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wind_dog's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Lesbophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, and Violence
bookreviewsgr's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Αυτό το βιβλίο έχει απ' τους πιο ρεαλιστικούς και relatable χαρακτήρες που έχω διαβάσει. Είναι πολύ εύκολο να καταλάβεις τον Dean και να δεθείς μαζί του ακόμα κι αν είσαι cis και straight και δεν αμφισβήτησες ποτέ τίποτα από τα δύο.
Αυτή η ταύτιση με τον πρωταγωνιστή έκανε αρκετές σκηνές να μοιάζουν με γροθιά στο στομάχι. Δε μπορώ καν να φανταστώ πόσο πολύ μπορεί να επηρεάσουν ένα τρανς άτομο, οπότε προτείνω να βρείτε μια εκτενή λίστα με trigger warnings (υπάρχουν στο Storygraph και σε αρκετά reviews τρανς ατόμων) πριν ξεκινήσετε να το διαβάζετε.
Το βιβλίο παρουσιάζει πολλές προβληματικές συμπεριφορές, ακόμα και ο ίδιος ο Dean κάνει λάθη, και είναι απόλυτα λογικό γιατί μιλάμε για παιδιά 17-18 χρόνων. Σε αντίθεση με άλλα young adult βιβλία όμως, εδώ δεν έχουμε drama για να αποκτήσει ενδιαφέρον το βιβλίο, αλλά καταστάσεις που γεννούν προβληματισμούς και τροφή για σκέψη.
Προσωπικά, το μόνο που με κούρασε κάπως ήταν οι συνεχείς αναφορές και ατάκες από το θεατρικό. Να μου πεις τι περίμενα αφού είναι βασικό κομμάτι του βιβλίου; Αλλά δεν τα πήγα ποτέ καλά με το Σαίξπηρ, και ειδικά με το Ρωμαίο και την Ιουλιέτα, οπότε επιτρέψτε μου να γκρινιάξω. Πιθανότατα, τα θεατρόφιλα άτομα να αγαπήσετε το βιβλίο ακόμα περισσότερο για αυτό.
Αυτή η ταύτιση με τον πρωταγωνιστή έκανε αρκετές σκηνές να μοιάζουν με γροθιά στο στομάχι. Δε μπορώ καν να φανταστώ πόσο πολύ μπορεί να επηρεάσουν ένα τρανς άτομο, οπότε προτείνω να βρείτε μια εκτενή λίστα με trigger warnings (υπάρχουν στο Storygraph και σε αρκετά reviews τρανς ατόμων) πριν ξεκινήσετε να το διαβάζετε.
Το βιβλίο παρουσιάζει πολλές προβληματικές συμπεριφορές, ακόμα και ο ίδιος ο Dean κάνει λάθη, και είναι απόλυτα λογικό γιατί μιλάμε για παιδιά 17-18 χρόνων. Σε αντίθεση με άλλα young adult βιβλία όμως, εδώ δεν έχουμε drama για να αποκτήσει ενδιαφέρον το βιβλίο, αλλά καταστάσεις που γεννούν προβληματισμούς και τροφή για σκέψη.
Προσωπικά, το μόνο που με κούρασε κάπως ήταν οι συνεχείς αναφορές και ατάκες από το θεατρικό. Να μου πεις τι περίμενα αφού είναι βασικό κομμάτι του βιβλίου; Αλλά δεν τα πήγα ποτέ καλά με το Σαίξπηρ, και ειδικά με το Ρωμαίο και την Ιουλιέτα, οπότε επιτρέψτε μου να γκρινιάξω. Πιθανότατα, τα θεατρόφιλα άτομα να αγαπήσετε το βιβλίο ακόμα περισσότερο για αυτό.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Violence, Outing, and Hate crime
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Deadnaming
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a cute read. I loved seeing Dean come into his own and really learn who he wanted to be. I loved seeing all the friends who chose to support him on his journey. It was pretty sad to see the way some of the characters treated him, but overall it was a positive representation and I enjoyed it.
Personally, I felt like this was hitting the Romeo and Juliet references a little too hard--it didn't need to quote from the play quite so much. I did love the theater setting aspect though!
Personally, I felt like this was hitting the Romeo and Juliet references a little too hard--it didn't need to quote from the play quite so much. I did love the theater setting aspect though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Homophobia, Deadnaming, and Bullying
Minor: Violence
camicapa's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A perfect contemporary coming of age book for theater/Shakespeare lovers.
Great writing: simple yet at times perfectly on-brand with the drama of live theater.
I fell in love with Dean and all his friends.
My only complaint was the ending. It felt unsatisfactory. I finished the last chapter, and for a second, I thought that another chapter or prologue was missing. But no. That was it. There were a couple of plot lines I thought needed closure that didn't get one. But that was the ending. Weird. Nevertheless, I loved everything else.
Great writing: simple yet at times perfectly on-brand with the drama of live theater.
I fell in love with Dean and all his friends.
My only complaint was the ending. It felt unsatisfactory. I finished the last chapter, and for a second, I thought that another chapter or prologue was missing. But no. That was it. There were a couple of plot lines I thought needed closure that didn't get one. But that was the ending. Weird. Nevertheless, I loved everything else.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Homophobia, and Violence
Minor: Suicide
betweentheshelves's review
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thanks to Abrams for sending an ARC of this book to the library where I work! This book was on my radar and I was happy to get a chance to read it early. And I'm happy to say that I'm not disappointed! A strong coming of age story about a trans guy finding his voice.
Many of the young adult books I've read recently focus on trans teens who have already gone through their coming out. What I liked about this is it takes us through Dean's process of coming out, the highs and the lows. He joins a support group, and they show him that there is no single way to be trans. This group, this found family is one of the best things about this book. Dean gets the support he needs through them, and his friends from school.
