Books › Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
320 pages
A warm, witty exploration of the sheer panic and ultimate joy of a high school queer awakening.
What it feels like
Reading this feels like catching up with your funniest, most neurotically charming friend between classes. The narrative moves at a brisk, conversational clip, propelled by a wry and deeply self-deprecating voice that perfectly captures the agonizing thrill of a high school crush. It is a warm, bustling story that balances the lighthearted awkwardness of teenage romance with the heavier, earnest realities of navigating a dual cultural identity and the fear of disappointing immigrant parents. The atmosphere is steeped in the familiar, chaotic energy of high school hallways, yet it remains an incredibly cozy and hopeful read. It delights anyone looking for a heartfelt, character-driven journey where the messy terror of vulnerability ultimately gives way to the profound relief of being truly seen.
- Mood
- warm
- awkward
- hopeful
- bustling
- Tone
- wry
- earnest
- self-deprecating
- humorous
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- navigating dual identities · the terror of vulnerability · messy first crushes · authentic friendship · family expectations
- The writing
- Conversational and witty, anchored by a deeply relatable, self-deprecating teenage voice.
- The arc
- Moves from anxious concealment and awkward infatuation toward a grounded, joyful self-acceptance.
- Who it's for
- Anyone who loves funny, character-driven stories about messy queer awakenings and the delicate balance of family expectations.
Content notes
- homophobia
- internalized homophobia
- bullying
- microaggressions
About the book
When Leila develops a crush on a new female student she has to decide if her sexuality is something she wants to share with everyone else.
Description from Open Library.
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