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From School Library Journal

Starred review from May 1, 2024

Gr 10 Up-Jackson's junior year is going as planned. He's stage manager for the theatre club, he has a trusted friend in Bowie, and his latest breakup list for his sister Jasmine is soothing her heartbreak. However, things go off script when the captain of the swim team, Liam, lands a lead in the musical, and both Jackson and Jasmine begin crushing on him. But Liam is straight and would never go for Jackson, right? Khorram nails it once again with this page-turning romance about giving oneself a chance to celebrate one's true identity. In a nod to the theatre kids, especially the techies, this story comes to life as it portrays the balance of various relationships. Jackson realistically models a person who's part of the Deaf and hard of hearing community: working with hearing aids (which don't guarantee 100 percent sound), communicating with family who've never learned ASL, and listening fatigue. Readers will ride Jackson's emotions alongside him as he interacts with and eventually confronts others. In the end, no love is lost for antagonists Cam or Jasmine, despite Jasmine beginning to make amends near the end. Liam's taking on the learning of ASL will melt hearts, as well as show what true intention looks like in building connections. Ultimately, Jackson's world-crashing leads him to see that sometimes taking a step back to evaluate and work on oneself is the key to moving forward. Jackson is biracial Iranian and white and Liam is white. Supporting cast is diverse. VERDICT A heartwarming romance where creating authentic connections takes center stage.-Emily Walker

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Kirkus

Starred review from February 1, 2024
A stage manager and his sister both develop a crush on the same guy. Everyone thinks juniors and longtime queer platonic besties Jackson and Bowie should date. But Iranian and white Jackson, who's deaf, must constantly triage his sister Jasmine's relationship woes by making breakup lists that extol her exes' worst qualities. When white, "classically handsome" swimmer Liam auditions for the fall musical, trouble ensues when both Jackson and Jasmine start crushing on him. Jasmine pursues Liam first, making Liam "absolutely, 100 percent off limits." But Liam keeps tucking in Jackson's shirt tags. He also starts learning sign language from Bowie, a nonbinary, Black, aromantic, and asexual child of deaf adults. Liam hopes this will help them communicate better, a meaningful action and something Jackson's family hasn't put much effort into. What's a boy to do? This sweet, slow-burn sibling love triangle with an added sprinkling of family drama rivals Alice Oseman's Heartstopper (2020) in its cuteness and appeal. Countless references show an insider's knowledge of--and reverence for--high school theater. The strong first-person narration immerses readers in Jackson's story, and the use of "somethingsomething" effectively conveys times when Jackson, who wears hearing aids and reads lips, misses dialogue. The supporting characters bring additional diversity in race and queer identity. Love deserves a standing ovation in this multilayered exploration of what it truly means to feel seen. (Fiction. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Publisher's Weekly

January 15, 2024
Half-Iranian and half-white high school junior Jackson Ghasnavi, who is Deaf and queer, prefers life behind the scenes as a theater tech and stage manager. Ever since his actor boyfriend dumped him as a freshman, he's avoided romance and finds comfort in making lists of faults of people who annoy him, particularly his older sister Jasmine's myriad ex-boyfriends. When senior swimming star Liam Coquyt, who reads as white, lands the lead role in the fall musical, Jackson finds himself with a front-row seat to Liam and Jasmine's budding relationship. And while his own developing friendship with Liam prompts Jackson to wonder if romance might be in his future after all, he balks at the idea of betraying Jasmine's trust, and must decide what he really wants, even if it means claiming the spotlight for once.
In this emotionally complex rom-com, Khorram (Kiss & Tell) winningly captures Jackson's struggle finding himself amid the chaos of high school theater. Jackson's first-person POV recounting his growing crush and his frustration with those around him is both sharp and sincere, making this a wholesome and hilarious tale. Ages 14â€"up. Agent: Molly O'Neill, Root Literary.

From Booklist

Starred review from January 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Here are some things to know about high-school junior Jackson Ghasnavi: he's gay; he's hearing impaired; he's half Iranian; he's a theater kid; and, though he won't admit it to himself, he has a crush on gorgeous Liam, the white captain of the swim team, with whom he's sort of friends. And, oh, yes, he's an inveterate list maker, whose sister, Jasmine, demands he make lists of the bad qualities of all her exes. When Liam, whom she's been dating, breaks up with her, she demands that Jackson make a list about him. He reluctantly agrees, but, predictably, that's a big mistake that threatens everything he has--not just his budding romance with Liam but his relationship with his sister as well. Khorram (Kiss & Tell, 2022) has written an irresistibly readable novel that builds on the tropes of a traditional rom-com. It has a carefully constructed plot (though there are a few implausibilities), empathetic and fully realized characters (Liam especially is more than just a pretty face), and sensitive treatment of Jackson's disability. We're already putting this on the list of the year's finer novels.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From AudioFile Magazine

Amin El Gamal's winning performance endears Deaf, queer protagonist Jackson Ghasnavi to listeners. Jackson loves being the stage manager for his high school's theater department. When sweet, handsome Liam from the swim team gets the lead role in the musical, he and Jackson grow closer. The only problem? Jackson's older sister, Jasmine, likes Liam, too. Jasmine has had a string of breakups; to help her get over her heartbreaks, Jackson makes "breakup lists," cataloging her exes' faults. In the print book, these lists and even Jackson's inner dialogue are peppered with crossed-out words and phrases. In the audiobook, El Gamal speaks the struck-through words, says "scratch that" in a sheepish tone as Jackson self-edits, then continues. It's a clever and effective adaptation for an audiobook that's full of charm. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine