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The Reckless Kind
A genre-defying debut, this queer historical YA centers a wild and reckless trio who fly in the face of small town tradition—full of compassion, love, and determination to live the lives of their choosing.
It's Norway 1904, and Asta Hedstrom doesn't want to marry her odious betrothed, Nils—even though a domestic future is all her mother believes she's suited for, on account of her single-sided deafness, unconventional appearance, and even stranger notions. Asta would rather spend her life performing in the village theater with her friends and fellow outcasts: her best friend Gunnar Fuglestad and his secret boyfriend, wealthy Erlend Fournier.
But the situation takes a dire turn when Nils lashes out in jealousy—gravely injuring Gunnar. Shunning marriage for good, Asta moves with Gunnar and Erlend to their secluded cabin above town. With few ties left with their families, they have one shot at gaining enough kroner to secure their way of life: win the village's annual horse race.
It's Norway 1904, and Asta Hedstrom doesn't want to marry her odious betrothed, Nils—even though a domestic future is all her mother believes she's suited for, on account of her single-sided deafness, unconventional appearance, and even stranger notions. Asta would rather spend her life performing in the village theater with her friends and fellow outcasts: her best friend Gunnar Fuglestad and his secret boyfriend, wealthy Erlend Fournier.
But the situation takes a dire turn when Nils lashes out in jealousy—gravely injuring Gunnar. Shunning marriage for good, Asta moves with Gunnar and Erlend to their secluded cabin above town. With few ties left with their families, they have one shot at gaining enough kroner to secure their way of life: win the village's annual horse race.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2021
About the author
Carly Heath
2 books118 followersCarly Heath (she/they) earned her BA from San Francisco State University and her MFA from Chapman University. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Carly teaches design, art, theater, and writing for various colleges and universities. She spends all her time and most her money tending to a menagerie of rescued farm animals. The Reckless Kind is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
March 1, 2021
Hi Friends!
I thought I’d tell you all a little about my book, why I love it, and why I hope you will too! This is a novel about creating your own family when you’ve been let down by the one you’re born into. It’s about defying societal traditions and being authentic despite pressures to conform.
All the main characters in The Reckless Kind are queer and disabled. Though they face challenges from their families and the townsfolk, their uncomplicated love and support of each other shines above all else.
There’s a lot of things I know you’ll love about this book:
-supportive friendship that defies everything
-lots of animal-saving
-Asta is ace, has an unconventional appearance, and works as a blacksmith
-platonic relationships are treated with equal importance as romantic relationships
-sex positive and ace-positive
-cozy cabin vibes
-rural Scandinavian setting
CW:
-mentions of child abuse
-a violent altercation
-suicidal ideation
-parent death
-bodily injury
If I think of anything else, I’ll be sure to add it. I’m looking forward to sharing this novel with you!
Carly
I thought I’d tell you all a little about my book, why I love it, and why I hope you will too! This is a novel about creating your own family when you’ve been let down by the one you’re born into. It’s about defying societal traditions and being authentic despite pressures to conform.
All the main characters in The Reckless Kind are queer and disabled. Though they face challenges from their families and the townsfolk, their uncomplicated love and support of each other shines above all else.
There’s a lot of things I know you’ll love about this book:
-supportive friendship that defies everything
-lots of animal-saving
-Asta is ace, has an unconventional appearance, and works as a blacksmith
-platonic relationships are treated with equal importance as romantic relationships
-sex positive and ace-positive
-cozy cabin vibes
-rural Scandinavian setting
CW:
-mentions of child abuse
-a violent altercation
-suicidal ideation
-parent death
-bodily injury
If I think of anything else, I’ll be sure to add it. I’m looking forward to sharing this novel with you!
Carly
January 19, 2022
It’s being different, not being imperfect, which got one in trouble.
Three outcasts in 1904, one of them ace, the other two gay: a half deaf and different looking girl who doesn’t want to marry and have kids, an honest heathen, dealing with depression who has just lost his arm below his elbow, and a sensitive and anxious boy who favors art over hunting and fishing.
I loved the queer rep. I loved the disabled rep. I loved the chosen family. I loved Asta, Erlend, and Gunnar and their love for each other, choosing to be who they wanted to be. I loved Asta dying her hair, becoming two different persons. I loved how much Erlend cared for Gunnar. I loved that Asta and Erlend both wanted to be a Fuglestad. And Fred, I loved Fred so much! Why isn’t he mentioned in the blurb? Such a sweet, sweet guy! I loved the Norwegian flower art (rosemaling) in the book. I am convinced that it only will be more gorgeous in print! I loved Gunnar and Fred for being vegetarian (in 1904!) and their love for animals. And still ...
It took me a while to get into this dual narrative story (Asta’s and Erlend’s); I even started all over again after reading about 20% because I didn’t feel what I wanted to feel, I slowed down time and again. The second time, I enjoyed the story a lot more. But still, my mind wandered, even though I rooted for the trio so much. I believe this has something to do with the writing; in my opinion, it’s rather old-fashioned. Some people might call it beautiful and poetic, while others might not understand why Carly Heath used so many old-fashioned/classic words. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if teens would enjoy this story. So I let my sixteen-year-old read some pages. He immediately liked the story and didn’t find the writing as old-fashioned as I did (!), although he frowned when he read words as atop and abed (that was very old, he said, those words shouldn’t be used in books anymore), and he called the use of the word one distant (when one is on the edge ...).
I doubted the rating for a long time. Although I struggled to get through the story, I couldn’t let go either. Like I said, I rooted for this trio AND Fred so much (I believe it’s a foursome, not a trio), and still, I wanted to throw my e-reader away at times and just start to read another book. My mind was all over the place; I doubted between giving two and five stars… While reading, I tended to give lower, and while reflecting on it afterward, I tended to give higher. In the end, I rate it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because of the great rep, and all the things I loved, and because of what my son said.
I received an ARC from Soho Press and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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Three outcasts in 1904, one of them ace, the other two gay: a half deaf and different looking girl who doesn’t want to marry and have kids, an honest heathen, dealing with depression who has just lost his arm below his elbow, and a sensitive and anxious boy who favors art over hunting and fishing.
I loved the queer rep. I loved the disabled rep. I loved the chosen family. I loved Asta, Erlend, and Gunnar and their love for each other, choosing to be who they wanted to be. I loved Asta dying her hair, becoming two different persons. I loved how much Erlend cared for Gunnar. I loved that Asta and Erlend both wanted to be a Fuglestad. And Fred, I loved Fred so much! Why isn’t he mentioned in the blurb? Such a sweet, sweet guy! I loved the Norwegian flower art (rosemaling) in the book. I am convinced that it only will be more gorgeous in print! I loved Gunnar and Fred for being vegetarian (in 1904!) and their love for animals. And still ...
It took me a while to get into this dual narrative story (Asta’s and Erlend’s); I even started all over again after reading about 20% because I didn’t feel what I wanted to feel, I slowed down time and again. The second time, I enjoyed the story a lot more. But still, my mind wandered, even though I rooted for the trio so much. I believe this has something to do with the writing; in my opinion, it’s rather old-fashioned. Some people might call it beautiful and poetic, while others might not understand why Carly Heath used so many old-fashioned/classic words. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if teens would enjoy this story. So I let my sixteen-year-old read some pages. He immediately liked the story and didn’t find the writing as old-fashioned as I did (!), although he frowned when he read words as atop and abed (that was very old, he said, those words shouldn’t be used in books anymore), and he called the use of the word one distant (when one is on the edge ...).
I doubted the rating for a long time. Although I struggled to get through the story, I couldn’t let go either. Like I said, I rooted for this trio AND Fred so much (I believe it’s a foursome, not a trio), and still, I wanted to throw my e-reader away at times and just start to read another book. My mind was all over the place; I doubted between giving two and five stars… While reading, I tended to give lower, and while reflecting on it afterward, I tended to give higher. In the end, I rate it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because of the great rep, and all the things I loved, and because of what my son said.
I received an ARC from Soho Press and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Instagram
May 16, 2022
I didn't hate this by any means, but it also was nowhere near as good as I was hoping. The writing was very "tell, don't show" and repeated several points again and again: Gunnar's family are "heathens", Asta "looks unusual/different", Gunnar has a dark sense of humor, Erlend has anxiety, etc. to the point where my response to any of these points was "oh my God, I know!".
Some things I liked:
- The rep! Although the aforementioned repetitive writing was annoying (yes, I understand that Asta is ace. Yes, I understand she wants a QPR. You do not have to say it every chapter.), this is the first book I've read that represents Waardenberg Syndrome, post-concussion syndrome, and Brown-Sequard syndrome, and one of the only books I know of with a QPR at its center. Likewise, the author's note in the back that goes into more detail about some of the topics discussed in the book, especially when it comes to the disabilities.
- I enjoyed Erland as a character the most of the leads, and Fred of the sides.
- The theatre element, because obviously.
Some things I disliked:
- The author's note in the beginning. Petty, I know, but there's a difference between a content warning and a page and a half monologue about what you hope people take away from your book.
- As mentioned earlier, the writing was very "tell, don't show".
- Gunnar needed a POV. Also, Erland and Gunnar only calling each other by their last names was annoying. Listen, I love the trope as much as anyone else, but for friends, not love interests.
- The side characters had no development whatsoever and with the exception of Fred, felt superfluous at best and like their sole purpose was to go "you're not alone <3" to the MCs. In the final chapter we hear about how they all hang out together once a week and listed out their names and I didn't remember half of them existing.
-
- The stuff with Sullen Johansen was...a mixed bag.
- Time jumps and plot. Most of the plot was based on characters who are apparently the closest of close just not telling each other things--there's a jump where Asta talks about how it's been months since she found out Gunnar's family was losing their farm and how she STILL HASN'T TOLD HIM. There's also not really much of a plot? Honestly I couldn't care less if a book has a strong plot or not, but a book without one needs to have strong characters who I really connect to, which this did not.
Would I recommend this? I don't know. Will I reread it? Probably not.
Some things I liked:
- The rep! Although the aforementioned repetitive writing was annoying (yes, I understand that Asta is ace. Yes, I understand she wants a QPR. You do not have to say it every chapter.), this is the first book I've read that represents Waardenberg Syndrome, post-concussion syndrome, and Brown-Sequard syndrome, and one of the only books I know of with a QPR at its center. Likewise, the author's note in the back that goes into more detail about some of the topics discussed in the book, especially when it comes to the disabilities.
- I enjoyed Erland as a character the most of the leads, and Fred of the sides.
- The theatre element, because obviously.
Some things I disliked:
- The author's note in the beginning. Petty, I know, but there's a difference between a content warning and a page and a half monologue about what you hope people take away from your book.
- As mentioned earlier, the writing was very "tell, don't show".
- Gunnar needed a POV. Also, Erland and Gunnar only calling each other by their last names was annoying. Listen, I love the trope as much as anyone else, but for friends, not love interests.
- The side characters had no development whatsoever and with the exception of Fred, felt superfluous at best and like their sole purpose was to go "you're not alone <3" to the MCs. In the final chapter we hear about how they all hang out together once a week and listed out their names and I didn't remember half of them existing.
-
- The stuff with Sullen Johansen was...a mixed bag.
- Time jumps and plot. Most of the plot was based on characters who are apparently the closest of close just not telling each other things--there's a jump where Asta talks about how it's been months since she found out Gunnar's family was losing their farm and how she STILL HASN'T TOLD HIM. There's also not really much of a plot? Honestly I couldn't care less if a book has a strong plot or not, but a book without one needs to have strong characters who I really connect to, which this did not.
Would I recommend this? I don't know. Will I reread it? Probably not.
Want to read
November 24, 2020
June 4, 2021
A beautiful and triumphant debut; this trio of fierce yet loving queer teens boldly making their way in the world has won a place in my heart, just like they will yours!
More queerplatonic triads, please! I'm having some serious book hangover after finishing this--the characters were so lovingly rendered and easy to want to know! This book is everything. <3
More queerplatonic triads, please! I'm having some serious book hangover after finishing this--the characters were so lovingly rendered and easy to want to know! This book is everything. <3
July 2, 2021
dnf at 61%
rep: disabled ace mc, mlm disabled mc's
The Reckless Kind isn't a bad book, I just didn't get much out of it and was bored the entire time waiting for something to happen. After more than half the book was done, it still had nothing in the way of plot. The annual winter horse race isn't even mentioned till around 45% and there was absolutely no plot just people running around to work and visiting people. Like jane austen but without the wit, the cutting class critique or interesting characters and dynamics
I did love the ace rep though, it was done so well I just wish the rest of the book had been as good
For one I dislike the relationship, after kissing once Erlend keeps on pursuing Gunnar despite him being uncomfortable and visibly upset by him. While it's understood to the reader that he likes him and is dealing with internalized classism and maybe homomisia, repeated pursual of a person while they are financially dependent on you raises certain red flags with power dynamics uncomfortable to me. Gunnar is rich and when he makes decisions for everyone he isn't called out for it because he's the one paying for things. While I hope this changes later on I did not like it.
Also I didn't like Erlend telling Asta that since he's Erlend's boyfriend, he should be the one who's opinions matter more! The message of friendships being equal to romantic relationships feels like its undermined here.
There are also zero people of color I saw in a book marketed to me as "diverse" so well...
tldr; this was low on the plot, with slow pacing and most focus on relationships I didn't like
Thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.
rep: disabled ace mc, mlm disabled mc's
The Reckless Kind isn't a bad book, I just didn't get much out of it and was bored the entire time waiting for something to happen. After more than half the book was done, it still had nothing in the way of plot. The annual winter horse race isn't even mentioned till around 45% and there was absolutely no plot just people running around to work and visiting people. Like jane austen but without the wit, the cutting class critique or interesting characters and dynamics
I did love the ace rep though, it was done so well I just wish the rest of the book had been as good
For one I dislike the relationship, after kissing once Erlend keeps on pursuing Gunnar despite him being uncomfortable and visibly upset by him. While it's understood to the reader that he likes him and is dealing with internalized classism and maybe homomisia, repeated pursual of a person while they are financially dependent on you raises certain red flags with power dynamics uncomfortable to me. Gunnar is rich and when he makes decisions for everyone he isn't called out for it because he's the one paying for things. While I hope this changes later on I did not like it.
Also I didn't like Erlend telling Asta that since he's Erlend's boyfriend, he should be the one who's opinions matter more! The message of friendships being equal to romantic relationships feels like its undermined here.
