that doesn't put the characters through these things and really just is carefree and joyful.)
I loved R. Eric Thomas' memoir, Here For It, with its humor and pop culture/Broadway references combined with reflecting on his life and journey to making sense of being gay, Black, and Christian in America. So I was excited to read his YA debut, which turned out to be basically all of that in YA rather than essay form, with 16-year-old queer best friends Harrison and Linus in Baltimore who are off on an epic Ferris Bueller-like adventure around the city, before Linus' dad moves him to South Carolina the next day. There are antics and misadventures, no surprise when you consider the inspiration, with the added challenge of foiling parents when they have "check-in" apps installed on your phone, rather unlike Ferris...
The 1-day setup, the friends grappling with their anxieties about changes to their relationship but also their own personal anxieties about growing up and figuring out the world (all while chafing at the restrictions put on them by their parents, which feel unreasonable given that they're being expected to start figuring out their life - college, etc.) and not quite knowing how to express this other than trying to have an epic adventure, and all of the things that go wrong in the day but eventually bring them together in a new way reminded me a lot of the recent YA novel Take Me Home Tonight. A fun and quick read. But then R. Eric Thomas brings in more to consider alongside the coming of age - such as coming of age as a Black person and/or a queer person and especially figuring out how to "be" in this space. The characters struggle with confidence and anxiety in this arena, and their adventures along the way, along with the supporting cast with diverse sexual orientation, help them to inhabit their own bodies and their identities. There are some particularly lovely scenes that happen at a Pride parade and party.
There were times it felt a bit rambling (maybe I can see this coming out from the memoir style of his previous book - sometimes we follow Harrison's train of thought, and it is all over those tracks, indicative of his personality but a bit rambling all the same) and slower on the pacing, and of course it is YA so the emotions were rather big at times. But overall I enjoyed my time reading it and am glad this story showcasing the bond and love of friendship (without needing to turn to any romance). And of course I am reading this as a white woman in her 30s - but I felt like I got to see some Black joy along with some reality of being a Black teen boy. (Have seen some reviews that comment this isn't really Black boy joy lit if the boys are dealing with incidents of racism and profiling, which I can see too - I personally read it as showing both sides, but I can see how someone would also want to have the opportunity to read a story about Black characters that doesn't put the characters through these things and really just is carefree and joyful.)
Read
July 24, 2022Kings of B’more is about two queer Black best friends, Linus and Harrison, living in Baltimore who do everything together…until Linus reveals he’s moving with his dad to Charleston at the end of the week. Inspired by a family movie night showing of Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, Harrison is inspired to give himself and Linus one big day of adventures to face their fears and solidify their friendship before the big move.
**Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review**
I really wanted to connect to this story more than I did. Ferris Beuller is a classic and taking that inspiration and focusing it on two queer Black kids, yes please!!
There were a lot of fun theatre references that as a theatre buff I enjoyed, and the pure love a friendship has to offer! I love that the main characters didn’t have to fall for each other and that their deep friendship could be celebrated.
However a few things made it hard for me to stay connected. There was a scene in a museum where blatant racism is shown in a way that took me out of the story. I’m not saying that racism shouldn’t be portrayed, but this story is about these boys’ friendship and the scene felt distracting and like it didn’t add anything to the story. I don’t know what I could learn from that scene besides some people suck? I wish the boys had reflected on it more if more of a meaning was to be drawn from it, it just kind of happens and is over and the story moves on without addressing it.
Also the story is broken up by a sub-narrative about a friend who is helping to cover their tracks so their parents don’t find out. However I don’t know what her perspective added to the story. I would have liked to see the boys adventure and talk more and have those other scenes cut.
Lastly the parents were so overprotective for fear that their boys might get hurt or racially profiled. It was really truly sad. Again, not a bad thing, but it felt like the focus of the story lay in the joy and hope in their friendship and the need for the boys to be constantly tracked and limited took away from the story. I spent so much time thinking about that that I didn’t connect to Linus and Harrison as much as I wanted to.
I still think this is a story that many will find joy in and appreciate. It was harder for me to connect with but I believe it will hit the mark for some. We need more beautiful stories celebrating queer Black voices and I’m sure this author will have many more great stories to share.
**Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review**
I really wanted to connect to this story more than I did. Ferris Beuller is a classic and taking that inspiration and focusing it on two queer Black kids, yes please!!
There were a lot of fun theatre references that as a theatre buff I enjoyed, and the pure love a friendship has to offer! I love that the main characters didn’t have to fall for each other and that their deep friendship could be celebrated.
However a few things made it hard for me to stay connected. There was a scene in a museum where blatant racism is shown in a way that took me out of the story. I’m not saying that racism shouldn’t be portrayed, but this story is about these boys’ friendship and the scene felt distracting and like it didn’t add anything to the story. I don’t know what I could learn from that scene besides some people suck? I wish the boys had reflected on it more if more of a meaning was to be drawn from it, it just kind of happens and is over and the story moves on without addressing it.
Also the story is broken up by a sub-narrative about a friend who is helping to cover their tracks so their parents don’t find out. However I don’t know what her perspective added to the story. I would have liked to see the boys adventure and talk more and have those other scenes cut.
Lastly the parents were so overprotective for fear that their boys might get hurt or racially profiled. It was really truly sad. Again, not a bad thing, but it felt like the focus of the story lay in the joy and hope in their friendship and the need for the boys to be constantly tracked and limited took away from the story. I spent so much time thinking about that that I didn’t connect to Linus and Harrison as much as I wanted to.
I still think this is a story that many will find joy in and appreciate. It was harder for me to connect with but I believe it will hit the mark for some. We need more beautiful stories celebrating queer Black voices and I’m sure this author will have many more great stories to share.
July 4, 2023
3.5
This book has SO much heart and personality. I would absolutely die for the two main characters and their friendship, and there were so many scenes and little offhand one-liners that genuinely made me laugh my ass off. The writing itself was great, but I also have to give major props to Torian Brackett, the audiobook narrator who really brought the characters to life and delivered the comedic lines brilliantly.
The bad news is that the pacing was really bad. There was so much going on and so much being juggled around that I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to focus on or what I was supposed to care about. For example, there was a whole alternate-POV side plot with the antics of a mutual friend of the two main characters that could have worked, but those scenes weren't interesting, weren't relevant to the main story, didn't go anywhere, and the whole thing was dropped around the halfway point. The book was honestly just very unfocused which is disappointing because, again, it had a LOT going for it that just wasn't fully realized.
However, the heart of this book--the two leads and their friendship--had enough focus and was written well enough to have me tearing up by the end of the book. I'm an absolute sucker for stories that portray platonic friendship with the same amount of power and beauty that we often only attribute to romantic relationships, and I really appreciated these characters being portrayed with so much tenderness, joy, raw emotion and unabashed love for one another. I just wish the plot itself had been more balanced.
This book has SO much heart and personality. I would absolutely die for the two main characters and their friendship, and there were so many scenes and little offhand one-liners that genuinely made me laugh my ass off. The writing itself was great, but I also have to give major props to Torian Brackett, the audiobook narrator who really brought the characters to life and delivered the comedic lines brilliantly.
The bad news is that the pacing was really bad. There was so much going on and so much being juggled around that I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to focus on or what I was supposed to care about. For example, there was a whole alternate-POV side plot with the antics of a mutual friend of the two main characters that could have worked, but those scenes weren't interesting, weren't relevant to the main story, didn't go anywhere, and the whole thing was dropped around the halfway point. The book was honestly just very unfocused which is disappointing because, again, it had a LOT going for it that just wasn't fully realized.
However, the heart of this book--the two leads and their friendship--had enough focus and was written well enough to have me tearing up by the end of the book. I'm an absolute sucker for stories that portray platonic friendship with the same amount of power and beauty that we often only attribute to romantic relationships, and I really appreciated these characters being portrayed with so much tenderness, joy, raw emotion and unabashed love for one another. I just wish the plot itself had been more balanced.
June 23, 2023
oh 🥹🥹🥹
it took me a lonnng time to get invested in this book but i’m SO GLAD i stuck with it
the characters were so lovable, the humor was top notch (seriously i was laughing out loud), the chaos of it all AHHH this really did read like a teen coming of age comedy movie!!
it was hysterical but also really hit some beautiful emotional notes with the coming-of-age themes of changing friendship, platonic love, & self-confidence. societal issues like class segregation in cities & the impact of divorce on young children were tied in well without being too heavy-handed. it just captured the essence of being a teenager, feeling like you’re under so much pressure & the world is so big & you have so little control SO well
i wish i had been invested earlier on & the first 2/3 did drag a bit, with the characters not feeling fully fleshed out. however it all came together so beautifully that i do think this would’ve been closer to 5 stars if it had all felt like the last 1/3 of the book!!
