Poor Ending

 Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Queenie was incredibly hard to like as a main character because you were watching her self destruct and there was nothing you could do about it. I just wanted to shake her and tell her to stop. But, at the same time she was hard to not like because she was so relatable. Now, I have never had to deal with the micro-aggressions or blatant racism that she faced, but I have spiraled because of a boy so I get it, to an extent. I HATED Cassandra. She was a bully and a taker. I liked it better for Queenie when they weren't speaking because she struggled enough with her doubts, she didn't need the extra negativity in her life. Her other two friends were great; they vocalized their worries for her, acknowledged the situation, and helped her. When she finally started therapy they were supportive. I liked that her grandfather was her biggest supporter about starting therapy; and that his support changed the minds of everyone else in her family. It was good to see Queenie grow, learn to use the therapy skills in life, and share them with her mother, which in turn helped her rebuild her relationship with her mother. I did not like her boss; but came around to her in the end with how she handled the letter from Ted and apologizing about the whole situation. I wanted more of a happy ending. This just ended; it felt unfinished. Queenie's story was not done with the end of this book, but it did not seem like there was a set up for a second book either. I would have liked it more if the ending felt more complete. Part of me wanted her to get back together with Tom. Yes, she had the big revelation where she deleted his number, but even that felt incomplete. I was glad she was able to go on the date, realize she didn't like him, and leave without sleeping with him. I wish she wouldn't have gone back to his place, but that wouldn't have been as impactful for her. I'm just not satisfied. Queenie had all of this growth, but her story doesn't feel complete.