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elle_oftheball's review against another edition
5.0
This book is everything I dreamed it would be and more. So warm and hopeful, no matter what content is being engaged with at the time, and with a main character who shines so bright they turn the page into a stage. I can tell this is going to be a book I read over and over again, because this first time felt like
one of the best hugs out there.
So glad this exists.
one of the best hugs out there.
So glad this exists.
goosemixtapes's review against another edition
3.0
all right. i'll be up front. i feel like a mean bitch grinch for this one. but while i wanted to love this book, it is written like a wattpad novel. complete with random comma and capitalization errors. and with cliche prose and dialogue, characters speaking impromptu about their very emotional trauma in perfect polished speeches (seriously, no one in this book talks like a person; lots of "as you know, bob" except it's "as you remember, carey"), instalove, unnecessary romantic miscommunications/drama, and, early on, some paragraph-long infodumps about genderqueerness as a concept. it was hard to fully connect with these characters and this plot, because the writing - while not awful - was just unpolished enough that it kept jarring me.
of course, the fact that i can identify so many hallmarks of wattpad novels indicates that i've read at least a few of them, so i suppose i can't really throw stones. the truth is that despite my dislike of the style, this was a good story! i was genuinely really glad to see this kind of nonbinary rep; i think this is literally the second tradpub book i've ever read with a nonbinary lead. and this was definitely enjoyable to read. fair warning that this novel comes with a lot of triggers (homo/transphobia, physical assault, suicidal ideation, and family deaths, off the top of my head), but at its core it's an empowering story about a teenager learning to stand up for themself. and it was pretty good to read for hours at a time over the past week to forget about stuff going on in my personal life. so. that's something. also, i know a lot more about mariah carey now. like, a lot more.
of course, the fact that i can identify so many hallmarks of wattpad novels indicates that i've read at least a few of them, so i suppose i can't really throw stones. the truth is that despite my dislike of the style, this was a good story! i was genuinely really glad to see this kind of nonbinary rep; i think this is literally the second tradpub book i've ever read with a nonbinary lead. and this was definitely enjoyable to read. fair warning that this novel comes with a lot of triggers (homo/transphobia, physical assault, suicidal ideation, and family deaths, off the top of my head), but at its core it's an empowering story about a teenager learning to stand up for themself. and it was pretty good to read for hours at a time over the past week to forget about stuff going on in my personal life. so. that's something. also, i know a lot more about mariah carey now. like, a lot more.
rads_reads's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐
Absolutely a favourite for 2021.
A brilliant story about acceptance in face of adversity.
Charming, sweet and heartwarming story about friendship, acceptance and love. Love of others and yourself.
I do have to say that this is a coming of age story featuring a queer character facing adversity so if you find such content triggering do beware.
Absolutely a favourite for 2021.
A brilliant story about acceptance in face of adversity.
Charming, sweet and heartwarming story about friendship, acceptance and love. Love of others and yourself.
I do have to say that this is a coming of age story featuring a queer character facing adversity so if you find such content triggering do beware.
cossettereads's review against another edition
Trigger warnings: Alzheimer’s, Assault (Verbal, Physical, Sexual), Blackmail, Bullying, Cancer, Death (Death of a parent, death of a grandparent), Emetphobia, Forced Outing, Gender Dysphoria, Grief, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Medical Complications, Queerphobia, Sexual Assault/Harrassment, Shooting (Threat), Suicide Attempt, Suicide Ideation, Transphobia
bluebeereads's review against another edition
For the most part, I did enjoy this. I loved the diversity, especially the fact that the MC is genderqueer because we need more books like that! I appreciated that the chapter titles were the MC's pronouns at any given moment. I adored Carey's relationship with their mom and liked the overall plot.
BUT, I didn't quite connect to this as much as I hoped I would. I didn't really click with the characters, or the romance, so I always felt a little disconnect while I was reading. I'm not sure what rating I should give it at this point because it wasn't a bad book whatsoever, so giving it a lower rating feels unfair. But because I just didn't connect, I also don't feel right giving a higher rating either. So for now, no rating.
If you love or want to read books about genderqueer characters living their best life, please check this out! Or if you just love LGBTQIAP+ books, then read this too.
BUT, I didn't quite connect to this as much as I hoped I would. I didn't really click with the characters, or the romance, so I always felt a little disconnect while I was reading. I'm not sure what rating I should give it at this point because it wasn't a bad book whatsoever, so giving it a lower rating feels unfair. But because I just didn't connect, I also don't feel right giving a higher rating either. So for now, no rating.
If you love or want to read books about genderqueer characters living their best life, please check this out! Or if you just love LGBTQIAP+ books, then read this too.
ellelainey's review against another edition
5.0
TRIGGERS: queerphobia, biphobia, panic attacks, alzheimers, bullying, racism, gender dysphoria, cancer, parental loss, homophobia, suicide ideation, blackmail, assault, discrimination, unsafe school, misgendering, family death.
