Racquel Marie

A teen girl navigates friendship drama, the end of high school, and discovering her queerness in this hilarious and heartfelt contemporary YA debut by author Racquel Marie. Ophelia Rojas knows what she likes: her best friends, Cuban food, rose-gardening, and boys – way too many boys. Her friends and parents make fun of her endless stream of crushes, but Ophelia is a romantic at heart. She couldn’t change, even if she wanted to. So when she finds herself thinking more about cute, quiet Talia Sanchez than the loss of a perfect prom with her ex-boyfriend, seeds of doubt take root in Ophelia’s firm image of herself. Add to that the impending end of high school and the fracturing of her once-solid friend group, and things are spiraling a little out of control. But the course of love—and sexuality—never did run smooth. As her secrets begin to unravel, Ophelia must make a choice between clinging to the fantasy version of herself she’s always imagined or upending everyone’s expectations to rediscover who she really is, after all.

Ophelia After All

Lainie Stuart

Bria

Ophelia is one of my favorite characters this year 😩

cried

Just a gorgeous, tender story I might have needed even more a few years ago. the friendships and relationships in this feel so real and wonderful, and I'm holding this one close.

This is a very readable and utterly competent YA. It is funny and lively and very, very engaging, even for myself who is now outside of its target audience. It reminded me of a more upbeat Nina LaCour which is probably as good as it gets.

Perhaps my only criticism is that I wish that the various queer identities had been more organically interwoven. There is literally a passage where the characters take turns to explain their own sexualities, the dialogue of which feels unnatural. But given that this novel is about the main character finding their own queerness and that it is aimed at relatively young readers who might indeed not have the words to describe their sexuality, this is entirely forgivable. It is just that it was so well written up to that point, the dialogue suddenly feeling quite rigid was a little jarring.

This is a very readable and utterly competent YA. It is funny and lively and very, very engaging, even for myself who is now outside of its target audience. It reminded me of a more upbeat Nina LaCour which is probably as good as it gets.

Perhaps my only criticism is that I wish that the various queer identities had been more organically interwoven. There is literally a passage where the characters take turns to explain their own sexualities, the dialogue of which feels unnatural. But given that this novel is about the main character finding their own queerness and that it is aimed at relatively young readers who might indeed not have the words to describe their sexuality, this is entirely forgivable. It is just that it was so well written up to that point, the dialogue suddenly feeling quite rigid was a little jarring.

Lamia Hajani

Ophelia Rojas is boy-crazy. She always has a crush, and everyone always knows all about it. But when Ophelia meets Talia, she's taken by her in a way that makes her start questioning everything she thought she knew about herself.

Full of interesting supporting characters and wonderfully done descriptions of the spectrum of sexuality, Ophelia After All was a delightful read, especially during Pride Month. I thought that the coming out story felt incredibly relatable and real. Ophelia's decisions read like that of a senior in high school, and nothing feels too forced.

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. There were 1-2 characters whose actions I simply didn't fully understand and some of the plot lost me, but I overall thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an electronic advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Ana Paula

this is one of the best lgtbq+ books i´ve read (granted, the list isn´t that long but i feel like it stills deserves that place), i haven´t cried so much with a book in a long time.
reading a coming-of-age / self-discovery book was, perhaps, just what i needed right now. 

what i liked: 
* the writing is neat, easy, gets the point across (well organized ideas)
* we see the characters´ and plot develop amazingly, neither being forgotten by the author
* each of them (") explore their own feelings and internal struggles at some point, which made my own struggles slightly less scary and made me feel understood
* the book´s title being mentioned in actual dialogue >>>

my two favorite quotes: 
 "That is the legacy I want for you, not to be the girl who loves too much, but to be the girl who is loved more than enough.”
 "Lord we know who we are, but know not what we may be"
 (this one is actually a Hamlet quote that Ophelia reads towards the end of the book)

Nicole Finlay

Book made me feel seen. The hidden worries, having everything and nothing. Good book. Not great.

Claudia Ganea

I may doubt the truths of the world, but never again will I doubt whether or not the person that I am, or may be, is loved or worthy of love. I know myself, and I don’t. Both can be true.

4.5/5

This book... feels so much like a warm hug, and I'm so happy that it exists in the world. This is exactly the kind of book I needed when I was younger, the kind of book that would've helped me figure myself out sooner, and knowing that queer kids are now growing up in a world where they have that? Where they get to see themselves and know that they deserve to be happy and loved no matter what? I'm going to adore any book that gives that to them/us 🏳‍🌈

(view spoiler)[I'm absolutely floored that this is a debut, because it's clear from the very first page how much love and care Racquel has put into her craft. Every single character is so beautifully created, but especially Ophelia, who I fell in love instantly!! Her rose-colored view of the world, her affinity for roses (that I share, even though I can't actually grow them myself) and her open heart are all things that I admire her for. Her journey with her sexuality is so, so incredibly authentic and well-done, and just seeing her grapple with all the changes that she has to face alongside this HUGE thing that she's discovering about herself for the first time is... weirdly comforting, actually. It almost helped me process everything that's changed, and has been changing, in my own life, because through her, I'm realizing that I can give myself the space I need to do that. 

