I wouldn't say it's a new favorite, but interesting and thoughtful. What it takes to build and maintain a utopia is sometimes scary and harsh---that's given verbal acknowledgement at the beginning of the book, and then shown in practice through the rest.

The writing is a little young for the characters' ages (they're supposed to be what, 16?). On the other hand, part of the story is about the dangers of enforced naivety, so maybe it does fit. The theme of coming into adulthood as a person separate from your parents and making your own decisions is very appropriately teenager, though maybe expressed in the story with more clarity than most teenagers would be able to muster.

Every character had a really different voice---vocabulary, grammar, accent, method of speaking---which, come to think of it, is an interesting artistic choice! I particularly liked Pet's longer bits of dialogue, repetitive and poetic. ( )

An interrogation of utopia, à la [b:The Dispossessed|13651|The Dispossessed (Hainish Cycle, #6)|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1353467455l/13651._SY75_.jpg|2684122]. It's got some heavy stuff but kids can take it. ( )

3.5 stars
Would have rated higher because it was a unique and thought provoking novel, I just wish there was more detail and that it was longer. Great content, storyline, and inclusive storytelling, just not my style of writing. ( )

Emezi's thought-provoking novel redefines the boundaries of reality and imagination. Set in a utopian world seemingly devoid of evil, the story follows Jam, a selectively mute transgender girl, who discovers a mysterious creature named Pet hidden in her mother's painting. In the town of Lucille, where Jam lives, "monsters", or people who abuse others, have been rooted out in a revolution led by "angels", revered members of the community, however with Pet's help Jam learns this may not be entirely true. The two embark on a journey to hunt a dangerous monster that is roaming her best friend Redemption's house. Emezi's work is genre-bending and spell-binding, weaving together lush imagery and African diasporic languages to provide an affirming and inclusive narrative that proves "monster don't look like anything", ultimately exploring themes of identity, justice, and the power of comforting uncomfortable truths.

A strange, quick, impactful story full of wonderful representation for so many diverse identities. The dangers of thinking your family/community is immune from monsters, and the need to always have your eyes of open. ( )