Reviews with content warning for Outing - The Passing Playbook

I didn't hate this book. I also didn't love it.

Technically, there was nothing wrong with it. A little cliche and as though it was filling up with as many tropes and plot devices as possible. Yet, it was so boring. The characters and writing lacked so much depth and detail.

I was expecting a YA novel and instead got a middle grade or lower reading level. As a result, the pace was slow, detail non existent, and characters were empty and unrelatable.

This might be a great option for a teen who has a lower reading level, like a high interest/low level book, but that might be it's niche.

Content Warnings

beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

~~Review to come.~~

The Passing Playbook is a tale that warms the cockles of the heart. It's also vitally important that trans folk have positive, uplifting stories like these. Don't get me wrong, those painful, difficult and heartbreaking stories are needed too, but it's important to have happy endings for trans folk as much as anyone else.

Of course, it isn't all sunshine and roses for our main character, Spencer, who has to deal with transphobia, and homophobia, much of it wrapped up in religious bigotry. However, author Isaac Fitzsimons treats these topics with the care and sensitivity they deserve whilst never allowing them to overwhelm the narrative.

I really enjoyed seeing Spencer's relationship with his parents - so often in YA these characters are seen as an afterthought, so it was nice to see them developed properly here. I loved how supportive they were of Spencer's transition, even if they did make mistakes and Spencer felt frustrated with them at times. Their intentions always came from a good place.

I really enjoyed this, and look forward to reading more from Fitzsimons.

Content Warnings

dummehure's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is the gay trans romance we all needed!! Finally a gay romance who's main conflict isn't homophobia. This book depicts the flaws within the LGBTQIA+ community and the struggles trans and non binary people face and how they overlap and differ. The complicated Family dynamic that often occur even if you do have accepting parents are depicted realistically and giving the appropriate amount of weight. I really enjoyed this book!! but also ew straight gays and soccer

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emmaward55's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A solid YA romance that would have worked better for me if I were at all interested in football!

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