And isn't that the point of it all? The realization that, even though she is changing, and the future is unknown, and it's scary but exciting at the same time, she is and will always be (and excuse me for this next pun) Ophelia, after all? Isn't it worth it, in the end, to go through the hard and scary times just to discover that you're stronger than all of it, and that all you have to do is be yourself, completely and unapologetically? This is what Ophelia gives us, and this is what she's going to give so, so many kids who are looking for their place in the world, and I don't have words to express how proud and happy I am that she's a part of the world!!!

Now, I have to talk about the other characters as well, because I'm me and because found family always, always makes my chest ache. The support system that Ophelia is surrounded by, even when she thinks she isn't, is incredible to read about (even if it makes me cry a little). Her and Sammie's relationship especially, the fact that they've grown up together and they're able to accept each other with no reservations, even though they do come across a few bumps in the road - that's so important to have. Her growing friendship with Wes was also very beautiful, because it bloomed from that sense of kinship that you can only get from other queer people, who share your experiences and who can help you understand yourself when you feel like you're drifting alone at sea. Them visiting the LGBTQ+ center and Ophelia becoming a regular after that? Truly literary excellence!!! 

I think this book is so important, and I get why it's been so highly - and rightly - praised. I definitely will pick up Racquel's next books as soon as we're blessed with them, because I'll be reading everything she writes from now on!! (hide spoiler)]

Jaila Esterline

Thank you to BookishFirst for an advanced copy of this book! 


I loved this book so much oh my god. I feel like this book is going to be so important and pivotal in many young peoples lives, especially queer poc. A lot of people really hyped this up as a romance, but I think the most important part of this story is Ophelia’s journey to realizing who she is and coming to terms with it, along with the other characters that you meet along the way. This story discussed mental health and sexuality and the way it intersected into Ophelia’s life as a young Latina girl, in a very heartfelt way. I can’t wait to see more from this author and see whatever stories she has to offer us. Reading her debut novel early was a privilege and honor that I won’t soon forget. This story is found family realness and a cast of characters you want to hold close to your heart and not let go of. I hope many more people find this story and experience the love that Ophelia After All has to offer.

Latitude Tamarind

This is one of my favorite reads of 2022. Now, is it February 1st? Yes. However. This book’s got everything you want in a YA novel:
1) Incredible characterization
2) The voice! Excellent use of voice!
3) It’s here, it’s queer, it’s fantastique
4) Also the main character is a botanist and really intensely into roses and I’ve never been more delighted about this??

This book is like the experience of reading a really really good short story in a Dahlia Adler anthology and then it goes on for the FULL NOVEL EXPERIENCE. I’m in love with this book. Five stars.

Lia Yuliana

Update 25/06/2022

You can find the rest of my reviews at  An Ode to Fiction. | Subscribe to my Booktube channel 

Official Release Date : February 8th 2022
Buy the book :
Amazon|Book Depository

4/5 ⭐️

Ophelia After All is the best diverse young adult queer coming of age story about identity, love, and acceptance that have come out this year.


  
    “Being queer is hard enough. Don’t lock yourself out of all of this just because you’re scared you won’t fit in the keyhole, without even trying.”
  


For the longest time I've been seeing Ophelia After All being gushed left and right by my close friends and fellow bloggers. The praise they have given for this book is all five stars with high recommendations across the board. This made me quite interested in Ophelia After All but I couldn't find it at my local library so I put in a request. After a few months of waiting it is finally available and I am so happy I can finally read it. Even though this book is due literally right now I am taking my time to write this review before I return it.

Honestly going into the book I didn't know what to expect aside from the information I could gather from the reviews I've read. I am very picky with young adult contemporary books because some YA books isn't for me most of the time. It's harder for me to relate to it since I am not the target audience but Ophelia After All proved me wrong. 


  
    “HAMLET MAY HAVE BEEN A TRAGEDY. BUT OPHELIA DESERVED A COMEDY”
  


Ophelia After All is a queer young adult coming of age story following our protagonist Ophelia. A latina senior in high school with a green thumb, a love for Shakespeare, and a boy crazy hopeless romantic. With two months left of school, prom on the horizon and her high school era is coming to an end the anxiety is sinking in. As she sees her friends seeming to figure themselves out Ophelia feels that pressured to keep up a good facade. Yet Ophelia is feeling the total opposite and is questioning herself. Ophelia starts developing a crush on someone in her class and its a girl. This causes Ophelia to spiral even further into a crisis.