the third act absolutely made it for me. the queer Black youthful joy made me so freaking smiley & the emotional arc of harrison & linus’s friendship really shone here
i did not expect to tear up as much as i did finishing this!!! dramatic but still so realistic for teenagers who have such big feelings & are still learning how to feel & express them (the monologues!!!)
overall an incredibly sweet feel-good read that was perfect for summer & i think will be an absolute hit in my classroom library :’)
it took me a lonnng time to get invested in this book but i’m SO GLAD i stuck with it
the characters were so lovable, the humor was top notch (seriously i was laughing out loud), the chaos of it all AHHH this really did read like a teen coming of age comedy movie!!
it was hysterical but also really hit some beautiful emotional notes with the coming-of-age themes of changing friendship, platonic love, & self-confidence. societal issues like class segregation in cities & the impact of divorce on young children were tied in well without being too heavy-handed. it just captured the essence of being a teenager, feeling like you’re under so much pressure & the world is so big & you have so little control SO well
i wish i had been invested earlier on & the first 2/3 did drag a bit, with the characters not feeling fully fleshed out. however it all came together so beautifully that i do think this would’ve been closer to 5 stars if it had all felt like the last 1/3 of the book!!
the third act absolutely made it for me. the queer Black youthful joy made me so freaking smiley & the emotional arc of harrison & linus’s friendship really shone here
i did not expect to tear up as much as i did finishing this!!! dramatic but still so realistic for teenagers who have such big feelings & are still learning how to feel & express them (the monologues!!!)
overall an incredibly sweet feel-good read that was perfect for summer & i think will be an absolute hit in my classroom library :’)
February 10, 2025
R. Eric Thomas' Kings of B'more is charming and full of heart. Thomas crafts a crew of characters that are charming and charismatic, if not also deeply relatable to the youth experience. Our leads, Harrison and Linus, are attractive opposites, that balance each other out in some of the best ways.
I enjoy this book from a representational standpoint. This is a book by a black queer author, about black queer characters, young men at that, doing regular teenage boy stuff. There is no unnecessary or gratuitous violence or trauma dumping. At the end of the day, this book, is about the joy of youthfulness, uncertainty about the future, and the love shared between friends. I pray more books like these are written, be it grounded fiction like this, or something more magical and fantastical.
My only qualm, if I really had one, is the pacing of this book. I first started it years ago. I had to put it down because the plot simply was not progressing fast enough for me. So much was happening, but it felt like the characters were getting nowhere of importance. It's a charming book, but the pacing of the story through line would take me out of the reading. The latter half of the book really speeds up in contrast.
Is this book perfect? No. How many are? But I think there are qualities that should be celebrated and uplifted. If what I've described sounds like your kind of book, I'd recommend you taking a look at the synopsis and giving it a read for yourself.
I enjoy this book from a representational standpoint. This is a book by a black queer author, about black queer characters, young men at that, doing regular teenage boy stuff. There is no unnecessary or gratuitous violence or trauma dumping. At the end of the day, this book, is about the joy of youthfulness, uncertainty about the future, and the love shared between friends. I pray more books like these are written, be it grounded fiction like this, or something more magical and fantastical.
My only qualm, if I really had one, is the pacing of this book. I first started it years ago. I had to put it down because the plot simply was not progressing fast enough for me. So much was happening, but it felt like the characters were getting nowhere of importance. It's a charming book, but the pacing of the story through line would take me out of the reading. The latter half of the book really speeds up in contrast.
Is this book perfect? No. How many are? But I think there are qualities that should be celebrated and uplifted. If what I've described sounds like your kind of book, I'd recommend you taking a look at the synopsis and giving it a read for yourself.
June 25, 2022
Ok, this book might not be 100% focused on Black joy, since the characters are dealing with a lot in their lives, not the least of which is the premise, where our main character's closest friend is about to leave him behind and move away. There are also internal family struggles, which aren't downplayed, though the most disturbing elements of the book certainly deal with anti-Black racism (there are cops and threats from cops) and a homophobia, though maybe to a lesser extent. Basically, don't go into this fully expecting a Black joy work, despite what the cover and synopsis suggest. That's not to say that there aren't joyful moments or chill summer vibes--this book certainly achieves that too, but it doesn't eschew more disturbing encounters that the main pair of queer friends experience as they go through Baltimore throughout one epic day. I did love that both boys were queer, but that it wasn't a traditional romance book at all. The focus on friendship was pretty awesome.
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