nasamuffin, book enjoyer reviewed Fireblooms by Alexandra Villasante
Cute, but I'm uncomfortable with some of the side messages
3 stars
Content warning plot spoilers, abuse
The central romance was cute and I thought the main plot was an interesting take on social media moderation and walled gardens.
However, I'm disappointed that two abusers get basically a pass and redemption arc. At the end of the book, Diego is in therapy, which is great or whatever, but why was he tolerated in the friend group for so long anyway, if everyone is expecting and prepared for his weekly screaming blowups? And at least he IS trying.
Sebas's mom's arc, though, I have a real problem with. She throws a tantrum to Sebas because he's not sacrificing his convictions for her....and when he does, she suddenly turns around and changed many (not all) of her abusive ways. That's sending the message that the best way to deal with an abuser is to do everything they want you to, and then they'll certainly start treating you well. Not a thing that works, and not a healthy lesson to land with young kids. And everyone in Sebas's life encourages him to put up with her and do what she wants anyway - not because that behavior could keep him safe in a temporary situation, but because she's family and That's Just What You Do.
Overall not sure I appreciated the message in this one - although brian was right, the queer Spanish slang was really fun to read.