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stailysh1's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
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
4.0
I think this book is great for what it is. It reads like it was the author's high school fantasy, but in the case of this book, I believe that's excusable because this book could really help a lot of people who need it. It shows the mentality behind being both in and out of the closet and focuses on visibility. The ending kind of pushes being out and visible, which I find challenging because that is not safe or desired by everyone who is part of the LGBT+ community, especially transgender individuals. The main characters are generally lovable and funny, and work through their flaws and grow together. All in all, it's an enjoyable and (mostly) light read that should be taken for what it is: a YA LGBT+ novel with a happy ending.
**Please read the content warnings before diving into this book.**
**Please read the content warnings before diving into this book.**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Dysphoria, Lesbophobia, Outing, Transphobia, Homophobia, and Hate crime
Moderate: Biphobia, Suicidal thoughts, Deadnaming, and Infidelity
Minor: Alcohol
rebecca_simard's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
DNF at 146. I wanted to like this book, the setting of a high school romance is a classic for a reason and I'm a sucker for any LGBT representation that was lacking in my own youth, especially when written by queer authors, but this one just didn't do it for me.
For starters, the characterization is abysmal, this might improve throughout the book but by 1/3rd of the way in we should have at least a few likable characters. The female lead suffers from "not like other girls" symptom, being the cheerleader who secretly is into important things like reading and journalism. Good basis for a character but it is used as a way to show how she is better than the other girls. Not a fan. The male lead has some internalized misogyny when it comes to her "not like other girls" isms as well. How exciting is it that there's actually a cheerleader worth his time and who isn't an idiot? While the best friend, Max, did not make a lot of appearances so far, reviews suggest that he is also a prominent character and his only scene so far had me cringing.
This leads to my next point, that the dialogue is bland and filled with long outdated phrases and references to try and sell the youth of the characters, obvi girl, 10 pride flag emojis. This is both emersion-breaking and difficult to read.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the plotline of a trans character being pressured by their support network to come out because not doing so is dishonest is concerning. Trans people do not owe anyone a description of their genitals as a means to promote honesty. One's medical history is theirs and theirs alone to disclose. I hope no trans or queer youth feel pressured by this rhetoric.
In summary, I had high hopes and I hope that the author continues to write as trans voices are vital, now more than ever. The blurb is good, showing that McSmith has good stories to tell. I hope they refine their characterization and writing style and move away from the overdone at best and problematic at worst pressure to come out stories. It's a good premise, but the execution needs work.
For starters, the characterization is abysmal, this might improve throughout the book but by 1/3rd of the way in we should have at least a few likable characters. The female lead suffers from "not like other girls" symptom, being the cheerleader who secretly is into important things like reading and journalism. Good basis for a character but it is used as a way to show how she is better than the other girls. Not a fan. The male lead has some internalized misogyny when it comes to her "not like other girls" isms as well. How exciting is it that there's actually a cheerleader worth his time and who isn't an idiot? While the best friend, Max, did not make a lot of appearances so far, reviews suggest that he is also a prominent character and his only scene so far had me cringing.
This leads to my next point, that the dialogue is bland and filled with long outdated phrases and references to try and sell the youth of the characters, obvi girl, 10 pride flag emojis. This is both emersion-breaking and difficult to read.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the plotline of a trans character being pressured by their support network to come out because not doing so is dishonest is concerning. Trans people do not owe anyone a description of their genitals as a means to promote honesty. One's medical history is theirs and theirs alone to disclose. I hope no trans or queer youth feel pressured by this rhetoric.
In summary, I had high hopes and I hope that the author continues to write as trans voices are vital, now more than ever. The blurb is good, showing that McSmith has good stories to tell. I hope they refine their characterization and writing style and move away from the overdone at best and problematic at worst pressure to come out stories. It's a good premise, but the execution needs work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Bullying, Outing, and Suicidal thoughts
katieduffy151's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A great book to highlight the significant daily struggles of trans youth and what is unfortunately an all too common experience. The book is quite joyful and light-hearted at the beginning but a warning is needed because takes a drastic turn toward the end with incredibly violent scenes but I understand why it was included.
I would maybe suggest that this is a really insightful book for cisgender people to read in order to more fully understand the struggles of trans people (particularly teenagers), but a warning that it might be very triggering for those who are trans. I would like to think there are better books out there to read that highlight trans joy and love.
I still maintain Pony deserves better than Georgia. I also felt uncomfortable that his friend wouldn't respect his decision to go stealth given the potential safety risks, but I understand the issue of visibility is a complex one.
I would maybe suggest that this is a really insightful book for cisgender people to read in order to more fully understand the struggles of trans people (particularly teenagers), but a warning that it might be very triggering for those who are trans. I would like to think there are better books out there to read that highlight trans joy and love.
I still maintain Pony deserves better than Georgia. I also felt uncomfortable that his friend wouldn't respect his decision to go stealth given the potential safety risks, but I understand the issue of visibility is a complex one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Dysphoria, Bullying, Deadnaming, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Outing, and Transphobia
Minor: Toxic friendship and Toxic relationship
cheezyreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Transphobia, and Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Deadnaming, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Emotional abuse and Death
mxbluet18's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Trigger warnings for Stay Gold include: transphobia, misgendering, deadnaming, homophobia and suicidal ideation.
☆
☆
🔷“Pony, you are not alone. All these people love and support you without even meeting you. This hard time will pass. You just be strong.”🔷
•
This book is everything I could want in a romance book. It's fairly light-hearted for the most part, but still discusses some more sensitive topics with due care.
~
It had trans representation, in multiple forms, both from the perspective of out and proud trans people, and stealth trans people. I also like that the romance was present but not exactly the full focus (which is how I prefer my YA romance books to be).
~
It might sound stupid, but even in fiction, having a trans or non-binary character's deadname brought up feels gross and wrong. That's one piece of information I'd never once even think of wanting to know about any trans person, nor would I ever use it for them (unless asked) even if I didn't like them.
~
🔷“Well, now you have a son named Pony, and if you don’t accept that, you will lose him. Maybe we all will.”🔷
•
I think this is an important note to end on, even if it's somewhat of a delicate and hard topic to talk about. Accepting trans people, and using the name and pronouns they ask is literally suicide prevention. The statistics of trans youth who either make an attempt on their life, or sadly end their life, are far too high. But making small changes to the words used to talk about and to those trans people might just save a life.
☆
☆
🔷“Pony, you are not alone. All these people love and support you without even meeting you. This hard time will pass. You just be strong.”🔷
•
This book is everything I could want in a romance book. It's fairly light-hearted for the most part, but still discusses some more sensitive topics with due care.
~
It had trans representation, in multiple forms, both from the perspective of out and proud trans people, and stealth trans people. I also like that the romance was present but not exactly the full focus (which is how I prefer my YA romance books to be).
~
It might sound stupid, but even in fiction, having a trans or non-binary character's deadname brought up feels gross and wrong. That's one piece of information I'd never once even think of wanting to know about any trans person, nor would I ever use it for them (unless asked) even if I didn't like them.
~
🔷“Well, now you have a son named Pony, and if you don’t accept that, you will lose him. Maybe we all will.”🔷
•
I think this is an important note to end on, even if it's somewhat of a delicate and hard topic to talk about. Accepting trans people, and using the name and pronouns they ask is literally suicide prevention. The statistics of trans youth who either make an attempt on their life, or sadly end their life, are far too high. But making small changes to the words used to talk about and to those trans people might just save a life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Deadnaming, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Suicidal thoughts
queerloras's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Hate crime, Body shaming, Outing, Physical abuse, Transphobia, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Dysphoria, Biphobia, Suicidal thoughts, Deadnaming, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
laura_keoski's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Bullying, and Transphobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Hate crime, Sexual harassment, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Outing
Minor: Deadnaming
that_bookworm_guy's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This is a hard book to review because right up until the ends, I really didn't like the characters. I get the point being made, I do. Some of the trans information and statistics were well done and a good addition.
First of all, I defo want to put here that I am a trans man. So this is my view as just 1 trans person.
First of all, the romance. I'm defo not great at reading romance, but I definitely didn't find it cute. This could just be me, I'm really aware that romance just isn't my thing. But it felt so focused. I hated, hated how Pony chased Georgia after she said she didn't want to date him. He was counting down the days it had been since they kissed and was purposely making situations hoping for a kiss. And then after a big love show, she turned him down because he is trans and she was worried about her image. I know this is meant to be a point of growth for the characters as she learns that it doesn't matter but yeah, I didn't like this.
Max, a trans friend, keeps putting pressure on Pony to be out and proud as a trans man when he keeps repeating that he wants to live stealth after what happened before. Then threatens that if he isn't out he will end the friendship. Emotional blackmail. Nope. As a trans person, I don't know a single trans person who would do this to another trans person. He does apologise later, but only after Pony comes out and gets attacked. Max is an incredibly shitty person and apologising is the very least, but yeah, I defo wouldn't trust or forgive someone for doing that. This is such a harmful situation, Pony should have 100% cut Max out of his life at the first sign of emotional manipulation. I really hope trans youths know that they don't ever have to come out like this. I live stealth in my life at work and I would 100% cut out a friend who expected me to share things online such as Facebook where it could risk outing me. Because respect is the least I ask for. Let alone from another trans person.
The book also got very dark very suddenly at the end. I understand it happens in life. That trans people get assaulted, and that trans people are at a higher risk of suicide. But I just don't think this was handled well at all. It was almost sudden with no warning.
If you're expecting a cute romance with some hard hitting bits, then it's worth looking into the TWs. Because this gets incredibly dark.
There is also theme throughout where Georgia is trying to find out Pony's deadname. It's revealed in the end, and although Georgia says that she didn't really need to know what it was and it doesn't matter, it would have been a much nicer thing if the name was never revealed to the reader. If it truly doesn't matter, then don't mention it. I understand the point that was trying to be made, but it would have made a bigger point to not make a huge point of it. The first 2 letters are revealed part way through the book and I feel like it almost leads the reader to want to figure out his deadname.
I've rated this 2.5/3* simply because there were some good points in this book and I was semi enjoying the train wreck of the romance thinking that it was just me not enjoying romance, but there are definitely some huge red flags with the romance.
First of all, I defo want to put here that I am a trans man. So this is my view as just 1 trans person.
First of all, the romance. I'm defo not great at reading romance, but I definitely didn't find it cute. This could just be me, I'm really aware that romance just isn't my thing. But it felt so focused. I hated, hated how Pony chased Georgia after she said she didn't want to date him. He was counting down the days it had been since they kissed and was purposely making situations hoping for a kiss. And then after a big love show, she turned him down because he is trans and she was worried about her image. I know this is meant to be a point of growth for the characters as she learns that it doesn't matter but yeah, I didn't like this.
Max, a trans friend, keeps putting pressure on Pony to be out and proud as a trans man when he keeps repeating that he wants to live stealth after what happened before. Then threatens that if he isn't out he will end the friendship. Emotional blackmail. Nope. As a trans person, I don't know a single trans person who would do this to another trans person. He does apologise later, but only after Pony comes out and gets attacked. Max is an incredibly shitty person and apologising is the very least, but yeah, I defo wouldn't trust or forgive someone for doing that. This is such a harmful situation, Pony should have 100% cut Max out of his life at the first sign of emotional manipulation. I really hope trans youths know that they don't ever have to come out like this. I live stealth in my life at work and I would 100% cut out a friend who expected me to share things online such as Facebook where it could risk outing me. Because respect is the least I ask for. Let alone from another trans person.
The book also got very dark very suddenly at the end. I understand it happens in life. That trans people get assaulted, and that trans people are at a higher risk of suicide. But I just don't think this was handled well at all. It was almost sudden with no warning.
If you're expecting a cute romance with some hard hitting bits, then it's worth looking into the TWs. Because this gets incredibly dark.
There is also theme throughout where Georgia is trying to find out Pony's deadname. It's revealed in the end, and although Georgia says that she didn't really need to know what it was and it doesn't matter, it would have been a much nicer thing if the name was never revealed to the reader. If it truly doesn't matter, then don't mention it. I understand the point that was trying to be made, but it would have made a bigger point to not make a huge point of it. The first 2 letters are revealed part way through the book and I feel like it almost leads the reader to want to figure out his deadname.
I've rated this 2.5/3* simply because there were some good points in this book and I was semi enjoying the train wreck of the romance thinking that it was just me not enjoying romance, but there are definitely some huge red flags with the romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Deadnaming, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Lesbophobia, Suicide, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, Outing, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
ranjanireviewsreads's review against another edition
1.0
Okay, let's address this hot fucking mess of a book, one point at a time. With headings and everything!!
