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A review by troystory
Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I remember reading this book years ago, when I was having an identity crisis of my own, and I remember how powerful it felt to me. But it's been a long time, and I decided I should re-read it and see if I feel the same way about it now.
And I think, actually, it's even better than it was the first time I read it.
Firstly, let me say that I ADORE the three main characters (Riley especially just owns my whole heart), and they were probably the first teens I've read in YA books that actually felt like teens to me, which was surprising, in a very good way. And Kanada! She stole every scene she was in, seriously.
This was such a refreshing book, and it has such an important story and message. There are lots more LGBTQ+ books out now (pun not intended), but I think it's still rare to find some that focus on people who aren't cisgender, and those stories are just as significant and have as much a right to be told.
There are definitely trigger warnings for this book, so read it with caution. I think that's the only part that I didn't really like, but apart from it, I loved it.
I think everyone should read this. Highly recommended! It might make you cry!
And I think, actually, it's even better than it was the first time I read it.
Firstly, let me say that I ADORE the three main characters (Riley especially just owns my whole heart), and they were probably the first teens I've read in YA books that actually felt like teens to me, which was surprising, in a very good way. And Kanada! She stole every scene she was in, seriously.
This was such a refreshing book, and it has such an important story and message. There are lots more LGBTQ+ books out now (pun not intended), but I think it's still rare to find some that focus on people who aren't cisgender, and those stories are just as significant and have as much a right to be told.
There are definitely trigger warnings for this book, so read it with caution. I think that's the only part that I didn't really like, but apart from it, I loved it.
I think everyone should read this. Highly recommended! It might make you cry!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Transphobia
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide