A review by illtakethenightshiftx
Bellies by Nicola Dinan

emotional reflective sad 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

Bellies is a coming of age story that centers around Tom and Ming, young college students who meet at a drag night. The story follows them and their relationship as their lives progress and as Ming transitions. So much is explored within the context of their relationship, friendships, and how they engage with the world around them and each other.

It took me a while to get adjusted to the writing style and narration - it’s been so long since I’ve read a book that was exclusively first-person (and probably 6+ months long since I read litfic) but once I got into it I ended up enjoying it! I did find the main characters’ internal monologues in their respective chapters to be a bit gearing at times, but they helped tie Tom and Ming’s separate narratives together and humanized both of them. The side characters were beautiful, flawed, and felt like real people I could have known at some point. I ended up liking Rob and Cindy the most out of everyone 🥺

The last half of the 3rd act had me in tears until the acknowledgements page so be prepared to get smacked in the face if you choose to read this!!!!

If you’re looking for a queer and trans coming of age story, then I highly recommend Bellies. It’s a heavy story, but it’s beautiful and doesn’t necessarily feel like fiction.