I inhaled this YA free verse novel in 2 days; I loved it so much!

I absolutely adored this book. It’s first and foremost a gorgeous, messy, realistic queer love story, written in Atta’s emotive free verse, which many will be familiar with from The Black Flamingo. But there’s so much more to unpack in here, including what it means to be “family”, grief, teen friendship, identity, social media and racism.

Reading this just reminded me of how mixed-up, topsy-turvy and confusing life can feel as a teenager, and I can only imagine how much more intense that might feel for queer teens. Highly recommended from me!

With thanks to @hachettekids for gifting me a copy to review.

Adored this book! I instantly picked this up after reading Black Flamingo and Dean did not disappoint. It dealt with important topics throughout, and were all handled really well. I really enjoy novels written in lyrical verses.

This book was okay but I was underwhelmed by the characters and the plot and I feel that was because of the format of the book. I feel like the fact it was written in verse did nothing to enhance the story and actually just made it awkward to read and so it didn’t flow. This really affected my reading experience and I feel like it would have been much better in prose

Hopeless romantic Mack can’t believe his luck when his dream guy, K, is into him. But whereas Mack is confident and flamboyant, K is not ready to be out, and this causes tensions in their relationship. Further complications are introduced when Mack has to move to Glasgow, where his dad is working on a film. He meets Fin, who is playing the lead in the film, and gradually realises that he is falling in love with Fin as well. How will Mack resolve this awkward love triangle?
Fin is trans, and this is shown to be an important part of his life, but it is never made into an ‘issue’ for Mack and Fin’s relationship – the issue arises from the fact that Mack is supposed to be dating someone else! It also includes two secondary characters who are in a bi4bi relationship, something else that is rarely depicted in YA literature.

I feel like the first half of this book dragged a bit. I didn't like the relationship between Mack and K, secret relationships seem so unfair, especially when one person is out and proud. Mack seemed to be really hard on his dad, impatient with K, and I didn't really understand why he was friends with Femi and Sim. But then he moved to Scotland, met Fin, made new friends, and things seemed easy. Except for his relationship with K. But Mack seemed happy, for the most part, and I started to enjoy the story more. When his life in London and his life in Glasgow collided, things blew up, but ultimately, Mack got his happy ending.

Dean Atta's best yet!

Absolutely loved the format of verse, and felt it really worked beautifully with the romance of the story.

I had a really different experience with the first and second halves of Only on the Weekends. I found the first sections tough going, but the narrative really picked up once Mack got to Scotland. Prior to this, this was one of those YA novels that could be quite frustrating to read as an adult. The verse didn't always initially flow as well as The Black Flamingo either.
However, once the book hit its stride, Only on the Weekends turned out to be a moving and inspiring book - I found it really heartwarming, and at times very amusing. The difference between the two halves could even be taken as intentional - the gradual change shows Mack coming into his own, maturing, and growing.
I enjoyed the little Glasgow and London namedrops too (particularly Category Is... Books).
I'm really glad I didn't give up on this whilst trudging through the uneven first half - the conclusion was wonderful.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Mack is a teenager living in London and exploring his sexuality. He's truly happy to be Karim's new boyfriend, after liking him forever. When Mack's famous film director dad moves them to Glasgow temporarily to shoot his new movie, Mack's world comes crashing down as he realises he and Karim are going to have to make it work long distance. But it seems like Karim doesn't want to put in the same level of effort that Mack does. So, when Finlay, the lead actor in Mack's dad's film, pays him attention, Mack feels a strong connection. But where does this leave his relationship with Karim?

I loved the rep in this book, its important to have books like this out there for kids to read and feel seen. Mack came across as a brat and was somewhat unlikeable, but I also think that's pretty accurate for a lot of teenagers, and honestly feel like it was right for his situation. I didn't vibe with the verse, I felt it was stronger in Black Flamingo, BUT that is the author's style, and I'll read anything he writes!

Really fresh, contemporary feeling with good characterisation and I imagine will have a solid market but I felt it was just a little long winded for a verse novel.

f you're looking for beautifully written story that explores queer romance, featuring black characters and trans characters navigating complex relationships, then Only On The Weekends by Dean Atta is the one for you!!!

Written beautifully in narrative verse, Only on the Weekends is a brilliant YA romance full of lovable queer characters. When Mack's famous film director dad starts work on a Scottish film, Mack moves from London up to Glasgow. Although initially he's devastated to leave his boyfriend K behind, Mack soon becomes friends with the star of his dad's new film, charming trans actor Finlay. When their relationship develops into something more, Mack is torn between K and Fin.

Only on the Weekends is a gorgeous story about queer love, which celebrates Mack's Nigerian heritage and references Black Scottish artists such as Hannah Lavery, Jackie Kay and Heir of the Cursed. The novel is peppered with references to other Black musicians and writers which will leave the reader with a long list of artists to check out after reading!

I loved the way Scotland was portrayed in this story, Dean's love for this beautiful tiny country shone through. Here's a wee extract I particularly liked:

"The Black Scottish experience
Is not one I'd ever thought of
Before Dad and I moved here.

Now I know the powerful poetry
Of Jackie Kay,

The sad story
Of Sheku Bayoh,

And the mesmerizing music
Of Heir of the Cursed."

Anyone who has been here a while knows my unending adoration for Atta’s debut novel, The Black Flamingo. Thanks to the shop, I read an early proof and still have trauma flashbacks to gushing excessively to the author at a publisher event. For launch I had my mum knit an actual black flamingo, and I learned how to make a tutu for it, using YouTube & excessive swearing.

