#also just about iksw in general

[t1oui]

thinking about my marylily & jegulus i kissed shara wheeler au again...

[a-queer-mess]

The sapphic version of the red and blue couple is pink and green

[wlw-library]

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston book review

Frankly, I have no idea how to write this review. I have so many thoughts about this book, and all of them are positive. Were there a few moments where a Gen Z reference was made, and it felt a little dated? Maybe once or twice. But otherwise, it was very difficult to find things to dislike about this book. This is a long one, so strap in.

It was clear from the beginning that Casey McQuiston (CMQ) did their research. They clearly understand how Gen Z function. From the "monsterf***er" jokes to the fact that all of the queer kids grouped together and had a strong sense of justice. There were cultural things that I didn't expect to see in a book written by someone who isn't herself a member of Gen Z. I may be over-emphasizing this, but it is so refreshing to read a book that clearly understands who its audience is, and was written directly for them. AND THE CHARACTERS!!!!! Although Chloe Green is the main character, the other characters shine just as brightly. Every single one of them, from Rory (the grumpy musician who's had a thing for Shara for as long as he can remember) to Ace (the jock with a secret passion for musical theatre), had a story. They all had something important about them, and it never felt like CMQ added them in just for that extra seasoning that's found in an ensemble book. My personal favorite was Smith, maybe because jocks written by non-men are naturally superior, but also because he has so much development throughout the story. He has such a beautiful arc, and I won't say anything else in order to avoid spoilers, but I would like him and all his flowers to be my best friend. This book will put you through a million emotions, but it primarily puts the "-com" in "romcom". I was giggling in a silent library while reading IKSW. I cannot express how out of character that is for me. But CMQ doesn't shy away from their ability to make the reader emotional either. She proudly flaunts that ability with the wonderful scenes about being who you are, despite your circumstances. And oh my goodness, some of the "From the Burn Pile" segments genuinely made me tear up. I have yet to read a book that is as touching as this one that also manages to swerve into humor effortlessly. The subject matter is difficult. There's a lot of religion-based homophobia and some mentions of transphobia. There's general grossness that comes from living in a small town in the Southern United States. But, frankly, it's very accurate. I come from a very religious small town in the South, and IKSW is in a league of its own with how honest it is about those realities. Also, it's worth noting that I finished this book in 3 days, despite the fact that I've been bouncing from book to book lately. IKSW isn't unreasonably fast-paced, but it's fast enough that it reels you in. I flew through those 351 pages like they were nothing. However, there are enough slow moments to really keep you attached to the characters.

[theodoraflowerday]

Hello!! I've been following you for a few months first from your Heartstopper fics and then rwrb, but I started reading I Kissed Shara Wheeler a few days ago (I'm about halfway through) and I'm assuming from your username that you have read it as well? What did you think of it? Sorry if this is a little strange, feel free to ignore this, but no one in my real life has read it and I'm having lots of thoughts and feelings and would love to hear someone else's thoughts.

Hi!! Sorry it took me a while to get to this, do feel free to send any IKSW thoughts this way :)

Okay so, I loved it, deeply, because of how little I related to the specific struggles of these characters (save for Smith, idk if you've reached that bit yet). It was just..... these kids are all very messy and weird and I love that that's something they can be, it reminded me a lot of how I used to think I was better than everyone while I was a teenager (which I think is a v universal teenage experience, when you think you're simultaneously the worst person in the world but also better than everyone). I don't know, I don't have fully formed thoughts on it bc I've only read it twice, but generally I loved the book a LOT (and I hope you're also enjoying it!)