Book review by Corey
Ask the Passengers
Ask the Passengers follows Astrid Jones, a high school girl living in a small town where she feels boxed in by her family, her school, and everyone else’s expectations. She spends a lot of time lying in her backyard watching airplanes pass overhead and mentally sending love to the strangers on board, because it feels easier than giving that part of herself to people who might judge her.
At the same time, Astrid is trying to understand her sexuality and what her relationship with another girl actually means to her. The book is very focused on identity, pressure, and the fear of being labelled before you are ready. It is thoughtful without feeling preachy, and Astrid’s voice makes the story feel personal, funny, and honest.
The Goods
- Strong lesbian coming-of-age story
- Astrid feels very real and believable
- Thoughtful look at identity and labels
- Great emotional voice
- Family and small-town pressure are handled well
The Bads
- The pacing is quiet
- Some side characters feel frustrating on purpose
- A few moments are more symbolic than realistic
- Not much traditional plot
- The family drama can feel heavy
My Recommendation
This is a really good choice for readers who like lesbian YA, coming-of-age stories, and books about figuring yourself out before the rest of the world decides who you are for you. Astrid’s struggle with labels, family expectations, and her relationship feels very natural, and the book gives her room to be uncertain instead of forcing everything into a neat answer. If you enjoy LGBTQ+ stories that are more about identity, emotion, and personal growth than romance alone, this one is definitely worth reading.