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abookwormspov's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Homophobia
dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Miles Jacobsen finds himself on New Year’s with two things in mind: finally winning the Tri-State Piano Competition and getting back together with his ex-boyfriend, Shane. Then comes in Eric Mendez, who seems to really like Miles for who he is. After a friendship turns into something more after a Valentine’s Day couples party, Miles finds himself wondering
Always the Almost is a book full of joy. Underhill’s writing definitely translates to such beautiful imagery of everything from piano to finding yourself to falling in love. While this book deals with darker topics and not everything is sunshine and rainbows, I think that Underhill really does a great job with illustrating queer joy shown in Miles’ and Eric’s character development.
Miles and Eric’s relationship, for me, was really the star of the show. From the moment you see Miles and Eric first meeting each other, I knew that Eric was perfect for Miles. The way he genuinely cares about Miles throughout the book is prominent and really allows for Miles to grow in finding himself. I really felt for these characters and I continually kept rooting for them throughout the book.
I cannot wait for people to read Always the Almost next year. If you are looking for a heartfelt YA novel about falling in love while finding yourself, you are going to love Always the Almost.
Miles Jacobsen finds himself on New Year’s with two things in mind: finally winning the Tri-State Piano Competition and getting back together with his ex-boyfriend, Shane. Then comes in Eric Mendez, who seems to really like Miles for who he is. After a friendship turns into something more after a Valentine’s Day couples party, Miles finds himself wondering
Always the Almost is a book full of joy. Underhill’s writing definitely translates to such beautiful imagery of everything from piano to finding yourself to falling in love. While this book deals with darker topics and not everything is sunshine and rainbows, I think that Underhill really does a great job with illustrating queer joy shown in Miles’ and Eric’s character development.
Miles and Eric’s relationship, for me, was really the star of the show. From the moment you see Miles and Eric first meeting each other, I knew that Eric was perfect for Miles. The way he genuinely cares about Miles throughout the book is prominent and really allows for Miles to grow in finding himself. I really felt for these characters and I continually kept rooting for them throughout the book.
I cannot wait for people to read Always the Almost next year. If you are looking for a heartfelt YA novel about falling in love while finding yourself, you are going to love Always the Almost.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Deadnaming, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Bullying, and Sexual harassment
sammies_shelf's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Deadnaming
raichou's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was so excited for this book when I read the synopsis, but was a bit disappointed by some of the things that happened.
First I have to say, Eric is a sweetheart and I would protect him with my life! He is such a lovely character.
Miles on the other hand is a bit all over. I know he is still trying to figure stuff out with his ex, but he shouldn't have done it in the way that he did. At some points he really was as empathetic as a wet sock.
For the same reason I was so disappointed in Paige. Like what was the reason? There were so many better ways than to do what she did.
All in all it was sweet story, but I got a bit too annoyed with some of the characters to really enjoy it.
First I have to say, Eric is a sweetheart and I would protect him with my life! He is such a lovely character.
Miles on the other hand is a bit all over. I know he is still trying to figure stuff out with his ex, but he shouldn't have done it in the way that he did. At some points he really was as empathetic as a wet sock.
For the same reason I was so disappointed in Paige. Like what was the reason? There were so many better ways than to do what she did.
All in all it was sweet story, but I got a bit too annoyed with some of the characters to really enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Deadnaming, and Infidelity
evelynyle_88's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Huft.. finally I managed myself to finish this book. Personally, to me... this book is so good and wholesome. But, there's something why I can't give Always The Almost a full five stars because of the triggers and the contents; somehow got me and triggered me so much; made me so slow in the process of reading this book.
The conflicts in this book are somehow also frustrating (don't judge me because this is my opinion). But, as a whole story, I'm not hating it because it still have its cute yet wholesome factor. Just sometimes... to put how the MC makes you want to smack their heads with something because you see the worst decision they made.. it was upsetting me. Thank God the ending is sweet and do its justice.
Thank you, Edward for an awesome story you told through Miles Jacobson and Eric Mendez. Also... can't wait for your next book! This Day Changes Everything, let's go!
The conflicts in this book are somehow also frustrating (don't judge me because this is my opinion). But, as a whole story, I'm not hating it because it still have its cute yet wholesome factor. Just sometimes... to put how the MC makes you want to smack their heads with something because you see the worst decision they made.. it was upsetting me. Thank God the ending is sweet and do its justice.
Thank you, Edward for an awesome story you told through Miles Jacobson and Eric Mendez. Also... can't wait for your next book! This Day Changes Everything, let's go!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Homophobia, and Deadnaming
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, and Dysphoria
Minor: Racism
jennp28'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? No
5.0
Oh, the trans joy in this book is so heartwarming and hopeful! And the moments in between are really relatable, regardless of gender identity. I appreciated the inclusion of other characters figuring out how to interact with Miles, especially his ex - because on the one hand, yes, Miles is still the same person he’s always been, on the other hand, Shane identifies as straight and *because* he sees Miles as a guy now, that by default changes their relationship. The way they navigate this feels real and honest in a slightly clumsy teenage way. Everyone should read this book!
Some people seem really bothered by Miles kissing his ex, labelling it cheating. I really don’t think it is - I think it’s part of Miles’ exploration of who he is and what he wants and anyone who sees that as a deal breaker is maybe thinking in too much black-and-white. A kiss with an ex, in this context, is just a kiss and shouldn’t preclude Miles and Eric’s relationship continuing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Deadnaming and Transphobia
mozimmerm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.25
I really enjoyed this book. As someone who is neither trans nor queer, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt connected to Miles and Eric — good story, lovable characters, and I may have spent many a moment squealing while reading this 🤣
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Biphobia, and Lesbophobia
readwithcaitlyn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Deadnaming and Transphobia
lettuce_read's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Homophobia, Dysphoria, Deadnaming, and Infidelity
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An adorable, realistic YA romance with a huge dose of musicianship and art as well as a great friend group and loveable characters. Could not ask for more!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Transphobia, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Deadnaming, Homophobia, and Bullying