However, Dean's journey isn't without struggles. There are some instances of bullying and his mother isn't super accepting. Stoeve does an excellent job showing the complex feelings surrounding Dean's relationship with his mother. The analogies they use throughout the book are helpful for all kinds of readers, but I especially think trans teens will connect to it.
There were also a lot of great discussions about privilege within the queer community, since Dean's best friend is Black. There's also a lot of emphasis on the fact that trans teens need spaces to figure out their identity, to be able to have the support of others that know what they're going through. All around, there are just so many great messages in this book.
Since I'm not trans myself, I'd recommend checking out some own voices reviews on Goodreads!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Moderate: Deadnaming, Violence, and Biphobia
Minor: Suicide
maisierosereads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Between Perfect and Real is such an apt title for this book. It's a wonderfully written contemporary coming-of-age story about Dean Foster, and how starring as Romeo in the school play helps him to come out as trans to his friends, family, and school. I'm certain that many trans and nonbinary people will see themselves reflected in these pages - not just through Dean's narrative, but also through the other trans and nonbinary characters we meet through a support group Dean attends, showing that not all trans and nonbinary people are the same or even have identical experiences. There is other queer representation, too, with a range of sexualities shown across the cast of side characters. There were so many moments in this book which were eerily similar to my own experiences and those of my queer loved ones; it was refreshing, and I'm so glad that queer & trans teenagers will have this book to look to for representation!
The characters were definitely not all perfect, and some of their mistakes were worse than others - the main character included. That being said, most of them were still very much likeable, and showed strong character development.
Ray Stoeve did a great job reflecting common negative experiences such as transphobia and relationship difficulties whilst keeping the overall tone of the book hopeful. I love that they completely avoided using Dean's deadname, and also included educational moments (e.g. unsafe vs safe binding) for readers who may not already have that knowledge. I also really liked the ending, which just like the title and book as a whole had a great balance of realism, optimism, and happiness.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It's a very impressive YA debut and I can't wait to see what Ray Stoeve will write in the future!
Many thanks to the publisher for giving me access to an eARC through NetGalley so that I could write this review!
The characters were definitely not all perfect, and some of their mistakes were worse than others - the main character included. That being said, most of them were still very much likeable, and showed strong character development.
Ray Stoeve did a great job reflecting common negative experiences such as transphobia and relationship difficulties whilst keeping the overall tone of the book hopeful. I love that they completely avoided using Dean's deadname, and also included educational moments (e.g. unsafe vs safe binding) for readers who may not already have that knowledge. I also really liked the ending, which just like the title and book as a whole had a great balance of realism, optimism, and happiness.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It's a very impressive YA debut and I can't wait to see what Ray Stoeve will write in the future!
Many thanks to the publisher for giving me access to an eARC through NetGalley so that I could write this review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Bullying
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
Minor: Suicide, Deadnaming, and Drug use
gem114's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
With books like Between Perfect and Real, I truly feel like the kids are going to be alright. ❤
When Dean is cast as Romeo in the school play, the role helps confirm for him that he is a trans guy, not a lesbian. He decides to come out, and the story details the varied reactions of Dean's friends and family.
This novel brought me right back to high school, in good and (not so good) ways. The character development is excellent and both the characters and their relationships/interactions are realistic. The teens really talk and act like teens! And the parents (for better and for worse) really talk and act like parents.
I would definitely recommend this book to teens and adults alike. I love love love the focus on the beauty of queer friendships and chosen family, but if homophobia/transhobia are triggers for you, be sure to take care of yourself while reading because those play a large role in the plot also.
Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When Dean is cast as Romeo in the school play, the role helps confirm for him that he is a trans guy, not a lesbian. He decides to come out, and the story details the varied reactions of Dean's friends and family.
This novel brought me right back to high school, in good and (not so good) ways. The character development is excellent and both the characters and their relationships/interactions are realistic. The teens really talk and act like teens! And the parents (for better and for worse) really talk and act like parents.
I would definitely recommend this book to teens and adults alike. I love love love the focus on the beauty of queer friendships and chosen family, but if homophobia/transhobia are triggers for you, be sure to take care of yourself while reading because those play a large role in the plot also.
Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Violence, and Bullying
Moderate: Deadnaming, Physical abuse, Homophobia, and Hate crime
valereads's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There’s no such thing a perfect – but this book comes pretty darn close.
This novel follows 17 year old trans boy, Dean. When he is cast as the male lead in the school play he begins exploring his gender further and realises he needs to come out and transition. It explores how his relationships with friends, family, his girlfriend and himself change and stay the same as he comes out and begins to socially transition.
This book was beautifully written. At times it felt more like poetry than a prose novel but it was still written in an accessible way. I really enjoyed the experience of reading it.
As a genderqueer trans man myself, I found the descriptions of dysphoria and the experience of being trans really spoke to me. Stoeve managed to capture these feelings in prose in a way that felt genuine and was beautifully written.
If I had any criticisms it’s that some parts were predictable but then again I am a 23 year old man and this is a YA novel so it’s not something that should bother most people. There was also a minor plot point which I thought would come back up but didn’t go anywhere – perhaps I read too much into it.
Overall I absolutely adore this book. A beautifully written novel of a trans guy figuring out who he is and what he needs set to the backdrop of my favourite play, Romeo and Juliet – it’s like it was written for me! I definitely recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest, trans or cis, it will not disappoint.
Content warnings: bullying, homophobia, transphobia, misgendering, outing, dysphoria, references to suicide
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, and Violence
Minor: Biphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Homophobia, Suicide, Transphobia, and Violence
looney_moons's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Transphobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence