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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Transphobia
emotional
funny
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
emotional
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I really liked this book. I loved how it started so slowly and sweetly, but I knew it was going to rip my heart out of my chest, at some point and it did that a few times, actually. I wish I could've given it 5 stars but I wanted to see Ming's transition as a bigger plot point. I wanted more depth and more showing instead of telling because we're mostly told how they both felt about it. Dinan did Tom a disservice by making his confusion and conflicting feelings seem like selfishness. She could've shown more how Tom struggled with it instead of choosing to do a time jump.
Also, justice for Rob because that ending was foul, I'm sorry.
Also, justice for Rob because that ending was foul, I'm sorry.
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
Often described as the trans Sally Rooney, but I wondered: do we need a trans Sally Rooney?
Dinan's prose is much more introspective and sensitive than Rooney's, and the characters didn't have the same aesthetic flatness that I have often found with Rooney's, but I did find this book to be too self-enamored and too involved in its own cuteness, and the affecting tragedy of that cuteness, that it becomes saccrine and flailing. I admire the content: what an interesting story--a gay couple must learn to adapt as one of them comes out as trans--which invites both to think about their sexualities and what they desire in another person. But Dinan's prose and the curdling mopiness of this novel makes for a sub-serious and punishing read.
Dinan's prose is much more introspective and sensitive than Rooney's, and the characters didn't have the same aesthetic flatness that I have often found with Rooney's, but I did find this book to be too self-enamored and too involved in its own cuteness, and the affecting tragedy of that cuteness, that it becomes saccrine and flailing. I admire the content: what an interesting story--a gay couple must learn to adapt as one of them comes out as trans--which invites both to think about their sexualities and what they desire in another person. But Dinan's prose and the curdling mopiness of this novel makes for a sub-serious and punishing read.
I was truly floored by this book. An absolutely beautiful and poignant exploration of queer love, loss, and repair.
I think what makes this book so special is that the characters were so refreshingly realistic, flawed and selfish and cruel at times, but compassionate and kind and generous in others, which is what it truly means to be human.
You really empathise with the characters in one moment, and then the next you're wanting to slap them for something they've said, which to me is an excellent portrayal of any young adult trying to navigate complex relationships and friendships in their life.
The last 100 pages had me sobbing and gasping for air. I think if you're a lover of 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney, you should definitely give this book a try.
I think what makes this book so special is that the characters were so refreshingly realistic, flawed and selfish and cruel at times, but compassionate and kind and generous in others, which is what it truly means to be human.
You really empathise with the characters in one moment, and then the next you're wanting to slap them for something they've said, which to me is an excellent portrayal of any young adult trying to navigate complex relationships and friendships in their life.
The last 100 pages had me sobbing and gasping for air. I think if you're a lover of 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney, you should definitely give this book a try.