Please respect reviewer spaces and not make us feel unsafe in them. I did not appreciate how I was DMed after posting my rating.

^That said, if you are the author, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS or at the very least do not let me know that you did. I received an eARC of this book from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen Rod Pulido deftly infuses a unique journey of queer POC self-discovery with unprecedented cultural specificity - geek culture, boxing culture, Filipino culture.' Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You Rod Pulido marvelously balances humor and honesty while exploring bigotry, socioeconomics, power, and how we become our own heroes. Randy Ribay, author of the National Book Award finalist, Patron Saints of Nothing 'With Chasing Pacquiao, Pulido steps into the ring with an earnest and compelling debut that pulls no punches as it explores the courage and community needed to stand up to hatred.' Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Medalist and bestselling author of Hello, Universe. 'What should we do when our heroes let us down? The answer: Pick up Rod Pulido's book. Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs.

If you’ve ever been let down by your hero, this knockout of a book is here to treat your wounds and heal your heart.' 'Rod Pulido delivers the ultimate one-two-punch: bare-knuckled, bruising honesty wrapped in humor, sincerity, and sweetness. Then Pacquiao publicly declares his stance against queer people, and Bobby's faith-in his hero and in himself-is shaken to the core.Ī powerful and unflinching debut that will both shatter and uplift hearts with every read.ĬONTENT WARNING for profanity, violence, and homophobic language. Bobby is inspired by champion Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to take up boxing and challenge his tormentor. A vicious encounter has him scrambling for a new way to survive-by fighting back. It's best to keep his head down, get good grades, and stay out of trouble.īut when Bobby is unwillingly outed in a terrible way, he no longer has the luxury of being invisible. Being out and queer would put an unavoidable target on his back, especially in a Filipino community that frowns on homosexuality. That's Bobby's motto for surviving his notoriously violent high school unscathed. A poignant coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of Patron Saints of Nothing and Juliet Takes a Breath. Experience the extreme joys, sorrows, and triumphs of a queer Filipino-American teenager struggling to prove himself in an unforgiving world.

Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido