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The Girls in Queens
A writer brimming with talent makes her exciting literary debut with a tale of two Latinx women coming of age in Queens, New York, an emotionally resonant novel infused with the insight, power, and poignancy of Angie Cruz's Dominicana, Jacqueline Woodson's Another Brooklyn, and Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends.
Best friends growing up along Clement Moore Avenue in Queens, Brisma and Kelly will do anything for each other. They keep each other's secrets, from their mother's hidden heartbreaks to warding off the unwanted advances of creepy neighbors. Their exclusive world shifts when they begin high school and Brisma falls deeply in love with Brian, the local baseball legend. Always the wallflower to the vibrant and alluring Kelly, Brisma is secretly thrilled to be chosen by the popular athlete, to finally have someone that belongs to her alone. But as she, Brian, and Kelly fall into the roles that have been set before them, they ignite a bonfire of unrealized hopes and dreams, smoldering embers that finally find some oxygen to burn.
Years later, Brisma and Kelly haven't spoken to Brian, ever since a backyard party that went wrong, but their beloved Los Mets are on a historic run for the playoffs and the three friends--no longer children--are reunited. Brisma finds herself once again drawn to her first love. But when Brian is accused of sexual assault, the two friends must make a choice. At first, both rush to support and defend him. But while Kelly remains Brian's staunch defender, Brisma begins to have doubts as old memories of their relationship surface. As Brisma and Kelly face off in a battle for what they each believe they are owed, these two lifelong friends must decide if their shared past is enough to sustain their future.
Told in alternating timelines, The Girls in Queens is a novel for and of our time--a skillful exploration of the furious loyalty of young women, the complications of sexual abuse allegations within communities of color, and the danger of forgetting that sometimes monsters hide in plain sight.
Best friends growing up along Clement Moore Avenue in Queens, Brisma and Kelly will do anything for each other. They keep each other's secrets, from their mother's hidden heartbreaks to warding off the unwanted advances of creepy neighbors. Their exclusive world shifts when they begin high school and Brisma falls deeply in love with Brian, the local baseball legend. Always the wallflower to the vibrant and alluring Kelly, Brisma is secretly thrilled to be chosen by the popular athlete, to finally have someone that belongs to her alone. But as she, Brian, and Kelly fall into the roles that have been set before them, they ignite a bonfire of unrealized hopes and dreams, smoldering embers that finally find some oxygen to burn.
Years later, Brisma and Kelly haven't spoken to Brian, ever since a backyard party that went wrong, but their beloved Los Mets are on a historic run for the playoffs and the three friends--no longer children--are reunited. Brisma finds herself once again drawn to her first love. But when Brian is accused of sexual assault, the two friends must make a choice. At first, both rush to support and defend him. But while Kelly remains Brian's staunch defender, Brisma begins to have doubts as old memories of their relationship surface. As Brisma and Kelly face off in a battle for what they each believe they are owed, these two lifelong friends must decide if their shared past is enough to sustain their future.
Told in alternating timelines, The Girls in Queens is a novel for and of our time--a skillful exploration of the furious loyalty of young women, the complications of sexual abuse allegations within communities of color, and the danger of forgetting that sometimes monsters hide in plain sight.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 14, 2022
88 people are currently reading
9040 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
February 23, 2023
this book was terribly slow without being very interesting. i enjoyed a lot of it, however the first half or so just felt like nothing was happening.
i’m assuming this was the case due the element of suspense and intrigue, which i think Torres achieved in doing, however slight lowered the quality of outcome from all of the slow pacing.
the book itself felt quite bland and almost unoriginal, although still good regardless of the fact.
it didn’t feel something fresh or new that hasn’t been said before.
all in all: this was … very mediocre.
i’m assuming this was the case due the element of suspense and intrigue, which i think Torres achieved in doing, however slight lowered the quality of outcome from all of the slow pacing.
the book itself felt quite bland and almost unoriginal, although still good regardless of the fact.
it didn’t feel something fresh or new that hasn’t been said before.
all in all: this was … very mediocre.
