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A review by adammm
Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden
4.0
Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden has very little in common with Heartstopper, and if you're out here comparing them that means you have a total of three queer references. Please, do better.
Some disjointed thoughts:
- I really appreciate how Madden writes Luca being Jordan's dirty little secret as affecting so many people. Though adult m/m romances like to portray men in the closet as being something sexy, in the real world, it is difficult and stressful for everyone involved.
- I think the author does a great job at showing how truly selfish and unlikable teenagers can be - and how they can grow and change with a little self-actualization.
- I don't really like how it takes Luca until so late in the book to really start thinking and questioning his own actions/attitudes. I do get that the book needs to build to an explosive climax, but I think he should have shown a little more growth earlier in the story (starting at the 50% mark, perhaps?) to make it feel more organic.
- Luca's relationship with his dad is excellent. As discussed in an interview between the author and the audiobook voice actor, the intention was to show that plenty of people have accepting parents - coming out or being queer is not a big deal for everyone, and this relationship is natural and just great. The issues between them being unrelated to Luca's sexuality is terrific writing.
- I do wish that there was at least one more scene featuring Luca's new friend group towards the end of the book. It was a bit too tell-but-not-show.
- Honestly, I don't know if But what do I know?
- Amina! That is all.
Great m/m YA book from a part of the world that doesn't seem to see to many of them. Definitely worth a read.
Oh, and for my own comparisons: think Nina Kenwood, Robbie Couch, Ciara Smyth. Now that's how you do (mostly) queer references!
Some disjointed thoughts:
- I really appreciate how Madden writes Luca being Jordan's dirty little secret as affecting so many people. Though adult m/m romances like to portray men in the closet as being something sexy, in the real world, it is difficult and stressful for everyone involved.
- I think the author does a great job at showing how truly selfish and unlikable teenagers can be - and how they can grow and change with a little self-actualization.
- I don't really like how it takes Luca until so late in the book to really start thinking and questioning his own actions/attitudes. I do get that the book needs to build to an explosive climax, but I think he should have shown a little more growth earlier in the story (starting at the 50% mark, perhaps?) to make it feel more organic.
- Luca's relationship with his dad is excellent. As discussed in an interview between the author and the audiobook voice actor, the intention was to show that plenty of people have accepting parents - coming out or being queer is not a big deal for everyone, and this relationship is natural and just great. The issues between them being unrelated to Luca's sexuality is terrific writing.
- I do wish that there was at least one more scene featuring Luca's new friend group towards the end of the book. It was a bit too tell-but-not-show.
- Honestly, I don't know if
Spoiler
the book needed to end with a relationship between Luca and Jordan. I sort of think the book would have been stronger if Luca and Jordan had gone their own ways and Luca ended the book with his new friend group of Amina and Grace.- Amina! That is all.
Great m/m YA book from a part of the world that doesn't seem to see to many of them. Definitely worth a read.
Oh, and for my own comparisons: think Nina Kenwood, Robbie Couch, Ciara Smyth. Now that's how you do (mostly) queer references!