What do you think?
Rate this book
The Signs We Missed
Thrown out by his mother, 17-year-old Luke hopes to overcome his narcotic addiction and depression by changing his surroundings. At his new school, he quickly becomes friends with Sean, but finding that his developing feelings aren’t returned, Luke retreats into old habits. Determined to hide his self-injurious behavior and an advancing eating disorder, he soon risks much more than a broken heart.
When Sean meets Luke, the last thing on his mind is falling in love with a boy. Grappling with his own conflicting emotions and trying to keep them from his suspicious girlfriend, he brushes off Luke’s strange behavior. But when Luke suddenly cuts him off, Sean is forced to confront the truth and take action to save his best friend.
When Sean meets Luke, the last thing on his mind is falling in love with a boy. Grappling with his own conflicting emotions and trying to keep them from his suspicious girlfriend, he brushes off Luke’s strange behavior. But when Luke suddenly cuts him off, Sean is forced to confront the truth and take action to save his best friend.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 12, 2022
The Signs We Missed was an emotional, heart-breaking, and heart-warming coming of age story of two friends with unconditional love. You'll definitely cry at Luke's story and fall in love with Sean.
August 7, 2023
THE SIGNS WE MISSED is a young adult, standalone story, that deals with some dark themes. It comes with trigger warnings so please take note of them.
Love is never easy, and it is sometimes dark and filled with pain, especially if you are experiencing something for the first time and are unsure of just what's happening. Cruelty can be through ignorance, not always deliberate. This is the position Sean finds himself in with Luke. He has feelings but doesn't know what to do with them.
Told mainly from the perspectives of Sean, Luke, and Shayne, the missing gaps are mostly filled in and you get a rounded story. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure how Fly's story fitted in for most of it, nor if the destructive relationship between her and Shayne was sorted, but it was still an enjoyable read - if a dark storyline can be called as such.
This is not light and fluffy, to even think that would be to do it a disservice. Instead, it is a gripping book that deals with self-harm, bisexual awakenings, and eating disorders, to name just a few. If you can cope with those, then I definitely recommend you take a chance on this novel.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2022
Love is never easy, and it is sometimes dark and filled with pain, especially if you are experiencing something for the first time and are unsure of just what's happening. Cruelty can be through ignorance, not always deliberate. This is the position Sean finds himself in with Luke. He has feelings but doesn't know what to do with them.
Told mainly from the perspectives of Sean, Luke, and Shayne, the missing gaps are mostly filled in and you get a rounded story. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure how Fly's story fitted in for most of it, nor if the destructive relationship between her and Shayne was sorted, but it was still an enjoyable read - if a dark storyline can be called as such.
This is not light and fluffy, to even think that would be to do it a disservice. Instead, it is a gripping book that deals with self-harm, bisexual awakenings, and eating disorders, to name just a few. If you can cope with those, then I definitely recommend you take a chance on this novel.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2022
August 11, 2022
The signs we missed is a turbulent story that closely follows our main characters Luke and sean, mainly told from the perspective of Luke and Sean but also told from second-person narrative, I found myself immersed in the storyline because of this different narrative and different vantage point.
The Signs We Missed, is fraught with personal battles, such as eating disorders, addiction, self-harm, toxic relationships and questioning ones sexual orientation and interpersonal identity.
I really liked the overall tone of the book, there is an ominous and foreboding intent, which really added to the inner turmoil of the characters within The Signs We Missed. There is also a few additional characters to the dynamic of Luke and Sean. With Sean's girlfriend, brother and Fly playing pivotal roles to this story.
This is an interesting and realistic coming-of-age read, that doesn't sugar-coat the realities of trauma/self-destructive patterns. The Signs We Missed is a story, of self-discovery, first-love and self-acceptance at it's core.
The Signs We Missed, is fraught with personal battles, such as eating disorders, addiction, self-harm, toxic relationships and questioning ones sexual orientation and interpersonal identity.
I really liked the overall tone of the book, there is an ominous and foreboding intent, which really added to the inner turmoil of the characters within The Signs We Missed. There is also a few additional characters to the dynamic of Luke and Sean. With Sean's girlfriend, brother and Fly playing pivotal roles to this story.
This is an interesting and realistic coming-of-age read, that doesn't sugar-coat the realities of trauma/self-destructive patterns. The Signs We Missed is a story, of self-discovery, first-love and self-acceptance at it's core.
