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We Could Be Something
Part Coming-Out Story.
Part falling-in-love story.
Part falling-apart story.
Harvey's dads are splitting up. It's been on the cards for a while, but it's still sudden. Woken-by-his-father-to-catch-a-red-eye sudden. Now he's restarting His Life In A New City, Living Above A Cafe With The Extended Greek Family He Barely Knows.
Sotiris is a rising star. At seventeen, he's already achieved his dream of publishing a novel. When his career falters, a cute, wise-cracking bookseller named Jem upends his world.
Harvey and Sotiris's stories converge on the same street in Darlinghurst, in this beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us.
Part falling-in-love story.
Part falling-apart story.
Harvey's dads are splitting up. It's been on the cards for a while, but it's still sudden. Woken-by-his-father-to-catch-a-red-eye sudden. Now he's restarting His Life In A New City, Living Above A Cafe With The Extended Greek Family He Barely Knows.
Sotiris is a rising star. At seventeen, he's already achieved his dream of publishing a novel. When his career falters, a cute, wise-cracking bookseller named Jem upends his world.
Harvey and Sotiris's stories converge on the same street in Darlinghurst, in this beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
24 people are currently reading
3030 people want to read
About the author
Will Kostakis
16 books330 followersHi. A teacher-librarian yelled at me to update this, so here goes. Time to talk about myself in the third-person.
Will Kostakis is an absolute delight.
In the past, he has written everything from celebrity news stories that score cease and desist letters, to tweets for professional wrestlers.
Nowadays, he’s best known (but not particularly well known) for his award-winning YA novels.
His first novel, Loathing Lola, was released when he was just nineteen. His second, The First Third, won the 2014 Gold Inky Award. It was also shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year and Australian Prime Minister’s Literary awards, among others. The Sidekicks was his third novel for young adults, and his American debut. It went on to win the IBBY Australia Ena Noel Award. Most recently, Will has applied his trademark style to the fantasy genre, with Monuments and its sequel, Rebel Gods.
As a high school student, Will won Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year for a collection of short stories. He has since contributed to numerous anthologies, including the ABIA Award-winning Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology.
An advocate for young readers and writers, Will was awarded the 2020 Maurice Saxby Award by the School Library Association of New South Wales for service to children’s and young adult literature.
Will Kostakis is an absolute delight.
In the past, he has written everything from celebrity news stories that score cease and desist letters, to tweets for professional wrestlers.
Nowadays, he’s best known (but not particularly well known) for his award-winning YA novels.
His first novel, Loathing Lola, was released when he was just nineteen. His second, The First Third, won the 2014 Gold Inky Award. It was also shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year and Australian Prime Minister’s Literary awards, among others. The Sidekicks was his third novel for young adults, and his American debut. It went on to win the IBBY Australia Ena Noel Award. Most recently, Will has applied his trademark style to the fantasy genre, with Monuments and its sequel, Rebel Gods.
As a high school student, Will won Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year for a collection of short stories. He has since contributed to numerous anthologies, including the ABIA Award-winning Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology.
An advocate for young readers and writers, Will was awarded the 2020 Maurice Saxby Award by the School Library Association of New South Wales for service to children’s and young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 12, 2023
Finally I have read a book by this author! Pleasantly surprised, and different to anything I’ve read before.
Will Kostakis voice is fresh, modern, and necessary in this multi-generational tale spanning three fiery generations of those who love fiercely, who don’t want to give up on love and who want to find it for the first time. Younger generations loving the older generations fiercely, they are feisty and passionate.
Grandson Harvey on life mentions love as being the most important thing for his family, and not just of the romantic kind. Greek food and a family run business seemed real to me, like I was having coffee with this unique hard-working family.
External characters add depth as well, making this reader embarrassed to admit to not having read this author. Gina is Harvey's grandmother, the hard-working owner of her inner city Sydney café trying to shelter her own mother from revealing serious illness. Harvey returns to the family home from Perth after his fathers separate.
Harvey is wanting to find love for the first time and relishing in his freedom of not returning to school. Do not read reviews of this one, it may spoil things. Enjoy it as this family’s story unfolds.
With my thanks to Better Reading magazine for my physical advanced review copy.
Will Kostakis voice is fresh, modern, and necessary in this multi-generational tale spanning three fiery generations of those who love fiercely, who don’t want to give up on love and who want to find it for the first time. Younger generations loving the older generations fiercely, they are feisty and passionate.
Grandson Harvey on life mentions love as being the most important thing for his family, and not just of the romantic kind. Greek food and a family run business seemed real to me, like I was having coffee with this unique hard-working family.
External characters add depth as well, making this reader embarrassed to admit to not having read this author. Gina is Harvey's grandmother, the hard-working owner of her inner city Sydney café trying to shelter her own mother from revealing serious illness. Harvey returns to the family home from Perth after his fathers separate.
Harvey is wanting to find love for the first time and relishing in his freedom of not returning to school. Do not read reviews of this one, it may spoil things. Enjoy it as this family’s story unfolds.
With my thanks to Better Reading magazine for my physical advanced review copy.
June 23, 2023
I have some mixed opinions about this book. Some good, some not so great. To start, I heard about this book through C.S. Pacat's social media and loved the cover! I mean look at it! Stunning art and all round amazing colours. And it really captures the setting of the book regardless of the time periods.
To start, I think the author lay a great foundation. Talking about culture within Australia, names that are hard to pronounce and the development of publishing within Australia. It took me a while to realise that the two male perspectives were not only different time periods, but also the father and son. I was a little confused at the beginning about how these two were going to link up but once it clicked I loved that! I wish there was a little more time period information sprinkled in at the start though, as the father's perspective felt extremely modern and I didn't feel like it was meant to be earlier in time.
I found the father's perspective FAR more interesting than his son's. When I think about the character development, the son didn't really do much for the whole story, while we get a beginning, middle and end for the father.
I also thought that the plot had ups and downs. Talking about a condition like dementia in a book can be a little difficult to discuss, but I think the author did it really well. To me, that storyline was very interesting and the reactions of the family. Other pros in the plot included the father having his first book launch, trying and failing to be published again and again and the discussion of younger authors having priority in the field, and how people can give too much of themselves in a relationship.
I really like that it was different from most things on shelves at the moment. I don't even know if I can actually compare this book to anything on the Australian market currently. While it talks about race and culture well, it's not done from a victim perspective. As someone with a hard to spell and pronounce name, I understand the frustration, and while it's brought up and discussed, it isn't complained about for 200 pages and fingers aren't pointed to specific groups of people. I've found people of all races and backgrounds struggle with my name so I'm glad they weren't trying to finger point because it's so frustrating.
I also liked the use of language like proyiayia. As someone who isn't Greek, it was nice to learn some new words and add them to my lexicon. Now I know what this means and it excites me a lot! I don't have many Greek friends so I haven't been as exposed to the language so it was great to pick some things up along the way!
Some of the cons included the fact that the plot didn't really go anywhere. While it was very 'slice of life', I found that I had no reason to re-read the book ever again. There's no romance story, there's no moment of triumph for any of the characters, and there's no real climax to the story. It's just a "and this happened and then this and the end". While the story was nice and relaxing to read, there's just no reason for me to think about it or have it on a re-read list later on. I feel like it could have benefitted from the father earning another publishing deal to seal off that ending so at least something happened. But alas. Also, the whole "my dads are breaking up" was a bit dull. It was interesting at the start of the story, and grew in interest as we learned their back story, but by the end of the book when you realised it's literally going no where it ended up feeling overplayed and boring. It also made me absolutely hate Sotiris in the modern era. He was so much fun to read about from his perspective in the past, but seeing him be nasty and obsessing over himself and his stories made me just disappointed. And the whole grindr thing? Super gross to do.
Harvey was a dull perspective. He likes a boy. He likes a girl. Then he likes a boy again. And then... that's really his whole personality explained. He doesn't want to go to school, works some shifts at the cafe, and then never really comes to any realisations or development.
Overall, while I enjoyed this book as a relaxing, light-hearted read and I liked that it was different from most things on the market, I also found it lacked substance and intrigue. A good book makes you want to re-read it, a bad book makes you want to throw it, but a dull book just makes you shrug and put it at the bottom of your bookshelf until you eventually forget all about it.
However, I will pick up books by this author in the future if they look like they feature a bit more plot.
To start, I think the author lay a great foundation. Talking about culture within Australia, names that are hard to pronounce and the development of publishing within Australia. It took me a while to realise that the two male perspectives were not only different time periods, but also the father and son. I was a little confused at the beginning about how these two were going to link up but once it clicked I loved that! I wish there was a little more time period information sprinkled in at the start though, as the father's perspective felt extremely modern and I didn't feel like it was meant to be earlier in time.
I found the father's perspective FAR more interesting than his son's. When I think about the character development, the son didn't really do much for the whole story, while we get a beginning, middle and end for the father.
I also thought that the plot had ups and downs. Talking about a condition like dementia in a book can be a little difficult to discuss, but I think the author did it really well. To me, that storyline was very interesting and the reactions of the family. Other pros in the plot included the father having his first book launch, trying and failing to be published again and again and the discussion of younger authors having priority in the field, and how people can give too much of themselves in a relationship.
I really like that it was different from most things on shelves at the moment. I don't even know if I can actually compare this book to anything on the Australian market currently. While it talks about race and culture well, it's not done from a victim perspective. As someone with a hard to spell and pronounce name, I understand the frustration, and while it's brought up and discussed, it isn't complained about for 200 pages and fingers aren't pointed to specific groups of people. I've found people of all races and backgrounds struggle with my name so I'm glad they weren't trying to finger point because it's so frustrating.
I also liked the use of language like proyiayia. As someone who isn't Greek, it was nice to learn some new words and add them to my lexicon. Now I know what this means and it excites me a lot! I don't have many Greek friends so I haven't been as exposed to the language so it was great to pick some things up along the way!
Some of the cons included the fact that the plot didn't really go anywhere. While it was very 'slice of life', I found that I had no reason to re-read the book ever again. There's no romance story, there's no moment of triumph for any of the characters, and there's no real climax to the story. It's just a "and this happened and then this and the end". While the story was nice and relaxing to read, there's just no reason for me to think about it or have it on a re-read list later on. I feel like it could have benefitted from the father earning another publishing deal to seal off that ending so at least something happened. But alas. Also, the whole "my dads are breaking up" was a bit dull. It was interesting at the start of the story, and grew in interest as we learned their back story, but by the end of the book when you realised it's literally going no where it ended up feeling overplayed and boring. It also made me absolutely hate Sotiris in the modern era. He was so much fun to read about from his perspective in the past, but seeing him be nasty and obsessing over himself and his stories made me just disappointed. And the whole grindr thing? Super gross to do.
Harvey was a dull perspective. He likes a boy. He likes a girl. Then he likes a boy again. And then... that's really his whole personality explained. He doesn't want to go to school, works some shifts at the cafe, and then never really comes to any realisations or development.
Overall, while I enjoyed this book as a relaxing, light-hearted read and I liked that it was different from most things on the market, I also found it lacked substance and intrigue. A good book makes you want to re-read it, a bad book makes you want to throw it, but a dull book just makes you shrug and put it at the bottom of your bookshelf until you eventually forget all about it.
However, I will pick up books by this author in the future if they look like they feature a bit more plot.
February 12, 2023
Clever, full of heart.
Saying things real and true.
Saying things real and true.
January 12, 2023
Will Kostakis has once again created a novel full of warmth, humour and life lessons. The added bonus in this story is the clever inclusion of a twist around three quarters of the way through (or sooner if you pick up on it before I did).
Will is adept at bringing to life the complexities of family life, complete with all the heartfelt love and heartbreaking struggles that can encompass. The tale he weaves highlights the highs and lows of blossoming relationships and offers the reader a rich insight into the consequences of the characters' decisions. Should you follow your head or your heart? Can you do both?
