Only on the Weekends audiobook

Full review on my thoughts on this book on my YouTube channel! Link: https://youtu.be/Kea6GbObiZQ

Sometimes I adored the writing, and sometimes I didn’t fancy the lyricism.Sometimes I had all the emotions, and sometimes I didn’t feel a thing.Sometimes I wanted to rate this five gorgeous stars, and sometimes my rating was spiraling down. How can I be so conflicted about a book?Mack has mixed feelings too. Being in love with K., wanting to be with him, but always kept at a distance. Then meeting Fin, so vibrant and alive, a boy who immediately catches his eyes.One boy still in the closet,the other one so out and proud.I adore stories written in verse. Besides, I love messy characters and relationships. And I had high hopes for Only on the Weekends because I treasured The Black Flamingo. Only on the Weekend has so much to love. The supporting cast, the messiness, Karim, Fin, and Mack’s relationship with his dad. But somehow, I also felt let down. Writing reviews usually comes easy to me but for this story? I just can’t find the words to express my feelings. I’m not even sure how I feel. Like I feel stuck in between? So, do I rate Only on the Weekends three stars because of my confusion and because I didn’t like everything? Or do I rate it four stars because I loved parts so much, was in awe of the poems, and cherished the ending? I’ve been in doubt for over a month and finally made a decision. I’m going to rate this story four stars. If you like books written in verse and love messy characters and relationships, please check out this book! This could be a real gem for you!I received an ARC from Hachette Children’s Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Follow me on Instagram

I loved this! I was a huge fan of black Flamingo by this author, so this was an automatic request for me, and this one definitely held up to the last.I really enjoy the way Atta employs the in-verse style which reads as more simplistic while getting across the same, and sometimes even more complex, emotions, relationships, and dynamics that other prose YA books do. I'm a huge fan of books that say big things in small ways, which this book does wonderfully.I was a big fan of all of the characters, which hold complexities and nuances that are unique and different than the average protagonist and side characters. I have to admit I wasn't the biggest fan of the love triangle in this book, but I do appreciate the care the author took to iron out the motivations and perspectives especially from the main character and K, the love interest. I do wish the book expanded upon Fin's character a bit especially later into the book than it did, as I felt his character was a bit underdeveloped compared to the other two. I also wish the third act was made a bit longer--it felt a bit rushed and I think it would've been more impactful with a longer resolution.Besides that small critique, I really loved this book. The in-verse style doesn't hinder the depth of this book at all, and I would recommend this to everybody who likes YA. 4.25 stars :)

I really enjoyed this book. Personally, I do prefer The Black Flamingo but I think Only on the Weekends also deals with important topics such as race, gender, sex, friendships, love, family dynamics and more, and I think they were handled really well.

I don’t usually read books written in verse, but last year I took a chance on the Black Flamingo, and absolutely loved it. As soon as I saw that Dean Atta was coming out with a new book, Only on the Weekends, I knew I had to read it. Atta is the master of the smooth, lyrical, verse style of writing. I have read a lot of YA novels written in prose, and I really appreciate how the poignant emotions and themes Atta explores are expressed just as eloquently. Words are placed so meaningfully, and Mack’s personality was so palpable. I resonated with Mack’s insecurities and exploration of his identity. Mack was really sweet, and reminded me so much of Michael. Both boys really learn that they deserve to be loved. I adored the sweet moments shared on the couch between Mack, Maz and K. The atmosphere of the first act felt very loving. I felt the essence of queer joy, and it is something that Atta captures so beautifully. There is not enough authentic, queer British representation. There were so many times I laughed reading this, so many similarities to my own experience. I’ve heard so many of the same phrases and words directed at me by those I thought were friends, and strangers who had no reason to hate me. Beyond the queer joy, this book explores important topics. Mack’s journey is very different to Michael’s. The tone shifted in the last half of the book. The love triangle created all the drama you would expect. It was difficult to read because I loved both K and Fin equally. We all know that I am the biggest fan of famous people dating and the exploration of the media in literature. I loved how Atta explored Fin’s anxiety, and the pressure to be the perfect queer and trans role model. K is an important representation of toxic masculinity and internalised homophobia, but also how we can unpack it, and learn to process queer trauma. I would encourage everyone to read this. The representation of black, queer youth, and trans superstars, are so important. If you haven’t already, check out Atta’s other novel, the Black Flamingo, which is absolutely phenomenal! Thank you @teambkmrk and Hachette Kids for sending me an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review!You can follow me on: Instagram Twitter TikTok

