Reviews with content warning for Transphobia - The Feeling of Falling in Love

Reviews tagging 'Transphobia'

The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver

98 reviews

shelvesofivy's review against another edition

emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I would like to thank books with messy, easily unlikable characters for being so real (and relatable).
Neil is rude, irritable, and self-centered for a majority of the book. And I wouldn't have it any other way, really. His inner dialogue reminds me a lot of my own at times, especially when I was a teen. But that just makes his story and development that much more satisfying by the end.
There's honestly so much I could get into about this book and the ways it deals with complicated family dynamics, friendships, and other complicated relationships. Even if our main character wants things to be black and white with blame during conflicts, he learns that it's usually a lot more difficult to pin down than that.
And of course, I couldn't write this review without addressing how much I LOVED Wyatt as a character. They're such a loveable person, and it was so fun getting to know them more, bit by bit.

And the discussion around their gender when they come out to Neil... 🥺 Their feelings surrounding gender are so similar to my own as a genderfluid person, so it was really nice to see it talked about by another person.

I will say that I do wish

that we got a bit more insight into Wyatt's feelings, how/when they developed, etc. Especially since there's a point where they say something about having wanted to kiss Neil "for a while." And there's that part of me—the part that's weak for pining—that wonders if their feelings (or an inkling of them) started even before Neil's scheme.

Overall, this book had me audibly reacting at multiple points, from the adorable, to the upsetting, to the downright silly. Despite the convoluted plans and a plot that won't necessarily happen to most people, the characters make it hit home in an authentic way that you can't help but love ♡

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neevabeeva510's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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martereadsbooks's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense 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

4.5

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rachelfayreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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starduststyx's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thank god I knew it was going to be a dumpster fire from the cover because JESUUUUUSSS!!!

It may be surprising to give this a 4 with how quickly conflicts were wrapped up and especially the whole 'Neil didn't realize poor people were a thing' (i mean come on) BUT I think Mason Deaver did a splendid job writing a messy romcom-y book that was fun from beginning to end. Even if I hate Neil, he's a trans kid with mommy issues and was raised as if anyone could get anything they wanted, so I'll cut him some slack. It's funny because I picked this up initially thinking this was set in college ( and because I love Deaver's writing ) but being set in high school made me so much more forgiving of the characters. There's a lot they DON'T know and just because Neil has money doesn't mean he understands what it means to not have money. The fact he never even goes outside of Charlotte says as much. I think even though all the resolutions are all tied in a bow at the end there's still a slight emphasis that no everything is not and will not be perfect, but maybe this can be a start in the right direction.

Also I gotta say...

Neil kicking out Wyatt they way he did was about to make me think Neil was 100% unredeemable but leaving the wedding to get him back left me so shocked i had to take it back. Him making a fool out of himself and facing the consequences of his actions ( a little bit because they dont make up the first night ) made me feel better. He's

grown and is growing!!

Anyway, TLDR: Trans people can have messy, tropey romance novels too and this is a fun one ( if you can handle fake dating and a protagonist who needs to grow!! he's bad at first on purpose!! )

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jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

When I tell y'all that I don't think I'll ever recover from the way The Feeling of Falling in Love wrecked me and restored me, I'm not lying. Mason Deaver beautifully weaves together the story of a messy, lonely, teenage trans boy who's terrified of falling in love. This is the sort of book that teenage Jenni would have devoured and felt so seen while doing it.

Deaver explores so many important themes throughout the book with kindness, care, and compassion. At it's heart, this is main character Neil's coming of age. It truly felt like a warm hug to read this book. It serves as a reminder that a person came feel lonely but not be alone. That lgbtq+ kids and teens are worthy of love, community, belonging, and so much more. I really think that everyone should read this. And a special thanks to @atmreads and @bookish.millennial for the amazing recommendation!!

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