While it is the warmth that binds this story, for me it is the witty humour which sparks my reading joy.
I highly recommend you pick up this novel. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Will Kostakis for the arc of this book.
Will is adept at bringing to life the complexities of family life, complete with all the heartfelt love and heartbreaking struggles that can encompass. The tale he weaves highlights the highs and lows of blossoming relationships and offers the reader a rich insight into the consequences of the characters' decisions. Should you follow your head or your heart? Can you do both?
While it is the warmth that binds this story, for me it is the witty humour which sparks my reading joy.
I highly recommend you pick up this novel. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Will Kostakis for the arc of this book.
March 17, 2023
I was very lucky to get to read an advanced copy of this, and it’s really something special, the kind of book that creeps up on you unexpectedly. It lands with tremendous clarity, both in the voices of its characters and its tone, and as I turned each page, I felt myself being pulled into the story and my heart strings gently tugged. It speaks to so many things - inter-generational family relationships, the Australian immigrant experience, being a young queer person, being an adult queer person, loss, grief, the expectations we have on the roles we play in a family or relationship - and speaks to them with startling honesty. There’s a quiet lack of fear in this book that deeply, deeply moved me. A really remarkable piece of writing, my heart is going to take a while to recover.
July 21, 2023
I feel so bad for reading Loathing Lola from the library and not buying it. I did buy The First Third, so I helped it get to 15 copies sold.
June 1, 2023
EDIT: thinking back, i actually really didn’t like this book. not enjoyable and too confusing of a timeline.
took so long to read. it took me ages to figure out that the other POV was harvey’s dad as a teen. i didn’t find myself being sucked into the story. still, a pleasant read. was lucky enough to pick up a reading copy before it officially comes out.
took so long to read. it took me ages to figure out that the other POV was harvey’s dad as a teen. i didn’t find myself being sucked into the story. still, a pleasant read. was lucky enough to pick up a reading copy before it officially comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
Never ending whining.
May 5, 2023
We Could Be Something is a heartfelt YA novel by Will Kostakis. The story revolves around a Greek-Australian family living in Sydney. They run a popular Greek café in Darlinghurst and live above the business. The chapters alternate between two main characters, Harvey, and Sotiris however, it took me awhile to figure out the connection between the two! I was pleasantly surprised with this story, but I didn’t like the way Sotiris treated his boyfriend Jem in several instances. Thank you to Better Reading for my ARC.
March 28, 2023
a good book about Greek family Harvey and the different of relationships and his mother's restaurant
funny bits in the story
loved this word" semiautobiographical"
easy to read and pace
funny bits in the story
loved this word" semiautobiographical"
easy to read and pace
March 29, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD.
‘what do you call a greek guy coming down the stairs who thinks he’s better than you?
con descending.’ → as someone who has a grandfather called con, this is my type of humour !
i loved this book so much. it felt like a hug from all my dead greek relatives (in the best way possible). it was a story of hope and love and family and even though it took me ages to figure out the two main characters connection, it was absolutely amazing.
‘what do you call a greek guy coming down the stairs who thinks he’s better than you?
con descending.’ → as someone who has a grandfather called con, this is my type of humour !
i loved this book so much. it felt like a hug from all my dead greek relatives (in the best way possible). it was a story of hope and love and family and even though it took me ages to figure out the two main characters connection, it was absolutely amazing.
December 17, 2024
I loved this book. It's a beautifully written story told from the perspectives of two teenage boys trying to figure out who they are. It's about love, loss, identity, and family. It made me teary but also laugh throughout.
April 21, 2025
Content warnings: homophobia, cheating, dementia, death of a parent
Loved the dual timelines and the generational storyline. Didn't QUITE stick the landing for me though. Will forever respect Will Kostakis' ability to make me giggle and then rip my heart out two pages later.
Loved the dual timelines and the generational storyline. Didn't QUITE stick the landing for me though. Will forever respect Will Kostakis' ability to make me giggle and then rip my heart out two pages later.
