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emldavis0314's review against another edition
3.0
Started off strong, but the longer I continued to read the more bored and agitated I became. I was really excited for this book, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I'm definitely going to give it another read in the future, but for now I'm moving onto something else.
nicoleanthony's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, and Transphobia
Moderate: Animal death
booksavvyreviews's review against another edition
4.0
Those who enjoyed Love, Simon, will definitely enjoy this read.
I found it very interesting, as well as addicting to read this novel, as both characters are far from perfect and have various broken qualities that I found intriguing. I say this, because not only do they have to overcome things in their relationship/friendship, they also have to overcome things in their personal lives that creep into every aspect of things.
It was a heartwarming story, I couldn't help but love Chris and I loved when Maia was WITH Chris, it was really something like gravity when they were near each other.
I found it very interesting, as well as addicting to read this novel, as both characters are far from perfect and have various broken qualities that I found intriguing. I say this, because not only do they have to overcome things in their relationship/friendship, they also have to overcome things in their personal lives that creep into every aspect of things.
It was a heartwarming story, I couldn't help but love Chris and I loved when Maia was WITH Chris, it was really something like gravity when they were near each other.
iridescentjuniper's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
paperbacks_and_planners's review against another edition
5.0
I received an arc of this from Simon and Schuster via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This book is wonderful and important and I drank up every word ❤❤❤
Summary
After a terrible year, and coming out as transgender Chris needs an escape. So he goes to stay with his aunt in a small town. His first day there, he almost runs over his new neighbor, Maia. Maia is battling her own demons after the recent and sudden death of her older sister. The two of them form and bond and slowly heal the wounds of the last year.
Overview
This is told in alternating chapters from dual POVs - Chris and Maia
This book is soft and precious but it definitely hits on some tough topics. Chris has just come out transgender and his parents are struggling with the revelation. Chris was beaten to the point of hospitalization by members of his track team. Maia's parents are divorced but still living together and the tension has created a uncomfortable and hostile living environment. And Maia's sister died suddenly of an undiscovered heart defect leaving her reeling about their strained relationship.
But while all of this could have been overwhelming, Amber Smith managed to make this book feel hopeful and inspiring.
Content Warnings: Bullying, Death, Homophobia
What I Liked
1. Everything. Honestly.
2. Chris and Maia's relationship made my heart burst. The handled each other with such care and respect. They helped each other through some insanely difficult things
3. The representation in this book was wonderful. While I personally don't identify with the representation, Amber Smith herself is queer. The author note at the end (which I highly recommend reading! It made me cry.) talks about her own experiences and her inspiration for the story.
4. That ending. I can't say too much because spoilers. But it was perfection.
5. This whole story felt so raw and real. Chris's parent's struggling, Maia lashing out and lying, Maia's parents shutting down. I loved how messy and imperfect things were. This story felt like it could belong to many people.
6. This book really focused on the importance of consent. Chris and Maia were always checking in with each other. While I love and sexy, domineering story as much as the next person, this was the real deal. This is what real love and respect is.
What I Didn't Like
There is literally nothing I didn't adore about this book. I was completely consumed by this story from start to finish and never wanted it to end.
Pick. Up. This. Book. ❤❤
This book is wonderful and important and I drank up every word ❤❤❤
Summary
After a terrible year, and coming out as transgender Chris needs an escape. So he goes to stay with his aunt in a small town. His first day there, he almost runs over his new neighbor, Maia. Maia is battling her own demons after the recent and sudden death of her older sister. The two of them form and bond and slowly heal the wounds of the last year.
Overview
This is told in alternating chapters from dual POVs - Chris and Maia
This book is soft and precious but it definitely hits on some tough topics. Chris has just come out transgender and his parents are struggling with the revelation. Chris was beaten to the point of hospitalization by members of his track team. Maia's parents are divorced but still living together and the tension has created a uncomfortable and hostile living environment. And Maia's sister died suddenly of an undiscovered heart defect leaving her reeling about their strained relationship.
But while all of this could have been overwhelming, Amber Smith managed to make this book feel hopeful and inspiring.
