Ask the Passengers

I had to keep thinking on this one and update my rating.
Here's the thing- this book made me thankful. Thankful I have a supportive family, thankful it took me well into my adulthood to figure out (or become at peace with the inability of labels to really encompass a person) relationships. Growing up in a small town, I'm glad I didn't try to figure that out sooner, or ever really even feel the need to.

But that's different than the book being good on it's own merit, so upon some reflection, I did move my rating down. There's good stuff in here- the pressure of society to organize people into neat little boxes when humanity is just so very messy, and how that really can feel like such a torture to navigate. But there's also some stuff I didn't jive with. Everyone in this book is pretty much a terrible support system and the only person the reader is guided to like is Astrid. Everyone else feels a bit one dimensional as they all are just pretty awful to her, including her girlfriend (who has no respect for boundaries.) I also didn't quite understand why the author chose to have Astrid “see” Socrates. I couldn't tell if it was meant to be SO literal (which would be majorly concerning...)

This book touched me so deeply. As someone who can relate to the main character, this book is so important to me. I felt understood by the wider world and comforted to know that others out there are also finding solace in this story. There were moments and words that I wished I could wrap up in a little box and hold with me forever.

Compelling main character, but the rest were not nearly as interesting or likable.

More like 4.5 stars. What can I say about this book that has not already been said? A paradox for you. The answer: nothing. I can add nothing. This is one of the smartest books I have read in a long time. I was so impressed with the philosophies presented here, the ideas surrounding labels and boxes, and I appreciated seeing a well written dysfunctional family. Astrid is awesome and amazing. The empathy I felt for her as she sorted through a major choice in her life was valid and real. I think she is an excellent role model for teens worldwide (gay or straight).
I took a half star for the passenger stories which just ripped me out of the story trance I was in like a blasting commercial in the middle of a favorite movie. I didn't need them. I found them disruptive.
This is the second A.S. King book I have read and her writing is miles above the average for what passes for YA fiction these days. I can't wait to read more.

I thought it was really good and you see astrid grow a lot as a character. Overall the book was awesome I think everyone should check it out.

I really really liked this book. I loved everything about Astrid and the way she pep talked herself and gave her love away to everyone. I thought her family was a bit unbelievable–mostly her mother, who so clearly favored Astrid's sister in every way. I would definitely recommend this book to high schoolers.