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theangrystackrat's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
achilleanshelves's review
5.0
Can't Take That Away by Steven Salvatore follows Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who is more than used to a daily dose of queerphobia but gets far more than they bargained for when they're cast in the role of Elphaba in their school's production of Wicked. The story follows Carey as they fight backlash against their casting and fight back against queerphobia in the school as a whole.
This story was absolutely beautiful. In every way that I can describe, it was perfect.
Carey's layered identity was so wonderful to read about. Each chapter was subtitled with identifying pronouns (they/them, he/him or she/her) depending which Carey identified in that respective chapter. It is these kind of touches that prove why we need non-binary* authors writing their stories.
The side characters were all extremely memorable with the Fierce Five being so much fun and so loveable and Blanca's addition to the group being warmly received. Phoebe was especially enjoyable to read about due to her fierce and passionate nature. Cris as a love interest was extremely likeable and I honestly wish we saw more of him as he is just a beacon of joy and love in this story.
Seeing a character talk openly about their suicide ideations, depression and therapy was amazingly refreshing and uplifting to read about in a strange way. The fact that so many queer people experience such thoughts and issues goes to show how messed up the world is and these discussions need to happen openly. Mental health will remain stigmatised if we do not. Carey's story of survival is extremely powerful.
The protest and queer advocacy in this book was immense and so extremely poignant. I truly can't put into words how much #LetCareySing means to me and how much of an impact that it's had on me. To have the strength to be one's self authentically in spite of the world telling you not too is overwhelmingly difficult but Salvatore and Carey make it that bit easier to take the first step to embracing who you truly are and fighting for what you believe.
Content warnings - queerphobia, discussions and recollections of suicidal ideations, therapy, discussions of depression, black-mailing
This story was absolutely beautiful. In every way that I can describe, it was perfect.
Carey's layered identity was so wonderful to read about. Each chapter was subtitled with identifying pronouns (they/them, he/him or she/her) depending which Carey identified in that respective chapter. It is these kind of touches that prove why we need non-binary* authors writing their stories.
The side characters were all extremely memorable with the Fierce Five being so much fun and so loveable and Blanca's addition to the group being warmly received. Phoebe was especially enjoyable to read about due to her fierce and passionate nature. Cris as a love interest was extremely likeable and I honestly wish we saw more of him as he is just a beacon of joy and love in this story.
Seeing a character talk openly about their suicide ideations, depression and therapy was amazingly refreshing and uplifting to read about in a strange way. The fact that so many queer people experience such thoughts and issues goes to show how messed up the world is and these discussions need to happen openly. Mental health will remain stigmatised if we do not. Carey's story of survival is extremely powerful.
The protest and queer advocacy in this book was immense and so extremely poignant. I truly can't put into words how much #LetCareySing means to me and how much of an impact that it's had on me. To have the strength to be one's self authentically in spite of the world telling you not too is overwhelmingly difficult but Salvatore and Carey make it that bit easier to take the first step to embracing who you truly are and fighting for what you believe.
Content warnings - queerphobia, discussions and recollections of suicidal ideations, therapy, discussions of depression, black-mailing
reinatellstales's review
5.0
Real talk, Steven Salvatore books do not miss. I'm so serious-- read this one and also the other one and then preorder the next one coming out. (Did you know Steven founded @queerativewriters , where you can take writing classes?? Just wanted to know that here.)
I read And They Lived... before reading this debut novel, so I can solidly say both are total quality. Sophomore slump who?
Can't Take That Away is the story of Carey (like Mariah), a genderqueer teen who is struggling with issues that spiraled out of control the previous year. They've got a great relationship with their mom, a helpful teacher, and a fantastic best friend, but they used to have more. A lively, wise-cracking songstress Grandma, before Alzheimer's began affecting her memory and personality. Another best friend, who still is around but nothing like before. Vocal lessons to express themselves, before they needed to blend in. Even a burgeoning interest in writing, before a nasty teacher crushed that dream.
Therapy has been helping, but making a new friend really pushes Carey out of their comfort zone and into the school musical audition, where they're trying out for Elphaba, a lead role that is typically female. Thrown into the spotlight again, last year's issues begin to creep up with a vengeance... but with some new friends to support them, maybe they can come out stronger.
Part of the reason why I love this story is because it has so many places where I think other people may have cut it off. It could've ended in so many places along the way... but none would have seen so genuine. There was always a reason to keep going and let the story be told the way it needed to.
I read And They Lived... before reading this debut novel, so I can solidly say both are total quality. Sophomore slump who?
Can't Take That Away is the story of Carey (like Mariah), a genderqueer teen who is struggling with issues that spiraled out of control the previous year. They've got a great relationship with their mom, a helpful teacher, and a fantastic best friend, but they used to have more. A lively, wise-cracking songstress Grandma, before Alzheimer's began affecting her memory and personality. Another best friend, who still is around but nothing like before. Vocal lessons to express themselves, before they needed to blend in. Even a burgeoning interest in writing, before a nasty teacher crushed that dream.
Therapy has been helping, but making a new friend really pushes Carey out of their comfort zone and into the school musical audition, where they're trying out for Elphaba, a lead role that is typically female. Thrown into the spotlight again, last year's issues begin to creep up with a vengeance... but with some new friends to support them, maybe they can come out stronger.
Part of the reason why I love this story is because it has so many places where I think other people may have cut it off. It could've ended in so many places along the way... but none would have seen so genuine. There was always a reason to keep going and let the story be told the way it needed to.
katiegrrrl's review
4.0
Carey is gender queer, the people closet to him understand and support him, he deals with a bully of a teacher and a classmate. The classmate is is problematic on many levels , in that he also feels entitled to feelings from female classmates just because he likes them. Throughout this book Carey is finding his voice and many different ways. He is figuring out how to stand up for himself, how to share his feelings with his friends and literally getting his voice back to sing in the school musical.
remylee7's review
emotional
hopeful
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? No
3.75
lilycooper's review
5.0
tw: homophobia and hate crimes
this book is a master piece and is currently sitting at my best book read this year. although some parts are pretty cheesy, i loved it. definitely would recommend
this book is a master piece and is currently sitting at my best book read this year. although some parts are pretty cheesy, i loved it. definitely would recommend