Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Both Sides Now

Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to think of this book. For me, it was a pretty quick read and the premise is really interesting. However, there is A LOT going on in this book, and the author doesn't necessarily handle everything well. It almost felt like the author wanted to throw as many hot button topics as he could in this book, which mean that a lot of them (especially issues about race) fell through the cracks.

There are a lot of other reviews on here that talk about these issues better than I can, so definitely look them up! If you decide to pick this up, know going in that there's a lot of transphobia, racism, and homophobia. Proceed with caution!

Content Warnings

jenny_librarian's review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

It's both a hard-hitting and uplifting book. It hits where few other books about trans characters do, like how slow getting through a second puberty is or how painful waiting for surgery can be on a daily basis. There are many small instances of dysphoria that will make cis people understand just how debilitating it can be. A big part of Finch's anxiety seems to stem from his worry about being misgendered and not passing, and it takes multiple interventions from multiple people to get it through his head that he's worth it.

I love how supportive his friends are throughout the book and how nobody questions his identity or misgenders him (not even his parents). It's the classic thing we see in trans stories and it's nice to read a book where that is not an issue.

I was hoping for an aro (or at least ace) character, but that's not where it went. Contrarily to Felix Ever After, though, I don't feel like this book diminished any of the other relationships. It's not that Finch doesn't feel worth it until he's with someone romantically, it's just that his body doesn't feel safe enough to let himself be attracted to someone else that way. And I think it's an important distinction that - while just as ground-breaking - Kacen Callender didn't manage to show in their book.

The depiction of poverty (to that extent) isn't pictured all that much in YA, and I appreciated the contrast between Finch's family life and his friends. His sibling relationship with Ruby was very well depicted too. I like that his parents didn't get a redemption arc. It made things more realistic and showed how the other people in his life came through in ways they couldn't.

I'm still waiting for that triple A threat story (Agender/Aromantic/Asexual), or any kind of trans or gender non-conforming aroace book, but this was a pretty good read to wait with.

Content Warnings

foreverinastory's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional 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

4.0

Really disappointed in the lack of awareness for multi-spectrum attraction in this, but I did enjoy it regardless.

Rep: Poor trans male MC with anxiety, Filipino gay male love interest, lesbian side character, Black female side character, Jewish questioning female side character.

CWs: Alcohol consumption by adults and minors, dysphoria, mental illness (anxiety), outing, panic attacks/disorders, transphobia, vomit, antisemitism, racism, alcoholism (MC's father).

Content Warnings

sarahmreads's review

Go to review page

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

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

4.75

EVERYONE NEEDS TO SHUT UP AND GO PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK BECAUSE I DON'T THINK I HAVE LOVED A BOOK SO MUCH RECENTLY!

I received a physical copy of this novel as an ARC from Penguin Teen, so thank you Penguin Teen! Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Finch Kelly is a trans student at his school, being heavily involved in his school's debate team with teammate Jonah, and aims to be the first transgender congressman in the United States. However, as the National debate competition looms over their heads, it gets revealed that the topic of debate this year is the right for transgender students to use the proper bathroom of their gender. Will Finch fall under the pressure of debating against his own right to pee? Or will his slight crush on his debate mate get in the way?

I would like to preface this by saying that this story covers some pretty heavy themes, as hinted at with just the plot alone. Peyton Thomas covers everything from the HIV pandemic in the 90s to poverty and home issues and transphobia and toxic relationships. It's a lot. But I feel like the author included just enough at the right times that it didn't feel too overwhelming in specific parts, and adding enough wholesome moments between Jonah and Finch that it allows for a breather before diving into the next heavy topic. It's so well done.

One of my favorite aspects of this story was the discussion of toxic relationships. This story showed the gradual progression of realizing how bad a relationship is and how exactly to get out of it. But it also shows the negative impact on the person who gets victimized and pushed down because of the toxic individual, which I related to so much.

That being said, I absolutely loved the blooming romance between Jonah and Finch as the story progresses. It was the friends to lovers I have always wanted to read, and comes along with it's own message of growth and supporting one another. It also delves into discussions of what falling in love with a transgender person really means, and how to get past the fear and push back one may receive for loving a transgender person, and tackling stigmatization on the issue. This conversation does happen much later in the story, but it was important to be included. However, even though Jonah is still kind of coping for reasons I won't get into cause spoilers, I can't really determine if the lovey dovey ending could have been more of a promise of taking things slow instead of already vowing the "I Love You's."

Every single character in this book was one I loved. Ruby, Finch's sister, had such a believable sibling dynamic, and I loved her as an individual. I will absolutely die for Jonah. Adwoa was so supportive and I love her with all my heart. Although Jonah was my favorite of the bunch, I do think Finch has a slight edge. You love him for his passion, his commitment, his caring personality. But he does have his flaws in the book that he seeks to have a conversation about and wants to grow from it. Example, a beautifully done discussion about white people speaking over BIPOC voices when it comes to matters that specifically impact BIPOC voices, like racism. Even with his flaws and the fact Finch isn't perfect, you still love him. That, to me, is the definition of a great main character.

The ending was open-ended but in the best way that makes you think that everything will be okay. And I don't think it was really shoved in your face, either, especially when it comes to Finch's family. Regardless, it makes you really believe that Finch and Jonah will get through this okay.

Both Sides Now is probably one of the most important LGBTQ+ books out there today, with writing that will have you crying and laughing on the same page and characters that will steal your heart. Please pre-order this book!

Content Warnings

melaniereadsbooks's review

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.5

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an e-arc of this book.

Finch has one goal--get to Washington DC. This breaks down into a lot of smaller goals, like getting off Georgetown's deferment list and winning the National Debate Tournament. But when the topic for the debate is about the right of transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice, Finch is faced with a choice: give up all his previous goals, or argue against his own rights.

I loved this book from start to finish! I truly wish that it was longer because I loved watching Finch discover himself and truly come into his own throughout this book. Jonah was also an amazing part of this book and I loved him! I loved the parts where they were debating, and seeing the thoughts that Finch had, and how he dealt with everything! It was so cute and happy and I loved it so much!

Pub Date: August 24, 2021

Content Warnings

More...