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bie's review against another edition
4.0
Some people say we shouldn’t need labels. That we’re trying to box ourselves in too much. But I don’t know. It feels good to me, to know I’m not alone. That someone else has felt the same way I’ve felt, experienced the same things I’ve experienced. It’s validating.
i–
i don't even know what to say
do you ever read a book so good that when you're done you read the author's note, the acknowledgements, the page about the author, and even the copyright page? just because you don't want it to be over? because you don't want to let go? yeah.
i've been screaming about this in my friend's dms and one of the things we've both been saying is how it answered questions we didn't even know we had. i've been questioning a bunch of things for so long and by questioning them, i sometimes ended up feeling like a fraud. like i'm never enough of this, or enough of that; that someone will grab my hand one day and tell me, “hey, you're not part of this community, get your shit together. or even better, get out.” it felt so, so good seeing this sort of representation on paper, someone who's still figuring all out. there are so many quotes i want to put here, i have a huge amount of this book highlighted in bright yellow, but i don't even know which one will do it justice.
“These younger generations,” Tom echoes. “I envy them. There’s so much more space to explore who they are now. To explore and celebrate themselves. I could never have imagined seeing a transgender man on TV or in the movies when I was younger. And now?” He looks at me. “I look at you and wish I could be a teenager again. I know that things aren’t perfect,” he says, nodding, “and there are still hardships, but don’t forget to enjoy these years. Live. Live them for the people who didn’t get to enjoy being a teenager. For the people who never lived past being a teenager.”
it took me 2 or 3 chapters to really stop scrunching my nose and roll my eyes and at that point i thought i will not like it (a thought that terrified me cause i knew all my friends who read it Loved it) but when i finally got into it, i was truly in. the amount of times i told myself while reading “oh, i thought about that” or “i Said that” or “i felt that”... similar to how i felt about legendborn, this was another book i've been waiting for (for different reasons, of course) so i'm so extremely grateful to have read it. i keep wondering how different things would've been if i had it a few years ago... a few months ago... fuck, even a few weeks ago when i was spiralling about gender and sexuality and everything. well, better late than never, as they say.
too much rambling. just read it, you'll love it.
source: trust me, dude.
---
trigger warnings: alcohol (underage drinking), bullying, catfishing, cyberbullying, deadnaming, disownment, homophobia, injections, misgendering, outing, parental abuse/neglect (talked about, not shown), racism, surgery & scars (mentioned), transphobia, weed.
i–
i don't even know what to say
do you ever read a book so good that when you're done you read the author's note, the acknowledgements, the page about the author, and even the copyright page? just because you don't want it to be over? because you don't want to let go? yeah.
i've been screaming about this in my friend's dms and one of the things we've both been saying is how it answered questions we didn't even know we had. i've been questioning a bunch of things for so long and by questioning them, i sometimes ended up feeling like a fraud. like i'm never enough of this, or enough of that; that someone will grab my hand one day and tell me, “hey, you're not part of this community, get your shit together. or even better, get out.” it felt so, so good seeing this sort of representation on paper, someone who's still figuring all out. there are so many quotes i want to put here, i have a huge amount of this book highlighted in bright yellow, but i don't even know which one will do it justice.
“These younger generations,” Tom echoes. “I envy them. There’s so much more space to explore who they are now. To explore and celebrate themselves. I could never have imagined seeing a transgender man on TV or in the movies when I was younger. And now?” He looks at me. “I look at you and wish I could be a teenager again. I know that things aren’t perfect,” he says, nodding, “and there are still hardships, but don’t forget to enjoy these years. Live. Live them for the people who didn’t get to enjoy being a teenager. For the people who never lived past being a teenager.”
it took me 2 or 3 chapters to really stop scrunching my nose and roll my eyes and at that point i thought i will not like it (a thought that terrified me cause i knew all my friends who read it Loved it) but when i finally got into it, i was truly in. the amount of times i told myself while reading “oh, i thought about that” or “i Said that” or “i felt that”... similar to how i felt about legendborn, this was another book i've been waiting for (for different reasons, of course) so i'm so extremely grateful to have read it. i keep wondering how different things would've been if i had it a few years ago... a few months ago... fuck, even a few weeks ago when i was spiralling about gender and sexuality and everything. well, better late than never, as they say.
too much rambling. just read it, you'll love it.
source: trust me, dude.
---
trigger warnings: alcohol (underage drinking), bullying, catfishing, cyberbullying, deadnaming, disownment, homophobia, injections, misgendering, outing, parental abuse/neglect (talked about, not shown), racism, surgery & scars (mentioned), transphobia, weed.
haylsbookshelf's review against another edition
What a beautiful, special, absolutely breathtaking story
camilleroumieux's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
myth1nc3's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cosmosbtwnpages's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
onequeerduck's review against another edition
3.0
3.5?
I really appreciate having transmasc rep, it's so few and far between. Felix's relationship with gender and how it's explained in the novel is really well done. The idea of knowing what you're not, but not what you are hit a little close to home.
It took me a while to get used to reading a 17 year old's thoughts, as Callender didn't try and make Felix sound like an adult. A good stylistic choice, but one that took some time to get used to.
In terms of plot, the book wasn't revolutionary. Lots of teen angst, but also lots of well-written heartfelt scenes. Watching Felix learn who he is was definitely the best part of the book by far, as I felt the romance issues were a tad juvenile. With that being said, Felix is 17, so that makes complete sense.
Overall a solid book with good descriptions of gender and transmasc rep, but not really worth the hype.
I really appreciate having transmasc rep, it's so few and far between. Felix's relationship with gender and how it's explained in the novel is really well done. The idea of knowing what you're not, but not what you are hit a little close to home.
It took me a while to get used to reading a 17 year old's thoughts, as Callender didn't try and make Felix sound like an adult. A good stylistic choice, but one that took some time to get used to.
In terms of plot, the book wasn't revolutionary. Lots of teen angst, but also lots of well-written heartfelt scenes. Watching Felix learn who he is was definitely the best part of the book by far, as I felt the romance issues were a tad juvenile. With that being said, Felix is 17, so that makes complete sense.
Overall a solid book with good descriptions of gender and transmasc rep, but not really worth the hype.
alexcrin's review against another edition
2.0
I haven't read any YA in a while and that might be slightly clouding my judgement but I just found Felix as a character so irritating. For a character that I have similar feelings to and share some aspects of identity with, I could not relate less to him and a lot of the time the so called "character growth" that was happening felt like it came out of the blue and didn't feel earned. Another issue I had was that while I agreed with many of the point that were being made throughout about life, love and all the rest, often it came across as more of a lecture from the author than the true internal monologue of the character. Overall I'm glad that this book exists, showcasing a brown, queer, trans character, but I just wish it had been done better.
albanueva's review against another edition
4.0
I hesitate a lot in rating this book. It would be more a 3.5 if I could, but in the end, I decided to round it up to a 4 because I did enjoy listening to this audiobook. I obviously loved the lgbtqia representation, the different colors of the characters, the talking about questioning your gender, and the fact that questioning can never stop for some people and it's just ok. The scene where they talk about this at the lgbt+ center is very powerful in my opinion.
There are also, alas, things I did not like about this story: ok, someone outed you and showed your dead name to people, which is obviously inexcusable and horrible, but your first reaction is "I'm not sure who did but I think I know, I will create a false account, become their friend and make them reveal a dark secret that I will then use against them" ?? I mean ... I get that Felix is a teen, and teens often act irrationally and do stupid stuff, but this was a bit much for me. I just think, as other readers do, that Felix is a bit oblivious to other people's feelings; I won't get into details 'cause I don't want to spoil anyone, but those who have read the book will understand what I'm talking about.
Anyway, overall it is a light read, there are a lot of positive things about this book and it is also a teen romance with a bit (a lot) of queer drama in it (at some point I did ask myself if I was listening to a soap opera LOL). If this is what you are looking for, go for it! :)
There are also, alas, things I did not like about this story: ok, someone outed you and showed your dead name to people, which is obviously inexcusable and horrible, but your first reaction is "I'm not sure who did but I think I know, I will create a false account, become their friend and make them reveal a dark secret that I will then use against them" ?? I mean ... I get that Felix is a teen, and teens often act irrationally and do stupid stuff, but this was a bit much for me. I just think, as other readers do, that Felix is a bit oblivious to other people's feelings; I won't get into details 'cause I don't want to spoil anyone, but those who have read the book will understand what I'm talking about.
Anyway, overall it is a light read, there are a lot of positive things about this book and it is also a teen romance with a bit (a lot) of queer drama in it (at some point I did ask myself if I was listening to a soap opera LOL). If this is what you are looking for, go for it! :)
dreamsandprose's review against another edition
3.0
the love triangle..
also why did they do Declan so dirty that last scene at his grandads house was so bad
also why did they do Declan so dirty that last scene at his grandads house was so bad
bookswithcesco's review against another edition
4.0
Felix Ever After is a beautiful sorry of self discovery and coming of age. I binged this in one sitting. No joke, flipped through the pages so fast that I was shocked when it was over.
The story is nearly perfect, however, I had a few concerns. Felix isn’t portrayed as artsy, we’re just told he has artistic talent and is trying to get into an art school. I would have loved some more insight into how that contributed to his character or if it was used as an outlet for his trauma or expression.
The love triangle is a lot; It ended up being a little too much for me at times. There was a lot of red flags all over and I saw the crash coming from miles away. Regardless, it turns out okay and gets wrapped up very well.
I think something that took me out a lot was how often Felix invalidated people’s feelings and lived experiences simply because of their privilege. Like, by all means call people out on their privilege and make them aware of it. But make a point of actually listening to your friends, family, and love interest before you absolutely shit on their problems.
Overall, I loved this book from start to finish. Felix is interesting and there are so many moments that tug on your heartstrings. Many that have faced adversity can relate to one or many of the things he goes through. Even people with the most privilege can learn something by reading about his experiences as well.
The story is nearly perfect, however, I had a few concerns. Felix isn’t portrayed as artsy, we’re just told he has artistic talent and is trying to get into an art school. I would have loved some more insight into how that contributed to his character or if it was used as an outlet for his trauma or expression.
The love triangle is a lot; It ended up being a little too much for me at times. There was a lot of red flags all over and I saw the crash coming from miles away. Regardless, it turns out okay and gets wrapped up very well.
I think something that took me out a lot was how often Felix invalidated people’s feelings and lived experiences simply because of their privilege. Like, by all means call people out on their privilege and make them aware of it. But make a point of actually listening to your friends, family, and love interest before you absolutely shit on their problems.
Overall, I loved this book from start to finish. Felix is interesting and there are so many moments that tug on your heartstrings. Many that have faced adversity can relate to one or many of the things he goes through. Even people with the most privilege can learn something by reading about his experiences as well.