Marie shaped the story of Ophelia After All with consistent intent to represent a specific time for young adults that is the transition from high school to college. Where teens become adults with responsibilities and opportunities to grow to be the person they want to be. Though Marie focuses their story on to people that are still figuring out who they are. With Ophelia as a character that for a long time been given labels as "an obedient daughter", "boy crazy", "loves gardening", "loves Shakespeare", and so on. Knowing that Ophelia's family and friends sees her with these labels Ophelia feels that she should stick with it. She oppresses her feelings day by day until finally it pops. 

For queer teens that are still questioning themselves will feel a certain kin ship with Ophelia. It is not a contemporary romance involving two people but it is a romance involving one's self to accept change and celebrating different kinds of love. Marie also weaves acceptance and mental health into the story that is subtle but notable in all of the characters growth. The theme that is the center of Ophelia After All is identity and all the facets of someone's identity. From sexuality, gender, heritage, race, and religion; all of these are highlighted in Ophelia After All. Marie's ability as a writer is full of potential and masterful in creating stories that are diverse and well researched.


  
    “I may doubt the truths of the world, but never again will I doubt whether or not the person that I am, or may be, is loved or worthy of love. I know myself, and I don’t. Both can be true.
I am not Ophelia: daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, lover of Hamlet.
I am Ophelia Rojas: daughter of Miguel and Stella, best friend of Sammie and Agatha, aspirational lover to many, many boys and one girl.
And I am so much more, just waiting to be discovered.”
  


Final thoughts, Ophelia After All is the book that I would recommend to teenage me and any teenager that wants to see themselves represented. It is like a dose of assurance, safety, and comfort to readers that everything will be okay and that there is love everywhere, either from friends or family or a youth center. Identity is such a complex thing that changes with time and experience, Marie reassures us that it is no rush to finding who you are as it is a process and not a race. I highly recommend Ophelia After All to anyone that is looking for that reassurance and comforting hug.

A teen girl navigates friendship drama, the end of high school, and discovering her queerness in this hilarious and heartfelt contemporary YA debut by author Racquel Marie, Ophelia After All Ophelia Rojas knows what she likes: her best friends, Cuban food, rose-gardening, and boys – way too many boys. Her friends and parents make fun of her endless stream of crushes, but Ophelia is a romantic at heart. She couldn’t change, even if she wanted to. So when she finds herself thinking more about cute, quiet Talia Sanchez than the loss of a perfect prom with her ex-boyfriend, seeds of doubt take root in Ophelia’s firm image of herself. Add to that the impending end of high school and the fracturing of her once-solid friend group, and things are spiraling a little out of control. But the course of love—and sexuality—never did run smooth. As her secrets begin to unravel, Ophelia must make a choice between clinging to the fantasy version of herself she’s always imagined or upending everyone’s expectations to rediscover who she really is, after all.

Steph L 

This audio book was so good!!! I loved the characters, the story, and the writing so much.

I've been waiting to read this book for quite a bit now and it did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down from the moment I read the first page!! These characters and their stories are just so beautiful and the thought and care that went into this story is so evident. I can't believe this is Racquel's first book, she writes with the ease of a practiced writer and that makes me so excited to read what comes next from her.

Rachel McKay

beautiful and so perfect. i could read this book over and over again and my love for it would only grow.
i adored the teeny incorporations of discussion about hamlet and especially loved the commentary on love and acceptance and growing out of other people’s expectations.
also i think i read this at a perfect time since this book focuses on seniors around prom and graduation time and also talks about the complications with that and i am also a senior who has prom this weekend and graduation in a month and like ophelia feel overwhelmed.
the characters were lovely and so real and the way that relationships developed really resonated with me?? and i love this book.

Eliza Gonzalez

** spoiler alert **
           I definitely think this is a book that would make many teens (or young adults) coming to terms with or questioning their identity feel seen. It's the sort of book that's there to hold your hand through a confusing and sometimes scary time in your life, to be a friend that tells you that you are normal and everything will turn out ok, even if it doesn't turn out how you thought it would.

But I'm not the person who needs that. I can totally understand what books like this mean to some people, but I'm just not the target audience here, and that really impacted my enjoyment. The ending felt very contrived and unbelievable, the way that it turned out none of her friends were cishet (save one). I know that LGBT people have a way of gravitating towards each other even before they know it, but like...all of her friends? AND she had no idea about any of them? AND two of them basically came out to her as soon as she came out to them? AND they ALL had different labels? A bit over the top here, I think.