There are also zero people of color I saw in a book marketed to me as "diverse" so well...
tldr; this was low on the plot, with slow pacing and most focus on relationships I didn't like
Thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.
Want to read
October 11, 2019um. fuck me up????
Want to read
August 20, 2021*shrieks happily* ACE MC ACE MC ACE MC
March 7, 2022
---Spoilers ahead---
When I picked up this book I was extremely excited to read something with so much diversity, (books with queer disabled characters are few and far between). Starting off, it was extremely hard to get into. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction and I understand that the usable vocabulary was restrictive. At the very beginning, the book tells us that Gunnar’s arm was amputated without any explanation or proxy character to help us wheedle into the book, but that’s not even the half of it. For me, the names were very hard for me to remember (Erland Fournier, Gunnar Fulgestad, and Asta Hedstrom) because when the stream of consciousness switched between Erland and Asta they both referred to the same characters differently! While Asta used first names, Erland used last names except for Asta. When Erland changed his last name (at a point of the book where I was still confused) to buy a house using “Erland Fuglestad” this changed what was written in the chapter heading, yet not what the characters referred to him as. This continued to make this book difficult to follow until about page 75 (out of a 300 pg book).
Although a rough beginning I was still hopeful for the book to get to the sweet, found family parts now that I could understand what was going on. At this point of the book, there was some really extraordinary ace and disabled representation going on. Gunnar who had a spinal cord injury and an amputated arm was supported and cared for by his friends without excluding him from any activities that he consented to participate in. Asta is deaf in one ear and is treated wonderfully by her friends who listen to what she needs. The ace character also happens to be Asta and this was explained wonderfully by showing being ace isn’t about what you do sexually it is about how you feel. This representation should be present in more books. Despite this representation the book continued to be “steeped in tragedy” and this I have no respect for.
If I had to give a quick summary of this book, I would probably say it was a “tragedy lasagna”. What I mean by this is that there were good moments (the thin pasta that separates layers) and then there was a lot of just never-ending misery in between (stuffing). This pattern continued throughout the book until the end where everything was wrapped up with a ribbon. There were many, but one of the hardest moments of this book for me was when all three of them were in their own house taking care of one another and Gunner became alcoholic and suicidal because he “stole Erland from his parents”. His internalized homophobia and suicidal ideation stunted his character development and lasted for over a hundred pages. As a reader and a queer person, this is deeply saddening, and continuing with this book left me physically ill. All this hopelessness continues longer than I could sanely write in a review. Is there any happiness in this book for these characters? Other than carnal moments and the very end of the book where everything just ends up ok, no there is not a sustained amount of time where the characters can just be satisfied in the present. In this book I was hoping for the challenges for the characters to come externally, but that did not happen. I am just looking for a message. What did the author want to convey with this book? I could not think of a single thing. There needed to be hope to give contrast and there needed to be something to hold onto. After riding this emotional rollercoaster, this is a two-star book (it would be a one-star if there was worse representation). I want my time and my sanity to be returned to me.
When I picked up this book I was extremely excited to read something with so much diversity, (books with queer disabled characters are few and far between). Starting off, it was extremely hard to get into. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction and I understand that the usable vocabulary was restrictive. At the very beginning, the book tells us that Gunnar’s arm was amputated without any explanation or proxy character to help us wheedle into the book, but that’s not even the half of it. For me, the names were very hard for me to remember (Erland Fournier, Gunnar Fulgestad, and Asta Hedstrom) because when the stream of consciousness switched between Erland and Asta they both referred to the same characters differently! While Asta used first names, Erland used last names except for Asta. When Erland changed his last name (at a point of the book where I was still confused) to buy a house using “Erland Fuglestad” this changed what was written in the chapter heading, yet not what the characters referred to him as. This continued to make this book difficult to follow until about page 75 (out of a 300 pg book).
Although a rough beginning I was still hopeful for the book to get to the sweet, found family parts now that I could understand what was going on. At this point of the book, there was some really extraordinary ace and disabled representation going on. Gunnar who had a spinal cord injury and an amputated arm was supported and cared for by his friends without excluding him from any activities that he consented to participate in. Asta is deaf in one ear and is treated wonderfully by her friends who listen to what she needs. The ace character also happens to be Asta and this was explained wonderfully by showing being ace isn’t about what you do sexually it is about how you feel. This representation should be present in more books. Despite this representation the book continued to be “steeped in tragedy” and this I have no respect for.
If I had to give a quick summary of this book, I would probably say it was a “tragedy lasagna”. What I mean by this is that there were good moments (the thin pasta that separates layers) and then there was a lot of just never-ending misery in between (stuffing). This pattern continued throughout the book until the end where everything was wrapped up with a ribbon. There were many, but one of the hardest moments of this book for me was when all three of them were in their own house taking care of one another and Gunner became alcoholic and suicidal because he “stole Erland from his parents”. His internalized homophobia and suicidal ideation stunted his character development and lasted for over a hundred pages. As a reader and a queer person, this is deeply saddening, and continuing with this book left me physically ill. All this hopelessness continues longer than I could sanely write in a review. Is there any happiness in this book for these characters? Other than carnal moments and the very end of the book where everything just ends up ok, no there is not a sustained amount of time where the characters can just be satisfied in the present. In this book I was hoping for the challenges for the characters to come externally, but that did not happen. I am just looking for a message. What did the author want to convey with this book? I could not think of a single thing. There needed to be hope to give contrast and there needed to be something to hold onto. After riding this emotional rollercoaster, this is a two-star book (it would be a one-star if there was worse representation). I want my time and my sanity to be returned to me.
October 15, 2021
DRC provided by Soho Teen via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: queer asexual hard of hearing protagonist with heterochromia of Norwegian descent, gay protagonist of French descent, gay amputee deuteragonist of Norwegian descent, queer tertiary character of Norwegian descent, secondary and tertiary characters of Norwegian descent, tertiary characters of French descent.
Content Warning: death, homophobia, slurs, violence, sexism, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, suicide ideation.
The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath is a historical book set in rural Scandinavia in the twentieth century, a novel starring a trio of friends which deals with love, disabilities, family, identity, mental health and illness and prejudice.
Asta Hedstrom, Gunnar Fuglestad and Erlend Fournier are three youths living in town village called Muskox Hollow. Three young people whose differences make them outcasts from the rest of the townies. When Gunnar and Erlend’s relationship is discovered and Gunnar is heavily hurt by Asta’s horrible betrothed, the trio decide to live alone in a cabin located above the town.
I basically loved everything about this novel: Carly’s writing style; the beautiful historical setting; one of the best portrayals of the found family trope I have ever read; and obviously the incredible characters. Asta, Erlend and Gunnar will most likely stay with me for a very long time. What probably made me decided not to give it full marks is the fact that I wish Gunnar also had a point of view. I would have loved to read from his perspective and I think it would have made the book even better than it already is.
The part I loved most was the family Gunnar, Erlend and Asta created for themselves, rejecting their parents’ will (at least for last two, the Fuglestad family is a cursed one, but a loving one) and choosing their own paths.
The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath is an absolutely joy of a read even in spite of the issues with which the book deals!
Representation: queer asexual hard of hearing protagonist with heterochromia of Norwegian descent, gay protagonist of French descent, gay amputee deuteragonist of Norwegian descent, queer tertiary character of Norwegian descent, secondary and tertiary characters of Norwegian descent, tertiary characters of French descent.
