BOBTHEBUILDER

4 Stars

Things I like about this book:

• Queer representation: A nonbinary character and queer relationship.

• Discussions of Climate Change: This is more twords the end of the book, but it is a large part of the MC's arc. As someone who has never lived near the ocean or any large bodies of water, I had no awarness what Red Tide really was and I appreciate learning something that I haven't seen discussed in any other books! (Though I probably don't read enough of this genere to know if this is something many books discuss)

• Depictions of the Special Effects and Filming: This is the focus of the plot, as the MC and her friend now have to take a class in community college under threat of expulsion. Although the more intricate details about the craft are not super prevelant, it was nice to see in the book.

Things I don't have a massive opinion on in this book:

• Artstyle: This book has a very specific artstyle, and it fits with the vibes of the book. It's not something that I personally love (Except the coloring, I do really like the coloring!), but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book.

Things I like less about this book:

• Pacing: The book feels oddly paced to me, though I did read it all in one day, so that could just be a me issue.

• Conflict Resolution: The main argument with the MC and her friend is not resolved in a satisfying way - at least for me. The crux of their argument is that the Mpissy" because it is shown multiple times that the friend is brushing her off and refusing to have one on one time) I don't think that the MC reacted well, but the narritiveng that was perfectly fine to do with no communication with the MC because she was "being pissy". (Keep in mind that the MC is being "pissy" because it is shown multiple times that the friend is brushing her off and refusing to have one on one time) I don't think that the MC reacted well, but the narritive acts as though the her friend has nothing to apologize for, even though they have both made mistakes.

I also don't think the subplot with the MC and her mother was handled perfectly. The impression given throughout the book is that the MC's mother is putting too much responsibility on her to take care of her brother, and although it was not the main focus of the book it would have been intresting to see more about why the MC feels this way, and how it could be adressed. With the amount it is brought up I just feel that it should have been adressed more.

Overall, I did enjoy this book, I just wish the conflicts were handled with more aknowladgment that both parties did wrong.

I'm sorry for how long this reveiw is, I just had a lot of thoughts on the book :,)