Can't Take That Away is easily one of my Best of 2021 reads. For a DEBUT! this blew my mind!
I was instantly drawn in by the cover, then by the blurb, and though I'm normally nervous about trying new authors and new books, I didn't hesitate when I cracked open this one. Even months after buying it, and it being delivered, I remembered how excited I was to read it when I pre-ordered it.
This story is told in alternating pronouns, corresponding to Carey's gender-identity - sometimes he/him/his, she/her/hers, they/them/theirs.
I do have to say, though - this book had NO trigger warnings. That is kind of surprising, considering the amount of triggers I logged while reading it. I think it's a Big 5 publisher thing, because this isn't the first book I've seen that desperately needed triggers and didn't have them.
I didn't expect to be in tears in the first chapter! And again almost every other chapter after that. Chapter 5 had me in floods. I was not prepared for the boxes of tissues I'd need to read this. Even the acknowledgements made me cry. The whole protest, Stonewall-homage really had me going.
I'm not a singer, but this author knows the soundtrack to my soul : Mariah Carey, and Freddie Mercury. Because, though it's part of Carey's personality, this book is a total love letter to Mariah Carey and I'm here for it.
As well as having the awesome, inspiring, incredible Carey as a main character, the book is filled with original, engaging, inspiring secondary characters with a range of diversity. From supportive, calming influence Cris...the awesome teacher, Mr Kelly...strong females and badass best friends. The connection between Cris and Carey is sudden, but doesn't feel forced because they've been in each other's orbit for a long time, and have both recently gone through life-altering experiences. Their bond and chemistry is beautiful to see, as it forms and grows.
While dealing with Carey's genderqueer identity, their struggle with being open at school and having lost confidence in their singing, the story deals with a lot of issues with sensitivity and care: gender, race, privilege, and how those with privilege can use their voices to make a stand without drowning out the ownvoices that matter.
I felt physically nervous and excited for Carey, sharing their journey throughout the book. The highs, the lows, the heartbreak and the heart-stopping moments.
The author states this was originally another story, about Cris in a Battle of the Bands situation, and honestly - I would absolutely read that! Cris was a great character, and even if it was a short or a freebie, I would be there with bells on.
Can't Take That Away is...a love letter to dreams, music, divas, Mariah Carey, and finding your courage. It's about learning you HAVE a voice, and finding the courage to use it, even in the face of adversity. It's a typical teen drama - messy, confused, and no one knows the right words or when to say them. And when they do, they overthink or hesitate, with no courage of conviction to say them. Carey's message is clear : stand together. Make your voices heard. Fight the injustice. Find who you are. Have the courage to ACCEPT who you are, and allow yourself to BE who you are.
It's...stunning...beautiful...glorious...uplifting...heartbreaking...powerful...moving...motivational. With a perfect ending and last line, this is a book that will stay with you long after you close the cover with a satisfied sigh, wishing there was just a little bit more.
I loved EVERY. SECOND. By far my most favourite book of the year.
--------
Favourite Quotes
"The genderqueer flag." My eyes open a little wider, and I sit up a little straighter in my chair. "So, when I want everyone to use they/them pronouns, like most days..." I slip that one around my wrist. Immediately my body relaxes.
"The rainbow bracelet is just fun." Mr. Kelly flashes his wrist to show a matching bracelet. "I had to get one. My husband did too." His face softens into a smile. "I hope this is okay and I'm not overstepping. You shouldn't have to explain yourself every day."
My thumb strokes the bracelet on my wrist. Something inside me is suddenly visible on the outside. It's a strange and beautiful feeling, though a bit uncomfortable. Like how I imagine the glass slipper felt on Cinderella's foot - it was glass, after all. My lips tremble. "Every day is like coming out again. Having to tell my friends which pronouns to use, wanting to correct the teachers who call me 'he' when I'm 'they', but being too afraid to do it in the middle of class, and feeling like it doesn't matter once the bell rings. But it does matter." Tears bubble up as I talk. "I want to feel like I matter. People pretend to see me, but nobody knows me." I look up and Mr. Kelly's eyes are wet. "I guess I'm trying to say thanks.""
"Maybe I had to break to learn how to become stronger."
Can't Take That Away is easily one of my Best of 2021 reads. For a DEBUT! this blew my mind!
I was instantly drawn in by the cover, then by the blurb, and though I'm normally nervous about trying new authors and new books, I didn't hesitate when I cracked open this one. Even months after buying it, and it being delivered, I remembered how excited I was to read it when I pre-ordered it.
This story is told in alternating pronouns, corresponding to Carey's gender-identity - sometimes he/him/his, she/her/hers, they/them/theirs.