Content Warning: death, homophobia, slurs, violence, sexism, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, suicide ideation.
The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath is a historical book set in rural Scandinavia in the twentieth century, a novel starring a trio of friends which deals with love, disabilities, family, identity, mental health and illness and prejudice.
Asta Hedstrom, Gunnar Fuglestad and Erlend Fournier are three youths living in town village called Muskox Hollow. Three young people whose differences make them outcasts from the rest of the townies. When Gunnar and Erlend’s relationship is discovered and Gunnar is heavily hurt by Asta’s horrible betrothed, the trio decide to live alone in a cabin located above the town.
I basically loved everything about this novel: Carly’s writing style; the beautiful historical setting; one of the best portrayals of the found family trope I have ever read; and obviously the incredible characters. Asta, Erlend and Gunnar will most likely stay with me for a very long time. What probably made me decided not to give it full marks is the fact that I wish Gunnar also had a point of view. I would have loved to read from his perspective and I think it would have made the book even better than it already is.
The part I loved most was the family Gunnar, Erlend and Asta created for themselves, rejecting their parents’ will (at least for last two, the Fuglestad family is a cursed one, but a loving one) and choosing their own paths.
The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath is an absolutely joy of a read even in spite of the issues with which the book deals!
July 24, 2021
I had the absolute pleasure of providing a blurb for this beautiful book!
“Although the setting might be the cold fjords of Scandinavia, The Reckless Kind is a book full of warmth, heart, and grit. Through great tragedies and even greater love, it captures from the first word with its stellar writing and vivid characters a truly beautiful story that will wrap around your heart and never let go.”
Pre-pub:
I was a beta reader for this book and I’m so happy more people will get to read it too! THE RECKLESS KIND is a phenomenal book, and it routinely broke my heart and taped it back together with its beautiful prose and amazing characters.
“Although the setting might be the cold fjords of Scandinavia, The Reckless Kind is a book full of warmth, heart, and grit. Through great tragedies and even greater love, it captures from the first word with its stellar writing and vivid characters a truly beautiful story that will wrap around your heart and never let go.”
Pre-pub:
I was a beta reader for this book and I’m so happy more people will get to read it too! THE RECKLESS KIND is a phenomenal book, and it routinely broke my heart and taped it back together with its beautiful prose and amazing characters.
Want to read
October 16, 2019Yeah I'm gonna need this
September 1, 2022
TWs & Rep: https://booktriggerwarnings.com/The_R...
my second five star read of 2022!! the reckless kind was such a sweet and beautiful story!! i almost cried happy tears at the end when it is so refreshing and heartwarming to see people whom society hate, get to live "happily ever afters", especially in a time like the 1904 when this book takes place. it definitely made me want to read more books with found family, rebellious characters and great representation because of this!! speaking of which, i found the representation to be fairly well done which was nice to see :)
there were also some really really fantastic and well developed characters - especially the main characters. out of the main three i would say i relate most to erlend but liked asta the most (and did relate to her as well)! it didn't really make any sense why gunnar didn't have a pov though. i would love to hear the author's reasoning behind this choice because i would have really enjoyed a gunnar pov and think it would have made his character development and the story overall, stronger.
it was a bit slower paced but i didn't mind it too much simply because i loved the characters and story itself so much! also, the language was a bit too old fashioned. i understand the author was trying to match the language of the time but it seemed a bit excessive and cringe at times. the lessons and themes that this book highlighted (and all the other things i mentioned above), though, did definitely make this book stand out and made it so these few qualms didn't bother me much at all!!
one thing is that i do wish that i had saved it for winter since it fits that "vibe" more closely with the whole christmas race and everything but i still really enjoyed reading it when i did!! and now i'm excited to read more books by carly heath!! overall, i loved this book and would absolutely recommend it especially if you like any or all of the following: historical fiction, lgbtq+ rep, and disability/mental health rep!!! <3
my second five star read of 2022!! the reckless kind was such a sweet and beautiful story!! i almost cried happy tears at the end when it is so refreshing and heartwarming to see people whom society hate, get to live "happily ever afters", especially in a time like the 1904 when this book takes place. it definitely made me want to read more books with found family, rebellious characters and great representation because of this!! speaking of which, i found the representation to be fairly well done which was nice to see :)
there were also some really really fantastic and well developed characters - especially the main characters. out of the main three i would say i relate most to erlend but liked asta the most (and did relate to her as well)! it didn't really make any sense why gunnar didn't have a pov though. i would love to hear the author's reasoning behind this choice because i would have really enjoyed a gunnar pov and think it would have made his character development and the story overall, stronger.
it was a bit slower paced but i didn't mind it too much simply because i loved the characters and story itself so much! also, the language was a bit too old fashioned. i understand the author was trying to match the language of the time but it seemed a bit excessive and cringe at times. the lessons and themes that this book highlighted (and all the other things i mentioned above), though, did definitely make this book stand out and made it so these few qualms didn't bother me much at all!!
one thing is that i do wish that i had saved it for winter since it fits that "vibe" more closely with the whole christmas race and everything but i still really enjoyed reading it when i did!! and now i'm excited to read more books by carly heath!! overall, i loved this book and would absolutely recommend it especially if you like any or all of the following: historical fiction, lgbtq+ rep, and disability/mental health rep!!! <3
December 29, 2021
Read my full review on Bookish Brews.
Cozy, sweet, quaint, delightful, warm, heartfelt, emotional, adorable
The Reckless Kind was one of those books that I knew would be delightful before I even picked it up. I worked with Carly on a post about diverse characters in historical fiction and she is so thoughtful that I was positive that she handled these characters with care and I was so right. There is so much heart and soul poured into these characters that everything about them feels like a warm hug. If you are looking for a cozy book for this winter, look no further than The Reckless Kind.
In Norway in 1901, all Asta wants is to be with her best friends, Gunnar and his secret boyfriend Erland, and be herself at the village theater. But it seems like the only future that is planned for her is a domestic life married to Nils, her odious betrothed. When Nils jealously lashes out at Gunnar and gravely injures him, Asta shuns marriage forever and moves in with Gunnar and Erland. Together this found family must figure out a way to survive on their own in the quaint and loving life they’ve built for themselves. Continue Reading...
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook
Cozy, sweet, quaint, delightful, warm, heartfelt, emotional, adorable
The Reckless Kind was one of those books that I knew would be delightful before I even picked it up. I worked with Carly on a post about diverse characters in historical fiction and she is so thoughtful that I was positive that she handled these characters with care and I was so right. There is so much heart and soul poured into these characters that everything about them feels like a warm hug. If you are looking for a cozy book for this winter, look no further than The Reckless Kind.
In Norway in 1901, all Asta wants is to be with her best friends, Gunnar and his secret boyfriend Erland, and be herself at the village theater. But it seems like the only future that is planned for her is a domestic life married to Nils, her odious betrothed. When Nils jealously lashes out at Gunnar and gravely injures him, Asta shuns marriage forever and moves in with Gunnar and Erland. Together this found family must figure out a way to survive on their own in the quaint and loving life they’ve built for themselves. Continue Reading...
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook
July 23, 2021
I was blown away by the immense amount of heart and soul packed into this short and sweet story of love, defiance, and overcoming pain.