June 15, 2022
The Girls in Queens is a debut novel that is narrated by Brisma, a young Latina woman who dreams of working in TV. She’s known her best friend, Kelly, since they were children and only one person could get between them - Brian, a high school baseball star who begins dating Brisma. Years later, Brian reappears in Kelly’s and Brisma’s lives, but when a girl accuses Brian of sexual assault, the trio is splintered again and the women are forced to choose sides. The accusation is only the tip of the iceberg of secrets and betrayals that finally come to light, and change Brisma’s life forever.
I found it really difficult to rate this book. The first half was so slow and so lacking in proper action that I was tempted to just give up on it. I decided to soldier on and that was a good choice because the second half was much stronger. I loved how Kelly and Brisma illustrated two completely opposite ways of dealing with trauma and abuse; denying it to the point of normalizing it, and fighting against it. It was also very interesting to see Brisma grow throughout the book and watch her deal with the toxic relationships in her life. Unfortunately, I found a lot of this novel heavy-handed; there wasn’t much space for reflection and uncertainty, which is a shame because I believe this book would gain a lot by not holding the reader’s hand. Also - and this is completely personal - baseball comes up in the plot again and again, and because I have no interest in it whatsoever, some parts of the book were simply boring.
TLDR: The Girls in Queens is a novel that deals with very difficult issues like abuse, race, class, and sexism. Unfortunately, the pace and the lack of subtlety take away from what could’ve otherwise been a very strong debut.
I found it really difficult to rate this book. The first half was so slow and so lacking in proper action that I was tempted to just give up on it. I decided to soldier on and that was a good choice because the second half was much stronger. I loved how Kelly and Brisma illustrated two completely opposite ways of dealing with trauma and abuse; denying it to the point of normalizing it, and fighting against it. It was also very interesting to see Brisma grow throughout the book and watch her deal with the toxic relationships in her life. Unfortunately, I found a lot of this novel heavy-handed; there wasn’t much space for reflection and uncertainty, which is a shame because I believe this book would gain a lot by not holding the reader’s hand. Also - and this is completely personal - baseball comes up in the plot again and again, and because I have no interest in it whatsoever, some parts of the book were simply boring.
TLDR: The Girls in Queens is a novel that deals with very difficult issues like abuse, race, class, and sexism. Unfortunately, the pace and the lack of subtlety take away from what could’ve otherwise been a very strong debut.
April 4, 2022
It's hard to transition from childhood friends to life long friends when secrets rip you apart. Kelly and Brisma were two girls from Queens attached at the hip, finishing each others sentences and thoughts. But as they got older, and boys and secrets got involved, their friendship ultimately dissolved. History weighs heavy when you're trying to figure out who you are.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for my honest revie.w.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for my honest revie.w.
March 6, 2023
I received this book as a part of a Goodreads giveaway. I was going to say it’s a slow start, but I literally finished the book in a day. Short, impactful, heavy on baseball for reasons I didn’t fully understand. I think it’s a story all women can relate to, or know someone who can relate to it, which makes it important for us all. 4/5
October 13, 2023
Truly deserves a 1.5/5 but because I am from Queens and could vividly walk down all the roads with these girls I’m giving it a 2/5
December 31, 2022
THE GIRLS IN QUEENS
Christine Kandic Torres
This was a rather slow-moving book and didn't pick up until the second half. This was about coming to terms with the bad things in life that happen to so many people. I loved the relationship between life and baseball as my grandson is a big player. The story is told from two POVs, Brisma and Kelly who view the world relatively very differently. The girls who had been best friends, lose sight of their close bond when they begin to view an issue with their third friend, Brian, and grow completely apart.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters, but the book had a good storyline, it was just lackluster.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
Christine Kandic Torres
This was a rather slow-moving book and didn't pick up until the second half. This was about coming to terms with the bad things in life that happen to so many people. I loved the relationship between life and baseball as my grandson is a big player. The story is told from two POVs, Brisma and Kelly who view the world relatively very differently. The girls who had been best friends, lose sight of their close bond when they begin to view an issue with their third friend, Brian, and grow completely apart.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters, but the book had a good storyline, it was just lackluster.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
June 16, 2022
THE GIRLS OF QUEENS |
Two girls from Queens, Brisma, of Puerto Rican descent, and Kelly, biracial Colombian and Irish, grew up together, struggling as young girls to grow up quicker and prove they're not naïve or too innocent for a world that spits out wholesomeness as weakness. A long-time friend, once boyfriend, is accused of sexual assault and forces both girls to question what they think they know.
