“Fall is the necessary reprieve before a period of rest. It's like when a phoenix turns to ash so that it can be born again. It's part of rebirth--the last burst of light before a second chance."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Title: The Fall of Whit Rivera
Author: Crystal Maldonado
Pages: 352
Genre: Young adult

⚠️TW: fatphobia, diet culture, bias within the medical community, autism, socioeconomic status, parental abandonment, loss, and grief.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange of a honest review.

🍁One of the principal themes that involve the story is that Whit is diagnosed with PCOS, and the author develop it pretty well, I could understand how difficult was for her living with all this symptoms, and how she was dealing with them. All of this really made me empathize with her through all the book.

🍁I like the latin representation, as a latin women myself, I really enjoyed to see characters that are close to their cultures and that they still speak their maternal or second language.

🍁I really appreciate that the author focused on her protagonist, Whit, and not just in the romance story she has with Zay. Reading about her family, her friends and her current goals was a lovely journey and also, the growth in her confidence about her body, was so important to me.

🍁 I love that there is LGBTQ+ representation in most of the characters, as well as, the representation of autism was well done, telling it for what it is, a disorder with a series of different symptoms, which vary depending on the person. But, this does not mean that we must treat and see those who suffer from it differently, they are still just as human as us.

🍁The romance part was really cute, I was screaming in a lot of interactions between Whit and Zay, and I think the two complement each other pretty well.

🍁I loved the autumn vibes, this book is a must read through this season.
As a fun fact, Whit made me love even more this season, and now I really want to try a PSL (I’m really curious about the taste of it).

This is my first review in english, so, sorry if I made some grammar mistake 🙈

this was amazing, not a 5 star but still good regardless, I liked it a lot

thank you netgalley for the arc

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is a beautiful book with representation of PCOS warriors which won my heart and autism. This is an adorable young adult book that follows Whit and Zay who cannot stand each other but they end up being forced to organize the fall formal together. However sparks fly between Whit and her frenemy . It's a brilliant romance for young adults with representation of girls with curves and real issues. Teen girls should read this, adults should read this and everyone should read this!

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for the ARC of The Fall of Whit Rivera!

The Fall of Whit Rivera is the story of the beginning of Whit's senior year. She spent the summer hiding from everyone following her diagnosis of PCOS and now that she is back in school she comes to terms with the fact that she needs to allow her best friends to see her diagnosis and who she is now. Whit is obsessed with the annual Fall Festival and all things fall and she is gunning for the lead roll in organizing the Festival. While she wins the top spot, her second in command is her ex-boyfriend from 6th grade.

This book was ok. I think I have outgrown high school stories. All of the drama is flat. She's worried about not winning; no one runs against her. Her boyfriend moved away; breakup is basically mutual. At times, the book feels more like a list of PCOS symptoms repeated over and over than an actual story of someone with PCOS.

The Fall of Whit Rivera was an excellent enemies-to-lovers / second chance young adult romance with amazing fall vibes - you can practically smell the pumpkin spice in the air. But more than a light-hearted young adult romance - this book delves deeper as Whit tries to better understand her own body and find her true self as she struggles with the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms of PCOS. This is something I have yet to see really explored in adult literature before, let alone in young adult literature - this is so valuable to younger generations since PCOS is still not discussed and studied as much as it should be considering the number of women it affects. I loved this book - such a cozy and comforting read. This is the second novel I've read from Crystal Maldonado and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. Thank you to Holiday House and NetGalley for the chance to read this novel.

| The book in general is interesting. Although I don’t have very in-depth knowledge of PCOS, it gave me a basis for understanding what life is like for someone who lives with it and how challenging everything can be. The main character's sister's approach to autism is also a positive factor.
 
| At first, it takes a while for you to pick up your reading rhythm; things are a little slow, which carries the risk of a DNF. However, it gets better little by little. Personally, I found it a bit difficult to get attached to the main character; some things upset me and bothered me, but I believe it can vary a lot and your reading experience may be different.
 
   | I really liked Whit's friendship with Sophie and Marisol. I loved every moment of them together, and all the time I was waiting for more. Zay is a cute, charismatic, and attentive character. There's no way not to like him.
 
✨I would like to thank you NetGalley, Crystal Maldonado and Holiday House for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc!
4.5 stars!!
THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE, IT ABSOLUTELY SCREAMS FALL!!! Please if you love fall pick this one up!!

Whit Rivera has started her senior year of high school, and she’s been going through some struggles lately. Her boyfriend, Aiden, recently moved away and isn’t making much time for Whit anymore. Whit also was diagnosed with PCOS over the summer and is struggling with the numerous impacts it’s having on her. To top it off, Whit hasn’t told anyone about her diagnosis, making her friends think she’s been MIA all summer for no reason, when she was really at doctors appointments addressing her symptoms.

Despite all that she’s going through, Whit is determined to have the perfect fall formal, even running for president of the planning committee. Whit loves fall, but the dance is especially important to her because that’s where her grandparents’ love story first began many years ago.

Whit is unexpectedly partnered with Zay, her rival and ex-boyfriend from middle school, to make all the plans for the dance and the whole fall themed week in general. As the two continue to work together, sparks fly, leaving whit with some conflicting feelings.

I think this book is a fantastic read for young adults because it really has some positive and important themes in it. I learned so much about PCOS in this book and I think it would be so helpful to others struggling with any kind of condition that makes them feel insecure or different. There were really healthy friendships and relationships in this book which is satisfying to read about but also sets a great example for teenagers who may read this. Although, I’m 26 and this book was very enjoyable for me, and these lessons apply to everyone! Whit learned about self acceptance and self love, accepting others as they are and letting go of the idea of perfect. Plus, it was so cute with all of the fall activities Whit goes on and all of her pumpkin spiced lattes!

This is the perfect book to give you all the Fall Vibes! Not only is the main character a dedicated fall enthusiast, she’s also planning her school’s week-long Fall Fest that ends with a themed dance. The season means a lot to Whitney, as it was also how her Abuelo and Abuela found each other. There’s lots of PSL consumed, pumpkin patches, apple picking and yearning for the colder weather, which worked just right for me as I also adore autumn 🥰 Whit is determined to make the most of her favorite season and I’m certain we need more autumnal contemporary books as this was so atmospheric and cozy!

Whit was such an endearing protagonist! Like I said, she’s a huge autumn lover and throwing herself into Fall Fest preparations, to make it as magical as possible for anyone. She had a tough summer and is now hoping to turn it all around in autumn 🍂 I really appreciated that the story discussed Whit’s PCOS diagnosis, as it’s a chronic illness that doesn’t get much coverage. Her summer was spent managing her new disability and being scared to talk to any of her friends. PCOS is still underresearched and doesn’t have a cure, so Whit is dealing with all the different symptoms as best as she can. The book also discusses fatphobia in medical settings, as Whit struggled to get her diagnosis, as she was gaining weight because of it. So there are some heavier topics, but Whitney gets lots of love from her support system and works up the courage to tell people outside of her immediate family!

The family dynamics were my absolute favorite! Whit’s mother basically abandoned her and her sister Lily, but her Abuela took them in. Sadly, her Abuelo passed from cancer a couple years ago, but Whit has such a close relationship with her Abuela and it melted my heart 🥺 Her grandmother was just so protective of her and always took care of her girls, I love how they baked and fangirled over the same band together, it was so precious! Whit also loves her sister Lily and is protective of her, as she is autistic and Whit’s worried that people will take advantage of her. She can come on a bit strong though and I like that the story was about her giving Lily breathing room and trusting her, as she unconsciously belittled her with the overprotectiveness.

I also liked the romance, it was cute! Isaiah ‘Zay’ is Whitney’s ex-boyfriend who stood her up back in middle school and now she considers him her nemesis. When he’s invited to become the vice president of the Fall Fest committee, Whit is so worried that he’ll not take it seriously and ruin everything for her. To her surprise, he might not be as bad as she thought he’d be and they are forced to spend a lot of time together 👀 Isaiah was such a sweetheart, he liked teasing Whit without it ever being malicious and accepted her as she was!

There were only very few things I didn’t like. One of them sadly was that I didn’t really care for Whit’s friends Sophie and Marisol. They had something interesting going on in their lives, but we were never shown their struggles so they felt shallow. Their friendship just didn’t speak to me and some of the slang they used just made me cringe 😅 While I liked the romance, there was some unnecessary miscommunication that made the relationship progress drag so much. Whit being convinced that Isaiah was still pining for his ex was such an annoying plot point because it felt designed to artificially induce drama. I would have liked if Whit and Isaiah being each other’s nemesis had lasted longer before it was resolved, as afterward their dynamic lacked some tension.

Whit and Zay have been enemies ever since he stood her up in middle school. Now in their senior year of high school, they're paired up to plan the week leading up to their school's homecoming dance. Whit would much rather do it on her own, but she soon finds that Zay isn't as bad as she's made him out to be. On top of her growing crush, Whit must deal with health issues, fatphobia, and disagreements with her sister.

This is a great fall read. The story is set in the fall, which happens to be Whit's favorite season (plus, just look at the cover). It's a cute second chance romance that brings awareness to PCOS and it's symptoms. I love the fact that Whit has a supportive abuela and two best friends, and I especially appreciated seeing the interactions between Whit and her younger sister - their relationship was very realistic and well-written, with both highs and lows.

I also loved seeing Spanish words sprinkled in without English translations (this is something i see people complaining about sometimes, but Latine authors don't owe you translations! Context is always helpful, and if that's not enough then it's not that difficult to google the meaning) as well as other small actions done by Whit and her family that are also done by mine.

Thank you to Holiday House and Netgalley for the arc!

This book was a good read. Ultimately it wasn’t for me but i think it will be for people who enjoy ya coming of age stories. I can’t wait for this book to come out so I can gift it to my niece. 🤍

crystal maldonado's THE FALL OF WHIT RIVERA is the perfect YA coming-of-age romance for fall. in this story, we follow our type-a, bicon, fall enthusiast FMC whit as she navigates through what was supposed to be her PERFECT senior year in high school (spoiler alert: it doesn't go as planned).

this book is a love letter to autumn full of chronic illness rep, queer rep, wholesome family cooking sessions, boyband stans, dance parties, PSLs, and gilmore girls references. i really fell in love with the characters and their various relationships. TFOWR is a book all about love: familial love, platonic love, romantic love, self love, and of course the love of fall and everything that comes with this cozy season.

i really did love this book. i could not put it down. that being said, i'm having trouble describing how it reads. our characters are high schoolers, but sometimes how they were feeling felt very middle grade while simultaneously communicating with more emotional intelligence than most adults. i absolutely love the example being set, but i feel like this messed with the flow just a little bit (obviously not enough to deter me from reading it in two sittings-- maybe i am just being picky).

overall, this was a great read and i will be picking up a physical copy for my shelves ❤️

Crystal Maldonado writes charming tales. Fat Chance Charlie Vega is one of the best books I read this year. Her stories are real, vulnerable, hopeful. The Fall of Whit Rivera doesn’t quite live up to Charlie Vega, but it was a great read. Whit Rivera is relatable, struggling with PCOS and all that comes with it, keeping it all to herself while she paints on a smile and focuses on her beloved fall season. But of course that is not sustainable, as we all eventually learn. Cue in a supportive family, loving friends, and a crush-worthy crush and she eventually finds room to let go. Great fall read!

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy!

fall vibes and pcos rep? yes, pls!
I really enjoyed this cute and emotional romance book! :)

Crystal Maldonado’s The Fall of Whit Rivera invites us to jump on a rollercoaster ride through the life of the titular character, Whit Rivera. This young adult novel skillfully weaves together familial bonds, health challenges, and the heart-fluttering world of teenage crushes, but the details are what really set this book apart. The story never feels rushed or dragged out, keeping us eagerly turning the pages.

The story unfolds through a lens that beautifully alternates between the different facets of Whit’s life, offering a multi-layered narrative that keeps you engaged throughout. Whit’s journey with PCOS is a vital aspect of her character and the author’s portrayal is both honest and moving, shedding light on the challenges that many people face but often go unspoken. And it is, ultimately, a story of empowerment. Witnessing Whitney’s struggle and her eventual willingness to open up to her loved ones about her condition is a triumph of vulnerability and support. It sends an essential message about the importance of seeking help when facing health issues.