Though I will admit the plot would leave some to be desired in the eyes of someone looking for an action-fueled story, I was immediately engrossed in the relationship between Erland, Gunnar, and Asta and how the three of them existed in tandem and individually as excellent and unique queer and disabled characters.
The struggles these characters face are tragically real, and the love and care they feel for each other is even more so. I became so invested in this trio’s happiness that even another hundred pages of their day-to-day lives wouldn’t have been enough to satisfy me. This book is absolutely character and relationship driven, and those stories are my favorites.
The Reckless Kind is a beautiful, triumphant story about defying societal expectations and finding happiness in one’s unique experience of life, and I couldn’t be happier that a book like this exists.
Though I will admit the plot would leave some to be desired in the eyes of someone looking for an action-fueled story, I was immediately engrossed in the relationship between Erland, Gunnar, and Asta and how the three of them existed in tandem and individually as excellent and unique queer and disabled characters.
The struggles these characters face are tragically real, and the love and care they feel for each other is even more so. I became so invested in this trio’s happiness that even another hundred pages of their day-to-day lives wouldn’t have been enough to satisfy me. This book is absolutely character and relationship driven, and those stories are my favorites.
The Reckless Kind is a beautiful, triumphant story about defying societal expectations and finding happiness in one’s unique experience of life, and I couldn’t be happier that a book like this exists.
July 15, 2021
I am beyond excited for this book!
January 24, 2022
3.5/5 Stars
This tender story features queer characters in a historical Scandinavian setting.
The book follows the lives of three characters who love each other deeply and end up living together and forming the most wonderful and caring of families. I loved reading about them and how they did everything they could to reach their own happiness. The setting was just an added bonus in my opinion and I enjoyed reading about it.
I'm definitely curious to see what the author will publish next!
This tender story features queer characters in a historical Scandinavian setting.
The book follows the lives of three characters who love each other deeply and end up living together and forming the most wonderful and caring of families. I loved reading about them and how they did everything they could to reach their own happiness. The setting was just an added bonus in my opinion and I enjoyed reading about it.
I'm definitely curious to see what the author will publish next!
October 23, 2021
This was a great found family queer YA book! I loved their queerplatonic triad. And what an exciting ending!
This book has some pretty serious injuries as well as suicidal ideation around internalized ableism, so make sure to look up content warnings if any of that might be triggering for you.
This book has some pretty serious injuries as well as suicidal ideation around internalized ableism, so make sure to look up content warnings if any of that might be triggering for you.
Want to read
October 9, 2020Helloooooo to this book that features an ace main character and a queer platonic triad!!! Wow!!
October 18, 2021
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: ableism, homophobia (historical), implied hate crime, knife violence, suicidal comments, aphobia, horse caused injuries & fatalities
4.2
When three teens, each faced with futures they don't want- and who all want each other- run away to try to capture a piece of domestic bliss with each other they aren't prepared for the hardships they're faced with. Gunnar, physically disabled and full of guilt and grief, may be in love with Erlend but he doesn't want to be the reason his parents, who once took care of him, suffer, to the reason Erlend loses his future. Asta's future may already be ruined, after breaking off an engagement with seemingly the only man willing to overlook her "physical strangeness", and the thing she yearns most for but cannot be named is found in a life with the two boys she loves in a way she wasn't taught to prioritize. But that too is at stake as Gunnar's family legacy threatens to come apart- as does Gunnar himself. Now their only hope may be beating the town at its own game, and winning their famous house race.
This is such a unique piece of historical fiction! The representation is so inclusive and the lens of Norway in the 1900s is different than any other historical views I've seen. Not only does this story highlight the reality of gay individuals throughout history, but Asta's identity as- it's implied- an aromantic, asexual person, especially connected for me. I love the way she speaks about her desires for what we today would call a queer platonic relationship, vividly painting a picture of what that feels like and would look like for any who relate to feel seen and for any who don't understand these things to explore. Plus, Gunnar and Asta's disabilities, both named not in the text but in the author's note, are a good reminder that disabled people too have always existed, something historical fiction liked to gloss over with only the most cosmetic of exceptions.
As for characters, I really loved Asta and Elrend. They're the characters who knew each other the least when the story begins, so you're able to actually see them get closer which makes it hard to not get invested. They have such strong, and different personalities, as well. Asta is something of an irreverent, coarse, confident and funny person as happy to dote as she is to needle when someone needs it. And Elrend comes from an entirely different background than either of the characters he's making a life with, often making him a bit too self-invested, frivolous, soft, and flirtacious, but still tough. They work together so well because they're so different, and they from a strong support for Gunnar and a great dual POV for the story.
Because of these characters Heath also manages to make this story really funny at times- a feat considering the heaviness throughout. There are light moments and hopeful moments, and of course love supports the whole things, but the genuinely funny humor is something I really have to commend her for.
While I understand Gunnar's point of view in this story, and can see the realism, I did unfortunately not like him nearly as much as his partner & QPP. Mostly, I think this is because while his mental health is definitely valid he absolutely needed an intervention and the fact that no one would lay out their feelings and knock some sense into him made him languishing on and one very irritating. For the most part the communication in this book is great- in terms of their relationships- so the fact that it makes a very sharp turn so they can all tiptoe around him is glaring and bothered me throughout.
I also wished there was more exploration in Gunnar's family since we hear a lot of rumors. There seemed like there was so much more there to show and talk about, and I missed it. There's such a legendary/infamous feeling to the family at large that I wanted to be given more than just vague rumors and prejudice.
This is a historical fiction story like I've never seen! The representation here is unlike any I've come to expect to actually get published, and I'm so glad others will be able to read it soon.
TW: ableism, homophobia (historical), implied hate crime, knife violence, suicidal comments, aphobia, horse caused injuries & fatalities
4.2
When three teens, each faced with futures they don't want- and who all want each other- run away to try to capture a piece of domestic bliss with each other they aren't prepared for the hardships they're faced with. Gunnar, physically disabled and full of guilt and grief, may be in love with Erlend but he doesn't want to be the reason his parents, who once took care of him, suffer, to the reason Erlend loses his future. Asta's future may already be ruined, after breaking off an engagement with seemingly the only man willing to overlook her "physical strangeness", and the thing she yearns most for but cannot be named is found in a life with the two boys she loves in a way she wasn't taught to prioritize. But that too is at stake as Gunnar's family legacy threatens to come apart- as does Gunnar himself. Now their only hope may be beating the town at its own game, and winning their famous house race.
This is such a unique piece of historical fiction! The representation is so inclusive and the lens of Norway in the 1900s is different than any other historical views I've seen. Not only does this story highlight the reality of gay individuals throughout history, but Asta's identity as- it's implied- an aromantic, asexual person, especially connected for me. I love the way she speaks about her desires for what we today would call a queer platonic relationship, vividly painting a picture of what that feels like and would look like for any who relate to feel seen and for any who don't understand these things to explore. Plus, Gunnar and Asta's disabilities, both named not in the text but in the author's note, are a good reminder that disabled people too have always existed, something historical fiction liked to gloss over with only the most cosmetic of exceptions.
