1 star: I was so close to moderately liking this book and then the author had to go and ruin it all. The characters and plot are fine (a little boring but fine). I think Johnny should have found out about Drew’s secret - it felt like a bit of a let down when he didn’t. There was all this build-up but then the consequences for Drew were fairly mild.

My real gripe with this book may seem relatively small but it really rubbed me the wrong way. At one point, Drew gives Karen a picture of them and their friends at a bonfire on the eleventh night. The way the author describes it is as “the night when all across Northern Ireland people light the massive bonfires they’ve been building.” She totally neglects to mention this is not an Irish holiday, as the quote would imply, but rather a Protestant holiday rooted in the oppression of Northern Irish Catholics. They burn the tricolors for God’s sake. It’s a disgusting thing to bring up in such a blasé manner.

It was really good, I thought how everyone was written was done very well!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a gripping book that is still YA.

Thank you Netgalley and Little Island Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Shirley-Anne McMillan's "Grapefruit Moon" is an engaging YA story that demonstrates the complexities of teenage life, bringing together raw emotion, gripping storytelling, and thought-provoking social commentary. Set against the backdrop of an exclusive Belfast school fraught with power struggles and privilege, McMillan's story delves deep into the lives of Charlotte and Drew, two vastly different individuals whose paths converge amidst the chaos of academic life.

Through McMillan's vivid prose, you are transported into the heart of a world where fitting in comes at a cost, and navigating social codes can be a treacherous endeavor. From the chilling realities of online stalking and bullying to the insidious influence of toxic masculinity, "Grapefruit Moon" confronts the harsh realities of teenage life, shining a light on issues that are often swept under the rug. I really appreciated the raw details that McMillan included in the story; the author never shied away from discussing the truth about teenage life, especially in the power-hungry academic life setting. McMillan’s writing made me feel extremely connected to the characters, especially Charlotte. While some of the topics in the book can become quite heavy and you may sometimes have to take a break while reading, McMillan is still able to infuse the story with heart, humor, and compassion, even in the darkest of moments. The characters and their pain/experiences felt so realistic. I’m sure many teen readers can relate to them, especially with the overall message of hope shown throughout the book. Through the characters' day-to-day struggles and triumphs, McMillan paints a vivid portrait of resilience, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is hope. I was rooting for Charlotte and Drew throughout the entire book, and I felt very satisfied with the ending.

Overall, "Grapefruit Moon" is a powerful exploration of the human experience, offering a timely commentary on the complexities of teenage life and the enduring power of resilience and truth. McMillan's masterful storytelling and insightful commentary make this novel a must-read for readers of all ages, especially teens who can better connect with the characters.