this was good, sometimes hard to read - because of the heavy themes but also because it was admittedly a bit painfully pretentious at times. i found ponyboy to be an interesting and empathetic protagonist and i was certainly rooting for him, even if he got annoying at times, in both his self-destruction and prententiousness. i really liked that it explored addiction and transgenderism and queer relationships in ways i haven't seen done very much, and it felt really uniquely written. it also read pretty quickly, but again........ felt like it was maybe just trying a tiny bit too hard for my liking. i also just struggle w/ books where people are getting fricked up the whole time. it makes me tired. i do think it'll do really well though, and i'm grateful to have gotten to read it!

3.5 rounded down

thanks netgalley & ww norton and company for the arc !!

Reading this was like being in the worst manic episode I've ever had, it was like seeing the worst parts of myself put down on page and having them look back and me and say that I was not alone in all my terrible, brilliant feelings.