Content Warnings: Bullying, Death, Homophobia
What I Liked
1. Everything. Honestly.
2. Chris and Maia's relationship made my heart burst. The handled each other with such care and respect. They helped each other through some insanely difficult things
3. The representation in this book was wonderful. While I personally don't identify with the representation, Amber Smith herself is queer. The author note at the end (which I highly recommend reading! It made me cry.) talks about her own experiences and her inspiration for the story.
4. That ending. I can't say too much because spoilers. But it was perfection.
5. This whole story felt so raw and real. Chris's parent's struggling, Maia lashing out and lying, Maia's parents shutting down. I loved how messy and imperfect things were. This story felt like it could belong to many people.
6. This book really focused on the importance of consent. Chris and Maia were always checking in with each other. While I love and sexy, domineering story as much as the next person, this was the real deal. This is what real love and respect is.
What I Didn't Like
There is literally nothing I didn't adore about this book. I was completely consumed by this story from start to finish and never wanted it to end.
Pick. Up. This. Book. ❤❤
kaseycanread's review against another edition
I struggle to rate this book. I really enjoyed it, loved the world building and I really grew attached to the characters and the story itself. However, there are some elements to the story that kind of- to say the least are questionable? For instance, in the middle of the story Maia is hiding in a closet and sees Chris get changed and realizes he’s transgender before Chris has a chance to tell her personally. This was... very very icky to me? Amber Smith is a brilliant writer but I feel like this was such an unnecessary and potientially VERY harmful twist in the story that should definitely be discussed. Later on in the story Maia throws it in Chris’ face that she knew he was trans before he told her and that was just- a lot. I understand that Maia was lashing out because of her own issues but, god, that to me is unforgivable. What makes this even worse to me is that the story is set up for you to sympathize with Maia and root for Chris to accept her apology but like no, Chris for your own safety and security please don’t feel an obligation to forgive someone after they’ve alienated you because of your gender identity after you trusted them. Bottom line is I think the trans rep could’ve been handled better and this isn’t the safest book for the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m a cisgender woman so I’m leaving the rating of this book to my trans + gender non-binary friends. This book has a lot of good in it but also has a lot of harmful and triggering elements to it that for sure could’ve been avoided.
I’m a cisgender woman so I’m leaving the rating of this book to my trans + gender non-binary friends. This book has a lot of good in it but also has a lot of harmful and triggering elements to it that for sure could’ve been avoided.
bookyogi's review against another edition
4.0
There is a lot going on here in this book and all seem to play a part in what the author is trying to convey in this book. Love and loss and violence and pain and acceptance and hurt and death and mourning and separation and more love and so much more. Chris, a transgender, is such an endearing character, and Maia came into his life at the right time, but they just had to go through what they did to get to where they need to be. I would love to see a second book, ten years later; I bet Chris is going to be an amazing role model.
On a side note, had I not read the synopsis on this book, the cover would have kept me from reading this book. I don’t think it does the story justice.
On a side note, had I not read the synopsis on this book, the cover would have kept me from reading this book. I don’t think it does the story justice.
shelfawareness's review against another edition
5.0
RATING: 5/5 STARS
I am so excited about the young adult genre embracing diversity in many upcoming releases. Books like SOMETHING LIKE GRAVITY are important because they speak to people, let them know they're not alone in what they're going through. And for those of us who haven't had a similar experience to Chris and Maia's in this book, it helps us understand and treat others with empathy.
This book was beautifully written. It's a story about Chris, a transgender boy, falling in love. It's also about processing past trauma, being accepted by family, preserving friendships, and coming to terms with one's identity. The writing is gorgeous and vulnerable. The main characters have had to deal with a lot for being so young, and the way they are portrayed is mature yet realistic, flawed, and human. Amber Smith's style is pensive and lyrical. Chris and Maia's emotions come alive on the page. Elements of astronomy and photography are also threaded throughout, giving the book an additional creative touch.
An aspect of the novel that really resonated with me was Chris realizing how being alone with Maia when it was getting dark outside held a completely different meaning to him as a man than as a woman. When he vowed he would never be a man who made "harmless" but threatening actions towards women, it was such a powerful and profound moment. I applaud Amber Smith for that.
Chris and Maia's relationship was stunning. Her acceptance of him, and his body, was so tender and heartwarming. They had a deep connection that wasn't characterized by insta-love or petty sources of conflict. I enjoyed following their development and emerging comfort in their own skin and in each other throughout this narrative.
