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2.82 AVERAGE
2.82 AVERAGE
What We Left Behind covers first love and heartbreak and long distance relationships, but it also covers identity, discovering it, owning it, being confused by it, hiding it, learning to love a partner who is questioning, and all the complexity in between. As someone who has been through many of these situations (and is still figuring it out) this speaks to me and was a meaningful and emotional read at times.
However, I am not trans or genderqueer and a lot of the other reviews express (completely valid) concern that this book trivializes or stereotypes the genderqueer experience. Blankety using pronouns of one's own choice instead of a person's preferred pronouns struck me as odd at best and disrespectful at worst, but otherwise I didn't see these concerns in my reading, but that doesn't mean they aren't true. Currently looking for more resources and digging into this, but for now I recommend the book for anyone searching to understand their own identity or those of others, with the understanding that no book will capture the complete experience of any identity nor does having a different experience from this book make yours or theirs less valid.
However, I am not trans or genderqueer and a lot of the other reviews express (completely valid) concern that this book trivializes or stereotypes the genderqueer experience. Blankety using pronouns of one's own choice instead of a person's preferred pronouns struck me as odd at best and disrespectful at worst, but otherwise I didn't see these concerns in my reading, but that doesn't mean they aren't true. Currently looking for more resources and digging into this, but for now I recommend the book for anyone searching to understand their own identity or those of others, with the understanding that no book will capture the complete experience of any identity nor does having a different experience from this book make yours or theirs less valid.
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Unlikeable main characters, very limited and stereotypical portrayal of trans people. The author basically uses the whole book as a way to convey that in her eyes, being nonbinary is just a stepping stone identity to being binary trans. DO NOT READ THIS.
DNF @ page 150.
Like many others, I wanted to like this book, I really did...but I just didn't. I didn't like the insta-love in the first chapter, though the dance was cute. I didn't like Toni's character. I don't understand how Gretchen could be friends with a trasnhomophobe. It's just a no.
Like many others, I wanted to like this book, I really did...but I just didn't. I didn't like the insta-love in the first chapter, though the dance was cute. I didn't like Toni's character. I don't understand how Gretchen could be friends with a trasnhomophobe. It's just a no.
The thing about this book is that it's messy and imperfect. People reading it to see representation of all trans people, or all genderqueer people are likely to be disappointed, because this book is about one individual's identity development process, not everyone's. That process depicted isn't linear or neatly tied up with a bow (though it does map accurately to the relevant identity development theory models for college students).
Characters have problematic viewpoints and say problematic things- part of the books thesis seems to be that being more knowledgeable on topics of identity is desirable, but doesn't make one perfectly enlightened-- that self awareness comes through hard work to apply knowledge, not just possess it.
I think over time we'll see enough perspectives from Queer protagonists that this book can be one perspective, instead of being asked to stand up for a diverse group of people, and that will be a time I look forward to.
Characters have problematic viewpoints and say problematic things- part of the books thesis seems to be that being more knowledgeable on topics of identity is desirable, but doesn't make one perfectly enlightened-- that self awareness comes through hard work to apply knowledge, not just possess it.
I think over time we'll see enough perspectives from Queer protagonists that this book can be one perspective, instead of being asked to stand up for a diverse group of people, and that will be a time I look forward to.
Sticky Note Review on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BBnFnQSyNbj/
I had such high expectations for this book, but sadly I was disappointed. This book was not that good. I liked the LGBTQ aspect in this book, but the story itself was just flat. I honestly don't recommend reading this book. It's really just a waste of time.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the most boring YA books ive ever read. I read it a few years ago. I wanted to put it down so bad but im not that kinda person to not finish what they've started, and i thought it would eventually get better like all other books. It was boring, dramatic, not at all what i hoped for when i picked it up, stupid, and a waste of time. Wish i saved my money and bought something better (anything else).
This is such an important book, and I loved it a lot. Some parts were a little info-dump-y, but that's mostly because I have a lot of knowledge of various queer issues, especially relating to nonbinary identities. This is the sort of book that I would give allies and questioning kids, and I wish there were more books like it.
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes