Shampoo Unicorn is a unique debut novel told from the point of view of three characters, Leslie a transgender teen struggling to come out to her parents, Brian, the overseer of a queer podcast called "Shampoo Unicorn" and Greg, a gay jock who gets caught in the locker room with another football player. Greg then is a victim of a hit and run, and the Shampoo Unicorn podcast speculates on who the suspects are while they try and raise support for their friend. This novel was a suspenseful and intense read as you follow these teens in a small West Virginian town. I love the snippets of the podcast and the author employs a unique tactic by writing Greg's point of view in second person, as if you yourself are the character.

Shampoo Unicorn by Sawyer Lovett is a powerful, heartfelt debut novel that explores the complexities of rural queer life with humor, vulnerability, and a deep sense of connection. The story follows Brian, Greg, and Leslie, three teens living in small-town West Virginia, each struggling with their identities in a world that doesn't always accept them. Brian, a lover of Drag Race and Dolly Parton, co-hosts a podcast called *Shampoo Unicorn*, which explores the isolation and occasional joy of being queer in a rural setting. Greg, the town’s football star, secretly shares Brian’s sexuality, while Leslie, a trans girl from nearby Pennsylvania, finds solace in the podcast as she struggles with depression.

When a tragic accident occurs, the three teens’ lives intertwine through their shared love of the podcast, and what begins as a search for answers becomes a touching journey of self-acceptance, friendship, and finding connection in an often-unwelcoming world. Lovett’s writing is both poignant and hopeful, offering a beautiful story about carving out a safe, joyful space in a place where it often feels impossible. If you’re looking for a unique, uplifting read that tackles tough topics with grace and humor, *Shampoo Unicorn* is a must-read.

Sometimes when you read a friend's book, you're thinking "I hope this doesn't suck," and reader, Shampoo Unicorn does. not. suck. It's a delight! The author, Sawyer, is your friendly neighborhood trans guy queer zinester with not the best coming up story. If you want to know the deets, read his zines. The lives of the kids at the center of SU go through some shitty times, but ultimately this is a happy book.

Brian runs a podcast called Shampoo Unicorn with his best friend, Riley. The name refers to a childhood ritual the two of them had with a third (former) best friend, Greg. Brian is the only out gay kid in their West Virginia town. Riley isn't queer, but she's biracial, so understands about being different. And she's just a good egg in general. The podcast isn't huge, but it reaches the ears it needs to, including those of Leslie, a trans girl from a similarly queer unfriendly town in Pennsylvania.

Following a podcast trope, SU comes to become a true crime story, as Brian, Riley, and some others try to solve a gay bashing crime (because obviously the police aren't doing shit).

The Bluefire Reader ate all of my bookmarks, so I can't tell you every little thing that I fucking adored in Sawyer's prose. Thanks anyway, NetGalley. Sorry your Shelf ebook reader kind of sucks sometimes, and so does Bluefire. Everyone, please acquire this book and share it with the teens in your life whether they're queer or not.