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Quick Info
The Facts and Legens of Callie Catwell

• Title: The Facts and Legends of Callie Catwell
• Series: Standalone
• Author: Sofia DeRise
• Release Date: 12.04.2021
• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
• Content Warning: at least anorexia, domestic abuse probably more
• Diversity: Mental Health
• Rating: dnf

Blurb
The Facts and Legends of Callie Catwell

Being a teenager can be hard, especially if you’re Callie Catwell.

She already has plenty of worries in her life—a father struggling with anorexia, a friend with an abusive stepfather, an ex-boyfriend who won’t let their relationship go, and questioning her sexuality and new feelings for her best friend— and that’s not even taking into consideration the struggles that just come from growing up. Things suddenly take a strange turn when she sees a monster in the Lost Lake one morning. Finding that monster soon becomes an obsession, one that distracts her from the anxieties in her life. While she initially welcomes the distraction, Callie soon has to decide if she is ready to face her struggles or ruin her relationships with her family and friends—and the monster’s strange magic—forever.

The Queer’s Review

Sadly, I’ve lost the notes I took during reading. So I can’t tell you when I DNF-ed. Probably better to take this review with a grain of salt.

I remember it being not that far into the story, though. I didn’t manage to get into the book at all and I also remember feeling put off by the way sensitive topics were handled.

I think, I also remember being annoyed by Callie? I wasn’t able to understand her, at all, and I wanted to yell at her more than once, I think.

I have absolutely no recollection of enjoying anything about the story. I guess, it read like your usual YA, nothing special, rather on the better-not-side. There probably was some eye-rolling of mine involved as well. At least I have the feeling, it was involved.

Bookish Thoughts

I was really excited and hopeful about The Facts and Legends of Callie Catwell. An asexual lesbian romance? Seriously, sign me up! I was also excited about her dad being the one who battles an eating disorder. I felt like this book could be really helpful to younger readers and educate them in a good and fun way.

I don’t think like this anymore. At all. Of course, there is the possibility the book gets better, right now overall reviews aren’t that bad. But for me to DNF a book in the early stages means I was seriously done with it. So there’s that.

Disclaimer

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.