As for characters, I really loved Asta and Elrend. They're the characters who knew each other the least when the story begins, so you're able to actually see them get closer which makes it hard to not get invested. They have such strong, and different personalities, as well. Asta is something of an irreverent, coarse, confident and funny person as happy to dote as she is to needle when someone needs it. And Elrend comes from an entirely different background than either of the characters he's making a life with, often making him a bit too self-invested, frivolous, soft, and flirtacious, but still tough. They work together so well because they're so different, and they from a strong support for Gunnar and a great dual POV for the story.
Because of these characters Heath also manages to make this story really funny at times- a feat considering the heaviness throughout. There are light moments and hopeful moments, and of course love supports the whole things, but the genuinely funny humor is something I really have to commend her for.
While I understand Gunnar's point of view in this story, and can see the realism, I did unfortunately not like him nearly as much as his partner & QPP. Mostly, I think this is because while his mental health is definitely valid he absolutely needed an intervention and the fact that no one would lay out their feelings and knock some sense into him made him languishing on and one very irritating. For the most part the communication in this book is great- in terms of their relationships- so the fact that it makes a very sharp turn so they can all tiptoe around him is glaring and bothered me throughout.
I also wished there was more exploration in Gunnar's family since we hear a lot of rumors. There seemed like there was so much more there to show and talk about, and I missed it. There's such a legendary/infamous feeling to the family at large that I wanted to be given more than just vague rumors and prejudice.
This is a historical fiction story like I've never seen! The representation here is unlike any I've come to expect to actually get published, and I'm so glad others will be able to read it soon.
October 14, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. In 1904 Norway, three disabled teens run away together and enter a horse race after a dire incident. Asta doesn’t want the life that’s been set out for her: marriage and domesticity. She prefers performing at a local theater with her best friend Gunnar and his secret love Erlend. After Gunnar is gravely injured, the three carve out a new life for themselves while bucking society’s rules. But can they find happiness in the face of discrimination and hatred from the surrounding community?
The representation in this book is based on the author’s experience with hearing loss, post-concussion syndrome, and spinal cord trauma.
I’m very excited to see more disability reads, especially historical fiction, but unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. While I appreciated seeing disabled characters (especially Erlend who has anxiety and stomach problems), I didn’t feel like there was enough character development. The epic friendship between the main characters was not fleshed out enough.
I also really struggled with the level of bodily harm and violence in this book. There was just one injury on top of the other to the point where it felt gratuitous. I didn’t like how many of the characters continued to take risks while suffering from extreme pain and injury. Also, I felt like Gunnar, who experiences the most violence, needed a narrative voice so we could understand his perspective.
I liked the themes of found family and the unusual historical setting. I just wish there had been more than a few rays of light in the middle of utter bleakness. My heart hurt and I didn’t connect with the story.
Trigger/content warnings:
The representation in this book is based on the author’s experience with hearing loss, post-concussion syndrome, and spinal cord trauma.
I’m very excited to see more disability reads, especially historical fiction, but unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. While I appreciated seeing disabled characters (especially Erlend who has anxiety and stomach problems), I didn’t feel like there was enough character development. The epic friendship between the main characters was not fleshed out enough.
I also really struggled with the level of bodily harm and violence in this book. There was just one injury on top of the other to the point where it felt gratuitous. I didn’t like how many of the characters continued to take risks while suffering from extreme pain and injury. Also, I felt like Gunnar, who experiences the most violence, needed a narrative voice so we could understand his perspective.
I liked the themes of found family and the unusual historical setting. I just wish there had been more than a few rays of light in the middle of utter bleakness. My heart hurt and I didn’t connect with the story.
Trigger/content warnings:
Want to read
October 15, 2019Ace MC, QPR triad
Want to read
December 3, 2021QUEER YA HISFIC WITH DISABILITY REP AAAAAAAH
November 7, 2021
Thank you so much, NetGalley, Soho Press and Soho Teen, for the chance to read and review this book in exchange of an honest review,
TW: child abuse, violence, alcoholism, self-harm, suicide ideation, homophobia, sexism, PTSD, xenophobia
Asta Hedstrom has an unconventional appareance and she is deaf from one ear. Her mother believes she’s only suited for a domestic future, disregarding her ideas and feelings, but Asta doesn’t want to marry her odious betrothed, Nils. She wants to perform in the town’s theater with her best friend Gunnar Fuglestad and his secret boyfriend Erlend Fournier. When Gunnar is almost killed by a jealous Nils, Asta decides to shunning her marriage and starts to live with Gunnar and Erlend in a cabin above town. The only way to survive, have their own life, and save the Fuglestad’s deep into debt farm, is to win the village’s annual horse race. Even though they have the whole town against. Or so they think.
I LOVED reading The reckless kind. Set in a small rural town, in Norway 1904, The reckless kind is a wonderful, intense and brilliant story, with complex and well written characters, determined to do anything in their power to live their own lives and protect their loved ones. Told by two POVs, Asta’s and Erlend the story follows how Asta, Erlend and Gunnar defy the restrictions imposed upon them by the society, against family’s expectations, village’s rules, deciding and wainting a different life for them.
It’s a book with outsiders, outcasts, as main characters, people that don’t fit in and the strong bonds they forge. Asta is a queer and disabled young woman, Erlend is the rich son of the theater’s owner and fights everyday with his anxiety disorder and he’s deeply in love with Gunnar, who lost his arm in an accident and can’t walk after a violent aggression. Each of them defy what the town and the sociey expects from them and they are stubborn, brave and brilliant to follow their own paths, choosing themselves and their loved ones again and again, even though it’s not always easy.
Asta is one of the main characters, she lives in a heteropatriarcal society and she fights to be herself, to navigate her sexuality, her asexuality and desire of a platonic relationships. In a society and town where women were expected to act in a certain way, to marry, to have children, to choose a domestic life, mostly if poor, Asta refuses to marry, to be owned, to be without her freedom and fights to help the boys who became her family, to learn a profession, to be free.
Erlend, the other POV, is very different from Asta, but he’s an outcast like her and Gunnar and he struggles against his family’s expectations, to marry a good girl, to have a “proper” life and career. His love for Gunnar is indomitable, able to survive fights, misunderstadings, family’s rage and disappointment. Erlend chooses to leave everything behind, the life he was used to, refusing to lose his love.
Gunnar, the third main character, doesn’t have a POV, but the reader is able to know him and his struggles and pains through Asta and Erlend and with care and sensitivity the author addresses his struggles, his pains, his guilt and doubts, after the spinal injury. Gunnar struggles both with his physical symptoms, being in pain and being forced to adapt himself to a new life and with his guilt because Erlend left everything behind for him.
Carly Heath did an outstanding job with these characters. They are relatable, fierce, human, in their thoughts, struggles, ideas, hopes and dreams. It’s a book about all types of love and their strengths. The reader faces Gunnar’s love for Asta and Erlend, familial and romantic, his depression and dark thoughts, his fighting using sarcasm and irony, Erlend’s fierce love and stubborness to protect his newborn family, Asta’s love for the boys, and her devotion to animal companions. I love their strong bonds, how much they love and would do anything for each other. It’s also really beautiful how the author talked about different kinds of love and how each of them is important.
It was also really interesting reading the historical and medical notes, about Asta’s syndrome and how she, in that time, didn’t have the language to define parts of her identity, like her asexuality, about Gunnar’s spinal injury, the language’s limitations and so on. It was very intriguing and I loved it.
With care and sensitivity the author addresses traumas, violence and young love in a beautiful historical queer tale about love and all his types, like romance, friendship, devotion, about fighting to be themselves, to love who you want and against ignorance and violence.
TW: child abuse, violence, alcoholism, self-harm, suicide ideation, homophobia, sexism, PTSD, xenophobia
Asta Hedstrom has an unconventional appareance and she is deaf from one ear. Her mother believes she’s only suited for a domestic future, disregarding her ideas and feelings, but Asta doesn’t want to marry her odious betrothed, Nils. She wants to perform in the town’s theater with her best friend Gunnar Fuglestad and his secret boyfriend Erlend Fournier. When Gunnar is almost killed by a jealous Nils, Asta decides to shunning her marriage and starts to live with Gunnar and Erlend in a cabin above town. The only way to survive, have their own life, and save the Fuglestad’s deep into debt farm, is to win the village’s annual horse race. Even though they have the whole town against. Or so they think.
I LOVED reading The reckless kind. Set in a small rural town, in Norway 1904, The reckless kind is a wonderful, intense and brilliant story, with complex and well written characters, determined to do anything in their power to live their own lives and protect their loved ones. Told by two POVs, Asta’s and Erlend the story follows how Asta, Erlend and Gunnar defy the restrictions imposed upon them by the society, against family’s expectations, village’s rules, deciding and wainting a different life for them.
It’s a book with outsiders, outcasts, as main characters, people that don’t fit in and the strong bonds they forge. Asta is a queer and disabled young woman, Erlend is the rich son of the theater’s owner and fights everyday with his anxiety disorder and he’s deeply in love with Gunnar, who lost his arm in an accident and can’t walk after a violent aggression. Each of them defy what the town and the sociey expects from them and they are stubborn, brave and brilliant to follow their own paths, choosing themselves and their loved ones again and again, even though it’s not always easy.
Asta is one of the main characters, she lives in a heteropatriarcal society and she fights to be herself, to navigate her sexuality, her asexuality and desire of a platonic relationships. In a society and town where women were expected to act in a certain way, to marry, to have children, to choose a domestic life, mostly if poor, Asta refuses to marry, to be owned, to be without her freedom and fights to help the boys who became her family, to learn a profession, to be free.
Erlend, the other POV, is very different from Asta, but he’s an outcast like her and Gunnar and he struggles against his family’s expectations, to marry a good girl, to have a “proper” life and career. His love for Gunnar is indomitable, able to survive fights, misunderstadings, family’s rage and disappointment. Erlend chooses to leave everything behind, the life he was used to, refusing to lose his love.
Gunnar, the third main character, doesn’t have a POV, but the reader is able to know him and his struggles and pains through Asta and Erlend and with care and sensitivity the author addresses his struggles, his pains, his guilt and doubts, after the spinal injury. Gunnar struggles both with his physical symptoms, being in pain and being forced to adapt himself to a new life and with his guilt because Erlend left everything behind for him.
Carly Heath did an outstanding job with these characters. They are relatable, fierce, human, in their thoughts, struggles, ideas, hopes and dreams. It’s a book about all types of love and their strengths. The reader faces Gunnar’s love for Asta and Erlend, familial and romantic, his depression and dark thoughts, his fighting using sarcasm and irony, Erlend’s fierce love and stubborness to protect his newborn family, Asta’s love for the boys, and her devotion to animal companions. I love their strong bonds, how much they love and would do anything for each other. It’s also really beautiful how the author talked about different kinds of love and how each of them is important.
It was also really interesting reading the historical and medical notes, about Asta’s syndrome and how she, in that time, didn’t have the language to define parts of her identity, like her asexuality, about Gunnar’s spinal injury, the language’s limitations and so on. It was very intriguing and I loved it.
With care and sensitivity the author addresses traumas, violence and young love in a beautiful historical queer tale about love and all his types, like romance, friendship, devotion, about fighting to be themselves, to love who you want and against ignorance and violence.
November 26, 2021
I didn't know much about this book going into it but I was pleasantly surprised and pleased! It's 1904 in Norway and centers around Asta, Erland, and Gunnar--three very atypical young adults who all have "issues." And yet, each of them has qualities to admire and as their relationships deepen, we see the inherent humanity in each of them. The storyline is bittersweet and charming as the trio attempt to save the farm for Gunnar's family. And a wild and crazy horse race ensues. But that's just the plot; the real story is behind the characters' relationships--between Gunner and Erland and Asta's shunning of a beau. Regardless, it's a lovely, heartfelt novel that explores concepts that are relevant no matter what the time period is. Get caught up in this historical, genre-bending, LB,G,T,Q storyline as it will keep you enthralled!
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March 29, 2022Okay so there were SO many things I loved about this book but I'm somehow still conflicted.
Things I loved:
-the MCs, especially Asta. She's asexual and hard of hearing and just supremely badass.
-A queer platonic relationship right at the center! Asta's best friend Gunnar and his boyfriend, Erland form a little QPR with Asta and they live out their lives in a cabin in the woods saving animals and fighting the heteronormative patriarchal standards of 1904 Norway.
-all three MCs are queer and disabled. Asta is ace (and probably arospec too) and hard of hearing. Gunnar is queer and is an amputee and also paralyzed. He lost his arm in an accident and another event damages his spine. Then Erland is gay with anxiety.
-fred! Fred is Gunnar's younger brother and he didn't get the love he deserved but he is precious. He's 15 and ends up responsible for his family's farm and his alcoholic father all while suffering for multiple concussions and brain trauma. He's a part of their QPR but not as explicitly stated as the other three.
Things that bothered me:
- the pacing. Oh gods the pacing. Like apparently this book takes place over months but it's so confusing when things are. They just brush through major events and skip weeks or even months of time. Then the major event if the book takes a long time to be mentioned and is fairly anticlimactic tbh.
- the relationship between Gunnar and Erland Should've already been established. It was honestly super rushed and kinda confusing, especially since they kept using each other's last names the entire time. It's addressed in the book but still felt odd and impersonal. It was hard to believe they were in a relationship when we only got tiny snippets.
- despite the author pushing that all relationships are equal and romantic is better than platonic, she still allows an interaction between Erland and Asta about how his relationship is better with Gunnar than hers is because he's romantic and sexually involved and she isn't. It wasn't challenged and it rubbed me the wrong way, especially for a book that's pushing so hard with a QPR.
So basically, I loved the rep but didn't live the actual writing? I don't even know. It kinda dragged while listening but now that I'm finished I feel fond towards it? I think I'll try a reread at some point but I did enjoy it but did love love it.
Things I loved:
-the MCs, especially Asta. She's asexual and hard of hearing and just supremely badass.
-A queer platonic relationship right at the center! Asta's best friend Gunnar and his boyfriend, Erland form a little QPR with Asta and they live out their lives in a cabin in the woods saving animals and fighting the heteronormative patriarchal standards of 1904 Norway.
-all three MCs are queer and disabled. Asta is ace (and probably arospec too) and hard of hearing. Gunnar is queer and is an amputee and also paralyzed. He lost his arm in an accident and another event damages his spine. Then Erland is gay with anxiety.
-fred! Fred is Gunnar's younger brother and he didn't get the love he deserved but he is precious. He's 15 and ends up responsible for his family's farm and his alcoholic father all while suffering for multiple concussions and brain trauma. He's a part of their QPR but not as explicitly stated as the other three.
