A review by alertnerd
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve

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

4.0

Dean just came out as a lesbian not too long ago -- the only problem is, Dean’s really a trans guy. After he gets cast as a “nontraditional” Romeo in his school’s play, Dean wants everyone -- including his girlfriend -- to see him as a guy.

Between Perfect and Real is a story about first-loves, discovering yourself, the family you’re born into and the family you choose.

Maybe it’s just because I’m an obsessively organized person, but I really loved the way this book was organized and broken up into the different “acts” to mirror the play Dean was rehearsing for. It really helped the story flow.

I also really loved Dean’s friend group and how Ray Stoeve showed how transphobia can be present even in all-queer groups.

I also appreciated the attempts at discussing race and privilege, but some of those parts felt a little tacked-on after the fact and a little cringey.

This is a beautiful debut by Ray Stoeve, and I can’t wait to see what they put out next.

TW: transphobia, deadnaming (the name isn’t said), slurs, bullying

Release date: April 13, 2021

Thanks to Netgalley and Amulet Books for this ARC!
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