Reviews

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

jenni1121's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Miles' story really captures teen life in the suburbs of southeastern Wisconsin. I loved how the author describes playing piano and Miles' thoughts as a musician. 

dashtaisen's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A friend recommended "Always the Almost" for its queer Midwest piano competition vibes, and it was so delightfully that!

I super enjoyed this book. The characters were extremely endearing even (especially?) during those moments when you're like "friend I want you to make better choices!" Also it does my elder millennial heart good to see people owning up to how they hurt people even when it doesn't give them the result they want right away. And overall this book just resonates with queer joy.

Also the music aspect of the book was fantastic! I am not especially a stickler for authenticity, but the scenes of practicing, technique, interpretation, piano competitions, and music teacher drama all resonated in a big way lol.

eponineeurydice's review against another edition

5.0

This was really really good!! It was definitely a five-star prediction and it followed through on all my expectations. I loved the music aspects, and the romance, and the character growth! Miles' inner voice was also so well-done and compelling! What a lovely book :)

victoria_08's review against another edition

3.5

This was cute 

callidoralblack's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual content, Deadnaming, Transphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Dysphoria, and Infidelity

mrsalltopafi's review against another edition

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

ruby_02's review against another edition

inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Transphobia

rourkeyreads's review against another edition

loving it, but got carried away with life and other books! will come back to this in the future to fall in love all over again :)

dsauriol1991's review against another edition

4.5

Another wonderful coming of age novel! Miles’ journey is filled with joy, heartache, & discovery. His struggle with the changes in his life are told realistically. He’s flawed, he makes mistakes, and he owns up to them. His relationship with Eric is sweet, they truly allow the other to be everything that they are. I wish the author hadn’t gone the exact route they did with the Shane storyline. Just because I think Miles & Shane both could’ve come to the conclusion they did in a slightly different way. That’s really though my only major criticism!

shaynalambert's review against another edition

5.0

A really heartwarming coming of age story brimming with trans joy. I loved Miles’ story and watching him come into himself and choose who he wants to be. There are lots of fun characters that read really true to me. The relationships and the stakes all very very quiet, interpersonal, and emotional— which is very much my jam. I really enjoyed reading in Miles’ voice and his ubiquitous parentheticals. This book definitely put me in the mood to listen to some Tchaikovsky! Highly recommend!