July 28, 2022
This is a new author to me. This is an intense story. I never had a feeling for which way this story was going. I feel it mainly centers on two friends that go through a lot together before they have issues that change their relationship. Sean and his brother Shayne have a
Sean is sure he is in love with Sophia, yet he cannot be cut off his friendship with Luke. Luke definitely knows his feelings for Sean but is unable to let go of Sean to a relationship with Sophia. Luke has a awful childhood and at 17 is living on his own. He has issues that are totally out of control yet those around him seem to ignore them. As their relationship is defined and progresses and the different situations cause each Sean and Luke to address things about themselves and each other the story broke my heart. It took a long time to feel where these two were going and even at the end I’d like to know where they are a few years down the road.
The other part of this story concerns Fly and Shayne. I’m not sure that relationship was ever resolved. They appeared addicted to each other yet it felt like a destructive relationship. I’m not sure if the author plans on a next book to both tie up the questions about where Sean and Luke settle or what happens with Shayne and Fly but I’m hoping so.
This story has such a different feel to it. I would recommend it.
Sean is sure he is in love with Sophia, yet he cannot be cut off his friendship with Luke. Luke definitely knows his feelings for Sean but is unable to let go of Sean to a relationship with Sophia. Luke has a awful childhood and at 17 is living on his own. He has issues that are totally out of control yet those around him seem to ignore them. As their relationship is defined and progresses and the different situations cause each Sean and Luke to address things about themselves and each other the story broke my heart. It took a long time to feel where these two were going and even at the end I’d like to know where they are a few years down the road.
The other part of this story concerns Fly and Shayne. I’m not sure that relationship was ever resolved. They appeared addicted to each other yet it felt like a destructive relationship. I’m not sure if the author plans on a next book to both tie up the questions about where Sean and Luke settle or what happens with Shayne and Fly but I’m hoping so.
This story has such a different feel to it. I would recommend it.
July 6, 2022
A really catching, illuminating, sometimes heartbreaking but hopeful novel
In this review I want to talk about what reading this book did to me and my personal growth instead of the topics it deals with, because I am fully concerned that this is what makes this book - and the experience of reading it- so very special.
For me it seems impossible to find a proper way to put into words why I believe the world needs more people on it, who have read those pages. But I will tell you how it enriched my worldview and my life.
The book took my whole attention when I was reading and I think I fell into that state of mind that’s called hyperfocus what made me kind of escape reality whenever I started reading. I feel like actually knowing the characters in a way you may feel to know close friends, what made me experience all the ups and downs with them. Trust me or not, while reading this book I felt all kinds of emotions – the good ones as well as the bad ones- and even feelings I’ve never felt before in my whole life. Concerning this aspect one perk of this experience was that no matter how dark and painful the situation sometimes may be, the story always offers some kind of reason and eventually there always is some light (and a good laugh) that waits ahead.
Reading (and feeling) this novel broaderd my view of the variety of effects that hurtness and emotional pain may have on different people. Furthermore it made me realise that deep deep down, some where in our hearts we all are connected and do understand each other (inspite of all our differences and indivdualism) in a way that words will never be able to explain. Especially concering mental disorders this story seems to have the potential to actually make people who have (gladly) not suffered from this themselves more understanding for upcoming behaviours. Moreover we may realise that every one of us could get into this position. All in all the book points out how important it is to take care of each other even if it sometimes puts us in uncomfortable and challenging situations.
To conclude I wanna say that the author of this novel found a fascinating and catching way of using words to make the reader understand all the things we do not have words for. She finds a way of describing the undescribable by taking the reader right into the characters world and their point of view.
In the end I also think it’s important to mention that every one of us will have a fully different experience of reading this book. It may have changed my world in a whole different way than it will change yours. But I’m sure in some kind of way every one of you will profit of giving it a try. In my point of view this book is definitely *not* only a teen drama. I think it will be teaching, fascinating, thrilling and addicitive as well as amusing and entertaining for people of all ages.
In this review I want to talk about what reading this book did to me and my personal growth instead of the topics it deals with, because I am fully concerned that this is what makes this book - and the experience of reading it- so very special.
For me it seems impossible to find a proper way to put into words why I believe the world needs more people on it, who have read those pages. But I will tell you how it enriched my worldview and my life.