Please do yourself a favor and read this book if you are a fan of the YA genre, romance, LGBT characters, and just stories about the human experience in general. This is a powerful read by already-established author Amber Smith (who is not trans, but is lesbian and a supporter of the LGBT community). I also highly recommend this to readers who liked IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram
I am so excited about the young adult genre embracing diversity in many upcoming releases. Books like SOMETHING LIKE GRAVITY are important because they speak to people, let them know they're not alone in what they're going through. And for those of us who haven't had a similar experience to Chris and Maia's in this book, it helps us understand and treat others with empathy.
This book was beautifully written. It's a story about Chris, a transgender boy, falling in love. It's also about processing past trauma, being accepted by family, preserving friendships, and coming to terms with one's identity. The writing is gorgeous and vulnerable. The main characters have had to deal with a lot for being so young, and the way they are portrayed is mature yet realistic, flawed, and human. Amber Smith's style is pensive and lyrical. Chris and Maia's emotions come alive on the page. Elements of astronomy and photography are also threaded throughout, giving the book an additional creative touch.
An aspect of the novel that really resonated with me was Chris realizing how being alone with Maia when it was getting dark outside held a completely different meaning to him as a man than as a woman. When he vowed he would never be a man who made "harmless" but threatening actions towards women, it was such a powerful and profound moment. I applaud Amber Smith for that.
Chris and Maia's relationship was stunning. Her acceptance of him, and his body, was so tender and heartwarming. They had a deep connection that wasn't characterized by insta-love or petty sources of conflict. I enjoyed following their development and emerging comfort in their own skin and in each other throughout this narrative.
Please do yourself a favor and read this book if you are a fan of the YA genre, romance, LGBT characters, and just stories about the human experience in general. This is a powerful read by already-established author Amber Smith (who is not trans, but is lesbian and a supporter of the LGBT community). I also highly recommend this to readers who liked IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram
courtnoodles's review against another edition
3.0
things i liked
- a writing style i can vibe with, after two books in a row of shit
- the awkward naturalness of the whole thing
- it's not deep love, or long love, but it means something, and that's important
-
- chris is kinda boyfriend goals
things i didn't like
- maia's character was inconsistent and grating. i felt like there was going to be some big reveal about the real reason why maia was running around town with her dead sister's camera. something deeper than just trying to feel closer to her. but there was nothing.
- so, on a related note, this culminates into which to me, didn't feel as serious or high stakes. does that mean i've already grown past that teenage mentality? at 25? damn. does that mean i'm too old for ya now? hope not.
- and on top of that, i feel like there were details that were just mentioned and set up to be big plot points and then, never acknowledged again?
- i obviously can't speak for this, but i've seen some reviews that the trans rep here is harmful and inaccurate. do with that what you will.
my library categorizes this as a cozy read, and yes, i agree, this was very cozy.
- a writing style i can vibe with, after two books in a row of shit
- the awkward naturalness of the whole thing
- it's not deep love, or long love, but it means something, and that's important
-
Spoiler
that sex scene left me breathless- chris is kinda boyfriend goals
things i didn't like
- maia's character was inconsistent and grating. i felt like there was going to be some big reveal about the real reason why maia was running around town with her dead sister's camera. something deeper than just trying to feel closer to her. but there was nothing.
- so, on a related note, this culminates into
Spoiler
chris and maia's breakupSpoiler
i get chris feeling betrayed that maia lied, or even just didn't tell him the whole truth, but to have a screaming match and a hyperventilating, tears streaming down your face breakdown about it seemed a little dramatic.- and on top of that, i feel like there were details that were just mentioned and set up to be big plot points and then, never acknowledged again?
Spoiler
like, when neil told chris that maia burned all of mallory's photos. i mean, was that a lie? i feel like it was. but then if it was, why would neil lie about something like that? just to sabotage maia and ruin her life? why does he hate her so much? am i missing something? am i dumb?- i obviously can't speak for this, but i've seen some reviews that the trans rep here is harmful and inaccurate. do with that what you will.
my library categorizes this as a cozy read, and yes, i agree, this was very cozy.