When I heard that the author of Black Flamingo came out with another book I was so excited. I really enjoyed this book. It gave me the perspective of just how hard LGBTQ+ community have it and trying to come out to the people they know. The fear of being judged or criticized for who they are. This was an easy read and I really enjoyed it. It dealt with two guys one who is openly gay and another one who isn’t ready to come out just yet. The dealing with school and families. And how being somebody secret can be really hard mentally.

The Black Flamingo is one of my all time favourite books, so you can imagine how much I was anticipating this. Again I was immediately pulled in by Dean Atta's beautiful writing, which feels soft and full of heart without shying away from complicated topics. I really admire poets who are able to flesh out characters and an entire story so well while writing in verse.I loved how flawed and complex all the characters here are. Mack is certainly not a perfect person, but also I'm convinced you can't come away from this book without loving him.

It took me a while to get into this book but I ultimately really enjoyed it. instagram || my blog || tiktok

Dean Atta's Black Flamingo was one of the most creative and inspired stories I read last year, and in a similar vein, Only on the Weekends is a coming of age tale written entirely in verse. This YA story follows 15 yr old Mack who has always had a crush on Karim and when they finally become boyfriends, he feels like he's found the one. That is until his dad moves him from London to Scotland and Mack finds out just how painful love can be. Dean Atta has such a lyrical way with words, which helps to get the poignant themes, such as feelings of insecurity, first loves and many more, across in such an eloquent way. I didn't find this to be as impactful as the Black Flamingo, hence the lower rating, but still such a good book for the YA age range. A must buy author for me!

This was such a cute little story! I will admit that I didn’t like the writing style to begin but it grew on me. I did feel that the book ended kind of abruptly, but that could just be because I wanted to know more of the fallout from Mack’s decisions. Overall, the book was good. It had some points that were very cute and moved the story along. It had enjoyable characters and an easy to follow premise. Thank you NetGalley and Harpercollins for this eARC. Only on the Weekends releases May 24, 2022!

I knew Dean Atta could get me out a reading slump :)) SO good, love the writing style and it's partly set in Glasgow?? What else could you want

I feel like the first half of this book dragged a bit. I didn't like the relationship between Mack and K, secret relationships seem so unfair, especially when one person is out and proud. Mack seemed to be really hard on his dad, impatient with K, and I didn't really understand why he was friends with Femi and Sim. But then he moved to Scotland, met Fin, made new friends, and things seemed easy. Except for his relationship with K. But Mack seemed happy, for the most part, and I started to enjoy the story more. When his life in London and his life in Glasgow collided, things blew up, but ultimately, Mack got his happy ending.

Porque Fin se parece a Henry? JAJJAJAJAJAJAA perdón

After reading The Black Flamingo, I immediately felt compelled to buy this book. However reading them in quick succession probably did a disservice to Only on the Weekends because I can't help but compare the two. I very much enjoyed this book, the writing and the characters. The story went in a way I wasn't expecting or hoping for, but the main reason that this isn't 5* is just that I wanted the full on emotional punch that I got from Black Flamingo and it wasn't there as much. There were moments, but in the Black Flamingo I felt every line. I will absolutely rush out and buy Dean's next book, just to see if he can recreate the wonder that is his first novel.

This is my first book by this author. It is a long read at just under 600 pages, but an easy read as the story is told through poetry format. Main character Mack is just adorable and has always had a crush on K but with K not wanting to come out as gay can their secret relationship really last? Will K come out? Will they remain together or will Mack find someone who isn't ashamed to be gay and out with him? When he moves away for a while will their love still remain? A beautiful story that many young people can probably relate too. Gorgeous cover. A 21st century gay love story. I loved Macks character. Really enjoyed reading this. A well deserved four stars. Highly recommend.

4 1/2🌟 You will love it, you will get pissed off and have all kind of feels.