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hue's review against another edition
2.5
It was perfectly fine I just didn't really care about the characters at all, I guess. The multiple POV was nice though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Homophobia, Sexual violence, and Violence
abbie_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
It’s been ages since I read a book told entirely in different POVs! With the exception of one who we hear from twice, we only get a chapter with each of the characters in Under the Rainbow, a snapshot of life in Big Burr, the most homophobic town in America, told from multiple perspectives. Strangely for me, I found the chapters from the younger characters the most compelling. A few of the adults felt interchangeable, and I also felt like Laskey’s writing excelled more when she was writing from a queer POV. The chapters where she narrates from one of the homophobic residents didn’t feel as effective, though I understand why she wanted to include them.
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The concept is this - a taskforce of queer folk from Acceptance Across America is sent to the most homophobic town in the US to try to make change. I appreciated that it wasn’t all twee and everyone became great pals by the end of it, because that’s unfortunately not how life works. The change is incremental, the task force members grow frustrated, come up against countless walls and residents unwilling to change their outdated mindsets. But the last chapter did make me happy - a reminder that even if you feel like you’re getting nowhere, standing up for what’s right can help even one person live the life meant for them.
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Engaging - a good one to pick up if you’re feeling slumpy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Car accident, and Lesbophobia
katiewhocanread's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Hate crime, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
lilymurph's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Car accident
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Abortion, and Suicide attempt