The book took my whole attention when I was reading and I think I fell into that state of mind that’s called hyperfocus what made me kind of escape reality whenever I started reading. I feel like actually knowing the characters in a way you may feel to know close friends, what made me experience all the ups and downs with them. Trust me or not, while reading this book I felt all kinds of emotions – the good ones as well as the bad ones- and even feelings I’ve never felt before in my whole life. Concerning this aspect one perk of this experience was that no matter how dark and painful the situation sometimes may be, the story always offers some kind of reason and eventually there always is some light (and a good laugh) that waits ahead.
Reading (and feeling) this novel broaderd my view of the variety of effects that hurtness and emotional pain may have on different people. Furthermore it made me realise that deep deep down, some where in our hearts we all are connected and do understand each other (inspite of all our differences and indivdualism) in a way that words will never be able to explain. Especially concering mental disorders this story seems to have the potential to actually make people who have (gladly) not suffered from this themselves more understanding for upcoming behaviours. Moreover we may realise that every one of us could get into this position. All in all the book points out how important it is to take care of each other even if it sometimes puts us in uncomfortable and challenging situations.
To conclude I wanna say that the author of this novel found a fascinating and catching way of using words to make the reader understand all the things we do not have words for. She finds a way of describing the undescribable by taking the reader right into the characters world and their point of view.
In the end I also think it’s important to mention that every one of us will have a fully different experience of reading this book. It may have changed my world in a whole different way than it will change yours. But I’m sure in some kind of way every one of you will profit of giving it a try. In my point of view this book is definitely *not* only a teen drama. I think it will be teaching, fascinating, thrilling and addicitive as well as amusing and entertaining for people of all ages.
July 18, 2022
As a high school teacher, this book was one that I felt I had to read and review. Lena S. May does an excellent job evolving the characters, as this is definitely not a light read. Luke and Sean are believable characters, and the situations they are placed in are well-written. Although this book is very much a different read, I am so glad I took a chance on it.
June 24, 2022
It’s a treat to read a new Gay novel dealing with real issues. In writing this story, Lena S. May doesn’t shy away from confronting the reader rather than sugar-coating events to spare a reader’s sensibilities. ‘The signs we missed’ is, at heart, a gay love story about Luke and Sean, but with a whole lot more to give it extra meaning and thereby make it memorable.
We share 17-year-old Luke’s journey as he struggles to deal with his past. Thrown out by his drug-addicted mother, Luke has to deal with his habits and disorders. When he falls for another guy at his school, and they become friends, there is a spark between them. The growing friendship with Sean offers him the possibility of something more, or is it just wishful thinking?
For Sean, in the beginning, Luke is nothing more than a friend, albeit a very special one. Becoming involved with a girl, when she becomes Sean’s girlfriend, he’s torn by his desire for her and his loyalty to Luke. On top of this, he begins to find himself inexplicably drawn to Luke in a way that could become more than friendship alone. Sometimes he appears to prioritize Luke over his girlfriend, and she becomes jealous and suspicious because of his treatment of her.
When he’s cut adrift by Sean, Luke cannot deal with the separation. His despair drags him down, and he soon returns to his old ways of self-harm and addiction.
Beginning to question his own feelings for Luke seriously, Sean is walking the line between straight and gay, a line that is becoming increasingly blurred.
In summation, ‘The signs we missed’ is a novel that shouldn’t be missed. Lena S. May has crafted a beautiful story that must be on anyone’s reading list. The writing is crisp, and the author has avoided overwriting scenes when it would be an easy thing to do. The protagonists are believable, realistic, and easy for the reader to relate to. The other characters, Sean’s girlfriend and brother, are well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We share 17-year-old Luke’s journey as he struggles to deal with his past. Thrown out by his drug-addicted mother, Luke has to deal with his habits and disorders. When he falls for another guy at his school, and they become friends, there is a spark between them. The growing friendship with Sean offers him the possibility of something more, or is it just wishful thinking?
For Sean, in the beginning, Luke is nothing more than a friend, albeit a very special one. Becoming involved with a girl, when she becomes Sean’s girlfriend, he’s torn by his desire for her and his loyalty to Luke. On top of this, he begins to find himself inexplicably drawn to Luke in a way that could become more than friendship alone. Sometimes he appears to prioritize Luke over his girlfriend, and she becomes jealous and suspicious because of his treatment of her.
