I Kissed Shara Wheeler

i loved it idc what anyone says

Another spectacular release from Casey McQuiston! Sweet, funny, mysterious...a truly wonderful queer YA romcom with a story that subtly unfolds and a cast of unique and interesting characters. I just finished it and (like all of Casey's other books!) can't wait to read it again.

obsessed w everything about this

My feelings about this book are way too complicated to even try to explain.

My feelings about this book are way too complicated to even try to explain.

Loved the first 60% as Chloe, Rory and Smith try to decipher the clues that golden girl Shara Wheeler has left behind after a mysterious prom night disappearance. They are tied together by the fact that within a few days before she vanished, Shara kissed each of them. The three high school seniors are from disparate crowds at schools, and watching them slowly develop a Scooby Gang friendship is charming (and the dynamics somewhat surprising). But once the mystery is solved, the plot stumbles. I lost patience with Chloe's selfish behavior, and the romance made me think, “these two people deserve each other” more than “they're my new OTP.” I kept reading for several queer romances that develop along the way (including one that deserves its own book), and the message that queer teens in Bible Belt towns can indeed live their truth, especially if they can find and support each other. I don't think anything will ever top this author's [b:Red, White & Royal Blue 41150487 Red, White & Royal Blue Casey McQuiston https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566742512l/41150487.SY75.jpg 61657690], but I Kissed Shara Wheeler demonstrates that, three books in, Casey McQuiston is here to stay.

A fun book with teen bonding. I like the ease of different social groups interacting with each other. I always feel like media depictions make it seem like there is razor wire between different kinds of kids, which is not terribly accurate. I mean yes, there are friend groups, but not to the extent alot of movies/books want to believe. The willingness of people to talk to each other and friends calling each other on nonsense was refreshing. Some of the romance elements didn't fully land for me ( I don't enjoy obsession), but I don't regret reading it. I can see it being 5 stars for someone who is closer in age to the target audience.

I really love the genre of “bitchy smalltown misfit realizes that they've actually been lashing out disproportionately hard” (as exemplified by the 30 Rock high school reunion flashback that revealed Liz Lemon was accidentally a bully). And I love “pretentious teens who drop a lot of references in their dialogue.”

Anyway, this was very charming and fun and I liked it a lot! I will say I think I would have liked to see a little more of Chloe and Shara actually interacting with each other?? But regardless, loved the vibes.