A review by lit_vibrations
Bad Habit by Alana S. Portero

emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Imagine growing up in the world pretending to be someone you’re not because society refuses to accept the real you. 

The novel follows a trans girl whose name was never mentioned as she struggles with her identity and finding her place in the world. As we follow her from childhood into adulthood we watch as she becomes detached from the world including herself. To become who you want to be sometimes it takes encouragement a little inspiration, and guidance. 

With local trans women like Margarita and Eugenia or the irrepressible diva Caramel she’s able to use them as a guiding light to plot her own course. No matter the direction she goes she begins to realize each choice she makes will really be a matter of life and death. Does she say fuck society and live in her truth or continue hiding in the closet repressing her true self?

The book was very interesting and thought provoking almost didn’t read like fiction at all. It was a beautiful story sometimes heartbreaking because of the trauma and violence that comes with being trans. The fact she spent most of her childhood studying women and pretending to be a man out of fear her transition wasn’t easy. But everyone that surrounded the MC already knew her place in the world and accepted her she simply struggled with accepting herself. For instance, the relationship she had with her father while it was never mentioned you can tell he already knew the truth. 

Overall, the book was decent it focused a lot on the innermost thoughts, fears, and feelings trans women tend to have about coming out. With bold chapter titles that stand out and short chapters throughout the book was fast paced and could be easily read in one sitting. Special thanks to the author, @booksparks , @harpervia for my gifted copy‼️

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️