Absolutely amazing. This is hands down one of my favorite authors and I will read anything they write. I love the mental health rep and the relationship development as well as the friends and it was awesome reading the follow up from earlier books

4 out of 5 stars

Rep: Mexican bi MC with bipolar disorder, Black gay LI, Mexican lesbian SC dating a lesbian Chinese adoptee, large cast of Mexican SCs (also including bipolar and queer rep). Black, bi, nonbinary, bipolar, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD rep in minor characters.

Content warnings: Suicidal ideation and attempt, external and internalized homophobia including bullying and slurs, family member's deportation (past), religious trauma including mentions of conversion therapy, violence including attempted drowning, forced outing (past), brief hospital scene, psych ward scenes, underage drinking and weed use, brief non-graphic sexual content, vomiting

Sonora Reyes is one of my favorite authors of all time, and since "Lesbiana's Guide" first turned me on to their work, I was even more excited than usual to jump into their newest! It made me so soft to see Yami and Bo still going strong and Mrs. Flores growing in her allyship. I absolutely adore Yami and Cesar's relationship -- they're easily one of my favorite fictional sibling duos.

Reading this was one of those odd situations where you're thrilled to see some of your experiences mirrored and know you aren't alone, while also feeling sad and angry that another person had to go through them too. Reyes clearly writes from their own life; their descriptions of religious trauma in particular are on-the-nose in ways that a person just can't emulate if they haven't lived it. I relate so, so much to Cesar despite the differences in our identities (white transmasc/nonbinary lesbian vs Latine cis bi guy, raised Southern Baptist vs raised Catholic). He reminds me a lot of myself when I first started deconstructing and I want to give him the biggest hug.

One of my favorite aspects of Reyes's writing is how realistically they portray teens. As furious as I got with Cesar sometimes, he's still just a 17-year-old kid learning how to live with a devastating mental illness. Reyes has fully mastered the art of creating lovable, sweet, funny, multi-faceted characters who can also be bossy, impulsive, uncommunicative, or any number of traits. Even when readers can recognize that Cesar's logic is flawed, the way Reyes describes his thought processes makes it understandable. It's a delicate balance that I deeply admire.

All in all, "Golden Boy" is just as excellent as the author's other works and I'm already eager to read whatever Reyes writes next!

**HUGE thank you to HarperCollins for granting me an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!**

The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar is a companion novel to Sonora Reyes’s Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, which I also read and enjoyed. The eponym golden boy is Cesar, the brother of Lesbiana Yami.

Cesar is a queer, bipolar high schooler just a bit out from his “event,” a mental breakdown that required hospitalization. What makes him golden? Cesar is a genius with nearly photographic memory. So while he struggles with a lot, school is usually pretty easy. Cesar is sick of being coddled and worried about. He’s sick of taking his meds. He’s a little bit sick of being gay and what so many of the Catholics surrounding him think of his queerness.

This book goes exactly where you expect it to. And it’s good enough, but I found myself bored with what felt like a predictable storyline. I always feel a modicum of guilt when I feel bored by an important, sensitive topic, but I blame the writing/story rather than the content. Nonetheless, especially seeing others’ reviews, I’m sure The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar will resonate deeply with and educate many readers. Softly recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars rounded up.

WHAT CAN I SAY????? Sonora Reyes is now officially an autobuy author. The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar is every bit as devastating, beautiful, and real as you'd hope it would be. Why I decided to read this while managing my own depressive and manic episodes? LMAO, don’t ask but here I am, being Cesar again.

Fuck, dude. I am Cesar and Cesar is me. The number of times I cried? Actually don’t ask. Ridiculous. I wish I had the words to FULL EXPRESS TO YOU how deeply this book resonated with me, but here I am, absolutely speechless.

Cesar’s self‑sabotage.. thinking he needs to push people away so they won’t feel pain when he’s gone, made me want to DIE because guess what I do when things are just a bit too much? I ghost, why? So people get used to life without me. HAHAHAAHAHAHA AM I UNWELL? Oh 1000%.

A quote that had me put my kindle down and just straight ugly cry for maybe 5 minutes was from Cesar’s therapist (Dr. Lee, you’re a strong one):

"What I mean to say is that life is a lot less painful when you live for the things that make you happy, instead of living to keep someone else from grieving. When you live only to avoid the grief of people you love, you end up shouldering all that grief on your own, mourning yourself while you're still here.”