Things that bothered me:
- the pacing. Oh gods the pacing. Like apparently this book takes place over months but it's so confusing when things are. They just brush through major events and skip weeks or even months of time. Then the major event if the book takes a long time to be mentioned and is fairly anticlimactic tbh.
- the relationship between Gunnar and Erland Should've already been established. It was honestly super rushed and kinda confusing, especially since they kept using each other's last names the entire time. It's addressed in the book but still felt odd and impersonal. It was hard to believe they were in a relationship when we only got tiny snippets.
- despite the author pushing that all relationships are equal and romantic is better than platonic, she still allows an interaction between Erland and Asta about how his relationship is better with Gunnar than hers is because he's romantic and sexually involved and she isn't. It wasn't challenged and it rubbed me the wrong way, especially for a book that's pushing so hard with a QPR.
So basically, I loved the rep but didn't live the actual writing? I don't even know. It kinda dragged while listening but now that I'm finished I feel fond towards it? I think I'll try a reread at some point but I did enjoy it but did love love it.
September 8, 2021
This book was one of my most anticipated releases of this year. It features three queer characters, two of whom are disabled and one of whom deals with anxiety. I wanted to love it but unfortunately it fell flat for me.
We start off by being introduced to Gunnar, who has just had his arm amputated. It was quite confusing to be thrust into the plot like this. I didn’t understand what was happening and you get introduced to characters left and right and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who.
Neither the plot nor the characters caught my attention. The plot was riddled with turmoil and trauma. It never stopped. Our three main characters had non-stop tragedy and pain and some of the things that happened didn’t need to happen to move the plot along. It was actually quite sad that they went through all of this and then everything was suddenly ok at the end! I felt like none of the characters really dealt with everything they went through. There is also one plot device in the last 50 pages that was just left unsolved. ALSO- one of the families in this said that tragedy hit members of the family in threes…and that never happened…and wasn’t addressed.
Next is the characters. I wanted to love them so badly but they just didn’t feel real to me. I didn’t believe any of the relationships (friends or romantic) and I feel like the romantic relationship would’ve worked so much better if they were together already when the book began. It just felt rushed and they didn’t even call each other by their first names! It felt awkward. The friendship wasn’t great either….I didn’t feel any love or connection between the characters.
Throughout this book we read from two POVs. I kept getting confused about whose POV I was reading because the characters were written the same. I kept having to go back to the beginning of the chapter to see who I was reading.
The only reason I rated this two stars instead of one is because of the representation and some of the messages in the book. It's about loving and accepting yourself as you are. It's about doing things that make you happy. And it's about people who often don't get represented in books.
I really wished I loved this but unfortunately it just didn’t hit the mark.
We start off by being introduced to Gunnar, who has just had his arm amputated. It was quite confusing to be thrust into the plot like this. I didn’t understand what was happening and you get introduced to characters left and right and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who.
Neither the plot nor the characters caught my attention. The plot was riddled with turmoil and trauma. It never stopped. Our three main characters had non-stop tragedy and pain and some of the things that happened didn’t need to happen to move the plot along. It was actually quite sad that they went through all of this and then everything was suddenly ok at the end! I felt like none of the characters really dealt with everything they went through. There is also one plot device in the last 50 pages that was just left unsolved. ALSO- one of the families in this said that tragedy hit members of the family in threes…and that never happened…and wasn’t addressed.
Next is the characters. I wanted to love them so badly but they just didn’t feel real to me. I didn’t believe any of the relationships (friends or romantic) and I feel like the romantic relationship would’ve worked so much better if they were together already when the book began. It just felt rushed and they didn’t even call each other by their first names! It felt awkward. The friendship wasn’t great either….I didn’t feel any love or connection between the characters.
Throughout this book we read from two POVs. I kept getting confused about whose POV I was reading because the characters were written the same. I kept having to go back to the beginning of the chapter to see who I was reading.
The only reason I rated this two stars instead of one is because of the representation and some of the messages in the book. It's about loving and accepting yourself as you are. It's about doing things that make you happy. And it's about people who often don't get represented in books.
I really wished I loved this but unfortunately it just didn’t hit the mark.
December 27, 2021
4 stars
The Reckless Kind is a wonderful story about three outcasts set in 1904. Asta, Gunnar, and Erlend are all great and well developed characters that you'll find yourself rooting for. Their chosen family is beautiful and their friendship is easily a highlight.
This novel provides a lot of queer and disabled representation which is very important in media. One concern is although this book is branded as very diverse, all of the main characters are white. This isn't a deal-breaker for the novel though it should've definitely been added. On a postive note the representation that is included is executed very well.
I will admit I did find it quite hard to get into the novel and not DNF it. The writing style wasn't my favorite but it did match very well with the tone of the novel. It was quite old fashioned and used many classic words that fit in well. Since I am not used to this style it took a while but it was a very fun read that I enjoyed greatly.
Overall definitely something to pick up if you'd like a queer/disabled historical fiction novel!
Thank you to Soho Press for sending a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Reckless Kind is a wonderful story about three outcasts set in 1904. Asta, Gunnar, and Erlend are all great and well developed characters that you'll find yourself rooting for. Their chosen family is beautiful and their friendship is easily a highlight.
This novel provides a lot of queer and disabled representation which is very important in media. One concern is although this book is branded as very diverse, all of the main characters are white. This isn't a deal-breaker for the novel though it should've definitely been added. On a postive note the representation that is included is executed very well.
I will admit I did find it quite hard to get into the novel and not DNF it. The writing style wasn't my favorite but it did match very well with the tone of the novel. It was quite old fashioned and used many classic words that fit in well. Since I am not used to this style it took a while but it was a very fun read that I enjoyed greatly.
Overall definitely something to pick up if you'd like a queer/disabled historical fiction novel!
Thank you to Soho Press for sending a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2021
Asta, Gunnar, and Erlend forge their own paths and craft their own family in rural Scandinavia in 1904 - a time and place where being queer and disabled makes many locals - including their own families - treat them like outcasts. The richly-detailed setting, the love and compassion for animals, and the MCs' devotion to each other shine! Thank you to Soho Teen for the eARC.
July 28, 2021
[The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.]
CN: mentions of child abuse, violence, suicidal ideation, parent death, bodily injuries
I really liked this book! It contains so many things I love:
- queer rep (aspec and achillean)
- disability rep (especially Waardenburg Syndrome, Post-Concussion Syndrome, Brown-Séquard Syndrome)
- all main characters are queer and disabled
- queerplatonic triad
- found family
- cute horses
- lots of animal saving
- cozy winter atmosphere
- historical Scandinavian setting (Norway 1904)
- rebelling against outdated traditions
4 out of 5 stars! Go pre-order it!
CN: mentions of child abuse, violence, suicidal ideation, parent death, bodily injuries
I really liked this book! It contains so many things I love:
- queer rep (aspec and achillean)
- disability rep (especially Waardenburg Syndrome, Post-Concussion Syndrome, Brown-Séquard Syndrome)
- all main characters are queer and disabled
- queerplatonic triad
- found family
- cute horses
- lots of animal saving
- cozy winter atmosphere
- historical Scandinavian setting (Norway 1904)
- rebelling against outdated traditions
4 out of 5 stars! Go pre-order it!
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