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christinetyared's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
Although I have begun to stray from the YA genre, The Passing Playbook was an enjoyable read. I liked how it managed to cover many aspects of what it means to be trans and dealing with transphobia, but was still able to have some bright points in the story, it wasn’t all about pain and struggle, and I think that it is a really good read for all YA readers.
Some highlights include:
The characters: I found the main character Spencer, and quite a few of the supporting characters, such as his younger brother Theo and teammate Macintosh, very lovable. They all seemed to have some good dimension to the characters, and did not just revolve around the protagonist.
The representation: Overall, a main challenge that Spencer faces in this book is transphobia, and I like how it was represented in many different ways that ring true to the real world. For example, trans athletes being barred from playing, and trans people facing discrimination from cis people in the lgbtq+ community are both very real issues that this book does reflect.
The overall theme: Although the end did feel slightly cheesy, it was hopeful, and a bright spot that I think many people need in our current environment. I might have cried slightly while reading it.
Things that could have been improved on:
The intersectionality: Spencer is not only trans, but he is also Black, and while both of those identities were reflected upon and explored, I feel like the book missed an opportunity to examine how both of them intersect and alter his experience within each identity.
The love interest: While I liked most of the characters in this book, I just could not get myself to care about Justice, the love interest. I felt like he was somewhat flat, and overdone, and I could not get a grasp on who he was or what his personality was like.
The lack of trauma: It’s not that I want Spencer to deal with extreme trauma, but at the beginning of the book it is revealed why he is forced to move schools. It is an experience that would likely leave anyone with a level of trauma, and he does acknowledge it then but then seems to move on from it easily. As someone who has been through a similar situation, I was expecting that trauma to follow Spencer, but it does not, which seemed unrealistic to me, especially at the end when he decides to come out in such a loud and public way. It would make sense for him to be nervous or traumatized because when he used to be out, he was targeted for it.
Some highlights include:
The characters: I found the main character Spencer, and quite a few of the supporting characters, such as his younger brother Theo and teammate Macintosh, very lovable. They all seemed to have some good dimension to the characters, and did not just revolve around the protagonist.
The representation: Overall, a main challenge that Spencer faces in this book is transphobia, and I like how it was represented in many different ways that ring true to the real world. For example, trans athletes being barred from playing, and trans people facing discrimination from cis people in the lgbtq+ community are both very real issues that this book does reflect.
The overall theme: Although the end did feel slightly cheesy, it was hopeful, and a bright spot that I think many people need in our current environment. I might have cried slightly while reading it.
Things that could have been improved on:
The intersectionality: Spencer is not only trans, but he is also Black, and while both of those identities were reflected upon and explored, I feel like the book missed an opportunity to examine how both of them intersect and alter his experience within each identity.
The love interest: While I liked most of the characters in this book, I just could not get myself to care about Justice, the love interest. I felt like he was somewhat flat, and overdone, and I could not get a grasp on who he was or what his personality was like.
The lack of trauma: It’s not that I want Spencer to deal with extreme trauma, but at the beginning of the book it is revealed why he is forced to move schools. It is an experience that would likely leave anyone with a level of trauma, and he does acknowledge it then but then seems to move on from it easily. As someone who has been through a similar situation, I was expecting that trauma to follow Spencer, but it does not, which seemed unrealistic to me, especially at the end when he
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Homophobia
Minor: Addiction
xoodlebooks's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Blood, Medical content, Drug abuse, Drug use, Bullying, Addiction, Ableism, and Racism
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