A Hopeful Story of Belonging: Cemetary Boys Review

“You don’t need anyone’s permission to be you.”

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Cemetery Boys was a heart-breaking and heart-warming story of finding your place in the world. The longing portrayed through Yadriel, to belong, to be accepted, was so easy to relate to, and that just made the ending all the more sweet. It was the perfect validating story for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in, like they don’t belong, because of who they are.

“Julian was the most alive person he’d ever met. Even as a spirit, he was bright and full of constantly moving energy. A sun crammed into the body of a boy. Yadriel didn’t want to see him without his light.”

Set in contemporary Los Angeles, Cemetery Boys delves into a world of magic that is easy to get lost in. Thomas manages to perfectly balance the modern city setting with the magical mystery, which makes for an absolutely irresistible story. But the true highlight if the characters, which make the story take flight.

“Why did Yadriel always have to absolve people of their guilt? He didn’t want to be understanding. He didn’t have it in him to be forgiving this time.”

Our main character, Yadriel, knows exactly who he is and where he belongs – he just has trouble convincing his family of it. Through Yadriel, the reader gets to see the real consequences marginalised youth face today, but at the same time, it’s a story of hope. And that’s what makes this book so impactful. Cemetery Boys isn’t afraid of showing the awful truth, it doesn’t tiptoe around the very real issues society faces today, but instead deals with them head-on, while also giving the reader hope that things can be better.

Have you read Cemetery Boys? What were your thoughts? Tell me in the comments!