One of the standout features of the novel is also the unapologetic way Maldonado allows Whitney to embrace her "super-girly" side, unburdened by the judgments of others. Whether it’s indulging in pumpkin spice lattes, bonding over "Gilmore Girls" or experimenting with makeup, Whit’s unabashed authenticity is a breath of fresh air that challenges the idea that there is a one-size-fits-all concept of femininity. But, personally, I think the beating heart of this novel is really Whitney’s family unit, comprising herself, her abuela, and her little sister. Their loving bond radiates warmth and showcases the strength that comes from close-knit family relationships.

The introduction of Lily, Whitney’s sister, who is autistic, is a truly heartwarming moment. Maldonado’s portrayal is not centred on Lily’s condition but on her remarkable qualities. I was never diagnosed with autism, but I grew up with my mother attributing some of my odd behaviours (mainly insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns, and fixated interests) to my being on the autistic spectrum. Later, when she actually had a degree in psychology, we talked about it. I am already an adult, I am a girl (women often go undiagnosed because they don’t fit autism stereotypes and they mask symptoms better) and there is no established procedure for diagnosing it in adults, but she validated my feelings, and I do feel I have read plenty about it to know that I am, although high functioning. So, for me, is deeply moving to see autism represented in such a loving and accepting light.

The novel also excels in the natural inclusion of queer and BIPOC characters. The majority of the characters are Latinx (including the FMC and the MMC/LI), there is a Vietnamese-American supporting character, and many LGBTQIA+ supporting characters (plus the FMC, which is referred to as being bisexual at some point).
Regarding the romance aspect of the book, I think Maldonado crafts a rivals-to-lovers arc that is both heartwarming and charming. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and you can't help but root for their budding relationship. While it’s a young adult novel and doesn’t delve into spicy territory, the book offers an abundance of pining and a slow-burning connection that will tug at your heartstrings.

I didn’t love the writing style (hence a star missing), but "The Fall of Whit Rivera" is a gem of a YA novel that stands out for its authenticity, inclusivity, and celebration of individuality. It challenges stereotypes and warmly embraces diverse characters. If you're looking for a book that encourages you to embrace your true self and appreciate the unique qualities of those around you, this is a must-read. Crystal Maldonado’s work is a reminder that in a world that often expects conformity, our differences are what make us beautifully unique.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange of an honest review.

Enemies to lover? Yes please. Cozy fall vibes? Gimme. Representation? Now, thank you.

This book checked all my autumn read boxes, and did it all while being witty, topical, and sporting the most adorable cover I've ever seen. This book felt like warm cup of hot cocoa during the cute moments, and so relatable in it's emotional ones. I highly recommend this.

*3.5

This was cute. I liked Whit and thought she was a good character. I wish it was a little bit longer so we could see more of her and Zay's relationship develop.

I received an arc through netgalley.

The Fall of Whit Rivera was such a pleasure to read. It was the perfect YA romcom and I felt so connected to Whit’s character throughout the story. I started suffering from PCOS my senior year of high school too, and I loved how the feelings of alienation were highlighted in Whit’s experience and how her circle of friends and family still had her back no matter what!

The fall vibes were so cozy and cute, it brought back all the nostalgia of being in school during this season.

This was really cute. A vibe if you will. It's the perfect read if you're looking for some really awesome fall feels and some great PCOS representation.

I appreciated all that this book did with discussing grief, fat phobia, dealing with a chronic illness, how to process your feelings, mental health, inclusivity, poverty, family dynamics, racism, medical struggles for people of color, all handled with a lot of care. I also appreciated that the characters weren't one dimensional, and everyone had a facet to them that made them unique and special to the story. And I want to take a minute for the MMC, because what an absolute dream of a book boyfriend.

All around, it was a great fall time!

Thank you to Netgalley and Holiday House for an e-copy.

This was such a warm hug!!! I wish teenage me could have read Crystal’s books. I really appreciate the care in which Crystal wrote Whit dealing with medical fatphobia and the frustration that goes along with not being listened to. I loved Whit’s support system and all the different identities that were represented in the book.

I wanted this book the moment I saw the cute cover. I appreciated that it tackled the difficult topic of PCOS and included a diverse group of characters. The characters came across as younger making it feel like the target audience should be middle grade. It was a harder read to get into for me and while I liked the idea of the story the characters were hard to connect to. It broke my heart the way the MC felt about herself. I wished we got more depth from some of the characters but otherwise it was an okay read. Still a sweet story with an important message for people struggling with a health condition.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the arc.