Respectfully, I did not need that at 4:30 am.. while I’m actively wanting to ghost everyone in my life lol.

And the end… OH THE END when Cesar finally says, “I’m alive.” You have no idea how deeply that lands. I bawled. I ugly cried. I was ripped open.

This is love letter to anyone who’s battled their brains, their heart, their faith, their love. If you’ve ever had internalized shame, if you’ve ever convinced yourself you’re unworthy of care… read it. Read it now.

I can’t recommend this enough.

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review. I enjoy YA & realistic depictions of mental health struggles (I'm not bipolar myself but have dealt with other issues), but I hadn't read the author's other book(s) - and I probably should have in order to get the most out of this one. The story sort of just...jumped right in with the expectation that I knew who these people were & what their story was. While things were eventually explained, it took a while to figure out exactly what I needed to know.

It took a while to get into the book, probably because of my lack of knowledge, but then I wanted to see what happened next. Another reviewer noted the unreliable narration & how it really showed the mental struggles, and I appreciated that as well. It felt realistic. And overall it was a cute story, although nothing groundbreaking.

This book is extremely important in our world today where many youth people have mental health challenges. The voice in this novel is authentic and speaks to issues of religion and difference in a clear, hopeful way.

I absolutely loved the companion novel to this one, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, so I was very excited to receive this ARC!

This story follows Cesar (who is the brother of the MC (Yami) from TLGTCS) on his mental heath journey as he’s diagnosed with bipolar. You could read this book on its own but I highly suggest reading TLGTCS first. There are some continuing storylines and a lot of the characters benefit from the context of Yami’s story.

The book starts with Cesar in a relative stable but fragile place. He’s taking his medication and contemplating getting back together with his ex boyfriend (whom he largely broke up with because of religious guilt reasons). However an encounter with a priest at his school sends him into a spiral. Cesar stops taking his medication and the book is a steep descent to mental heath rock bottom from there.

I’m not someone who’s easily triggered by mental heath stuff anymore, but this book was hard to read at points so check out the content warnings if you need💜

The whole book you’re rooting so hard to Cesar, you desperately want him to want to help himself and see the love around him. It takes until the very end of the book to get there but things do eventually start looking up. I don’t have bipolar but I have been to mental heath rock bottom and the book does a good job describing the horrors of it. I thought the mental health representation was very well done. I loved all the characters, especially Cesar and Jamal, and the story moved a a good pace.

Overall I recommend this read if you’re in the right headspace! Definitely pick up TLGTCS if you need a refresher. This book is out September 16th!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book!

I'm absolutely buzzing to dive into more of their work! "The Golden Boys Guide to Bipolar" took me on a whirlwind journey of emotions, so gripping that I couldn’t put it down all weekend! It expertly explores every stage of a manic episode, while also acknowledging that everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique.

I loved the chapter titles and the inclusion of clinical terms to describe what Cesar was going through. At its heart, this novel is all about self-discovery, self-acceptance, love, and the importance of family and self-love. It resonated deeply with me, especially as I reflected on Cesar's struggles with his sexuality and faith. Like him, I've often found myself caught between my happiness and what I perceive to be God's expectations.

The ending was so uplifting! Cesar’s Abuela offered a powerful reminder that the Bible has been translated and misinterpreted over the years, urging him to read and understand it for himself. This story is just breathtaking, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone I know! I absolutely plan to explore more of Sonora's writing in the future—this is an author that should be on your TBR if they aren't already!

This was a really difficult read. It was so frustrating at times. I had to put it down. I had to walk away. I was dazzled, and irritated, and annoyed. I was sad, hopeful, desperate. And I realized those are all the feelings Cesar had living with his mental illness. This wasn’t meant to be a quirky, happy, easy book to read. It was written to be difficult. It was written to make people think outside the boxes of their lives. It was meant to push people outside of their comfort zones. You weren’t meant to like the book. You were meant to live it. This was a five star read for me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Thank you Sonora Reyes for writing it.

An important this book for the world right now. Heartfelt, honest, and an example of why novels are essential to developing empathy. The author writes out of direct experience with serious mental illness and captures its contradictions, fears, ecstasies, and more. The same holds true for their queer characters. Reyes doen’st write one-dimensional characters - they know we are all full of contradictions, that someone deported can be both a victim and a jerk to their kid. Exactly the kind of book that maga is banning and exactly the kind of book that needs to be read widely. I am not the target audience as an older straight cis woman, and I'm not usually interested in coming-of-age books, but this one might save lives and deserves to be widely read. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC.

A bisexual teen has to navigate life, love, mental health and religion while making and dealing with the mistakes that come with adolescence and growing pains.

Book Stats:
📖: 385 pages
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins
Format: eARC via NetGalley
Series: Standalone

Themes:
💫: Loving yourself
💫: Allowing yourself to be loved

Representation:
🪽: Bipolar main character
🪽: Queer characters
🪽: Honest talks about meds

Tropes:
💗:

🥵: Spice: light
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.

Short Synopsis:
Cesar is trying his best. Trying to figure out his sexuality, family struggles and dealing with a new bipolar diagnosis. While he makes many mistakes along the way.

General Thoughts:
This novel is extremely emotional and left me feeling a whole range of things for the main character. I felt so much pain and sadness for Cesar as he tried to navigate some difficult circumstances. But there was the underlying thread of hope that was his friends and family to keep his feet on the ground. And while I don't feel like his Family handled everything perfectly, I do feel like they were doing their best just like Cesar was.

I personally have no experience with bipolar disorder, so I cannot speak on whether or not the representation was done well. But it felt realistic and relatable to me regardless due to my own mental health issues. I could relate to being young and confused and scared. While I do have an ADHD diagnosis as well as other disability diagnosis, all of those experiences do share a common theme of having a learning curve. And I felt very endeared and close to Cesar. His character was easy to love and easy to root for.

The side characters were really well done and so important to the reading experience. They were diverse, nuanced and relatable. There wasn't a bad one in the bunch. Well, except Nick. 😒 If you know, you know.

I feel like this book was written with the utmost care and consideration. The author did an amazing job of having a honest and realistic experience with the characters while making it digestible for a younger audience. I think this book will save lives to be completely honest.

I hope this author writes more books for me to read!! It was excellent.

Disclaimer: I read this book as a ebook I purchased myself. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A really interesting and well developed book that did an excellent job of portraying a complex character. I did find the pacing to be off and it lost my attention occasionally, but overall was a really good read.

The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar is a compassionate, thorough exploration of severe mental illness at a crossroads of being a queer, young adult. The characters are layered, distinguished, and easy to love. You truly feel like a member of the family, riding the highs and lows with Cesar. You can feel how intentional the author’s choices were and how much care went into writing this beautiful story. It was absolutely breathtaking.

This was a heavy read but it was supposed to be. Reyes gathered so much emotions into the main protagonist for a reason. I admit I put down the book a couple of times with second hand embarrassment but also the reassurance that someone feels the things I do as a queer trans latine person. Without much more to say about this book, because I’ll probably dump a lot of emotions, I want to say this book definitely deserves a read

Sonora Reyes has done it again. This highly anticipated sequel to THE LESBIANA’S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL did not disappoint!

Cesar’s story and journey to his diagnosis with bipolar disorder was so raw and emotional. We still get the Cesar we loved in the first book but seeing his life up close from his point of view is priceless. We learn there is so much more to the “golden child” who get good grades and seems to be breezing through school with no issues and is so charming adults think there is nothing to worry about. There are so many stigmatized topics that Reyes addresses head on such as dealing with a new diagnosis, the role of medication when dealing with mental illnesses, how to maintain relationships while battling internal issues, and what suicidal ideations can be like in a young person. The subject matter in this book is not to be taken lightly and I am so glad this book exists.

This was a deeply emotional journey that gives readers a raw and honest glimpse into living with bipolar. I think it did an excellent job of portraying an often misunderstood diagnosis, while also providing hope. Sonora Reyes is an incredible writer and makes you feel like you know these characters intimately. Can't wait to read more of hers!

4 stars, maybe 4.24/4.5. My second book by the brilliant Sonora Reyes. SOOO much heart, so much heartbreak, so much moving forward. Awesome cast of characters, especially our MC, who was believable, flawed, struggling, often stupid in his choices, but always someone I was rooting for, along with his family and friends. Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

How many times did this book make me tear up? I lost count, but at least half a dozen? Cesar's story, just as Yamilet's was in the previous book, is by turns heartfelt, heart-wrenching, and heartwarming. In addition to the typical struggles of any teenage at the end of their time in high school, Cesar much wrestle with coming out as bi, dealing with mental health issues, feeling the pressure of the being the gifted and golden child, being shunned by his father, and fearing for his immortal soul. This book is not one to be read lightly, because it does deal with such heavy, yet important, topics.

With respect to Cesar's mental health, I appreciate that Reyes makes it clear in the author's note that Cesar is an unreliable narrator in this book, not by any true fault of his, but due to him being bipolar. While I think many readers would be able to figure this out, I think it is worth stating from the beginning because Cesar internal dialogue is very persuasive, which is where his troubles ultimately stem from. I also appreciate that Reyes shows over and over again that there is no shame in dealing with mental illness, case in point with the line, "Some people's brains make mental stability for free, and I just so happen to have to get mine at the pharmacy {...}".

When the rest of the world isn't in the way of it, I love Cesar and Jamal's romance. Jamal is the cutest of cute as a boyfriend, and I love how caring and considerate he is. Things are far from easy for love, but I love how they make their way back to each other. In regards to the romance, I also appreciate the quote, "'Working toward self-love is a great goal, but I don't think it's fair to say that those who aren't there yet don't deserve love in their lives.'" I think all too often the idea of "no one can love you until you love yourself" is harmful to those who struggle with self-image and mental health, and so think that this book shows you can work on your own personal journey of self-acceptance at the same time you work on a romantic relationship.

Finally, this book shows just how ugly this world can be towards people in the LGBTQ+ community and just how damaging that can be. Cesar's father's dismissal upon learning that his son is bi is horrible to consider, but unfortunately the reality for many young members of the community. On top of these feelings of parental abandonment, Cesar also has to contend with the religious trauma inflicted by his priest telling him that he is committing a sin by loving someone. Mix all of this in with Cesar's brain literally telling him that he's worthless and he would be better off if he pushed all his loved ones away so that they wouldn't care if he died, and you get a scarily dangerous combination. Cesar is just lucky that he has an incredibly dedicated and full support system to help pull him through, from his family, to his friends, to his therapist, to his therapy group. Without them, there is no doubt that Cesar would have followed through with his plans to end his life, which, again, is the unfortunate reality for many queer youth. In response to all the negative voices that Cesar hears, I appreciate the words we get from Jamal: "'Maybe God exists, and maybe he doesn't, and no one will ever know with absolute certainty. But What I do know is that you exist, Cesar. I thought we were going to lose you, but you're still here. And I need you to know that your life is just as holy and precious as any god.'" Because of what Jamal says, Cesar is able to give a little in his own considerations as he thinks to himself, "Maybe there is something holy about being completely intertwined with everything and everyone surrounding you. Maybe there is something holy about loving every part of someone else, even, and especially, the parts made just like you."

I'll leave off with one of the more poignant exchanges towards the end of the book in which Cesar tells Jamal, "'I would die for you,'" to which Jamal responds, "'I'd rather you live for me.'" And while this alone is great, there a little extra added bit a little further on that makes it even better, which you'll just have to read for yourself to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks HarperCollins and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Simply fantastic! Months ago Cesar Flores broke up with his boyfriend Jamal as a way to repent for the sin of being queer, bisexual to be exact. Now it’s New Year’s Eve, the two have stayed friends, and really Cesar still loves him. What starts as a midnight kiss leads to discussions of getting back together. But is Cesar ready for that? Especially when he doesn’t love himself. Don’t they always say that in order to love someone else you must first love yourself? But Cesar still struggles with being Bipolar and the fact that he was in inpatient treatment. He still feels guilty for that and the fact that his mami and sister worry about him. Plus there’s the crushing weight of sin. All of these make up The Thoughts and the louder they are the more he thinks he doesn’t deserve to love anyone. Can he work on himself long enough to win Jamal back? Or will the weight of The Thoughts come crushing in on him? A beautiful depiction of identity and mental health! I enjoyed Cesar’s ups and downs so much, while he makes a lot of mistakes, as a reader I really understood where he was coming from and how difficult it can be! Sonora Reyes tells as heartbreaking and heartwarming story about finding yourself and loving yourself! Relatable, deep, and will have you in all the feels!

As some one who also struggles with a mental health disorder it was refreshing to see a males prospective especially since they aren’t acknowledged as much in mainstream society.