A review by millibee
Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden

5.0

Anything But Fine was honestly EVERYTHING I needed when I picked it up. I devoured this book in one sitting which is something I really never do. It's so strange sometimes, the way that I love books in general so much but then pick up an Australian YA and it immediately feels like I've come home. Our main character, Luca, is special in a way that is completely out of this world. His voice is so real and unique, I knew who he was instantly. His journey through seeing his dreams of being a professional ballet dancer shatter, moving schools and navigating friendships and relationships is something that I could read over and over. Luca's friendship with Amina is something I cherished. I loved how well she was written, that her ethnicity and faith was treated by Tobias Madden with such care and that her interests involved teaching, studying, and One Direction. I would like to dedicate a specific shout out to the term 'old-mate Styles' in reference to the one-and-only Harry Styles. Thank you, Luca, I will never call him anything but this ever again.

Update:
I have also received and listened to the audiobook ARC of the US release thanks to NetGalley!

I was so excited to experience this wonderful book in a new format and the narrator, Matthew Backer, absolutely nailed Luca’s voice! Listening to Luca’s story was so lively and I enjoyed every minute of it. I feel like I connected to Luca’s struggles with letting his dreams go even more and his feelings towards his friends truly hit home when I heard it all out loud. Kudos to both Tobias and Matthew for bringing such a beautiful and, at times, hilarious story into my life.