I do have to say, though - this book had NO trigger warnings. That is kind of surprising, considering the amount of triggers I logged while reading it. I think it's a Big 5 publisher thing, because this isn't the first book I've seen that desperately needed triggers and didn't have them.
I didn't expect to be in tears in the first chapter! And again almost every other chapter after that. Chapter 5 had me in floods. I was not prepared for the boxes of tissues I'd need to read this. Even the acknowledgements made me cry. The whole protest, Stonewall-homage really had me going.
I'm not a singer, but this author knows the soundtrack to my soul : Mariah Carey, and Freddie Mercury. Because, though it's part of Carey's personality, this book is a total love letter to Mariah Carey and I'm here for it.
As well as having the awesome, inspiring, incredible Carey as a main character, the book is filled with original, engaging, inspiring secondary characters with a range of diversity. From supportive, calming influence Cris...the awesome teacher, Mr Kelly...strong females and badass best friends. The connection between Cris and Carey is sudden, but doesn't feel forced because they've been in each other's orbit for a long time, and have both recently gone through life-altering experiences. Their bond and chemistry is beautiful to see, as it forms and grows.
While dealing with Carey's genderqueer identity, their struggle with being open at school and having lost confidence in their singing, the story deals with a lot of issues with sensitivity and care: gender, race, privilege, and how those with privilege can use their voices to make a stand without drowning out the ownvoices that matter.
I felt physically nervous and excited for Carey, sharing their journey throughout the book. The highs, the lows, the heartbreak and the heart-stopping moments.
The author states this was originally another story, about Cris in a Battle of the Bands situation, and honestly - I would absolutely read that! Cris was a great character, and even if it was a short or a freebie, I would be there with bells on.
Can't Take That Away is...a love letter to dreams, music, divas, Mariah Carey, and finding your courage. It's about learning you HAVE a voice, and finding the courage to use it, even in the face of adversity. It's a typical teen drama - messy, confused, and no one knows the right words or when to say them. And when they do, they overthink or hesitate, with no courage of conviction to say them. Carey's message is clear : stand together. Make your voices heard. Fight the injustice. Find who you are. Have the courage to ACCEPT who you are, and allow yourself to BE who you are.
It's...stunning...beautiful...glorious...uplifting...heartbreaking...powerful...moving...motivational. With a perfect ending and last line, this is a book that will stay with you long after you close the cover with a satisfied sigh, wishing there was just a little bit more.
I loved EVERY. SECOND. By far my most favourite book of the year.
--------
Favourite Quotes
"The genderqueer flag." My eyes open a little wider, and I sit up a little straighter in my chair. "So, when I want everyone to use they/them pronouns, like most days..." I slip that one around my wrist. Immediately my body relaxes.
"The rainbow bracelet is just fun." Mr. Kelly flashes his wrist to show a matching bracelet. "I had to get one. My husband did too." His face softens into a smile. "I hope this is okay and I'm not overstepping. You shouldn't have to explain yourself every day."
My thumb strokes the bracelet on my wrist. Something inside me is suddenly visible on the outside. It's a strange and beautiful feeling, though a bit uncomfortable. Like how I imagine the glass slipper felt on Cinderella's foot - it was glass, after all. My lips tremble. "Every day is like coming out again. Having to tell my friends which pronouns to use, wanting to correct the teachers who call me 'he' when I'm 'they', but being too afraid to do it in the middle of class, and feeling like it doesn't matter once the bell rings. But it does matter." Tears bubble up as I talk. "I want to feel like I matter. People pretend to see me, but nobody knows me." I look up and Mr. Kelly's eyes are wet. "I guess I'm trying to say thanks.""
"Maybe I had to break to learn how to become stronger."
jugglingpup's review against another edition
3.0
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
I am not genderqueer, but I am a binary trans man. That means that some of this makes so much sense it hurts and some of it doesn’t at all. The pronouns being such a big part of Carey’s life hit so hard on my heart that I wanted to beat up every single person that even thought of misgendering Carey. The switching pronouns made a bit less sense, but Carey should be respected if I fully understand or not. For the sake of the review and in an attempt to be respectful, I will cycle through the pronouns that Carey used as they are not able to be consulted about the best pronoun for today.
I had some issues with this book. The romance felt a bit forced. There was no interactions really before they started kissing and dating. Then the needless drama of not talking things through just got to me. I really didn’t want them together. I wanted them both to move on and realize they were being obnoxious. I, of course, did not get my wish as that is not how YA books go. The other characters were also really extreme in every way. There was never a moment that felt like real people interacting. Everyone was larger than life.
I loved being able to see a AMAB genderqueer character exist. So much of the gender stuff seems to be binary trans women and AFAB everything. I am glad others are being able to be seen. I am glad Carey got a story and that she exists. I loved that he had a supportive mother. I loved that they were in therapy and the therapist wasn’t completely awful. There were so many important parts of this book, but there was so much I didn’t like as well.
For all that it is worth, this read like the YA version of the middle grade book George. The same general plot of non-cis kid wants to be in the school plat in a role others think they shouldn’t have and all that goes into that. It was much better done than George. Though it still relies heavily on homophobia and transphobia being the main driving force of the plot. This had a bit more substance, but it still felt like it was a SUPER basic queer story. Of course, the queer kid gets bullied. Give me something new. Give me something more exciting. It is still three stars, because I never felt like I was being taught about gender or sexuality. It always felt like that was just an aspect of things.
I got an ARC of this book.
I am not genderqueer, but I am a binary trans man. That means that some of this makes so much sense it hurts and some of it doesn’t at all. The pronouns being such a big part of Carey’s life hit so hard on my heart that I wanted to beat up every single person that even thought of misgendering Carey. The switching pronouns made a bit less sense, but Carey should be respected if I fully understand or not. For the sake of the review and in an attempt to be respectful, I will cycle through the pronouns that Carey used as they are not able to be consulted about the best pronoun for today.
I had some issues with this book. The romance felt a bit forced. There was no interactions really before they started kissing and dating. Then the needless drama of not talking things through just got to me. I really didn’t want them together. I wanted them both to move on and realize they were being obnoxious. I, of course, did not get my wish as that is not how YA books go. The other characters were also really extreme in every way. There was never a moment that felt like real people interacting. Everyone was larger than life.
I loved being able to see a AMAB genderqueer character exist. So much of the gender stuff seems to be binary trans women and AFAB everything. I am glad others are being able to be seen. I am glad Carey got a story and that she exists. I loved that he had a supportive mother. I loved that they were in therapy and the therapist wasn’t completely awful. There were so many important parts of this book, but there was so much I didn’t like as well.
For all that it is worth, this read like the YA version of the middle grade book George. The same general plot of non-cis kid wants to be in the school plat in a role others think they shouldn’t have and all that goes into that. It was much better done than George. Though it still relies heavily on homophobia and transphobia being the main driving force of the plot. This had a bit more substance, but it still felt like it was a SUPER basic queer story. Of course, the queer kid gets bullied. Give me something new. Give me something more exciting. It is still three stars, because I never felt like I was being taught about gender or sexuality. It always felt like that was just an aspect of things.
iam's review
4.0
I enjoyed this story about a genderqueer teen fighting for their dreams.
Read the full review on the blog!
Content warnings include: bullying through peers and authority figures, queerphobia, discrimination, off-page assault, suspicions of cheating, dementia, death of family member.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Read the full review on the blog!
Content warnings include: bullying through peers and authority figures, queerphobia, discrimination, off-page assault, suspicions of cheating, dementia, death of family member.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
laraandotherthings's review against another edition
4.0
"No longer caged, I'm sprouting wings and defying gravity. The walls of the auditorium fall away, and the world opens up to me. I'm free."
No suelo escribir una opinión muy larga de los libros que leo, pero este libro lo merece. Es mi primer libro donde el personaje principal es genderqueer y soy tan feliz de haberle dado una oportunidad.
Este libro me impactó mucho por lo duro y cruel que pueden (o podemos) ser las personas. Hay dos personajes horribles en esta historia que lastiman mucho al personaje principal (Carey), solo porque es genderqueer, solo porque le gustan los chicos, solo porque quiere participar en un musical donde interpreta a un personaje femenino, solo por ser quien realmente es y quiere ser. Sin embargo, a pesar de eso, Carey sale adelante y hace que todos escuchen su preciosa voz, no solo cantando, sino también pidiendo justicia por todas las personas que han sufrido discriminación solo por ser quiénes son.
Ayer escuché la canción 'Can't Take That Away' de Mariah Carey y de verdad no puede ser más perfecta para la historia de Carey. Lloré mientras la escuchaba.
#SingForEquality #LetCareySing
No suelo escribir una opinión muy larga de los libros que leo, pero este libro lo merece. Es mi primer libro donde el personaje principal es genderqueer y soy tan feliz de haberle dado una oportunidad.
Este libro me impactó mucho por lo duro y cruel que pueden (o podemos) ser las personas. Hay dos personajes horribles en esta historia que lastiman mucho al personaje principal (Carey), solo porque es genderqueer, solo porque le gustan los chicos, solo porque quiere participar en un musical donde interpreta a un personaje femenino, solo por ser quien realmente es y quiere ser. Sin embargo, a pesar de eso, Carey sale adelante y hace que todos escuchen su preciosa voz, no solo cantando, sino también pidiendo justicia por todas las personas que han sufrido discriminación solo por ser quiénes son.
Ayer escuché la canción 'Can't Take That Away' de Mariah Carey y de verdad no puede ser más perfecta para la historia de Carey. Lloré mientras la escuchaba.
#SingForEquality #LetCareySing