Description
Felipe doesn't believe someone like Caio could ever fall for someone like him. But over the next fifteen days, everything will change ... If you love Rainbow Rowell and Heartstopper, you'll fall for this body-positive love story about the assumptions we make about each other, and the bravery we need to be yourself. Felipe is fat. And he doesn't need anyone to remind him, which is, of course, what everyone does. That's why he's been waiting for summer: a break from school and the classmates who tease him incessantly.
His plans include catching up on TV, finishing his TBR pile, and watching YouTube tutorials on skills he'll never actually put into practice. But things get a little out of hand when Felipe's mom informs him that Caio, the neighbour kid from apartment 57, will be spending the next fifteen days with them while his parents are on vacation. Felipe is distraught because A) he's had a crush on Caio since, well, for ever, and B) Felipe has a list of body image insecurities and absolutely NO idea how he's going to entertain his neighbor for two full weeks.
Suddenly, the days ahead of him that once promised rest and relaxation (not to mention some epic Netflix bingeing) end up bringing a whirlwind of feelings, forcing Felipe to dive head-first into every unresolved issue he has had with himself - but maybe, just maybe, he'll manage to win over Caio, too. A queer love story for anyone who's ever got into a pool with their shirt on.
Review
Felipe is one of the most relatable characters I’ve come across in a book. Told from his perspective as a seventeen-year-old growing up in a small town, he is funny, witty and his story will touch your heart and take you on a roller coaster of emotions. I read this book in one day, as the characters and their story grab your attention. Being told across a span of just 15 days, the story is fast-paced and each day seems to bring a new challenge for Felipe and his mass of insecurities.
The characters each have their own relatable problems to deal with, and the book tackles them in a such a way that it opens the door for conversations about things that often might not get talked about or that may be seen as taboo subjects. It tackles bullying, going to therapy, realising that everyone has their own problems even though they might appear to be happy on the surface, finding your own voice when you couldn’t before, and overcoming your fears.
Written by a Brazilian YA author and being released in English for the first time, this book is perfect for anyone who is dealing with or has experienced bullying, self-esteem issues, or is struggling through with things like making friends, overcoming your differences to others and standing up for yourself.
A great story, that is best suited to those 15+.
Reviewed by Ben
