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Cover of DAYBREAK
4.28

Based on 254 Goodreads ratings

DAYBREAK

by Cog’s inhaling his homemade cornets, Marcus offers to make them lunch the next day—and soon, he’s making them lunch every Thursday. The two start spending more time together. Clueless about Marcus’ interest, candid, sincere Cog inadvertently stokes his affection. Cog’s best friend, Toma, however, is not so clueless and encourages Cog to set a firm boundary. But it turns out that Cog doesn’t really mind Marcus’ attention. This slice\u002Dof\u002Dlife rom\u002Dcom explores the feeling of being in the throes of a first crush. The fun, colorful, and dynamic artistic style suits the lighthearted vibe. However, the plot consists of a series of cute, loosely connected moments, resulting in underdeveloped characters and thin worldbuilding\u003B the latter is exemplified by the book’s unclear setting. The Black\u002Dpresenting leads are surrounded by a racially diverse cast at a school that has Japanese influences, but without a cultural anchor, some of the characters’ behavior and reactions feel unclear. Rather than the characters themselves driving the narrative, the need to maintain the tension of their unrevealed feelings is central, making the story sometimes feels contrived. Nevertheless, those seeking a straightforward, queer cotton\u002Dcandy romance likely won’t mind. Readers familiar with manga iconography will notice clues to the leads’ feelings."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:288
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781998341

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This powerful young adult novel follows a diverse group of teens navigating the complexities of identity, friendship, and self-discovery during a transformative summer experience. The narrative weave...

Our Review

This powerful young adult novel follows a diverse group of teens navigating the complexities of identity, friendship, and self-discovery during a transformative summer experience. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives as characters confront personal challenges, forge unexpected connections, and question the paths laid out for them by family and society. Through lyrical prose and authentic dialogue, the story captures the intensity of adolescent emotions and the pivotal moments that shape who we become. Readers are immersed in a contemporary setting that feels both specific and universally relatable to the teenage experience.

What distinguishes this coming-of-age story is its nuanced exploration of how young people negotiate their evolving sense of self while maintaining relationships with those who knew their former versions. The author demonstrates remarkable insight into the teenage psyche, creating characters whose struggles with authenticity, belonging, and purpose will resonate deeply with both teens and the adults who remember that transitional period. The emotional honesty and psychological depth make this particularly valuable for readers grappling with their own identity formation, offering both validation and hope for the journey ahead.

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