When he’s cut adrift by Sean, Luke cannot deal with the separation. His despair drags him down, and he soon returns to his old ways of self-harm and addiction.
Beginning to question his own feelings for Luke seriously, Sean is walking the line between straight and gay, a line that is becoming increasingly blurred.
In summation, ‘The signs we missed’ is a novel that shouldn’t be missed. Lena S. May has crafted a beautiful story that must be on anyone’s reading list. The writing is crisp, and the author has avoided overwriting scenes when it would be an easy thing to do. The protagonists are believable, realistic, and easy for the reader to relate to. The other characters, Sean’s girlfriend and brother, are well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2022
A very powerful and engaging novel that leads you with a sense of dread through the relationship between Sean, girlfriend Sophia, and Luke who is dealing with addictions, harmful behaviours and the desire for more than friendship with Sean. The author takes the reader into a world of self harm, loss of self respect and eating disorders but avoids any sensationalism whilst helping the reader to understand why each behaviour might appear to be the only choice available.
The novel builds on the strong secondary characters, allowing each to become a valuable part of the story and important in their own right, especially when their own harmful behaviours echo or contrast with those of the main characters. The novel does not shy away from difficult situations or the love/hate relationships between friends and family but shows how those relationships can bring such warmth and closeness when nurtured.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The novel builds on the strong secondary characters, allowing each to become a valuable part of the story and important in their own right, especially when their own harmful behaviours echo or contrast with those of the main characters. The novel does not shy away from difficult situations or the love/hate relationships between friends and family but shows how those relationships can bring such warmth and closeness when nurtured.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2022
This is a really good book and I had a really hard time reading it. It has believable characters, good dialogue, small, not too busy plot, excellent writing. It's also…grim.
Pretty much every one of these believable characters is set on self-destruction. At every crossroads, they make the wrong choice. And there doesn't seem to be a single responsible adult around. Nobody is supervising.
It's depressing.
Why do Shayne and Sean insist on staying at their old school? It certainly isn't, at least for Sean, a reluctance to leave friends behind.
Bottom line - really good book, if you don't mind depressing. It's not a romance, so there's no HEA. The ending is, however, slightly hopeful (at least I found it so).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pretty much every one of these believable characters is set on self-destruction. At every crossroads, they make the wrong choice. And there doesn't seem to be a single responsible adult around. Nobody is supervising.
It's depressing.
Why do Shayne and Sean insist on staying at their old school? It certainly isn't, at least for Sean, a reluctance to leave friends behind.
Bottom line - really good book, if you don't mind depressing. It's not a romance, so there's no HEA. The ending is, however, slightly hopeful (at least I found it so).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2022
This is not a light book in any sense. It does not involve assassins or the mafia but it is high angst and a beautifully written story of a romance between a broken person and a more loved person. The love you get makes a big difference in whether you see yourself as worthy or not.
Luke begins with a number of negatives against him and we learn all of them as the story moves along. Sean’s parents have died which is trauma in itself and he has been brought up by his grandmother who loves him and his brother deeply. The side characters are quite a large part of the whole story and their stories are interesting too, Fly was fascinating. One of the touches I liked was that all the women had strong characters and were not a cipher.
Sean meets Luke when he starts school and they are immediately drawn to each other. Sean is also discovering women. He does well in school and has a steady routine though his older brother Shayne seems a bit of a jerk-he always flirts with any female that Sean is interested in-a man-whore he is called at least once but he is only in his early 20’s so that seems a little harsh at times. Luke is totally different to Sean from anyone else he knows and neither of them appears to have any friends. They are both in secondary school which tells you how young they are and I wondered why Sean did not have friends as he seems so ‘normal’. The friendship develops along with Sean beginning to date Sophia. Both Luke and Sophia are jealous of each other and there is evidence that both have intense personalities. Eventually Sean is going to have to choose and it takes a tragedy to do so. This is not a chirpy book. It is a fast read but a deep one. If you have any hx with addiction and/or mental health issues, this could be a trigger. I have either experienced or worked with the main issues in this book and it was true to life. I wish I could love all those LGBTQ teens out there who need it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luke begins with a number of negatives against him and we learn all of them as the story moves along. Sean’s parents have died which is trauma in itself and he has been brought up by his grandmother who loves him and his brother deeply. The side characters are quite a large part of the whole story and their stories are interesting too, Fly was fascinating. One of the touches I liked was that all the women had strong characters and were not a cipher.