I very much enjoyed the relationship between Brisma and Kelly as girls into young women. They were each other's family, they held each other down, and they'd been through it all for and because of the other.
I became a bit overprotective of Brisma because there are certain points where you want to just tell her, No, this is bad for you! Please stop! Don't you see what's going on? Don't walk into this… but that honestly felt very real because as a young kid, there are so many things we stupidly do, over and over again, or that we allow to happen to ourselves because we think we're grown or we think it's what we should do.
I question why I didn't feel as protective for Kelly, but I think in large part that's because we're not in her head
There is a lot, esp towards the later half, having to do with believing sexual assault victims and having to overcome seeing beyond a friend's image and seeing how they are capable of harm. I would say it hits you a bit over the head with it - in some ways it reads as YA because of the age of Brisma and Kelly - but I think it's fair considering the circumstances.
I flew through this one. At the core, I will remember the friendship between Brisma and Kelly and feel aglow.
Two girls from Queens, Brisma, of Puerto Rican descent, and Kelly, biracial Colombian and Irish, grew up together, struggling as young girls to grow up quicker and prove they're not naïve or too innocent for a world that spits out wholesomeness as weakness. A long-time friend, once boyfriend, is accused of sexual assault and forces both girls to question what they think they know.
I very much enjoyed the relationship between Brisma and Kelly as girls into young women. They were each other's family, they held each other down, and they'd been through it all for and because of the other.
I became a bit overprotective of Brisma because there are certain points where you want to just tell her, No, this is bad for you! Please stop! Don't you see what's going on? Don't walk into this… but that honestly felt very real because as a young kid, there are so many things we stupidly do, over and over again, or that we allow to happen to ourselves because we think we're grown or we think it's what we should do.
I question why I didn't feel as protective for Kelly, but I think in large part that's because we're not in her head
There is a lot, esp towards the later half, having to do with believing sexual assault victims and having to overcome seeing beyond a friend's image and seeing how they are capable of harm. I would say it hits you a bit over the head with it - in some ways it reads as YA because of the age of Brisma and Kelly - but I think it's fair considering the circumstances.
I flew through this one. At the core, I will remember the friendship between Brisma and Kelly and feel aglow.
October 17, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ This is THAT story of sisterhood (friendship) everyone needs to read. Torres breathes so much life into every single character in this one. It also doesn’t help that she definitely made me nostalgic for a NY I’ve never experienced. The pen game was chef’s kiss. The only thing I could say that made it hard for me was the pacing. It was slow and at times I kept losing my focus.
October 31, 2022
This book was a good story. There weren’t a lot of deep or thought provoking moments, nor dramatic or exciting. It was just kind of stable the whole time. I wasn’t really sucked into the reading experience but it was a good story and did do some (not a lot) of work towards discussing sexual assault. I probably won’t recommend it to other people.
July 17, 2024
3.5 stars
June 27, 2022
“‘Imagine if Queens was just filled with girls. Wouldn’t it be so much more…peaceful?’
‘A Queens filled with queens?’ I smirked.
‘Yes! Yes, you’re right. Fuck that, I don’t want to be a girl. Definitely not a princess. I want to be a queen.’”
I requested an advanced copy of this one solely because I was a Queens girl — holla, Jackson Heights!!!
This book centers around the friendship of two ride-or-die besties Kelly and Brisma in Woodside, Queens (New York). Their girlhood is marked by hot summers, Mets games, first crushes, single parents, and, most importantly, a friendship that is conflicted between unconditional love and backstabbing envy. How far does/can a friendship planted in the cracks of concrete and rooted amongst rocks grow? Can their friendship make up for the gaping holes in their hearts?
