'The Fall of Whit Rivera' by Crystal Maldonado is a compelling and heartwarming young adult fiction novel that beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of adolescence. Maldonado's writing is honest and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Whit Rivera, a high school senior navigating the complexities of identity, friendship, and family.

Whit, a relatable and endearing protagonist, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both touching and inspiring. Maldonado's portrayal of the pressures of growing up, dealing with societal expectations, and finding one's path is expertly done. The characters, each contributing to Whit's growth in meaningful ways, are well-developed and authentic.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is the depiction of Whit's relationships. The friendships are not just realistically messy but also full of love and support, making you feel the warmth and comfort of true companionship. The family dynamics add depth and emotional resonance to the story. Maldonado does a fantastic job of addressing essential themes such as body positivity, mental health, and cultural identity without being didactic.

The book's pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Maldonado's prose is both lyrical and accessible, making connecting with Whit's experiences and emotions easy. The Fall of Whit Rivera is not just a story about growing up; it's a celebration of embracing who you are and the people who help you along the way.

Overall, Crystal Maldonado has crafted a poignant and uplifting novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. The Fall of Whit Rivera is a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of community. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever felt the world's weight on their shoulders and found the strength to rise above it. This novel will leave you feeling empowered and confident in your journey of self-acceptance.

This book was requested by a previous Lesbrary reviewer who did not finish or review it. In order to keep my Netgalley feedback up to date, I am submitting this review marking it as a DNF, though it was another reviewer who requested this.

This was a cute read. I just wish the me now would have realized before i requested this that ya romance is not for me. And this was very ya.

Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, da ich es aufgrund relativ kurzer Ausleihdauer (ohne Verlängerung) nicht lesen konnte.

Hello Again!

This week I have set a few reading goals for myself, among them is to try to finish some books that I have started and got halfway through and did not pick back up for one reason or another. My plan is to try to decide if I want to continue those books or DNF. If I am going to continue I would like to be able to finish them in the month of May (fingers crossed). In the meantime, I was on the hunt for a new audiobook and I decided to pick up the Fall of Whit Rivera, and I am really glad I did!

SPOILERS AHEAD

Whit is a high schooler who has big dreams and big ambitions, she embraces each day with the best attitude she can. Whit and her little sister both live with their grandmother and try to help her out with the family business. However, this past summer Whit was diagnosed with PCOS and has been in and out of doctor’s offices and struggling ever since. Now summer is over and school is back in session and Whit is planning to take on the year and hopefully be the leader of the fall formal. When the election for the leader of the formal arrives Whit gets it but she has to work with Zay. Whit and Zay have been at odds for a long time (basically since Whit was ghosted by Zay years ago). But what if they still have that spark?

I absolutely love this book. I loved Whit, her sister, and her grandmother as well as all of the other characters we meet throughout the story. I was also very excited to see Whit and Zay kind of come together slowly and realize what happened back when they first dated years ago. Outside of Whit and Zay, I also really loved the relationship between Whit and her grandmother. I would love to be able to go back into Whit’s story someday. But for now, I will settle for a re-read this fall!

Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars (deserves many more)!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

"The Fall of Whit Rivera” by Crystal Maldonado is a snug and cozy autumn romcom that weaves together themes of friendship, family, and love. Set in a quaint Massachusetts town, the novel introduces us to Whit Rivera, a bisexual Puerto Rican teenager ready for the perfect summer and senior year. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when her boyfriend moves away, and she is diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a chronic illness that keeps her away from the poolside where she’d rather be with her best friends, Marisol (who is gay and Latina) and Sophie (who is Vietnamese American and has diabetes).

To achieve her ideal senior year, Whit takes on the responsibility of helping her autistic younger sister, Lily, settle into high school life while organizing her school’s annual celebration, Fall Fest—the same event where her grandparents fell in love decades ago. But things become even more complicated when she discovers that her co-organizer for Fall Fest is none other than Isaiah Ortiz, the Afro-Latino ex who broke her heart in sixth grade.

The character development in this novel is rich and multidimensional, showcasing the intersections of identity within each individual. Crystal Maldonado authentically integrates representation of marginalized identities, making this book an important addition to YA literature. The characters are memorable not solely because of their identities, but as fully developed individuals.

