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A review by reading_seas0n
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
TW: Deadnaming, transphobia, homophobia, misuse of pronouns, trauma, violence, mentioning past bullying, mental health, depression & body dysmorphia.
Sadly, the start of this story is a reality for many lgbtq+ children. Ben is thrown out of their parent's house after coming out as non-binary and has to deal with so much after their life is thrown into disarray due to this unjust rejection; the pain of their parent's reaction, reconnecting with their estranged sister, misgendering, mental health decline and an anxiety disorder. That is a lot on a kid's head, and I hate that this is some folk's reality.
The pacing of this book is done so well. I think pacing and voice in a story like this are essential, and I really think ‘I Wish You All The Best’ was able to achieve that. I couldn’t put the book down as I went on through everything with Ben.
Also, while frustrating at times, I believe Ben’s sister, Hannah, was an excellent self-insert for those reading who aren’t LGBTQ+, have someone in their life who has come out or maybe on a specific letter in the LGBTQ+ but confused or wanting to learn more about Non-binary -please look at non-fictional and do actual research too but this is a good step towards it.
I am an lgbtq+ member, but my experiences are my own in my sexuality journey and seeing and getting glimpses of another member’s (whether fictional or not, as the foundation is usually based in reality) experiences and journey, I truly appreciate the perspective and insight.
Side note: I’m not sure, but I would suggest that those with ED carefully read this. I don’t know if it was intended, but this book gave me a sense of food's hyper-awareness.
Sadly, the start of this story is a reality for many lgbtq+ children. Ben is thrown out of their parent's house after coming out as non-binary and has to deal with so much after their life is thrown into disarray due to this unjust rejection; the pain of their parent's reaction, reconnecting with their estranged sister, misgendering, mental health decline and an anxiety disorder. That is a lot on a kid's head, and I hate that this is some folk's reality.
The pacing of this book is done so well. I think pacing and voice in a story like this are essential, and I really think ‘I Wish You All The Best’ was able to achieve that. I couldn’t put the book down as I went on through everything with Ben.
Also, while frustrating at times, I believe Ben’s sister, Hannah, was an excellent self-insert for those reading who aren’t LGBTQ+, have someone in their life who has come out or maybe on a specific letter in the LGBTQ+ but confused or wanting to learn more about Non-binary -please look at non-fictional and do actual research too but this is a good step towards it.
I am an lgbtq+ member, but my experiences are my own in my sexuality journey and seeing and getting glimpses of another member’s (whether fictional or not, as the foundation is usually based in reality) experiences and journey, I truly appreciate the perspective and insight.
Side note: I’m not sure, but I would suggest that those with ED carefully read this. I don’t know if it was intended, but this book gave me a sense of food's hyper-awareness.