April 9, 2023
I received an advance copy thanks to Better Reading and Allen & Unwin. I enjoyed the structure of this book, with the story developing through two main characters via alternate chapters. It took me longer than expected to make sense of the relationship between these two characters and their perspectives. I enjoyed the character of Sotiris, as his perspective was interesting and more detailed than the story of Harvey. This book explores the ways in which teenagers figure out who they are and building the confidence to be comfortable in their own skin.
May 20, 2023
“The sun sets on a bonfire in Leichhardt.”
Back from Brisbane Writers Festival, and I finally sent something off that was overdue - which means my brain had been freed up to treat myself to some books I’ve been hoarding and *desperate* to read.
Top of that pile was Will Kostakis’ new #LoveOzYA from Allen & Unwin - ‘We Could Be Something’
Now, before I can give my opinion you need to know that Will Kostakis got his first book-deal before he graduated high school, and his debut ‘Loathing Lola’ released when he was 19.
Now do you get it?
Never mind that I know and greatly respect Will - I was a fan first, but now I know him as an artist and friend too - and part of me wondered if my knowing how much this story is drawing on his own experiences would cloud my reading?
Never fear.
Because this book *walloped* me in the best ways. Humour and heart that I already knew Will could do, but a reckoning and sharing on the page that’s so generous and tender from him as an artist.
He really is grappling with voice here, amongst these characters - how they’re finding theirs, when Will’s as author has never been clearer, is pretty spectacular … he’s touching on some complex and wrought discussions about young people breaking away and finding out who they are, how they tear off pieces of themselves to give to other people - and what do they keep or hide for (and from) themselves. There’s a lot happening and all of it is brilliant and feels like a levelling-up in YA, particularly Aussie queer lit for teens. I don't want to give anything away; but I think Will Kostakis is giving people what they *think* they want from Queer YA, and then in the most loving way he's saying "actually, this is what we need." He's pulling it into a new era, and I agree.
No wonder this book has been heralded as a clear front-runner for the sweep of awards that’s sure to come. And I must say - I agree.
Not to mention - the writing within is just … *gorgeous*. It’s a voice cut to the bone, with such clarity that sighs and sings on the page. In particular (because I’m a sucker for them!) some of his opening and closing chapter lines - particularly those setting location - were just stunning!
It’s the kind of writing that feels effortless, but has clearly been honed and carefully considered so you don’t notice the effort. That’s hard to do. Will’s slam-dunked it here.
The whole thing just delighted me. I KNEW it would be good, but this? Was *exceptionally* good.
“I abandon my cup. I leave a bonfire in Leichhardt.”
Back from Brisbane Writers Festival, and I finally sent something off that was overdue - which means my brain had been freed up to treat myself to some books I’ve been hoarding and *desperate* to read.
Top of that pile was Will Kostakis’ new #LoveOzYA from Allen & Unwin - ‘We Could Be Something’
Now, before I can give my opinion you need to know that Will Kostakis got his first book-deal before he graduated high school, and his debut ‘Loathing Lola’ released when he was 19.
Now do you get it?
Never mind that I know and greatly respect Will - I was a fan first, but now I know him as an artist and friend too - and part of me wondered if my knowing how much this story is drawing on his own experiences would cloud my reading?
Never fear.
Because this book *walloped* me in the best ways. Humour and heart that I already knew Will could do, but a reckoning and sharing on the page that’s so generous and tender from him as an artist.
He really is grappling with voice here, amongst these characters - how they’re finding theirs, when Will’s as author has never been clearer, is pretty spectacular … he’s touching on some complex and wrought discussions about young people breaking away and finding out who they are, how they tear off pieces of themselves to give to other people - and what do they keep or hide for (and from) themselves. There’s a lot happening and all of it is brilliant and feels like a levelling-up in YA, particularly Aussie queer lit for teens. I don't want to give anything away; but I think Will Kostakis is giving people what they *think* they want from Queer YA, and then in the most loving way he's saying "actually, this is what we need." He's pulling it into a new era, and I agree.
No wonder this book has been heralded as a clear front-runner for the sweep of awards that’s sure to come. And I must say - I agree.
Not to mention - the writing within is just … *gorgeous*. It’s a voice cut to the bone, with such clarity that sighs and sings on the page. In particular (because I’m a sucker for them!) some of his opening and closing chapter lines - particularly those setting location - were just stunning!
It’s the kind of writing that feels effortless, but has clearly been honed and carefully considered so you don’t notice the effort. That’s hard to do. Will’s slam-dunked it here.
The whole thing just delighted me. I KNEW it would be good, but this? Was *exceptionally* good.
“I abandon my cup. I leave a bonfire in Leichhardt.”
July 2, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Will Kostakis - I picked up the novel on a recent book trip in Torquay and found it an engaging read. It is approximately 400 pages but very readable - so much so that I read it in one day. The story is set in Sydney and alternates between two central characters who reside in the same street in different generations. An enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by this Greek-Australian author in future.
April 26, 2023
Thank you Allen & Unwin for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first Will Kostakis book, so I’ve nothing else to compare it to, but it took me a little bit to get used to in terms of style. So much so that I wasn’t sure it was going to work for me.
The pacing felt slow and felt centred on the monotony of day-to-day life, which is fine for some, but not usually what I’m after in a book.
However, something kept me holding on, and I ended up loving this book. I’m so glad I took my time with it and didn’t give up on it. This is a book that deserves to be fully absorbed and appreciated. It deserves to be felt deep in your core.
This is an intergenerational dual-timeline story following a father and son. It follows both of them at age 17/18, switching timelines every few chapters. The result is a full, compelling, raw story about love, family and grief.
These characters are all so loveable, even when they’re not. Sotoris in particular should have been difficult to love, but his mistakes, the way he treated the people around him, the way he felt, all just felt too realistic to hate him for any of it.
Harvey, on the other hand, should have been more easily loveable, and yet it took me a lot longer to warm to him.
The supporting cast were all absolutely fantastic. Some of these scenes truly felt like being a part of a big, complicated family gathering, and I loved that.
I definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a new kind of YA read.
This is my first Will Kostakis book, so I’ve nothing else to compare it to, but it took me a little bit to get used to in terms of style. So much so that I wasn’t sure it was going to work for me.
The pacing felt slow and felt centred on the monotony of day-to-day life, which is fine for some, but not usually what I’m after in a book.
However, something kept me holding on, and I ended up loving this book. I’m so glad I took my time with it and didn’t give up on it. This is a book that deserves to be fully absorbed and appreciated. It deserves to be felt deep in your core.
This is an intergenerational dual-timeline story following a father and son. It follows both of them at age 17/18, switching timelines every few chapters. The result is a full, compelling, raw story about love, family and grief.
These characters are all so loveable, even when they’re not. Sotoris in particular should have been difficult to love, but his mistakes, the way he treated the people around him, the way he felt, all just felt too realistic to hate him for any of it.
Harvey, on the other hand, should have been more easily loveable, and yet it took me a lot longer to warm to him.
The supporting cast were all absolutely fantastic. Some of these scenes truly felt like being a part of a big, complicated family gathering, and I loved that.
I definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a new kind of YA read.
August 28, 2024
When his dads split up, seventeen year old Harvey leaves Dad behind in Perth and flies to Sydney with Ba, dropping out of school and moving into the apartment over the cafe owned by his Greek grandmother and ailing great-grandmother. Harvey’s and Ba’s stories intertwine as Ba tries to resurrect his early success as a writer and Harvey figures out his own future as he works at the cafe. Strong, memorable characters and a compelling look at gay relationships in two generations. EARC from Edelweiss.
February 6, 2025
Took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out exactly what was going on here, but I don't think that can be attributed to any lack of set-up on Will Kostakis's part - I'm just not firing on all reading cylinders at the moment! I appreciated the symmetry once I did catch on, and enjoyed reading about both boys (equally, which is a feat in and of itself for dual-POV narratives, in my experience) all throughout. While I thought the ending could have been stronger, I found We Could Be Something as a whole authentic, earnest, and thoroughly enjoyable.
April 8, 2024
I'm always happy to try LGBTIQ fiction from Aussie authors and this parallel coming of age YA tale (for Harvey & Sotiris) was fascinating - particularly as it involves second culture issues. Familial back histories and volatile interpersonal dynamics added to an engaging reading experience. 3.5 stars.
June 27, 2023
A remarkable YA novel. Engaging and fun and meaningful.
December 9, 2023
4.5 stars.
January 9, 2024
this book was good and the relationship between Sotiris and Jem was written really well, in a very unique way that you don't see in YA novels. All the characters were interesting, but a bit bland but it was still a well thought out novel.
dnf
April 14, 2025dnf @ 12% bc my e-book from the library was returned and they no longer have it, will continue once I get my hands on this from somewhere else
November 26, 2023
It is so good to step into another’s shoes. Reading this book gave me a real sense of family and life for a young person today.
June 12, 2023
A story about family, about immigrants and hard work, about loss and grief and love. Queer love, familial love, first love, platonic love and passion for something
Harvey's dads are breaking up and he's on the next flight to Sydney from Perth. A fresh beginning, but what will his life look like living with his extended Greek family in the apartment over their cafe? A semi autobiography about identity, but mostly about love.
Happy Pride
Harvey's dads are breaking up and he's on the next flight to Sydney from Perth. A fresh beginning, but what will his life look like living with his extended Greek family in the apartment over their cafe? A semi autobiography about identity, but mostly about love.
Happy Pride
July 2, 2024
4.5 stars. I wasn’t sure how I felt until I hit the plot twist halfway through and then I was completely engaged. So full of heart and surprising warmth and depth, loved it! Stayed up too late to finish and cried. Very special and devastating <3
January 25, 2023
Just when you think that a book won't make you ugly cry this year - then comes along Kostakis' next (and best yet) novel.
Kostakis shaped his characters as real representations of those we know - or want to know - in our every day lives. You connect with them and feel all their emotions, trials and tribulations.
This novel has the best narrative arc I have read in Australia YA fiction thus far!
Highly recommend you read - and share - this book with your friends and family.
Kostakis shaped his characters as real representations of those we know - or want to know - in our every day lives. You connect with them and feel all their emotions, trials and tribulations.
This novel has the best narrative arc I have read in Australia YA fiction thus far!
Highly recommend you read - and share - this book with your friends and family.
January 25, 2023
I'm still thinking about this book well after finishing it! It's funny and it's heartfelt and there's a terrifically executed twist in the story that I don't want to say anything more about, because it's such a delight to uncover it for yourself. Will's best book yet.
March 28, 2024
oh my god where to start. this book is the perfect balance of witty and authentic. i fell in love with the characters almost immediately and the dual pov was done so well.
the concept is something ive never come across before but was done exceptionally well. one pov follows harvey- a teenager who’s navigating his dads splitting up, while the other follows his dad when he was harvey’s age- falling in love for the first time and trying to balance this with his dream. however, beneath it all it’s a story about love and family, the author’s fondness for his greek family breathing through every word and can be seen with the connection between both timelines being their families and the relationships within that.
i don’t want to go into detail bc no one is reading this but i enjoyed this book way more than i was expecting, it’s everything you could ever want in a coming-of-age and im looking forward to read more from this author in the future !!
the concept is something ive never come across before but was done exceptionally well. one pov follows harvey- a teenager who’s navigating his dads splitting up, while the other follows his dad when he was harvey’s age- falling in love for the first time and trying to balance this with his dream. however, beneath it all it’s a story about love and family, the author’s fondness for his greek family breathing through every word and can be seen with the connection between both timelines being their families and the relationships within that.
i don’t want to go into detail bc no one is reading this but i enjoyed this book way more than i was expecting, it’s everything you could ever want in a coming-of-age and im looking forward to read more from this author in the future !!
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