There were a lot of heavy topics in this book, but I felt hopeful at the end. It was exploratory but I felt some of the characters lacked depth.

I really enjoyed how the topics of racism, privilege and queerness were talked about. However, this felt on the younger side of YA (at least or me). I love reading YA and it usually feels like it's aimed for the older range, but this one didn't. I think that kinda took me out of the story.

I also felt like there could have been more plot developments for the MC Kai. Overall though, this was a great read and I enjoyed reading this book from Atta.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for a copy of this ARC.

4.5🌟Thank you to Quill Tree Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After reading this book I found myself asking how is this the first Dean Atta book I am reading?! I absolutely loved how this author had me hooked on Kai's story, his diverging thoughts, and emotions. It was definitely a fast read as it was written in verse which made it easy to finish in one sitting. As a queer women who came out in high school I was really drawn to Kai's experience and left this read with a full heart.

This book touches on topics related to coming out, parental influence and power, lack of self-confidence, the power of positive relationships and community, the importance of self-growth, discrimination, sexual assault all while displaying a sweet young romance.

I would 100% recommend this book and look forward to what this author has in store for the future.

"I Can't Even Think Straight" is a well-meaning book, but I wish I liked it more. While the novel deals with challenging yet realistic themes such as coming out, racism, dating pressure and sexual assault, I think the story's juvenile tone hinders its execution and overall nuance.

And while I don't think it's a requisite for main characters to be likable, I'm not really a fan of Kai due to him having almost no character development throughout the story, a major example in my opinion being his constant reiteration that Matt "knows how to handle [him]" instead of him bettering himself in some way.

There's almost no plot as well, the book seemingly being an amalgamation of vignettes of Kai with his mom at the weekend markets, time at school especially the lunch table, moments in his bedroom, and hanging out with Obi and friends/acquaintances. The novel has potential, however Atta has yet to grasp it. I loved "The Black Flamingo" so this is a bit of a disappointment.

This is my first book by Dean Atta and it will be not my last. This book exceed all my expectations. It’s deep and humorous and serious and the same time.
The themes (queerness, social disparity, classism, racism) are well executed, I love that. I love Kai, my precious baby, and I love Matt. I love everything about this book, really. It’s so much.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

Thank you Quill Tree Books for an advanced copy to review!

A queer biracial teen confronts issues of race, privilege, class, and sexuality on his journey to falling in love.

^from the publisher!

After reading and loving The Black Flamingo last year, I was so excited to see that Dean Atta had another book coming out.

I love novels in verse. They are so unique and beautiful and the storytelling always hooks me right away. There’s something about the magic of this type of writing that is so different from anything else.

Kai had my heart from the very first page of this novel. Trying to figure out his life, what makes him happy, friendships, crushes, school, love, family… it’s such an incredible story.

I loved his friendships and how they developed in the book. I loved Matt so much. I understand his hesitancy and how it made things stressful and frustrating for Kai. But that ending!!! Tears in my eyes. So beautiful. Vass was lovely and I adored their storyline. Handled delicately, and was heartfelt.

All in all, an enthusiastic yes from me. Loved.