Please, please check the trigger warnings below. This book is not what it seems like. It is better to be spoiled for the story than be caught completely off-guard and triggered when the scene literally creeps up on you.
Additionally, I'd like to say that while I don't identify as trans, I am genderqueer. I experience dysphoria on a daily basis and face casual transphobia and homophobia as well. Please read reviews from more transgender readers; they have very valid criticisms about this book.
- A Real Bad Romance: because, let's be honest, Georgia has as much personality as a sopping wet sheet of paper and that personality is... not good. Not only does Pony and Georgia's "romance" start way too early with absolutely no basis (their eyes meet once and that's a sign?), Georgia very obviously misgenders and is transphobic towards Pony multiple times. The attraction between them makes no sense because they knew as much about each other as I knew about them - absolutely nothing substantial.
- A Writing Class?
Writing teenagers is hard. Ways of conversing change wildly between friends, circumstances, and cliques. Some authors can pull it off better but McSmith is not one of them.
For the first 1/3 of the book, I am hit with completely random info-dumps about Georgia's past and Pony's coming-out story. They are relevant to the story but there is a way to write them and this is not it.
- All the Internalised Transphobia
- Plus the Internalised Homophobia!
I understand that the internal journey of coming to terms with your identity and with the way the world will ultimately treat you is very, very important. However, trans kids are surrounded by stories like this all day, every day in real life. I believe we need more stories of trans acceptance and trans joy, stories that show another side of being trans, stories that show hope. This story is not unnecessary but it IS misleading. It is not a cute, fluffy romance. It is ultimately a coming-out story with very extreme and violent consequences (check trigger warnings!!!!).
As a result, Pony deals with a lot (and I really do mean a lot) of internalised transphobia. I will be writing more details in the content warnings section, but please be prepared going in that Pony's and Georgia's internal monologues can be very triggering. Pony also uses (one) slur (that I can remember) near the beginning, to "fit in" with his outrageously homophobic and transphobic "manly" friends.
- Forced to Come Out? Jail.
Let's talk about Pony's friend Max and the incredibly harmful message the author spreads, even though it may be unintentional. I will say it as many times as I need to: NO ONE NEEDS TO BE OUT TO BE VALID. YOU DO NOT OWE ANYONE AN EXPLANATION OF YOUR IDENTITY. YOU CAN LIE AS MUCH AS YOU WANT IF IT KEEPS YOU SAFE!!!!!
And that is the gist of the matter, isn't it? Pony was very well aware that being trans in a conservative town, among people he heard being transphobic all day will not be safe for him and YET his BEST FRIEND Max only admitted to understanding Pony's perspective after Pony was literally assaulted and had to be hospitalised . It felt like a shallow apology at best and really showed the flaws in the overly-marketed and very young queer community of contemporary times.
Max insisted that Pony should be out and "proud" because a small, conservative high school like Pony's needed a transgender voice while Max himself was out at a "liberal" school where "being gay/trans was normal" (Pony's words; can't remember the exact phrasing). I'm not sure what message the author is trying to give, but I do not like this part of it. Not at all.
- Not the Homophobic + Transphobic Friends
That suddenly become not homophobic and transphobic once it becomes cool to be cool with it? But also I generally do not like how the book wraps up so neatly in the last few minutes, with Max's apology, Georgia's everything-phobic cheerleading team coming around, Pony's fathers total 180; the stakes were so high for the entire book. It was obvious the author just wanted to drop everything to get a cookie cutter "the queer/trans kid gets accepted by everyone and is so brave and finds protection" and god knows what else.
- Not the H*rry P*ttr reference *cries*. I counted one. I don't want to know if I missed any more.
TL;DR: A potentially harmful book, given it's target audience with it's internalised transphobia, transphobic friend circle, and it's message of needing to come out to be true to yourself.
I highly DO NOT recommend this book to anyone.
Instead, I would suggest reading:
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas for a similar set up -- trans MC; unaccepting family; some romance; a quest to prove oneself; fantasy
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas -- for a queernorm world and some trans joy; no romance; fantasy
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Lark and Kasim Start A Revolution by Kacen Callender
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
When The Moon was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars
Please, please check the trigger warnings below. This book is not what it seems like. It is better to be spoiled for the story than be caught completely off-guard and triggered when the scene literally creeps up on you.
