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A review by reinatellstales
Can't Take That Away by Steven Salvatore
5.0
Real talk, Steven Salvatore books do not miss. I'm so serious-- read this one and also the other one and then preorder the next one coming out. (Did you know Steven founded @queerativewriters , where you can take writing classes?? Just wanted to know that here.)
I read And They Lived... before reading this debut novel, so I can solidly say both are total quality. Sophomore slump who?
Can't Take That Away is the story of Carey (like Mariah), a genderqueer teen who is struggling with issues that spiraled out of control the previous year. They've got a great relationship with their mom, a helpful teacher, and a fantastic best friend, but they used to have more. A lively, wise-cracking songstress Grandma, before Alzheimer's began affecting her memory and personality. Another best friend, who still is around but nothing like before. Vocal lessons to express themselves, before they needed to blend in. Even a burgeoning interest in writing, before a nasty teacher crushed that dream.
Therapy has been helping, but making a new friend really pushes Carey out of their comfort zone and into the school musical audition, where they're trying out for Elphaba, a lead role that is typically female. Thrown into the spotlight again, last year's issues begin to creep up with a vengeance... but with some new friends to support them, maybe they can come out stronger.
Part of the reason why I love this story is because it has so many places where I think other people may have cut it off. It could've ended in so many places along the way... but none would have seen so genuine. There was always a reason to keep going and let the story be told the way it needed to.
I read And They Lived... before reading this debut novel, so I can solidly say both are total quality. Sophomore slump who?
Can't Take That Away is the story of Carey (like Mariah), a genderqueer teen who is struggling with issues that spiraled out of control the previous year. They've got a great relationship with their mom, a helpful teacher, and a fantastic best friend, but they used to have more. A lively, wise-cracking songstress Grandma, before Alzheimer's began affecting her memory and personality. Another best friend, who still is around but nothing like before. Vocal lessons to express themselves, before they needed to blend in. Even a burgeoning interest in writing, before a nasty teacher crushed that dream.
Therapy has been helping, but making a new friend really pushes Carey out of their comfort zone and into the school musical audition, where they're trying out for Elphaba, a lead role that is typically female. Thrown into the spotlight again, last year's issues begin to creep up with a vengeance... but with some new friends to support them, maybe they can come out stronger.
Part of the reason why I love this story is because it has so many places where I think other people may have cut it off. It could've ended in so many places along the way... but none would have seen so genuine. There was always a reason to keep going and let the story be told the way it needed to.