First couple of chapters confused me but once I got a hang of the timeline jump and identified the 4 main characters, the book moved along fairly quickly. I was awash in major flashbacks speed-walking along Northern Boulevard as a young gal trying to get to school without getting catcalled and avoiding eye contact with strangers. Flipping through these pages, I could hear the bachata and reggaeton blasting from cars and friends’ houses. I remember my friends laughing at my inability to move my hips and the sizzling summer heat that seemed to tinge all minor crushes with something sexual. I remember being filled with curiosity and exhilaration (and sometimes annoyance) when rap & R&B at the max volume would blast out of cars sauntering the streets. Queens was a magical place in the 90s and I miss it but I also know I’m glorifying the past and what’s gone. THE GIRLS IN QUEENS is a glimpse into some of the darker corners where danger lurks in some of people we trust the most.
Overall, I enjoyed TGIQ and am v biased bc it resurfaced all of the above memories and brought Queens to life for me 3000 miles away.
Thanks @netgalley and @harperviabooks for the advanced read!
‘A Queens filled with queens?’ I smirked.
‘Yes! Yes, you’re right. Fuck that, I don’t want to be a girl. Definitely not a princess. I want to be a queen.’”
I requested an advanced copy of this one solely because I was a Queens girl — holla, Jackson Heights!!!
This book centers around the friendship of two ride-or-die besties Kelly and Brisma in Woodside, Queens (New York). Their girlhood is marked by hot summers, Mets games, first crushes, single parents, and, most importantly, a friendship that is conflicted between unconditional love and backstabbing envy. How far does/can a friendship planted in the cracks of concrete and rooted amongst rocks grow? Can their friendship make up for the gaping holes in their hearts?
First couple of chapters confused me but once I got a hang of the timeline jump and identified the 4 main characters, the book moved along fairly quickly. I was awash in major flashbacks speed-walking along Northern Boulevard as a young gal trying to get to school without getting catcalled and avoiding eye contact with strangers. Flipping through these pages, I could hear the bachata and reggaeton blasting from cars and friends’ houses. I remember my friends laughing at my inability to move my hips and the sizzling summer heat that seemed to tinge all minor crushes with something sexual. I remember being filled with curiosity and exhilaration (and sometimes annoyance) when rap & R&B at the max volume would blast out of cars sauntering the streets. Queens was a magical place in the 90s and I miss it but I also know I’m glorifying the past and what’s gone. THE GIRLS IN QUEENS is a glimpse into some of the darker corners where danger lurks in some of people we trust the most.
Overall, I enjoyed TGIQ and am v biased bc it resurfaced all of the above memories and brought Queens to life for me 3000 miles away.
Thanks @netgalley and @harperviabooks for the advanced read!
September 30, 2024
(+) While I’m rating this a 3, I’m still glad I read it. Through this book, Christine Torres tells an important and meaningful story about the unnecessary apologies and excuses we make for men in the Latino community. I appreciated Brisma’s character — her type of character is rare to read about.
(-) It’s a compelling storyline dragged down by mediocre organization/writing. The flashbacks did not always occur chronologically and jumped around in time, which can be powerful when done well, but here I felt the approach was not always employed strategically. It made the story a bit confusing to follow. The chapters are long… it was hard to get into the book at first. With how important and compelling the storyline is, I think if the writing had been better, this book would be unmissable!
(-) It’s a compelling storyline dragged down by mediocre organization/writing. The flashbacks did not always occur chronologically and jumped around in time, which can be powerful when done well, but here I felt the approach was not always employed strategically. It made the story a bit confusing to follow. The chapters are long… it was hard to get into the book at first. With how important and compelling the storyline is, I think if the writing had been better, this book would be unmissable!
August 9, 2022
I thought I would love this book but I found myself frustrated and skimming through some of the chapters. The story is about two friends Brisma and Kelly. There are dual storylines when they are preteens and 10 years later. Brian is a horrible character. I didn't like anything about him and I didn't understand what the girls saw in him. Brisma & Kelly had such a strange relationship. They seemed more like frenemies.
