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Member Reviews

Oh my heart! I loved this sweet YA romance, and especially the focus on loving yourself. I feel that the catchphrase of Drag Race - "If you can't love yourself, how the hell you gon' love anybody else?" - would be a fitting epigraph for Nala's struggles and growth over the course of a summer. A delightful celebration of Harlem, of Black girlhood, and of inter-generational family love: fans of Nicola Yoon and Elizabeth Acevedo will find much to enjoy.

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Wow Wow Wow. Where do I even begin to talk a bout how much I loved this book. It was just as beautiful and amazing as Piecing Me Together and I think Watson may become one of my favourite contemporary authors. I am not a contemporary fan at all but there is just something about her writing that is so effortless and I just fall into the story and become engrossed by the characters.

I think what really makes me love her writing is the themes and and messages that encompass her stories. They really make you connect to the characters, even the wider characters, who are so well developed and crafted that you can't help but relate to them. I definitely found that with this book; Nala is our main character but there is such a wide group around her but I felt that every character was so well developed. Even though Imani wasn't our focus it was easy to relate to her and how she was feeling; Watson did an amazing job of pulling that through whilst still focusing on Nala and how she was feeling.

I honestly just thought this was an incredible read and I adored every page. The characters were beautifully written but were also flawed; they were so so human and that is what I love in a book. I loved the plot; I honestly wasn't sure how i'd feel with Nala lying but I think it was written well and was realistic. It's about the romance but that's not all it's about; there is so much more to it. The love that you have for your family and your friends, but ultimately the love and confidence you have in yourself.

The emotions of the characters comes through so strongly and I just cannot recommend this book enough! An easy five star read for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read an eARC of this book!

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The concept of this book intrigued me the most. I was incredibly excited to read about a teenager who gets involved in activism when she has no interest in it. I really liked the way that this explored the issues that modern teenagers face. Trying to stand up for what is wrong in the world, whilst also loving yourself and loving life. I think Renee Watson did an excellent job of exploring this in this novel. I do feel as if this novel would work better if it was intended for a younger audience and followed a younger protagonist. I think if this book featured a character who was 14/15, and was read by teens of that age, it would have a greater impact.
This book is extremely important after 2020 has been filled with standing up for what is wrong with the world as it really shows that we need to focus on ourselves as well. We can't fix the world, if we are breaking down ourselves.

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I adored Love is a revolution. It is motivating book and a must-read for teenagers. In a society where young girls are forced to be who they are not, the story of Nala might motivate them to be who they want to be.

The book follows Nala’s journey to find out who she wants to be in this world. Nala lies to impress a boy and instantly regrets it. Through her journey, she constantly questions herself; slowly she comes to the realisation she must make decisions for herself without trying to please everyone else.

This book is a must read for teenagers. There are some key issues the book addresses (such as race, environmental issues, and societal pressures) without taking away the plot and the romance. There are many societal pressures for young girls, especially young girls of colour. Nala is plus-sized; this is not an issue for anyone. Nala does not make it a big deal. I admire the author for normalising this. It’s not everyday we see a book with a plus-size protagonist. This book teaches self-love and the implications of not loving yourself.

Renée Watson writing is motivational. Nala listens to an imaginary singer, Blue, and her lyrics are shared at the beginning of some chapters. When you read the poetry the author has written, you feel invincible. It’s what teenagers need to hear.

The book will be released on the 2nd of February, 2021. Special thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for sharing the digital ARC of Love is a Revolution in exchange for a honest review. I look forward to owning a physical copy of the book!


ALSO POSTED ON INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK. (sadia.reads)

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