A review by kaseycanread
Something Like Gravity by Amber Smith

I struggle to rate this book. I really enjoyed it, loved the world building and I really grew attached to the characters and the story itself. However, there are some elements to the story that kind of- to say the least are questionable? For instance, in the middle of the story Maia is hiding in a closet and sees Chris get changed and realizes he’s transgender before Chris has a chance to tell her personally. This was... very very icky to me? Amber Smith is a brilliant writer but I feel like this was such an unnecessary and potientially VERY harmful twist in the story that should definitely be discussed. Later on in the story Maia throws it in Chris’ face that she knew he was trans before he told her and that was just- a lot. I understand that Maia was lashing out because of her own issues but, god, that to me is unforgivable. What makes this even worse to me is that the story is set up for you to sympathize with Maia and root for Chris to accept her apology but like no, Chris for your own safety and security please don’t feel an obligation to forgive someone after they’ve alienated you because of your gender identity after you trusted them. Bottom line is I think the trans rep could’ve been handled better and this isn’t the safest book for the LGBTQ+ community.

I’m a cisgender woman so I’m leaving the rating of this book to my trans + gender non-binary friends. This book has a lot of good in it but also has a lot of harmful and triggering elements to it that for sure could’ve been avoided.