“The Fall of Whit Rivera” is a sentimental story that warms the heart, much like a pumpkin spice latte. It beautifully explores self-love and pays a cozy ode to autumn. The author’s note includes content warnings, and the book is recommended for readers aged 14 to 18123.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt and diverse read that captures the magic of fall, this book is a delightful choice.

If you like a sarcastic, optimistic voice that lingers long after you turn the last page, then you want to read The Fall of Whit Rivera by Crystal Maldonado. This book is a celebration of love in every form and this heartwarming read will leave you swooning.

Meet Whitney Rivera. She’s type-A, passionate, and a perfectionist high school senior. Her senior year takes an unexpected turn when she's forced to organize the fall formal with her long-time nemesis.

Meet Zay. He’s a dry, relaxed skater boy who takes everything in stride. His feud with Whitney has simmered for years, ever since he broke up with her in the most embarrassing way imaginable.

As they embark upon event planning, Whit begins to wonder if their animosity has just been a big misunderstanding. Could there be more to Zay than meets the eye?

Maldonado's writing is funny, endearing, and profoundly well-observed. From PCOS and chronic illness to sexuality, fatphobia, Latin identity, and class, this book tackles all of it. She created a snug and cozy romcom that captures the magic of the season and delves into weightier topics. The inclusive storytelling shines through, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking laughter, love, and a touch of autumn magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House/Peachtree/Pixel+Ink for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Crystal Maldonado's "The Fall of Whit Rivera" is a poignant and relatable exploration of identity, friendship, and the complexities of growing up in today's world. Set against the backdrop of a small New England town, this novel captivates from the very first page and leaves a lasting impression.

The story follows the endearing protagonist, Whit Rivera, as she navigates the ups and downs of high school life, grappling with issues of race, class, and self-discovery. As Whit's world begins to unravel, she finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about herself and the people around her, leading to a journey of growth and empowerment that is both inspiring and heartfelt.

What sets "The Fall of Whit Rivera" apart is its authentic portrayal of teenage life. Maldonado has a keen ear for dialogue and a gift for capturing the nuances of adolescence, from the awkwardness of first crushes to the complexity of family dynamics. Through Whit's eyes, readers are transported back to their own high school days, experiencing all the joy, heartache, and uncertainty that comes with growing up.

The characters in "The Fall of Whit Rivera" are beautifully drawn and utterly believable. From Whit's fiercely loyal best friend to the charming boy who captures her heart, each character feels like someone you could meet in real life, adding depth and richness to the story. Whit herself is a protagonist worth rooting for, with her wit, resilience, and unapologetic sense of self.

At its core, "The Fall of Whit Rivera" is a story about finding your voice and learning to embrace your true identity. Maldonado handles this theme with sensitivity and grace, crafting a narrative that is both empowering and deeply moving. As Whit learns to stand up for herself and the people she loves, readers are reminded of the power of friendship, love, and self-acceptance.

Filled with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of teenage angst, "The Fall of Whit Rivera" is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in. Crystal Maldonado has crafted a gem of a novel that will resonate with readers of all ages, leaving them with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary YA fiction and stories that celebrate the beauty of being true to yourself.

It's rare to find a YA Romance reader who, when introduced to the 'Gilmore Girls' doesn't fall in love with the show. It's rare to find a YA Romance book character who, when listing their positive attributes, lists a sibling with autism. It's rare to find a YA Romance that includes the main characters history all the way to middle school to the present. It's rare to find a YA Romance that deals so well with family drama and health issues while moving the story forward. This IS a rare and incredible YA Romance that should land in every YA collection.

Crystal Maldonado's "The Fall of Whit Rivera" is a poignant and relatable exploration of identity, friendship, and the complexities of growing up in today's world. Set against the backdrop of a small New England town, this novel captivates from the very first page and leaves a lasting impression.

The story follows the endearing protagonist, Whit Rivera, as she navigates the ups and downs of high school life, grappling with issues of race, class, and self-discovery. As Whit's world begins to unravel, she finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about herself and the people around her, leading to a journey of growth and empowerment that is both inspiring and heartfelt.

What sets "The Fall of Whit Rivera" apart is its authentic portrayal of teenage life. Maldonado has a keen ear for dialogue and a gift for capturing the nuances of adolescence, from the awkwardness of first crushes to the complexity of family dynamics. Through Whit's eyes, readers are transported back to their own high school days, experiencing all the joy, heartache, and uncertainty that comes with growing up.

The characters in "The Fall of Whit Rivera" are beautifully drawn and utterly believable. From Whit's fiercely loyal best friend to the charming boy who captures her heart, each character feels like someone you could meet in real life, adding depth and richness to the story. Whit herself is a protagonist worth rooting for, with her wit, resilience, and unapologetic sense of self.

At its core, "The Fall of Whit Rivera" is a story about finding your voice and learning to embrace your true identity. Maldonado handles this theme with sensitivity and grace, crafting a narrative that is both empowering and deeply moving. As Whit learns to stand up for herself and the people she loves, readers are reminded of the power of friendship, love, and self-acceptance.

Filled with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of teenage angst, "The Fall of Whit Rivera" is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in. Crystal Maldonado has crafted a gem of a novel that will resonate with readers of all ages, leaving them with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary YA fiction and stories that celebrate the beauty of being true to yourself.

I will absolutely be adding Crystal Maldonado to my auto-buy authors from now on. I loved Fat Chance, Charlie Vega and after requesting and reading The Fall of Whit Rivera, it's clear that this author makes pure magic in her books.

She has this gift of making you feel like you are actually in the character's shoes and for me, it just transports me back to being a teenager myself. And the PCOS & fat rep in this book?? This was such a heart-warming and important read and I loved it so much.

Vibes? Like a cozy autumn afternoon. This book felt like a warm hug, however, there are certain times in the story when the pacing falls flat and slow. Some of the redeeming factors were I enjoyed Whit's character, the representation of friendships, family, queer characters, and PCOS, and the way the author handled the story wholly.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of this title.

I really loved this story.

I didn’t massively know what to expect when going into this one, and whilst it’s no longer autumn, this was still the perfect cosy, fast-paced read I needed and I had so much fun!

I’ve never read a Crystal Maldonado book before, and I’d seen some buzz around for her other two books so I was intrigued when I saw she had this new release!
I just knew this would be the perfect cute story to break apart my dark romance and fantasy books. What I didn’t expect was some fantastic representation from the author with Puerto Rican rep, PCOS from the main character and also LGBTQ rep. This was so refreshing to see because I can’t say I’ve ever read a book about a main character with this illness. Although I do wish we saw some more of her daily struggles with this.
The writing style was good. It was easy to flow through.
I loved the characters! Zay in particular, he was so so sweet and kind and ugh, I’d have probably liked him growing up but I now feel like dark romance books have ruined men for me when it comes to YA stories LOL

Definitely will check out some more from this author in the future!

I feel like this book isn't unlike a puppy: it's cute and sometimes you need to pet one. I'm not a big YA contemporary reader but I'm glad I requested it because it was soooo sweet and enjoyable. The MC had PCOS which is great to portray in a YA novel. The romance was adorable and fun, I rooted for them a lot. And she was a Gilmore girls fan so what else do you want me to add?

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC of The Fall of Whit Rivera.
This is your perfect cosy autumn read.
Whit is obsessed with fall and her whole life is centred around fall. It was at their school's Fall Fest when her abuelo and her abuela fell in love. The rest is history. So it's no surprise that in this year she wants to organize the festivity that means so much to her. And nearly everything goes according to her plans. If there wouldn't be Isiah...
I liked this autumn-centred book. It's really fun to read. It's a great hommage to fall and.

A sweet teen romance!!

I definitely think this is the best book of the series 🧡

This book was vibrant! Kind and diverse characters that love all the colorful things about fall.

My favorite thing about it was that she talks about periods and tampons in a casual way. Whit has PCOS which is definitely something that hits home for so many girls and women.

Definitely recommend for my YA loving peeps!

A delightful read that'll have you craving Fall all year round! i loved the PCOS and Latinx rep, and Whitney's dynamics with her family and friends were so fun and refreshing!

This book was really fun!! I really enjoyed it and I would definitely read more from this author again!