My heart hurts so much omg. I'll review this after I stop crying.

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This was my first Anna-Marie McLemore book, and I am officially a fan. I own two of their other books and I'm so excited to pick them up now.

The Mirror Season is heavy - it begins with our MC Ciela bringing an unknown-to-her boy to the hospital after he was drugged and they were both sexual assaulted in separate rooms. From there, we see how the system fails minorities and the poor; how keeping traumatic events to yourself slice into you slowly and begin to affect who you are; and how you build guards around yourself, both physically and mentally, in the aftermath. Everything about this book is so raw and heartbreaking, and knowing that it's a story that was born from personal experience makes it that much more valuable and important.

As the past unravels itself to us, and as Ciela opens up to more people, we see how her support systems lift her up. I loved her relationship with her family, and Lock's with his, and how they help these two kids navigate the worst the world has the offer. I know this isn't true for all, but I hope this book helps at least a few victims of sexual assault and rape open up to those they trust to help them.

Her and Lock's relationship, with all it's complications, was so amazing too. How they helped to build each other back up, the areas of conflict and how they manage it, and the healing they bring to each other. It was all so thoughtfully written and with such care. I want to give them both a hug.

This book is healing and hopeful and my heart hurts just thinking about it. One of my favourite books of the year, for sure.

Rep: Latina MC and family

TW: rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, lesbophobia, panphobia, racism, bullying, injury detail, blood