Z. R. Ellor

This story is told in two perspectives, that of Lucas, the closet autistic, popular boy, and Jeremy, the first year in transition at high school where he once was the most popular cheerleader. The story isn’t just about Jeremy‘s transition. This story would be a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. And it’s OK. There are times where it’s really hard to like Jeremy. Jeremy is angry all the time. They constantly want to seek out revenge and do psychological harm to Lucas for an offense Lucas didn’t know took place. Lucas was in his own world. Dealing with the death of his older, considered perfect brother. This book is the competition between the two to become homecoming king. They go to an elite school for people with money. Besides Jeremy not being the most likable character, I find this book is way too long. Over 9 1/2 hours. The audiobook has points where it just drags and one wonders “is this over yet”. Lucas isn’t a bad character. He’s confident on the outside, but not on the inside. Both of them make stupid decisions throughout the book which could be very typical of high school, and this is a YA novel. However, all of that together makes this a messy book that while one does enjoy it they were also ready for it to end.… (more)

Acting the Part is a queer YA novel about two teenage costars, Lily/Frey and Greta, and their on- and off-screen relationships. As they both learn more about themselves - and each other - their initial animosity turns into an alliance, and then something more.

There are so many good things in this book. Lily/Frey, a white child of privilege, comes to terms with this fact throughout the story. Racism, sexism, transphobia, and homophobia in the movie industry are dealt with, as are family relationships. For such a short book, it deals with so many issues that non-Hollywood star teens can relate to, and it does so in a way that feels genuine and not like a lecture. You can't help but root for the main characters throughout.

I suppose if I have any complaints, it's that the plot is fairly predictable - the mystery identity of a character Lily/Frey meets online isn't really a mystery, and the nefariousness of one of the "villains" is obvious from a mile away. That being said, these are minor issues, and ones a lot of readers (myself included) are probably willing to overlook.

For fans of queer YA fiction, this is a must. The characters are engaging, the story is paced well, and you'll leave with that warm, fuzzy feeling after a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperTeen for providing a copy for review.… (more)