It’s safe to say this book had a LOT to live up to - and it deftly sidesteps expectations by being so markedly different. Whereas The Black Flamingo was intensely personal, fiercely emotional and spanned a childhood through to blossoming into glorious queer adulthood - it was also more snapshots of emotion and milestone rather than a plotted narrative.

Only at the Weekends on the other hand is much more of a focussed narrative with a definite story - telling that of teenager Mack and his crush on Karim - a very (apparently) straight, sporty popular boy. As the inevitable happens and things develop we go with Mack on a discovery of what it means to be out when who you want is not. We examine what we’re willing to sacrifice to get who we desire, and then what we might do when life provides an alternative….

There are some similarities too. Atta is wise and incisive when it comes to his observations of the Black experience in the UK, and deftly weaves in the complexity that sexuality and gender bring to an already marginalised community. In both books, there are explorations of absent parents and senses of loss we can have in our adolescence.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really liked the way it challenged my preconceptions and made me look into aspects of communities that I don’t have lived experience of. It doesn’t pack the visceral punch of Flamingo, but it doesn’t need to. This story draws its power from its superb character work rather than its queer resonance. Atta’s verse has evolved from raw power into a subtler, yet no less beautiful, complete narrative.

I like that I have no idea where Atta will take us next, but I’m on board for the ride.

I love Dean Atta's poetic writing style. His use of verse draws you in, with its fluidity and lyrical aspects.

As with Atta's other books, the representation in Only at the Weekends is fantastic, and it discusses difficult topics with ease. However, I didn't engage with the characters as much as I did with Black Flamingo, and found them to be quite frustrating. Maybe this was intentional, I'm not sure. I also found that the pace wasn't quite as fast as I would usually like.

3.5 rounded up.

I have raved about the Black Flamingo since I read it last year and recommend it to everyone - it’s probably my favourite young adult book ever. Those who loved BF will definitely enjoy Only at the Weekends, but for me personally it is not a story that will stay with me in the same way. I’ve enjoyed reading in verse lately but I didn’t find it quite as lyrical and fluid as in the BF (perhaps in part as I was reading it on a phone screen!) and was a little on the long side.

The story certainly gave Heartstopper vibes and was a sweet romance but Mack’s indecision in his love life irritated me a little. As a teen I had very few romantic options so maybe I’m just jealous 🤣 I didn’t develop a close affinity to any of the characters - there were a number to keep track of and I would prefer to have fewer who are further developed.

The writing was heartfelt and genuine and I will definitely consider purchasing for the school library as it will speak to fans of BF and Heartstopper.

Dean Atta has come and done it once again, I loved black flamingo and only on the weekends Atta’s sophmore release was just as amazing, if not maybe even better. Just like black flamingo this novel too was In verse and I just love Atta’s poetic writing style, it’s truly a wonder to read. So many things I could say I adored about this book because it was just that brilliant.
Recommend to all

🌿BOOK REVIEW🌿

Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta

“So you get to feel invincible but I’ve got to stay invisible?”

Mack has had a crush on Karim for as long as he can remember, but he has never found a way to talk to the schools popular basketball player. One day in class he is paired with Karim’s sister and he cannot believe it when Karim starts to talk to him. Suddenly, Mack’s father moves them to Scotland while he works on a project and the new relationship is confined to the weekends.

I have very mixed feelings about this book and I will try to go through the main points in turn:

The good:
- There is some bloody fantastic representation in this book, Finlay who is an actor on Mack’s fathers latest project is trans and proud! I think he is a great addition to the story
- It is pretty spot on for the classic teenage drama and antics, see the boys taking the girls on a date to Nando’s
- It discusses difficult family dynamics and the ongoing impact of homophobia in the current day

What I didn’t like as much:
- I did feel at points the story was getting very convoluted and could have been slightly shorter, I didn’t have the same drive to keep reading as I did with The Black Flamingo
- I know it was probably intentional but some of the characters were very frustrating and their actions were questionable
- I wish we were introduced to Finlay earlier!

Overall, it was a good book with some fab representation and if you haven’t read The Black Flamingo I highly encourage you to pick it up!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

⚠️CW// racism, death of parent, toxic friendship, homophobia

My 50 Word Revew for Only on the Weekends - Dean Atta
This warm, captivating, coming-of-age verse novel about first loves, identity and friendship was like a heart-warming hug. We join Mack, a beautifully flawed protagonist, as he finds his way through the upheaval of moving, the confusion of two contrasting love interests and the joy of finding himself. An uplifting romance.

I absolutely adored the black flamingo and when this book was announced I couldn't snap it up fast enough. It was a perfect mix of teen friendship, discovering yourself and learning about relationships. An LGBT+ book that doesn't follow the typical hero.

All the stars for Dean Atta! I love his style of writing, his voice and his story telling. Wonderful wonderful book
Cannot wait to see what he writes next

Rep: Black gay MC, Black closeted gay LI, trans LI, queer SCs, Black SCs

Okay, so: The black flamingo was an immediate 5 star read for me, so I really wanted to read this one too! I also really wanted to love this!
I just didn’t.
There are a lot of important topics raised in this, but overall I really couldn’t tell you what this story is about.
Apart from that I didn’t like any of the characters?
I like flawed and realistic characters, but everyone in this was kind of horrible.
I don’t know, I expected so much more from this and it didn’t deliver on any end.

As If I think this couldn’t be any better!! I absolutely loved this and devoured it! It was such a wonderful story with such a powerful message.