The Stats
Title: I Kissed Shara Wheeler
Author: Casey McQuiston
Narrated By: Natalie Naudus
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (03 May 2022)
Time: 09 Hours 25 Mins
Genre: General Fiction (Young Adult), 2SLGBTQIA+, Romance, Chick Lit
Trigger Warnings: Religious Trauma, Homophobia, Conservative Politics
Read if you like: The Movie The Challengers, But I’m A Cheerleader, Honor Society
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Fiction (2022)
The Review
“I Kissed Shara Wheeler” by Casey McQuiston is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and coming-of-age exploration that captivates from start to finish. Set in the small town of Alabama, the story revolves around Chloe Green, a determined high school senior striving for valedictorian status. Her plans take an unexpected turn when her academic rival, Shara Wheeler, kisses her and then mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a trail of cryptic clues.
From the moment I delved into this novel, I was hooked. I wished it could have been published in 2012, or even 2002, so that my younger self could have experienced reading about Queer representation in a small town at a much younger age. McQuiston masterfully crafts a narrative that balances humor, heart, and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where the quest for answers leads to unexpected friendships and revelations. The characters leap off the page with their depth and authenticity, each one adding layers to the story’s rich tapestry.
Chloe Green shines as the protagonist, a fierce and relatable figure whose journey of self-discovery resonates deeply. Her interactions with Shara, Smith, Rory, and the rest of the cast are filled with wit, charm, and genuine emotion. I appreciated how McQuiston tackled complex themes such as identity, religion, and friendship with sensitivity and nuance, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing its lighter moments.
The dynamics between the characters are a highlight of the novel, from Chloe’s evolving relationship with Shara to the bonds forged between her and her unlikely allies. McQuiston excels at portraying diverse, multifaceted relationships that feel authentic and rewarding. Whether it’s the banter-filled camaraderie between Chloe, Rory, and Smith or the poignant moments of vulnerability shared between Chloe and Shara, every interaction is imbued with warmth and significance.
Furthermore, McQuiston’s exploration of queer identity and acceptance is both poignant and empowering. Through Chloe’s experiences navigating her sexuality and grappling with societal expectations, the novel offers a heartfelt portrayal of resilience and self-acceptance. The inclusion of diverse LGBTQ+ representation adds depth and authenticity to the story, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
While the novel is not without its flaws, these minor drawbacks pale in comparison to its overall strengths. “I Kissed Shara Wheeler” is a compelling and uplifting read that celebrates the complexities of youth, friendship, and love. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a heartwarming and thought-provoking YA romance with a queer twist.
Short Review (AKA TLDR)
“I Kissed Shara Wheeler” by Casey McQuiston is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and coming-of-age exploration set in a small Alabama town. When high school senior Chloe Green’s academic rival, Shara Wheeler, unexpectedly kisses her and then disappears, leaving behind cryptic clues, Chloe’s quest for answers leads to unexpected friendships and revelations. McQuiston expertly crafts a narrative that balances humor, heart, and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where diverse relationships and themes of identity, religion, and friendship are sensitively explored. Chloe shines as a relatable protagonist, and the dynamics between characters are a highlight, offering authentic portrayals of queer identity and acceptance. Despite minor flaws, this novel is a compelling and uplifting read that celebrates the complexities of youth, friendship, and love, making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt YA romance with a queer twist.