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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I actually really enjoyed this book. It's about Gabe, a transgender young adult who came out to his family and friends a few months before the end of high school. The book begins a little bit before he is going to graduate high school. His family members don't look at him, and his best friend is still trying to cope with his coming out.
The book follows his adventures of a few months after progresses to everyone figuring out how to react to Gabe's coming out.
I liked this book because the other two books I read were about the process of coming out to their parents and friends, before that the characters had just thought they were lesbians. This book followed what happens after, and I really loved this book for that. This book was about passing, about the misadventures of buying an STP, and a best friend learning to cope with a big change from their best friend.
I'm not really good at summaries, but this book was definitely worth the read. The second I finished it, I said I wanted to buy the book, and I meant it.
The book follows his adventures of a few months after progresses to everyone figuring out how to react to Gabe's coming out.
I liked this book because the other two books I read were about the process of coming out to their parents and friends, before that the characters had just thought they were lesbians. This book followed what happens after, and I really loved this book for that. This book was about passing, about the misadventures of buying an STP, and a best friend learning to cope with a big change from their best friend.
I'm not really good at summaries, but this book was definitely worth the read. The second I finished it, I said I wanted to buy the book, and I meant it.
My logical mind is telling me to give this book three stars but my.heart is saying four. this was a beautiful tale with a wonderful theme and relatable characters. Unfortunately, the grand finale left something to be desired; what with loose ends and underdeveloped story lines. Overall, I'm glad I read this novel because it gave new insights to a life that I will never live, but it is not the epic journey that it had the potential to be.
i've been meaning to read this one for a while now and i'm mad at myself for waiting this long. it had me in really emotional blubbery tears for most of the story. it's awesome.
I wanted to like this, but there is something missing. It has all the ingredients and potential but somehow the writing just falls a little flat.
It's a book whose time has come, particularly with the current discussion around gender and body / mind identity, but yet ...
Also anyone else notice how parents are creeping into children's / YA fiction. When did that happen? And they're parents with feelings and the "right" to be hurt and upset with how their kids behave ... even as a parent I'm not sure how I feel about that.
It's a book whose time has come, particularly with the current discussion around gender and body / mind identity, but yet ...
Also anyone else notice how parents are creeping into children's / YA fiction. When did that happen? And they're parents with feelings and the "right" to be hurt and upset with how their kids behave ... even as a parent I'm not sure how I feel about that.
I first read this book in 2016, and when I saw it on the shelf at the library right next to another book I was already picking up, I wanted to grab it for a reread and see if it held up. I’m happy to report that in a lot of ways, it mostly does.
To get the elephant in the room out of the way: yes, the book does tell us Gabe’s deadname and have it in the story pretty frequently. In 2024, we’ve all agreed that that’s really not great to do with trans characters. But this book came out in 2012, and while the deadname thing was uncomfortable, I think it’s kind of just a sign of the times this book was published in. I’m sure a lot about this book would be different if the author were writing it in 2024.
But anyway, when I first read this book, I was 13, and this book was basically baby’s first trans protagonist. Seriously, this was one of if not THE first books I ever read with a trans character in it. And while 20-year-old me knows a lot more than 13-year-old me, and has read better books about being trans and better books with trans characters, and probably wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend this book to my trans friends, I DO still think it works as baby’s first trans protagonist. It IS YA, after all, so I’m cutting it a little slack.
When I was 13, my focus while reading was “wow, trans character, so cool”. This time reading, I was more enjoying the parts about music as well as Gabe’s authentic voice and perspectives narrating it all.
I don’t know what else to say about this book other than… it’s good? I’m happy teen-me read it the first time and I don’t regret reading it again.
To get the elephant in the room out of the way: yes, the book does tell us Gabe’s deadname and have it in the story pretty frequently. In 2024, we’ve all agreed that that’s really not great to do with trans characters. But this book came out in 2012, and while the deadname thing was uncomfortable, I think it’s kind of just a sign of the times this book was published in. I’m sure a lot about this book would be different if the author were writing it in 2024.
But anyway, when I first read this book, I was 13, and this book was basically baby’s first trans protagonist. Seriously, this was one of if not THE first books I ever read with a trans character in it. And while 20-year-old me knows a lot more than 13-year-old me, and has read better books about being trans and better books with trans characters, and probably wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend this book to my trans friends, I DO still think it works as baby’s first trans protagonist. It IS YA, after all, so I’m cutting it a little slack.
When I was 13, my focus while reading was “wow, trans character, so cool”. This time reading, I was more enjoying the parts about music as well as Gabe’s authentic voice and perspectives narrating it all.
I don’t know what else to say about this book other than… it’s good? I’m happy teen-me read it the first time and I don’t regret reading it again.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a very sensitive, poignant, and uplifting portrayal of the transgender experience in today's world. From the little I know about those whose gender does not match up with their anatomy, Cronn-Mills has touched upon several of the challenges they face.
The reactions of Gabe's parents and friends, after he reveals his transgender status to them, is very real. The physical danger that many trans people face is also explored. I really liked that the author included a short "primer" on transgender people with a resource bibliography.
This book was published two years ago and is in its fourth printing, which shows the need/demand for stories like Gabe's. The quest for equal treatment under the law for transgender people probably needs to be discussed more openly. This is a good start. And if the book gives one transgender kid some courage and hope, it will have succeeded.
The reactions of Gabe's parents and friends, after he reveals his transgender status to them, is very real. The physical danger that many trans people face is also explored. I really liked that the author included a short "primer" on transgender people with a resource bibliography.
This book was published two years ago and is in its fourth printing, which shows the need/demand for stories like Gabe's. The quest for equal treatment under the law for transgender people probably needs to be discussed more openly. This is a good start. And if the book gives one transgender kid some courage and hope, it will have succeeded.
Probably my most favorite genre to read are YA contemporary novels that have a grittier, more realistic, story to tell. I like books with a powerful voice. I’ve read some really amazing authors that left an indelible impression on me. It is for that reason, the marks they leave, that I am constantly looking for the next amazing deep, realistic book to lose myself in. I also like to read and showcase exceptional books that represent the LGBTQIA community. Unfortunately I can’t say that Beautiful Music for Ugly Children hit the mark.
I’m a positive person, so let’s start with what I did like. I liked the music and the radio show. I liked the Ugly Children Brigade. I thought that Gabe’s relationship with music played into the plot really well. I especially liked the use of ‘A sides’ and ‘B sides’ as a representation of how Gabe finds the strength to show the world who he is. For anyone who has ever listened to vinyl or cassette’s, the idea of ‘B sides’ is really monumental. Sometimes the best songs are found on the B side.
Since we’re discussing Gabe and his love of music, I also have to say that I loved Gabe’s relationship with his neighbor John. John, despite being in his 70’s, and 18 year old Gabe were kindred spirits and I think that the author did a pretty darn good job of showing that. I even admit that, despite my only 3.5 skulls, I had tears a bit at the end… and it was because of Gabe and John.
Lastly, toward the end of the book, the parents offered insight into Gabe being trans that I personally hadn’t read in a book before. I was a little surprised reading one particular scene with the mother, and while I didn’t agree 100% I maybe felt a little understanding. Actually, I felt like the reactions of all of Gabe’s loved ones were explained with realism.
From here we sadly have to move into what was lacking. When it comes to these types of books, the gritty contemporaries as I like to call them, I prefer the romance (if there is one) to come secondary to the plot. Actually, that’s not 100% accurate. There can be a major romance, so long as the characters, particularly the main character, aren’t flaky. I’ve had problems in the past with books that deal with serious topics being written with characters that are just too pervy. This book is about a boy who is trying to deal with helping his family understand his transitioning. That’s why I picked it up. That’s what I want to read about. I understand that they’re teenagers and there will be conversations about sex, or lusty looks. I just don’t want to read about a 16 year old kid that seriously only thinks about sex, hot girl lips, or booty. At least not as the MC.
Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t the worst offender. Reading about Gabe wasn’t all shallow. Like I said, the scenes with John were not. It’s not as though his plight didn’t appear hard. I understood what Gabe was going through. I just prefer there to be more heart in a story like this. Literature is such a platform for change. YA Lit especially is an amazing place to provoke thought. I wanted my mind to be stroked. I didn’t want to read about Gabe’s lust for Paige over and over and over.
I suppose, once again, I was just looking for more. I know there are some hidden gems out there that really push the envelope and made another reader out there think. I’ve read David Levithan. I want the unknown. I want a lesser known book. If anyone has any recs out there, please feel free to drop them in the comments. For now, the search continues.
See this and other reviews at Badass Book Reviews
I’m a positive person, so let’s start with what I did like. I liked the music and the radio show. I liked the Ugly Children Brigade. I thought that Gabe’s relationship with music played into the plot really well. I especially liked the use of ‘A sides’ and ‘B sides’ as a representation of how Gabe finds the strength to show the world who he is. For anyone who has ever listened to vinyl or cassette’s, the idea of ‘B sides’ is really monumental. Sometimes the best songs are found on the B side.
Since we’re discussing Gabe and his love of music, I also have to say that I loved Gabe’s relationship with his neighbor John. John, despite being in his 70’s, and 18 year old Gabe were kindred spirits and I think that the author did a pretty darn good job of showing that. I even admit that, despite my only 3.5 skulls, I had tears a bit at the end… and it was because of Gabe and John.
Lastly, toward the end of the book, the parents offered insight into Gabe being trans that I personally hadn’t read in a book before. I was a little surprised reading one particular scene with the mother, and while I didn’t agree 100% I maybe felt a little understanding. Actually, I felt like the reactions of all of Gabe’s loved ones were explained with realism.
From here we sadly have to move into what was lacking. When it comes to these types of books, the gritty contemporaries as I like to call them, I prefer the romance (if there is one) to come secondary to the plot. Actually, that’s not 100% accurate. There can be a major romance, so long as the characters, particularly the main character, aren’t flaky. I’ve had problems in the past with books that deal with serious topics being written with characters that are just too pervy. This book is about a boy who is trying to deal with helping his family understand his transitioning. That’s why I picked it up. That’s what I want to read about. I understand that they’re teenagers and there will be conversations about sex, or lusty looks. I just don’t want to read about a 16 year old kid that seriously only thinks about sex, hot girl lips, or booty. At least not as the MC.
Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t the worst offender. Reading about Gabe wasn’t all shallow. Like I said, the scenes with John were not. It’s not as though his plight didn’t appear hard. I understood what Gabe was going through. I just prefer there to be more heart in a story like this. Literature is such a platform for change. YA Lit especially is an amazing place to provoke thought. I wanted my mind to be stroked. I didn’t want to read about Gabe’s lust for Paige over and over and over.
I suppose, once again, I was just looking for more. I know there are some hidden gems out there that really push the envelope and made another reader out there think. I’ve read David Levithan. I want the unknown. I want a lesser known book. If anyone has any recs out there, please feel free to drop them in the comments. For now, the search continues.
See this and other reviews at Badass Book Reviews
I didn't mean to read this book as fast as I did... But things happen.
This book was amazing, and I just love Gabe (hence why I read it so fast). Since I have friends that are transgender and friends that do radio, Gabe was very relatable for me. I think giving him a public yet anonymous way to be out was really cool, but it got pretty scary when the walls came down.
I appreciate this book because she didn't try to sugar coat it. She didn't say "being transgender is so easy!", she showed the nasty parts of it.
This book was amazing, and I just love Gabe (hence why I read it so fast). Since I have friends that are transgender and friends that do radio, Gabe was very relatable for me. I think giving him a public yet anonymous way to be out was really cool, but it got pretty scary when the walls came down.
I appreciate this book because she didn't try to sugar coat it. She didn't say "being transgender is so easy!", she showed the nasty parts of it.