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eeyores_flowers's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
matschel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
I love this book so much
baoluong's review against another edition
3.0
Ben is rightfully afraid his strict parents wouldn't understand. They come out as non-binary and for the most part the reaction plays out how you would imagine which is the worst case scenario. However, there wasn't any tension in terms of the writing. It seems as if this was a role their parents were always meant to embody. As if we are following a script so that we can have conflict. Their parents seen lack luster in their bigotry. But what do I know. I'm going to assumed this is a representative experience rather than tired writing.
Now that Ben has nowhere to go, they search for their sister who they haven't seen in years. For obvious reasons, their sister left the first chance she had. This leaves ben with unresolved feelings of abandonment. However it's a new chance to start over. As Ben tries to reeducate people the way they want to be identified, Ben faces misgendering. Although not out of maliciousness but rather ignorance and lack of practice. I think these moments are integral to the story speaking to a changing society willing to accept ben.
Enter Nathan who offers the perfect foil for Ben to come out and feel accepted. I can't say romance is the answer to being accepted but over the years I have found that people need both platonic and a significant love to feel fulfilled. This book illustrates what it would mean to be normalized in society. I think this story could go farther but right now we just have to accept crumbs offered to us and be grateful.
The additional therapy into the plot is welcomed. As Ben tries to reconnect with their sister, this opens up a lot of internalized issues. Some of the advice given to Ben I can see aptly transferring to real world advice to use. Such as distancing yourself from the very people who hurt you especially if they have no intention of changing. Ben's parents seem to want to compromise by only on their terms. I can't say this is a monumental read for me but I know it may mean a lot to see representation. I just feel that the story in itself was straightforward and lacked excitement. I recommend this for people who are feeling lost and want hope wherever it may come.
The illustrations are fine enough. It looks like something I would find on tumblr. I like the gradients though.
abenteuerlichesoul's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
4.75
alli_thebookgiraffe's review against another edition
4.0
This was truly an amazing story about discovering ones own identity and dealing with mental health. It really shows how your mental health can be greatly affected by the ones you love and those who are closest to us.
albafangirl1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
So so so beautiful
shaunasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
This gave me all the feelings. That fear of coming out is an old friend and reading the thoughts that have frequented my own head since I was about 12 years old made me feel so seen and also absolutely devastated me. I can't wait to read every book Mason Deaver ever creates because they are genius.
princerhubarb's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
Cute but ultimately not my thing
lulu15river's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
matthiasdj's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely one of the best I've ever read