Review: Pride or Die by S.L. Kessler
From the moment I came across Pride or Die, I was drawn in by its intriguing premise. A high school mystery wrapped in LGBTQ+ themes sounds like a tantalizing mix, right? Plus, the idea of following Eleanora Finkel and her friends as they navigate the complexities of their final year in a Texas high school felt both relatable and relevant. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I found the experience to be as tumultuous as Eleanora’s journey itself.
At the heart of Pride or Die is Eleanora, an outspoken protagonist who has founded an LGBTQ+ club at her school. The stakes are raised when Kenley, the head cheerleader, is attacked outside their meeting, casting a shadow of suspicion on Eleanora and her friends. The plot posits an enthralling mystery: can a group of teenagers clear their names while also navigating their identities? Unfortunately, while the setup had promise, the execution left much to be desired.
Eleanora’s character is a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, her passion and determination to protect her friends are commendable. On the other, her tendency to view everyone through a lens of judgment made it hard for me to root for her. The narrative is primarily from her perspective, which is both a blessing and a curse. While we gain the fervor she brings to the LGBTQ+ cause, it often overshadows the potential depth of the supporting characters, like Noah and Tyler. I craved more insight into their lives, dreams, and struggles, but Eleanora’s self-absorption made that difficult.
The mystery itself felt a bit lackluster. I found myself scratching my head during the big reveal, as the motivations behind Kenley’s attack seemed to lack substance. The whimsy of a Scooby-Doo-esque twist didn’t culminate in the thrilling climax I had anticipated. Eleanora’s overreaction to the situation, branding it as if a "homophobic murderer" lurked around every corner, felt exaggerated too, especially given that Kenley is a popular straight girl, not directly connected to their club. The stakes felt muddled, diminishing the overall tension.
Speaking of muddled, I have to mention the cringe-worthy moments sprinkled throughout that felt more distracting than engaging. Yet, amidst the lack of nuance and character stereotypes, there were glimmers of authenticity in the writing. The audiobook narrator, Ina Marie Smith, did a commendable job, her voice capturing the emotions and sincerity needed to convey Eleanora’s turmoil.
Ultimately, Pride or Die didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped. But that doesn’t mean it won’t resonate with others. If you enjoy YA mystery-thrillers with a focus on LGBTQ+ themes, this book still holds potential for you. Kessler’s narrative explores vital discussions around identity and acceptance, even if the execution sometimes falters.
For readers curious about high school dynamics and the complexities of emerging identities, Pride or Die may very well be worth your time. Sometimes, the journey is as important as the destination, and this book does provide a glimpse into the resilience of friendship and the courage to be oneself. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and review this, even if it turned out to be a mixed bag for me. Happy reading!