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Screenwise Verdict
This isn't just a 'sequel'—it's a massive, soul-searching expansion of the first book. It’s long, and it moves at a deliberate, sometimes slow pace, but it rewards the reader with some of the best character work in modern YA fiction.
Don't hand this to a kid who just wants a light beach read. This is for the teen who feels everything deeply and wants to see that reflected on the page. It’s honest about the world being a scary place, but it’s even more insistent that love and family are the things that make it navigable.
Age Fit
Best for high schoolers (14+) who are ready for some heavy emotional lifting and a lot of f-bombs. Mature 8th graders can handle it, but it's a long, introspective read.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88
The book centers on incredibly supportive family dynamics and a tender, healthy romantic relationship. It prioritizes emotional honesty and kindness over cheap drama.
Imaginative
72
While it's realistic fiction, the prose is highly lyrical and poetic, encouraging readers to see the world through a more observant, philosophical lens.
Safe
80
Very safe for the intended YA audience, though it contains frequent strong language (f-bombs) and explores the heavy reality of the AIDS crisis and homophobia.
Enriching
96
A masterclass in empathy and emotional intelligence. It tackles historical context, grief, and identity with a level of depth rarely seen in teen literature.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
The relationship between Ari and his parents is a gold standard for how families can actually talk to each other.
It provides a visceral, human look at the 1980s AIDS crisis without feeling like a dry history lesson.
The writing is beautiful—it's the kind of book that makes you want to underline every other sentence.
It models a healthy, communicative romantic relationship between two teenage boys.
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What to Watch For
Heavy use of profanity, including the f-word, which is consistent throughout the dialogue.
A significant character death that is handled beautifully but is a major emotional gut-punch.
Depictions of homophobia and the societal fear surrounding the LGBTQ+ community in the early 90s.
Conversation Starters
"Ari’s dad says he doesn't want Ari to be 'careful' but to be 'aware.' What’s the difference when you're out in the world?"
"How does the setting of the late 80s/early 90s change the way Ari and Dante have to navigate their relationship compared to today?"
"Why do you think Ari struggles so much with 'mapping' his own heart?"
"Which character’s way of dealing with grief did you relate to more?"
