A review by dawntin
None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

emotional informative fast-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

3.25

This book was informative (written by a surgeon) and a good start for teens who want to learn about intersex people. The book used homophobic and transphobic slurs, as well as the word “hermaphrodite,” but the author’s intent was to educate readers on why those words are wrong. I have a lot to respect for the author’s choice to do that, and I think it really helped demonstrate the discrimination and prejudice that intersex people face. It was good that this book was educational, but I found a lot of flaws in the plot and characters. I feel like the author piled on every issue she knew girls with AIS struggled with onto the main character Kristin, and it became unrealistic. At one point I thought her life could not get worse, but then it did. Kristin’s personality was erratic:
she never checked her social media out of fear and tried to cope by going clubbing. Highlighting bad coping mechanisms can show readers what not to do, but she barely thinks afterwards about how what she does isn’t helping her feel better.
I also found the ending to happen too quickly and perfectly.
When she is unfortunately sexually assaulted, Darren comes to the rescue and they fight off the man together. Everything is good at the end after Darren becomes her boyfriend, but there’s no clear acceptance or move towards acceptance of her body with AIS. It’s like now that she’s desirable, everything is good.
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