It Goes Like This Hardcover – May 18, 2021

I. loved. this. book.The premise. The QUEERNESS. The majority of the characters are women. The second chance f/f romance. There is NOT enough f/f romance out there, at least not on the well known, mainstream, Simon/Blue level. I eat up every bit of it that I can find.I also loved how the fandom/social media part of it was done. I've reviewed other books saying that I felt the author was trying too hard, or exaggerating or stereotyping fandom (either in a good or bad light, I've seen fandom representation I don't like both ways). Moreland includes it in a realistic way that shows she understands it, without it feeling forced or over the top. Those parts may stand out as odd or "translate please" for people unfamiliar with fandom (or tumblr specifically) but I found it VERY authentic.Also. The setting. I love Lake Superior. I'm from Michigan, but I love Minnesota. More people should appreciate Duluth (yes, real place). Anything set in the Great Lakes region, the Big Lake specifically, rockets to the top of my to-read list. And while it wasn't like the book takes place on a boat/the lake isn't the *focus* of the story, it's HUGELY appealing to me as the setting. While I am so unlike Gina, Celeste, Eva, and Steph in so many ways - they are much wealthier than me, have very public professional lives either currently or in the past, etc - I feel like I *get* them solely because I grew up in the same region and I know what kind of people come from around here. I immediately related to Steph when they talked about how they had to help the place they and their friends came from, because that's such a fundamental part of who Great Lakes people are. We live through gales and tornados and hurricane-level wind and waves and we are there for each other. It's a special kind of people living up here. And I know everyone says that about their origin-place, but as someone who doesn't get many books set around where I grew up, it's so special to me when I can find them, and when it's written by someone who *gets* it.If I had one complaint, it'd be that most of the flashbacks were about the breaking up, and the immediate aftermath of that, and most of the evidence of why their friendship was so special was 'tell not show' and leans heavily on 'they were friends a long time' as enough of a reason. I absolutely found it all believable. I'm buying everything Moreland is selling. But I could see how others might find that aspect of it a little weak.Read in one day. Bravo. (also I WANT THE SONGS)

I hope this book catches on like wildfire because it's one of the best I've ever read. I am so in awe of Miel Moreland's talent. Moreland has woven together a series of moments in snapshot chapters told from the points-of-view of each of her characters. While Eva, the champion of her friends and their band, takes center stage in this story, each character's story is distinctive and blends in well with the story of all the other characters. The chapters come together in a way that keeps the reader engaged in the story, even as the chapters alternate between points-of-view. They seem to present a metaphor for life with its series of moments; each chapter felt like a new breath. They wove together to create a masterpiece that was electrified with emotion.I can't believe I have to wait until 2023 for Moreland's next story. It can't come soon enough.

#TIL THE MOON CRASHES INTO THE SEAIT GOES LIKE THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK!!!It’s the book I didn’t know I was waiting for. It’s a book about second chances, and identities, and queer joy. It’s a book about fandom, and community, and finding yourself.It’s a book that I’m already looking forward to rereading.I recommend this book to absolutely everyone! Happy reading!❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜

this book is so cute! I loved how it was more realistic than other contemporary books, in this it showed how life has ups and downs. I think the characters were really well developed, but I only really liked Eva. This was very fun to read!

Content Warnings: Misgendering (none of it is done maliciously), Settings in HospitalsMinor mentions of the ff: biphobia, homophobia, eating disorders, body image issues, grief/loss of a parent, substance addictionIt took me a while to get into this book because it felt a little slow and confusing at first, but I’m glad I pushed through. It Goes Like This is one of the best queer YA books I’ve read so far!I really had a great time exploring Eva, Celeste, Gina, and Steph’s journeys as individuals and as a group of friends. This book is completely-character driven and I really loved reading about them! I think this is the first book I’ve read that features a queer group of friends. Celeste and Eva are both lesbians, Gina is bisexual, while Steph is non-binary pansexual. 🏳‍🌈It Goes Like This follows four queer teens who used to be in the pop band Moonlight Overthrow. After years of falling out and breaking up, they found themselves reuniting for a fundraising concert for their hometown.The book alternates between the past and the present timelines, as well as the perspective of the four characters. It was confusing at first, but once I figured out the flow it became easier to read. I love that the book gave importance to the four, especially how they complement and contrast each other’s personalities.Celeste and Gina rose more into the spotlight. Celeste became a solo singer, while Gina pursued acting. Eva started writing more songs and a secret Moonlight Overthrow fangirl on Tumblr. Steph completely stepped out of the spotlight and focused on their family. I think out of the four, I connected quickly with Steph because we’re both eldest siblings. I could relate to their experiences and struggles and it hit too close to home.While the book spent a big chunk with Celeste and Eva’s angst and mutual pining for each other, the biggest highlight was truly their friendship. Moonlight Overthrow breaking up gave each a safe space to grow and figure out their footing on their own. They were all better versions when they got back together and this time everything was on their own terms.The four grew more mature and more confident in their own ways, with the help of each other’s support as the story progressed. I particularly enjoyed this theme! In this house, friends support friends no matter what. What I did wish was a more solid backstory on their friendship when they were still in the band.Otherwise, I enjoyed the whole second chances theme. Celeste and Eva had another chance to pursue their relationship. Gina and Steph both decided to take another chance in music. The four of them had a second chance to be friends again, not as Moonlight Overthrow but just as Celeste, Eva, Gina, and Steph.I just really had fun reading this book and how it depicted friendship and family for each of the characters. It was a heartwarming coming-of-age story for each and I definitely enjoyed every second I spent with them.It’s a hard feat to write different perspectives in one book and I think Miel Moreland was able to nail it properly. The characters were all fully fleshed and were each given depth and rich backstories enough to root for them.It Goes Like This is a perfect read for Pride Month! The book is a great tribute to friendship, romance, second chances, and finding oneself. Most importantly, it is unapologetically queer!I definitely recommend this one!