This sort of fell into that genre of books for me that just clearly wanted to represent all kinds of diverse identities rather than wanting to represent *people*, which happen to have diverse identities, if that makes sense.

Still, I did really appreciate some aspects of the book, including this specific paragraph near the end that covered a range of reasons that make it hard for someone to come out, even if they aren't feeling a risk for their safety or the love of their friends and family.


   I know what they are. An accumulation of every questionable joke made by Sammy. Every hateful comment made by people like Jeremiah. Every expectation of mom's. Every assumption of dad's. Every judgement of Lindsay's. Everything that made me so scared to admit to how I felt about Talia. 


I think all of these little things aren't usually addressed in books regarding sexuality, or at least not many that I've read.

One maybe nitpicky problem I had was when one of the characters refers to Ophelia as queer without making sure she is okay with it first. She questions him on it and he explains that some people don't like it but some have reclaimed it, which is a good little addition here, but if you understand that, why did you just assume she would be okay with it? 🤔 

Anyway, while a bit heavy handed with its attempt at being educational, this would make a solid read for teens who are questioning their sexuality or just learning about varied identities.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Lukas Ellerbrook

"I love you whether you love Romeos or Juliets or both or neither or live out the rest of your days with Dad and me and your garden."

What an absolutely beautiful novel. Genuinely going to be one of my favorites of 2022. The designs on the beginning of each chapter, the plot, Ophelia's self-discovery. I just genuinely enjoyed that this book was less about Ophelia finding romance and more about Ophelia discovering herself and her identity because people need to be able to see what self-discovery can and does look like.

i think my favorite part of the whole book is how the entire friend group ended up being queer. like, its so common for us to unknowingly drift together and realize it as we grow and experience. just,,, yes.

also, and im saying it again. was NO one going to tell me we have aspec rep??? i had to find out about this on my own, literally JUMPING out of my seat listening to the audiobook at the first mention

Dawy

I wanted to like this more than I did. I love a queer coming of age story, I love the representation of a teenage girl questioning her sexual orientation, and I love that asexuality(!!) is actually represented and discussed here. But I couldn't connect to any of the characters, and I wasn't compelled by anything about the story.

So many pieces just didn't fall into place in the way they should have, and parts of the story just felt either irrelevant or forced. The love triangles and friend group drama were bland, the romance didn't make me feel any type of way, and as a whole the story was pretty cheesy but not in a satisfying way.

Talia's queer friend group was the highlight of the story for me, and even that was oddly written. It felt weird to hear Wesley explain asexuality and LGBTQ issues to Ophelia in this 101 pamphlet kind of way. I feel like there could have been some more finesse in including ace rep in a way that didn't feel so Asexuality 101 to me (I say this as a gray ace who craves ace rep, and am super appreciative of it being included here).

I'm sure this book will be great for a questioning teenage girl out there who can relate to Ophelia's big heart, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Morgan 📚✍️

One of the strongest 5 stars I’ve ever given anything. This book is exactly what I wish would have been available to me as a teenager and is, in my opinion, the perfect story including basically all messages I would want a teenage version of myself to know. Heartwarming and beautiful and just a wonderful, hug of a story. 

Zoe Smolen

10/10. Perfection. Absolutely amazing. There is so much representation in this book in every way you can imagine it. The story is so wonderful, and there is a happy ending, but not the one you're expecting. I think this will be a hit with teens as it truly touches so many different pain points that happen in your senior year.

Thanks to the publishers for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Kath Lau

Ophelia, a Cuban-Irish seventeen year old, loves gardening and is known to her family and friends as the "boy crazy Ophelia" because she has a lot of boy crushes. Until she starts having feelings for a girl classmate Talia.

I listened to the audiobook and it was delightful. I thought the narrator did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. It was easy to symphatize with Ophelia. Her character feels genuine and very relatable. Her friends are amazing as well! Their friendship reminded me of the one I had in highschool. The fun times and also the drama. I liked that the high school and prom setting is not overdone. There's romance in this book but I liked that the story focuses more on Ophelia's character and what she's been going through. I liked how the author handled Ophelia's character and her entire journey with her sexuality. It's messy, scary, and confusing in a very compassionate way. I wished I had this book when I was a teenager.

Change is scary and inevitable. You're not sure how things will turn out or how it will affect you and the people around you. And this book reminds us that change is okay. It's okay if you're scared. It's okay if you're not sure about who you truly are. It's okay if you're not ready.

This was such a heartfelt read and an amazing debut! I highly recommend it if you're looking for a coming-of-age book with great family and friendship dynamics!

*Thanks to NetGalley for the aduiobook. This did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

Ophelia After All

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