Reviews with content warning for Dysphoria - Ana on the Edge

Reviews tagging 'Dysphoria'

Ana on the Edge by A.J. Sass

13 reviews

raix's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative 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

4.0

I liked how this book was very detailed about skating, without being boring or alienating to someone who doesn't know about the sport. I feel like I learned a lot about the work that goes into it! Ana was very easy to connect with as a narrator, and I liked watching her process of figuring out who she is, even if it was painful at times. The added pressure she faces about her mother's finances when it comes to wanting to change her program due to the dysphoria was a good detail, and I like the way this book highlights the difference between Ana and the more affluent skaters without making her seem like a target for pity. I was happy that ultimately she gets support at the end, and I like the analogy of taking a transition like learning a new choreography - working it out one step at a time. I like that Ana's story wasn't a cookie-cutter trans narrative in that, by the end, she hasn't decided entirely what she wants in terms of pronouns or coming out to others, or what skate division she'll skate in. The most important step was figuring herself out and telling those she loves. I also like how Ana faces regular tween problems, like navigating friendships, in addition to her gender struggles. I thought the supporting characters were great as well.

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switchywitchsitch's review against another edition

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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? No

4.0

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buttermellow's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative 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

4.0

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emmieclassix's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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? No

4.75

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ezwolf's review against another edition

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emotional informative 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? It's complicated

5.0

This is the second book I've read written by AJ Sass and we are 2/2 on making me cry!

Ana's discovery of gender-neutrality and being non-binary was incredibly relatable even as an adult. I'm glad children have books like this to hopefully help answer questions and prevent kids from thinking they're weird or bad for how they feel.

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olliereadabook's review

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective 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? N/A

5.0

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dlrosebyh's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful 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

5.0

The current US Juvenile figure skating champion, 12-year-old Ana-Marie Jin, is not a fan of flowery dresses. As a result, Ana quickly begins to distrust the program's princess-themed concept when she hears about it. Ana makes an effort to remain focused on her training and creating a fantastic routine deserving of national triumph.

Ana's ideas about the princess program and gender identity begin to take center stage until she meets Hayden, a transgender boy who is new to the rink. Additionally, Ana doesn't confront Hayden when he misinterprets her for a boy and instead takes solace in her boyish persona while he is there. Ana learns that it might be challenging to balance two distinct identities on one slick sheet of ice as their friendship grows. And when a significant tournament draws near, Ana must choose if jeopardizing years of effort and sacrifice by disclosing the truth is worth it.

I have spent a long time looking for a novel with a protagonist that struggles with dysphoria, and I must say that this one did not dissapoint. This book would be the epitome of comfort, if comfort were a genre. I'm so glad this was written by a non-binary author and not simply someone who has a fetish for the lgbtqia+ community. Unfortunately, my eyes were too weary from reading to finish in one sitting, but despite having to put this down, I couldn't quit thinking about Ana's predicament and what I would do if I were Ana.

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