I enjoyed reading about the girls in their teen years. I would have liked to hear more about their family lives. Overall, the story was slow. There were some parts that could have been cut. I wanted to hear more about what happened with Brian near the end of the book.
I enjoyed reading about the girls in their teen years. I would have liked to hear more about their family lives. Overall, the story was slow. There were some parts that could have been cut. I wanted to hear more about what happened with Brian near the end of the book.
July 4, 2022
The Girls in Queens by Christine Kandic Torres
Published June 14, 2022
~This just reminded me of how jacked up and sometimes fun my teen years were in NYC.
An unforgettable debut novel about the furious loyalty of two Latinx women coming of age in Queens, New York, an emotionally resonant novel infused with the insight, power, and poignancy of Angie Cruz's Dominicana, Jacqueline Woodson's Another Brooklyn, and Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends.
Growing up in the '90s along Clement Moore Avenue in Queens, Brisma and Kelly are two young Latinas with an inseparable bond, sharing everything and anything with each other. The girls are opposites: Brisma is sweet, sensitive, and observant, whereas Kelly is free-spirited, flirtatious, and bold. But together, they binge on Sour Patch Kids, listen to Boyz II Men cassette tapes, and dance to Selena and Mariah Carey where no one can see them.
In high school, their friendship starts to form cracks when Brisma finds herself in a relationship with Brian, a charismatic baseball star. Brisma is thrilled to finally have something—someone—to herself. But Kelly wasn't built to be a third wheel.
Years later, the Mets begin a historic run for the playoffs, and Brisma and Kelly—now on the cusp of adulthood—reconnect with Brian after years of silence. But then Brian is charged with sexual assault. Brisma and Kelly find themselves on opposite sides of the accusation, viewing their past and past traumas from completely different vantage points, and the two lifelong friends will have to decide if their shared history is enough to sustain their future.
Told in alternating timelines, Christine Kandic Torres's incredible debut explores the unbreakable bonds of friendship, complications of sexual-abuse allegations within communities of color, and the danger of forgetting that sometimes monsters hide in plain sight.
Published June 14, 2022
~This just reminded me of how jacked up and sometimes fun my teen years were in NYC.
An unforgettable debut novel about the furious loyalty of two Latinx women coming of age in Queens, New York, an emotionally resonant novel infused with the insight, power, and poignancy of Angie Cruz's Dominicana, Jacqueline Woodson's Another Brooklyn, and Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends.
Growing up in the '90s along Clement Moore Avenue in Queens, Brisma and Kelly are two young Latinas with an inseparable bond, sharing everything and anything with each other. The girls are opposites: Brisma is sweet, sensitive, and observant, whereas Kelly is free-spirited, flirtatious, and bold. But together, they binge on Sour Patch Kids, listen to Boyz II Men cassette tapes, and dance to Selena and Mariah Carey where no one can see them.
In high school, their friendship starts to form cracks when Brisma finds herself in a relationship with Brian, a charismatic baseball star. Brisma is thrilled to finally have something—someone—to herself. But Kelly wasn't built to be a third wheel.
Years later, the Mets begin a historic run for the playoffs, and Brisma and Kelly—now on the cusp of adulthood—reconnect with Brian after years of silence. But then Brian is charged with sexual assault. Brisma and Kelly find themselves on opposite sides of the accusation, viewing their past and past traumas from completely different vantage points, and the two lifelong friends will have to decide if their shared history is enough to sustain their future.
Told in alternating timelines, Christine Kandic Torres's incredible debut explores the unbreakable bonds of friendship, complications of sexual-abuse allegations within communities of color, and the danger of forgetting that sometimes monsters hide in plain sight.
January 12, 2023
A relatable coming of age novel that brought back so many memories for me of growing up in Queens in the 90’s. There were points where I hated Kelly so much and couldn’t understand why Brisma kept going back to her like a lost puppy but I realized that Kelly is a product of her environment and Brisma really just wanted the best for her. Their friendship is like so many childhood friendships that rarely last the test of time. So many friends from school that we thought would be our friends for life until we grew up and realized it’s just not like that. Their friendship was strained thin and Brisma needed to move on and find a group of people with common interests who really cared about her. I still think that Kelly and Brian hooked up even though neither of them admitted it. And there are so many Brian’s in this world, jocks and just regular boys who think they are entitled to a woman’s body. What he did was wrong especially what he did to Brisma by taping their “almost” first time without her permission then showing it to his boys. Yet it’s very common. It’s sad that Janet got hated for telling her story and demanding justice before anyone even knew her. The world needs more Janet’s. Im also glad the military matured Pablo and he was able to let Brisma know about the tape. It’s humiliating when people have seen your body without your permission or your knowledge. Nicky Gargiullo is another all too common character, does awful things then because of his complexion connection he gets to go on and be successful and engaged. It’s people like him that need to be a registered sex offender for life. Julio the neighborhood pervert is also a character that brought back memories. Although he died a horrible death, karma is a bitch. Brismas dad wasn’t ish but her mom did the best she could. I rooted for her Brisma the entire time to get to Hollywood and be the best screenwriter ever and represent for us Boricuas 🇵🇷
Lastly, if you don’t understand why the Mets or los Mets was such an integral part of the novel then you are not from Queens NY. The Subway series/rivalry between The Yankees (the Bronx) and The Mets (Queens) is so real. Being under the shadow of the Yankees for so long (just look at how popular the Yankees hat is compared to the Mets hat) it’s a true Queens thing to root for the Mets.
Overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Lastly, if you don’t understand why the Mets or los Mets was such an integral part of the novel then you are not from Queens NY. The Subway series/rivalry between The Yankees (the Bronx) and The Mets (Queens) is so real. Being under the shadow of the Yankees for so long (just look at how popular the Yankees hat is compared to the Mets hat) it’s a true Queens thing to root for the Mets.
Overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
This is an incredible debut about two best friends who have grown up having a strained relationship. Holding onto each other through good and bad even when maybe they shouldn’t. Then told between two points in time were given the chance to see how this friendship combined with the relationships and experiences they go through with the boys who later become men all rears it’s head on them. Secrets are exposed, bringing the past and exposing them to the truth about themselves and those they think they know.
My heart aches for Brisma and Kelly, their friendship was strong one who’s foundation was deeply cracked. They hung on for so long and had so much trauma; one ready to face it the other not and their healing couldn’t have been done together
This was an engrossing read that put a magnifying glass on friendship, finding yourself and the difference between being “kids” and confronting friends for their actions
Will be back to edit later*
My heart aches for Brisma and Kelly, their friendship was strong one who’s foundation was deeply cracked. They hung on for so long and had so much trauma; one ready to face it the other not and their healing couldn’t have been done together
This was an engrossing read that put a magnifying glass on friendship, finding yourself and the difference between being “kids” and confronting friends for their actions
Will be back to edit later*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
3.5
I want to start off by saying that this is very compelling and I would absolutely read something else by this author.
I love all of the ideas and what is at the heart of this novel, but I do think that it tried to do too much. There’s a lot to unpack in such a short time. The friendship, family trauma, abandonment, male privilege, abuse, toxic relationships, sexual trauma, etc. All of these topics are very relevant and as an own-voices reader I really connected to them, but they weren’t fleshed out properly because there was too much in such a short amount of time.
I will say I love the way that this toxic friendship is portrayed. Girl friendships are often difficult, especially during formative and teenage years because so much is happening. I think the author did an amazing job describing their friendship and capturing girlhood.
I also agree with the numerous other reviews that mention pacing issues. The first 40-50% seemed slow and a little rambling to be honest, but then it picks up very well.
I want to start off by saying that this is very compelling and I would absolutely read something else by this author.
I love all of the ideas and what is at the heart of this novel, but I do think that it tried to do too much. There’s a lot to unpack in such a short time. The friendship, family trauma, abandonment, male privilege, abuse, toxic relationships, sexual trauma, etc. All of these topics are very relevant and as an own-voices reader I really connected to them, but they weren’t fleshed out properly because there was too much in such a short amount of time.
I will say I love the way that this toxic friendship is portrayed. Girl friendships are often difficult, especially during formative and teenage years because so much is happening. I think the author did an amazing job describing their friendship and capturing girlhood.
I also agree with the numerous other reviews that mention pacing issues. The first 40-50% seemed slow and a little rambling to be honest, but then it picks up very well.
June 6, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for an early release of The Girls in Queens in exchange of an honest review.
I really really enjoyed this one! I did find the beginning quarter or so rather slow.
Regardless, Brisma is an amazing main character and seeing her growth through the years was absolutely incredible. Seeing her finally value herself and her worth was a beautiful journey.
I think what was so interesting and compelling about this book is that it is both a book honoring sister-like friendships and discusses what can tear those connections apart, even after years of being in people's liives. Additionally, I thought the commentary on how “monsters [can] hide in plain sight”, which is from the blurb, was so interesting and so important. As the years go on, we see more and more pieces interconnect for Brisma and see how it impacts her life. Overall, I think this was a super important and great read. 4.5 stars!
I really really enjoyed this one! I did find the beginning quarter or so rather slow.
Regardless, Brisma is an amazing main character and seeing her growth through the years was absolutely incredible. Seeing her finally value herself and her worth was a beautiful journey.
I think what was so interesting and compelling about this book is that it is both a book honoring sister-like friendships and discusses what can tear those connections apart, even after years of being in people's liives. Additionally, I thought the commentary on how “monsters [can] hide in plain sight”, which is from the blurb, was so interesting and so important. As the years go on, we see more and more pieces interconnect for Brisma and see how it impacts her life. Overall, I think this was a super important and great read. 4.5 stars!
December 21, 2022
Overall, this book did a great job of articulating the ways in which Brisma and Kelly both dealt with trauma differently (and how it affected their friendship)—and the way society fails young girls. Also, the setting was so clearly illustrated.
I’m left thinking a lot about my younger self and how I wish I, and all my friends, had the words to articulate the things that were happening around/to us.
I’m left thinking a lot about my younger self and how I wish I, and all my friends, had the words to articulate the things that were happening around/to us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
A truth-telling novel about how young women internalize the (false) idea that their value lies in their bodies and that it is through men that they receive validation. My younger self was everywhere in this book.
June 21, 2023
Scared to read this but ended being pulled into the story. Loved the back and forth time jump and seeing what the past had to show us about the girls futures.. I grew up in queens so it was exciting also for it to be the back drop to the story.. not a Mets fans but Yankees baby! Lol
Read
September 20, 2023I liked this but it was also sad. Coming of age story of close childhood friends who drift in and out of each others lives, switching between high school and young adulthood in the 2000s.
Content guidance: rape, sexual assault
Content guidance: rape, sexual assault
June 12, 2024
I love girls. I love Queens. Sometimes the writing felt clunky/needed to be edited down a bit but overall was a good read. Made me realize that we need more books that realistically depict the issue of sexual violence.
August 7, 2023
it honestly was good but wasn’t too engaging
May 17, 2024
Bought this book in NYC from a table of local authors. Definitely came out during the "me too" times. Good book about two women in Queens and their experiences growing up and how it's shaped their adulthoods and friendship.
December 25, 2024
This book has a twist that threw me; just when you think you know a person!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2025
unfortunately it felt like she focused more on very specific details about queens/nyc than story structure or character. oh well.
June 26, 2023
V relatable - friends, trauma, growing up, etc. It jumped around a lot and was hard to follow sometimes but good stuff!
May 23, 2022
This is one of those books that fully transports you to a particular place and time. The specific city geography and pop culture references from the different eras really place you in the setting and make you feel like you understand the characters in a deeper way. I also think that the ability to delve into the love-hate relationship between female best friends, with all the complexity that it deserves, is rare. This writer nails that dynamic and it hurts to see how it plays out over time. But there’s also hope. Reading this on what seems to be the tail end of the #metoo movement also brought up a lot of thoughts on the gray areas we all used to accept and are finally addressing as we always should have.
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