4.14 AVERAGE

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

3,5 stars

Through this book, I learned a lot about what it means to be non binary (still have lots more to learn, though) and I’m extremely happy so many people can now feel represented. I hope this book reaches and helps a lot of people!

The only reason I’m not rating it higher is because towards the end I felt like something was missing, I’m not sure exactly what but I think it’s may be something lacking in the plot or how underdeveloped the side characters felt.

five stars may feel generous but reading about non-binary people who get happy endings sets my soul on fire and i won’t hear anything about it

3.5/5

I wanted to like this book so badly. It was the first time I had seen a non-binary character in a book and I was so excited for it. Unfortunately, this book did not do its lead character justice. None of the characters were fleshed out. Literally every single one felt one-dimensional, not to mention that the love interest is a complete Mary Sue. The way the teens spoke did not feel natural; you could tell it was an adult writing a YA novel. One of my biggest pet peeves is when siblings use the terms "bro" or "sis" or in this case, "sib". That's not really how siblings talk to each other. And it happened ALL THE TIME in this book. There were so many times that I cringed and wanted to DNF, but I pushed through anyways, hoping that it would get better. It never did. Everything in this world is so convenient. There aren't any physical challenges to anything and what needs to happen always does. It's just not realistic at all. Very, very disappointing read.

Edit:

I'm in school to be a therapist and it is very clear that the author did NOT research therapy before writing this book, as the therapist is more of an advice giver and heavily biased, which is not what therapy is supposed to be at all.
challenging emotional hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A bit disappointing for a book known for its non-binary MC. I think it’s one of the first books that show up when you look for LGBTQ+ / trans books.

Its writing style was easy to read, though a bit too many infodumps / telling not showing, but that’s just YA. I can’t really complain. The part I have the most problem with are the characters. I don’t really root for any of them or even like the main ship. This book didn’t make me feel anything for the characters because they were flat.

However, I will give it to the author, because the panic attack scene was relatable and overall, Ben’s mental health and dysphoria was portrayed really well. It shows the real experiences of us trans people — this is because I believe the author is non-binary as well? Anyhow, it was great in terms of representation.

If the characters and the plot had been more thought out, I really see the potential for IWYATB. Would I recommend reading it? No, but I wouldn’t stop you. It’s a good book, just could’ve been better.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
hopeful reflective relaxing 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

It was amazing, and a book I hope to own in the future. Truly a lovely read.
emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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: No

Oh, my heart... I wish I could rate this book higher than 5 stars! It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and had me bawling my eyes out in both cases. First time a book has made me cry in a long time! It's honestly such a well-written story, both as an issue-driven, YA contemporary, coming-of-age story, and as a romance. The author's choices for the story work together perfectly to deal with tough issues in a realistic and informative way, while also staying hopeful and lighthearted. Ben's experiences of coming out to their abusive parents and all the struggle and pain that come from their rejection are so visceral and relatable, but through the process there is healing and hope coming from new and unexpected relationships. Even while the story keeps your interest and entertains with humor, you realize you're also learning and being educated, your capacity for empathy multiplying. To quote the person who recommended this book to me, I Wish You All the Best is "one of those books that makes your heart grow a few sizes bigger."

Quick, fun and cute book about a non-binary kid getting kicked out by their parents after coming out and going to live with their sister, coming to terms with their identity. A bit too YA at times but I bet some enby kids really loved this!
challenging hopeful inspiring reflective 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

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