Additionally, I'd like to say that while I don't identify as trans, I am genderqueer. I experience dysphoria on a daily basis and face casual transphobia and homophobia as well. Please read reviews from more transgender readers; they have very valid criticisms about this book.
- A Real Bad Romance: because, let's be honest, Georgia has as much personality as a sopping wet sheet of paper and that personality is... not good. Not only does Pony and Georgia's "romance" start way too early with absolutely no basis (their eyes meet once and that's a sign?), Georgia very obviously misgenders and is transphobic towards Pony multiple times. The attraction between them makes no sense because they knew as much about each other as I knew about them - absolutely nothing substantial.
- A Writing Class?
Writing teenagers is hard. Ways of conversing change wildly between friends, circumstances, and cliques. Some authors can pull it off better but McSmith is not one of them.
For the first 1/3 of the book, I am hit with completely random info-dumps about Georgia's past and Pony's coming-out story. They are relevant to the story but there is a way to write them and this is not it.
- All the Internalised Transphobia
- Plus the Internalised Homophobia!
I understand that the internal journey of coming to terms with your identity and with the way the world will ultimately treat you is very, very important. However, trans kids are surrounded by stories like this all day, every day in real life. I believe we need more stories of trans acceptance and trans joy, stories that show another side of being trans, stories that show hope. This story is not unnecessary but it IS misleading. It is not a cute, fluffy romance. It is ultimately a coming-out story with very extreme and violent consequences (check trigger warnings!!!!).
As a result, Pony deals with a lot (and I really do mean a lot) of internalised transphobia. I will be writing more details in the content warnings section, but please be prepared going in that Pony's and Georgia's internal monologues can be very triggering. Pony also uses (one) slur (that I can remember) near the beginning, to "fit in" with his outrageously homophobic and transphobic "manly" friends.
- Forced to Come Out? Jail.
Let's talk about Pony's friend Max and the incredibly harmful message the author spreads, even though it may be unintentional. I will say it as many times as I need to: NO ONE NEEDS TO BE OUT TO BE VALID. YOU DO NOT OWE ANYONE AN EXPLANATION OF YOUR IDENTITY. YOU CAN LIE AS MUCH AS YOU WANT IF IT KEEPS YOU SAFE!!!!!
And that is the gist of the matter, isn't it? Pony was very well aware that being trans in a conservative town, among people he heard being transphobic all day will not be safe for him and YET his BEST FRIEND Max only admitted to understanding Pony's perspective after
Max insisted that Pony should be out and "proud" because a small, conservative high school like Pony's needed a transgender voice while Max himself was out at a "liberal" school where "being gay/trans was normal" (Pony's words; can't remember the exact phrasing). I'm not sure what message the author is trying to give, but I do not like this part of it. Not at all.
- Not the Homophobic + Transphobic Friends
That suddenly become not homophobic and transphobic once it becomes cool to be cool with it? But also I generally do not like how the book wraps up so neatly in the last few minutes, with Max's apology, Georgia's everything-phobic cheerleading team coming around, Pony's fathers total 180; the stakes were so high for the entire book. It was obvious the author just wanted to drop everything to get a cookie cutter "the queer/trans kid gets accepted by everyone and is so brave and finds protection" and god knows what else.
- Not the H*rry P*ttr reference *cries*. I counted one. I don't want to know if I missed any more.
TL;DR: A potentially harmful book, given it's target audience with it's internalised transphobia, transphobic friend circle, and it's message of needing to come out to be true to yourself.
I highly DO NOT recommend this book to anyone.
Instead, I would suggest reading:
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas for a similar set up -- trans MC; unaccepting family; some romance; a quest to prove oneself; fantasy
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas -- for a queernorm world and some trans joy; no romance; fantasy
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Lark and Kasim Start A Revolution by Kacen Callender
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
When The Moon was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Violence, Bullying, Dysphoria, Homophobia, Deadnaming, Hate crime, Outing, Self harm, and Transphobia
Minor: Lesbophobia
d_fine001's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Violence, Bullying, Deadnaming, and Outing