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A review by jessicadoom
Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith
3.0
I am conflicted on this book. I appreciate the fact that it's an own stories book about a trans boy. And I know I can't comment on an experience that wasn't mine. However, I feel like this novel sort of perpetuated some of those harmful tropes that leave me wishing for more. The bashing, the exposure of the concealed body, the idea that there's one way to be proud of who you are.
I liked the character of Pony and believe that most of his experience was well written. I can't honestly say I fault him for striving to go stealth, even if I do resent him for not sticking up for his community while doing so. At the same time, I can identify with his friend for wishing he would do more with his new life.
The part that bugged me the most was his strive to be with Georgia who...was kind of a shitty person? And he could very much see that in what she said to him several times. But still, he wanted so much to be with her and then in the end, she changed her mind and everything was suddenly okay? It hurts my heart to see that.
Lastly, I'm not sure the job for Ted London really added much to the story. I feel like it could have tied in a little better.
Overall, I do get where the author was going and I can appreciate the characters and how things turned out in the end. However, I wish we could find ways to focus on these trans experiences without the violence and need for shame.
I liked the character of Pony and believe that most of his experience was well written. I can't honestly say I fault him for striving to go stealth, even if I do resent him for not sticking up for his community while doing so. At the same time, I can identify with his friend for wishing he would do more with his new life.
The part that bugged me the most was his strive to be with Georgia who...was kind of a shitty person? And he could very much see that in what she said to him several times. But still, he wanted so much to be with her and then in the end, she changed her mind and everything was suddenly okay? It hurts my heart to see that.
Lastly, I'm not sure the job for Ted London really added much to the story. I feel like it could have tied in a little better.
Overall, I do get where the author was going and I can appreciate the characters and how things turned out in the end. However, I wish we could find ways to focus on these trans experiences without the violence and need for shame.