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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
My favorite part of the story is that it isn't stated bluntly upfront that Chris is transgender. If you haven't read the summary, you would know something was going on but it takes awhile to understand what has led up to him spending the summer at his aunt's house and the uncomfortable situation at home. I enjoyed how his and Maia's relationship unfolds though I'll admit, it felt a bit too rose-tinted glasses. I would have like a few more chapters with a few more hurdles and a more stretched out relationship build to make this book feel a bit more realistic. However, in a universe where diverse characters are few and far between, this book is a nice addition.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Whew. Okay. Let me start with two things:
Something Like Gravity strikes me as the perfect example of why many (not ALL, but MANY) authors aren't capable of writing proper representation outside of their own lanes. What I thought was well-intended (if sometimes problematic) trans rep from a cis author is being called out by many own-voice reviewers as being very poor representation, and that hurts my heart, because I know there are own-voice books with trans representation that aren't getting the hype and marketing this book has received.
When I first finished the book, I gave it 4 stars because I had enjoyed it for the most part. Even to my misguided reading, there were some major issues I had (such as the trans character being outed without consent by another character spying on them while they changed clothes - I honestly almost DNFed the ARC at this point because it was so out of left field and infuriated me, but I kept going because I hoped it would be addressed fully later. Now I've come to realize that not only was it not handled well, but frankly, it shouldn't have happened at all, at least not without TWs for trans readers who could be immensely triggered by it). That said, I thought the characters were fairly likeable and I think Smith's prose is really lovely.
After reading multiple own-voice reviews, though, I've come to realize that there are a lot of issues with this book — but that's not the only reason I changed my rating. I finished this book about 2 months ago at the time I'm reviewing it, and it has been so immensely un-memorable that I literally forgot it was on my "RTC" shelf until earlier today. When I sat down to review it, I struggled to even remember what had happened because, in hindsight, these characters and this romance are bland. Maia is low-key awful, Chris' entire personality revolves around 10% PTSD, 90% running (and there are some comments made about Chris' views of his own body that are a struggle), the plot is mostly non-existent, and I couldn't tell you a single thing about any of the side characters if my life depended on it.
All in all, this was a mediocre book made worse by poorly-researched representation. I definitely want to try more of Amber Smith's work because, like I said, her narrative voice itself is really nice and I've heard many people say her plots and characters are usually a lot better than this. But... yeah, this one didn't do anyone any favors.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
1) I am genuinely so sorry to any of my trans friends who may have been hurt by my initial positive rating/remarks about this book. I was seeing things through an incredibly ignorant (and cis) lens. This is one of those instances that reminded me that, when it comes to books that are not own-voice, I should really be looking for own-voice reviews before I start recommending these titles to others.
2) Honestly, feel free to stop reading my review here and check out the own-voice reviews here and here, because they touch on points that I would never have thought to criticize this work for (like the improper usage of a binder that seems to not have been well-researched at all on the author's part).
Something Like Gravity strikes me as the perfect example of why many (not ALL, but MANY) authors aren't capable of writing proper representation outside of their own lanes. What I thought was well-intended (if sometimes problematic) trans rep from a cis author is being called out by many own-voice reviewers as being very poor representation, and that hurts my heart, because I know there are own-voice books with trans representation that aren't getting the hype and marketing this book has received.
When I first finished the book, I gave it 4 stars because I had enjoyed it for the most part. Even to my misguided reading, there were some major issues I had (such as the trans character being outed without consent by another character spying on them while they changed clothes - I honestly almost DNFed the ARC at this point because it was so out of left field and infuriated me, but I kept going because I hoped it would be addressed fully later. Now I've come to realize that not only was it not handled well, but frankly, it shouldn't have happened at all, at least not without TWs for trans readers who could be immensely triggered by it). That said, I thought the characters were fairly likeable and I think Smith's prose is really lovely.
After reading multiple own-voice reviews, though, I've come to realize that there are a lot of issues with this book — but that's not the only reason I changed my rating. I finished this book about 2 months ago at the time I'm reviewing it, and it has been so immensely un-memorable that I literally forgot it was on my "RTC" shelf until earlier today. When I sat down to review it, I struggled to even remember what had happened because, in hindsight, these characters and this romance are bland. Maia is low-key awful, Chris' entire personality revolves around 10% PTSD, 90% running (and there are some comments made about Chris' views of his own body that are a struggle), the plot is mostly non-existent, and I couldn't tell you a single thing about any of the side characters if my life depended on it.
All in all, this was a mediocre book made worse by poorly-researched representation. I definitely want to try more of Amber Smith's work because, like I said, her narrative voice itself is really nice and I've heard many people say her plots and characters are usually a lot better than this. But... yeah, this one didn't do anyone any favors.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
things i liked
- a writing style i can vibe with, after two books in a row of shit
- the awkward naturalness of the whole thing
- it's not deep love, or long love, but it means something, and that's important
-
- chris is kinda boyfriend goals
things i didn't like
- maia's character was inconsistent and grating. i felt like there was going to be some big reveal about the real reason why maia was running around town with her dead sister's camera. something deeper than just trying to feel closer to her. but there was nothing.
- so, on a related note, this culminates into which to me, didn't feel as serious or high stakes. does that mean i've already grown past that teenage mentality? at 25? damn. does that mean i'm too old for ya now? hope not.
- and on top of that, i feel like there were details that were just mentioned and set up to be big plot points and then, never acknowledged again?
- i obviously can't speak for this, but i've seen some reviews that the trans rep here is harmful and inaccurate. do with that what you will.
my library categorizes this as a cozy read, and yes, i agree, this was very cozy.
- a writing style i can vibe with, after two books in a row of shit
- the awkward naturalness of the whole thing
- it's not deep love, or long love, but it means something, and that's important
-
Spoiler
that sex scene left me breathless- chris is kinda boyfriend goals
things i didn't like
- maia's character was inconsistent and grating. i felt like there was going to be some big reveal about the real reason why maia was running around town with her dead sister's camera. something deeper than just trying to feel closer to her. but there was nothing.
- so, on a related note, this culminates into
Spoiler
chris and maia's breakupSpoiler
i get chris feeling betrayed that maia lied, or even just didn't tell him the whole truth, but to have a screaming match and a hyperventilating, tears streaming down your face breakdown about it seemed a little dramatic.- and on top of that, i feel like there were details that were just mentioned and set up to be big plot points and then, never acknowledged again?
Spoiler
like, when neil told chris that maia burned all of mallory's photos. i mean, was that a lie? i feel like it was. but then if it was, why would neil lie about something like that? just to sabotage maia and ruin her life? why does he hate her so much? am i missing something? am i dumb?- i obviously can't speak for this, but i've seen some reviews that the trans rep here is harmful and inaccurate. do with that what you will.
my library categorizes this as a cozy read, and yes, i agree, this was very cozy.
A great read! Good characters, story filled with adversity, trauma, love, friendship, it had a little of everything. Very easy to read, I didn't want to put it down.
I have NO FUCKING WORDS.
Well, actually I do...THAT WAS AMAZING!
Thank you SO much Amber Smith, for writing a book like ‘Something Like Gravity’.
As someone who’s in a relationship with an FtM trans guy (like Chris), I really do appreciate seeing this not-so typical ‘boy meets girl’ love story!
I identify as a cis female (so in that regard, I relate more to Maia) however, I met my boyfriend before he was my boyfriend, before he ever even started transitioning.
Also, the small town aspect...GENIUS! Though I’ve lived countless places, I basically grew up mainly in a small town and that’s of course where I met my ‘Chris’, when we were still practically kids.
Anyway, this is not a story I will soon (or maybe ever) forget...Also, the thing with Roxie...ugh, I still miss my puppy SO much. Rest in paradise, Maki Dane, you are forever loved.<3
Well, actually I do...THAT WAS AMAZING!
Thank you SO much Amber Smith, for writing a book like ‘Something Like Gravity’.
As someone who’s in a relationship with an FtM trans guy (like Chris), I really do appreciate seeing this not-so typical ‘boy meets girl’ love story!
I identify as a cis female (so in that regard, I relate more to Maia) however, I met my boyfriend before he was my boyfriend, before he ever even started transitioning.
Also, the small town aspect...GENIUS! Though I’ve lived countless places, I basically grew up mainly in a small town and that’s of course where I met my ‘Chris’, when we were still practically kids.
Anyway, this is not a story I will soon (or maybe ever) forget...Also, the thing with Roxie...ugh, I still miss my puppy SO much. Rest in paradise, Maki Dane, you are forever loved.<3
adventurous
emotional
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Grief
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Misogyny, Rape
sad
slow-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: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Transphobia, Grief, Outing
Moderate: Deadnaming, Violence
Received this as a Goodreads giveaway, loved this book!