Sean meets Luke when he starts school and they are immediately drawn to each other. Sean is also discovering women. He does well in school and has a steady routine though his older brother Shayne seems a bit of a jerk-he always flirts with any female that Sean is interested in-a man-whore he is called at least once but he is only in his early 20’s so that seems a little harsh at times. Luke is totally different to Sean from anyone else he knows and neither of them appears to have any friends. They are both in secondary school which tells you how young they are and I wondered why Sean did not have friends as he seems so ‘normal’. The friendship develops along with Sean beginning to date Sophia. Both Luke and Sophia are jealous of each other and there is evidence that both have intense personalities. Eventually Sean is going to have to choose and it takes a tragedy to do so. This is not a chirpy book. It is a fast read but a deep one. If you have any hx with addiction and/or mental health issues, this could be a trigger. I have either experienced or worked with the main issues in this book and it was true to life. I wish I could love all those LGBTQ teens out there who need it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 7, 2022
It's a very well-written and a very challenging book. If you're expecting a cute romance that is not it. Yet I encourage you to stay. The author covers a long list of difficult topics, yet they are what makes this read very real and immersive. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before you start, but keep in mind that isolated and listed in bullet points they may seem scarier, then they actually are.
The characters of Luke and Shane are very complex and well-developed. They have their good sides and they have their flaws. Shane in particular seems to be a bit of an assface at the beginning. Thought reading however you discover how many things you may identify with in them though and how much growth can come from it. They both learn, they both have to fight for their own happy endings and they will have to fight much more to actually get them.
I loved the inclusion of the narration coming from the side-characters. They had their stories to tell and those stories had a huge impact on the two MCs. The plot never gets lost in them, everything has a point. The countdown at the beginning of each chapter gives it a sense of urgency, makes you wait at the edge of your seat waiting for the inevitable to happen.
This is not a book perfect for an afternoon easy read to wind down. I requires time and attention, but it's all well worth it in the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters of Luke and Shane are very complex and well-developed. They have their good sides and they have their flaws. Shane in particular seems to be a bit of an assface at the beginning. Thought reading however you discover how many things you may identify with in them though and how much growth can come from it. They both learn, they both have to fight for their own happy endings and they will have to fight much more to actually get them.
I loved the inclusion of the narration coming from the side-characters. They had their stories to tell and those stories had a huge impact on the two MCs. The plot never gets lost in them, everything has a point. The countdown at the beginning of each chapter gives it a sense of urgency, makes you wait at the edge of your seat waiting for the inevitable to happen.
This is not a book perfect for an afternoon easy read to wind down. I requires time and attention, but it's all well worth it in the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2022
This is kind of a heartbreaking story about unrequited love and decisions between heart and mind. The way the story is told made me really emphathize with the protagonists, especially with Luke and Sean.
Besides the love story Lena S. May brings up the topic of mental diseases and eating disorders and takes you into the world of an affected boy (which is kind of extraordinary, since it is often described from a girls view).
The story is told from the different points of view so you get to know all the different feelings and thougths of the characters about each other. These different perspectives and that you never know what comes next make the book so fascinating and thrilling that you can't put it down.
Besides the love story Lena S. May brings up the topic of mental diseases and eating disorders and takes you into the world of an affected boy (which is kind of extraordinary, since it is often described from a girls view).
The story is told from the different points of view so you get to know all the different feelings and thougths of the characters about each other. These different perspectives and that you never know what comes next make the book so fascinating and thrilling that you can't put it down.
August 1, 2022
The signs we missed could have been just another (queer) lovestory. But it’s not. May added different topics of current relevance in a balanced, remarkable way. The reader is taken right into the world of the characters and can easily imagine how things appear from their points of view, because May creates a feeling of knowing the characters and their personalities very well. The dramatic suspense as well is entertaining and humorous, which is a combination that makes you not wanting to put the book aside anytime.
October 25, 2022
I'm marking this DNF after about 1/3 of the book because I don't think I can handle everything that's in the trigger warnings, primarily suicide. It's beautifully written and if the themes appeal to you and you won't be gutted by anything in the list of triggers, I highly recommend it.
