Review: Shampoo Unicorn by Sawyer Lovett
This book was definitely something I needed to read.
As a queer person in a town of less than 5k in rural Mississippi, this book really resonated with me. What little representation of small town LGBTQ+ people is out there usually focuses on how miserable it is and how the person can't wait to leave. This book shows that ugly side, yes, but it is all wrapped up in such queer joy. It really makes a statement on how we can carve out our own pockets of space. It is the wonderful idea that you can be happy exactly where you are. It is the wonderful idea that no matter how small your world seems, you can always find people that share in an experience you thought no one else did.
The fact that this is a debut novel is really astonishing. It is written so beautifully. Each character is so real and well-characterized, though I do feel that a few felt like they could have been fleshed out better. The alternating between first, second, and third person was a really great choice. It gives you such insight into how a character is viewing themselves at different points in the story. I also really appreciated the handling of Leslie's deadname. Like, no, we don't need to know what it is. Blank it out, it isn't who she is.
This book really spoke to me. I hope anyone looking at this review will consider reading the book! Please show the author your support, I can't wait to see what he writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
As a queer person in a town of less than 5k in rural Mississippi, this book really resonated with me. What little representation of small town LGBTQ+ people is out there usually focuses on how miserable it is and how the person can't wait to leave. This book shows that ugly side, yes, but it is all wrapped up in such queer joy. It really makes a statement on how we can carve out our own pockets of space. It is the wonderful idea that you can be happy exactly where you are. It is the wonderful idea that no matter how small your world seems, you can always find people that share in an experience you thought no one else did.
The fact that this is a debut novel is really astonishing. It is written so beautifully. Each character is so real and well-characterized, though I do feel that a few felt like they could have been fleshed out better. The alternating between first, second, and third person was a really great choice. It gives you such insight into how a character is viewing themselves at different points in the story. I also really appreciated the handling of Leslie's deadname. Like, no, we don't need to know what it is. Blank it out, it isn't who she is.
This book really spoke to me. I hope anyone looking at this review will consider reading the book! Please show the author your support, I can't wait to see what he writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
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