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Moderate: Bullying, Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, Transphobia, Dysphoria
Minor: Biphobia, Abandonment, Alcohol
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia
Moderate: Biphobia, Deadnaming, Drug use, Religious bigotry, Alcohol, Dysphoria
At the heart of the story is Felix Love, a Black, queer, transgender teen navigating the complexities of self-acceptance and belonging. Felix’s journey is deeply moving, as he grapples with questions about his identity and self-worth while facing external challenges, including transphobia and racism. Callender’s nuanced portrayal of Felix’s internal struggles and triumphs is both relatable and empowering, offering readers a story that feels authentic and deeply personal.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its unapologetic representation of marginalized identities. Felix’s experiences as a transgender teen are handled with care and honesty, making the story an essential read for readers seeking to see themselves reflected on the page. Beyond Felix, the novel features a diverse cast of characters who add depth and richness to the narrative, highlighting the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity in storytelling.
Callender’s writing captures the raw emotions of adolescence with striking precision. Felix’s yearning for love—both romantic and familial—is profoundly relatable, as is his struggle to reconcile his insecurities with his desire to live authentically. The novel is filled with moments of vulnerability and growth that resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Set against the backdrop of New York City’s arts scene, the novel brims with creativity and energy. Felix’s passion for art serves as a powerful metaphor for his journey of self-expression and discovery. The city itself feels like a character, its diversity and vibrancy mirroring the complexities of Felix’s world.
At its core, „Felix Ever After“ is a love story—about loving others and, most importantly, learning to love oneself. Through his relationships with friends, family, and potential romantic partners, Felix comes to understand that love is messy, multifaceted, and ultimately transformative. The novel’s emphasis on the power of self-love is a message that will resonate with readers of all ages.
My only critique would be that while Callender ambitiously tackles many important topics, at times the narrative feels overwhelmed by the sheer number of issues it tries to address. This can dilute the impact of individual moments, making certain themes feel underexplored or rushed.
„Felix Ever After“ is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the essence of self-discovery and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. With its heartfelt prose, unforgettable protagonist, and powerful message of acceptance, the book is a testament to the importance of visibility and representation in literature. Kacen Callender has created a story that is both a mirror for those who need to see themselves and a window for those who need to understand others.
Graphic: Bullying, Deadnaming, Transphobia, Outing, Abandonment
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Biphobia, Cursing, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Lesbophobia, Alcohol
Graphic: Bullying, Transphobia, Abandonment
Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia
Minor: Deadnaming
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Transphobia
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Biphobia
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Graphic: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Dysphoria, Classism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Stalking
Minor: Racism, Medical content, Religious bigotry
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying, Dysphoria, Classism
Minor: Biphobia, Racism
"It's easier to accept hurt and pain, sometimes, than love and acceptance."
I've been meaning to read Felix Ever After for quite some time now... When I needed a banned book for the POPSUGAR challenge, I decided to give in and finally read it. I know that I don't read a lot of YA anymore, but I would recommend this book for both teenagers and adults alike. The topic is such an important one, and it's an own voices story at that; there is no doubt that Felix Ever After has a big impact, and it really is an eye-opener. That said, I do have to say that there were certain aspects about the main character Felix that I didn't like as much. I get his struggles and they are both portrayed realistically and basically heartbreaking. BUT. He is also pretty selfish and vindictive, and the fact that others are hurting him is no excuse to do the same. I can't say that I was a fan of the whole love triangle vibe either, which kind of put a damper on things for me... In fact, I wasn't really a fan of the romance nor how it was developed and incorporated in general. I'm still giving this story four stars though just for its impact and how it can help people discover their identity and tribe.
Graphic: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Deadnaming, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Dysphoria, Classism
Graphic: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Deadnaming, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Grief, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Deadnaming, Drug use, Hate crime, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Outing, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Dysphoria