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A review by mezzano
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mason Deaver wrote in their afternote that they wrote the book they needed as a teenager so that his readers could see themselves in the books they consume. While I cannot speak for the entirety of Deaver's reader-base, I will say that their debut novel, I Wish You All the Best was a story I related to immensely.
There are many darker and sadder themes in this book, showcasing a side to queer stories which isn't always light-hearted and fun. The main character starts their journey calling an estranged sister after being their parents kicked them out for being nonbinary. The main character, Ben, finds themselves navigating their past traumas, mental health, and relationship with family all while trying to do well academically and socially. The part of this aspect of the story I found most empowering and realistic was that Ben's mental health recovery was not linear. Ben had good days and bad days, despite resources meant to aid them. This is something I have longed to see portrayed realistically in a young adult book, and I'm thrilled that it was done so masterfully here.
At it's heart, I Wish You All the Best is a hopeful story about coming into your own. Once Ben moves to Rayleigh, they are surrounded by a family that accepts them, friends who adore them, and a therapist who helps Ben learn how to navigate their feelings and struggles. While Ben struggles for the most of the book to decide who else (if anyone) they will come out to other than their sister, their sister's husband, and their therapist, this is entirely their decision. Ben is also at the helm of their own recovery process, choosing options which they feel is best for them. As Ben grows more familiar with students at the school, they even grow particularly close to a student named Nathan. This blossoms into a loving and deep relationship slowly over the course of the book.
Be warned: This book appears to be written before much of the JKR controversy occurred surrounding trans rights. Harry Potter is mention several times throughout the book. This book is also open about Ben's previous trauma they faced at home with abusive parents, and they are mentioned and have a role in the story beyond the first chapter.
There are many darker and sadder themes in this book, showcasing a side to queer stories which isn't always light-hearted and fun. The main character starts their journey calling an estranged sister after being their parents kicked them out for being nonbinary. The main character, Ben, finds themselves navigating their past traumas, mental health, and relationship with family all while trying to do well academically and socially. The part of this aspect of the story I found most empowering and realistic was that Ben's mental health recovery was not linear. Ben had good days and bad days, despite resources meant to aid them. This is something I have longed to see portrayed realistically in a young adult book, and I'm thrilled that it was done so masterfully here.
At it's heart, I Wish You All the Best is a hopeful story about coming into your own. Once Ben moves to Rayleigh, they are surrounded by a family that accepts them, friends who adore them, and a therapist who helps Ben learn how to navigate their feelings and struggles. While Ben struggles for the most of the book to decide who else (if anyone) they will come out to other than their sister, their sister's husband, and their therapist, this is entirely their decision. Ben is also at the helm of their own recovery process, choosing options which they feel is best for them. As Ben grows more familiar with students at the school, they even grow particularly close to a student named Nathan. This blossoms into a loving and deep relationship slowly over the course of the book.
Be warned: This book appears to be written before much of the JKR controversy occurred surrounding trans rights. Harry Potter is mention several times throughout the book. This book is also open about Ben's previous trauma they faced at home with abusive parents, and they are mentioned and have a role in the story beyond the first chapter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Child abuse and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content
Abortion is briefly discussed as an option for a supporting character.
Ben's parents are verbally abusive and have a history of physical abuse.
Misgendering is frequent in this book, due to Ben staying quiet about their identity at school. This is also a theme for supportive characters, who do not fully recognize their own microaggressions (not thinking deeply about the lack of gender neutral changing rooms in stores, etc.). Ben's parents are so opposed to trans and nonbinary youth that they kicked Ben out of their home. Harry Potter is frequently mentioned in a positive or casual way in the book.
Ben appears to have an anxiety disorder and is medicated for it. He goes to counseling but still has panic attacks. They are taught to use grounding techniques which are used.