Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

4.09 AVERAGE

bookobsessedmommy's profile picture

bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition

4.0
emotional lighthearted 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
This was so stinking cute! Miles a a transmasc pianist trying to finally beat his rival and show his ex what he's missing, until Eric shows up. OMG Eric is so freaking sweet! Definitely teen book boyfriend goals. I was  ready to smack Miles in the back of the head at time, but he figured his shit out. I loved the way music is woven throughout the story, and the realization that you have to be yourself in spite of what other people say and do. Even the slow way Miles' parents realize how their fear isn't having the protective effect they want really spoke to me. Beautiful queer coming of age story, and I would definitely read more from this author.
moon_rising's profile picture

moon_rising's review against another edition

5.0
emotional 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

august_of_wind's review against another edition

4.0
emotional funny hopeful 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: Complicated
sudenkirjat's profile picture

sudenkirjat's review against another edition

3.0
funny 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

charlotte_hughes's review against another edition

4.0
4.5⭐️

thealydee's review against another edition

4.5
challenging emotional funny 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
lilifane's profile picture

lilifane's review against another edition

4.0
funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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
Ah, that was fun and cute and wholesome. I was giggling, laughing out loud and kicking my feet a lot. Loved the queer representation, writing, the setting and atmosphere. It was very refreshing to be in a freezing small town in Wisconsin instead of some trendy and sunny city. I loved all the characters, but Stefania, the piano teacher, was probably my favourite by far. She's the best and responsible for most of the loud laughs. 
I didn't like the drama in the second half, but I guess I have to accept the fact that authors won't give me a book without any conflict. Boohoo. 
Will definitely read more by Edward Underhill. 

sharpewilliams's review against another edition

4.0
emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
sloanejasper's profile picture

sloanejasper's review against another edition

4.5
fast-paced

karabell000's review against another edition

5.0
I’ve read 15 books so far this year and this was my first five star read of the year. “Always The Almost” is a beautiful and refreshing YA celebration of queer and trans joy. Edward Underhill captures the magical essence of “finding yourself, in spite of everyone else”.

I fell in love with Underhill’s raw and honest characters, and his beautiful writing style. In the author’s note, Underhill says: “I wrote this story because I believe, firmly, that joy can be an act of resistance in challenging times.”

Well, “Always The Almost” was a gorgeous middle finger to the hardship that is being a queer and/or trans kid in America.