July 4, 2022
Not a happy book, the ability of the author to get into the self-destructive mind of a young teen who has felt rejection is amazingly well-done and I give credit. The fact Luke's friend is willing to keep coming back is amazing but I wonder how realistic. It was not an easy read because of the subject matter but I give credit to the author for pulling it off.
December 28, 2022
This is a weird book that, I think, fails.
I remember Sean's name--because it's supposed to be pronounced Seen... and I hated that every time I had to stop and pronounce it right.
It's been a month and I don't remember anyone else's name.
Numerous problems:
The main characters are two high schoolers who spend hardly any time trying to graduate, even though they're supposed to care about that. One of the main characters has been emancipated and lives on his own, under age, but I'm not sure how he's paying for anything. I really think this story could have been aged up and would have worked much better as a result.
Our troubled teen has a bad history with his mother, who is a drug addict, and I was excited about that character potential. That relationship is really wasted. Sean pressures him to see his mom again, and a true reckoning is never had. The author doesn't acknowledge that family doesn't always know what's best, that a neglectful mom has no claim to their child, or that dealing with a toxic relative can be really bad for us.
The opening sets up a gay-panic reveal, promising a family drama. It pretends that Sean's older brother might reject Sean for being gay. SPOILER ALERT: Brother knows Sean is gay before Sean can admit it to himself. It is never a problem.
Speaking of Sean's older brother, he's introduced as a semi-mysterious character. He turns out to be a fucking idiot. His relationship with an ex-sex-worker-turned-bar-owner&boss is really bizarre--and I was on board with Fly, until she went full "I have a traumatic past that is not relevant to anything except that it excuses ALL my worst behavior, and I can't change, not gonna try, fuck off." I could enjoy it for the dramatic kinky shit it is in another story, but juxtaposed with a "serious" look at teenage drug use, self harm, and mental illness? Hell no. It felt utterly inappropriate; when taken in conjunction with the toxic relationship between the two main characters, I theorize that the author had no intentions of writing good, healthy relationships. Given that the main plot is "the signs I missed that my underage best friend was having a mental health crisis," the disrespectful treatment of relationships is super gross.
I really think the main characters should have been aged up. Even being in college would have made more sense. It also would have made the questionable relationship themes more forgivable.
The good:
Portrayal of eating disorders, self harm, drug addiction, and mental health crises.... I actually thought that part was good.
I remember Sean's name--because it's supposed to be pronounced Seen... and I hated that every time I had to stop and pronounce it right.
It's been a month and I don't remember anyone else's name.
Numerous problems:
The main characters are two high schoolers who spend hardly any time trying to graduate, even though they're supposed to care about that. One of the main characters has been emancipated and lives on his own, under age, but I'm not sure how he's paying for anything. I really think this story could have been aged up and would have worked much better as a result.
Our troubled teen has a bad history with his mother, who is a drug addict, and I was excited about that character potential. That relationship is really wasted. Sean pressures him to see his mom again, and a true reckoning is never had. The author doesn't acknowledge that family doesn't always know what's best, that a neglectful mom has no claim to their child, or that dealing with a toxic relative can be really bad for us.
The opening sets up a gay-panic reveal, promising a family drama. It pretends that Sean's older brother might reject Sean for being gay. SPOILER ALERT: Brother knows Sean is gay before Sean can admit it to himself. It is never a problem.
Speaking of Sean's older brother, he's introduced as a semi-mysterious character. He turns out to be a fucking idiot. His relationship with an ex-sex-worker-turned-bar-owner&boss is really bizarre--and I was on board with Fly, until she went full "I have a traumatic past that is not relevant to anything except that it excuses ALL my worst behavior, and I can't change, not gonna try, fuck off." I could enjoy it for the dramatic kinky shit it is in another story, but juxtaposed with a "serious" look at teenage drug use, self harm, and mental illness? Hell no. It felt utterly inappropriate; when taken in conjunction with the toxic relationship between the two main characters, I theorize that the author had no intentions of writing good, healthy relationships. Given that the main plot is "the signs I missed that my underage best friend was having a mental health crisis," the disrespectful treatment of relationships is super gross.
I really think the main characters should have been aged up. Even being in college would have made more sense. It also would have made the questionable relationship themes more forgivable.
The good:
Portrayal of eating disorders, self harm, drug addiction, and mental health crises.... I actually thought that part was good.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews