Red, White & Royal Blue

4.5 Stars. I really enjoyed this book. I'll admit, I watched the movie first (I know, scandalous). I saw this on bookstagram a while ago and thought it was cute but not something I wanted to peruse. Then I started seeing instagram clips of the movie and decided to check it out. I thank Casey McQuiston for writing such an amazing book that inspired one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen.

In terms of the book, I really liked how everything played out and the intimacy is clearly displayed on every page. I think my favorite part of the story would have to be the emails between Henry and Alex because it showed how profound their love for each other is. I know people don't love the political aspect, and I see where they are coming from. Yes, the politics are all idealized and seen from one perspective through rose (or rainbow) colored glasses, but this book isn't meant to replace a Politics 101 textbook. I think the part with Rafael Luna and the disagreement with Alex speaks the most truth; sometimes people get into politics for the right reasons but they end up getting consumed by the power. The only reason I am not giving the book 5 stars is because Chapter 15 to the end (the aftermath of the emails) is too drawn out and I felt the book should have ended earlier.

Also, the chapter lengths are way too long.