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fangirl325's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
zakfrost's review against another edition
4.0
I really wanted to love this book. I mean REALLY wanted to love this book. It had everything I love in my own life - living in the UK, enjoying music as a pianist and studying Music, even being gay and being able to relate to Marty…. But I just couldn’t love it as much as I wanted. The plot itself is fantastic and the narrative is great, minus the wishy washy mental health that’s incorporated but not actually discussed in detail. Although I enjoyed reading, I found myself following along with Marty’s life (enjoyable yes, but a lack of excitement). I was torn between 3 or 4 stars. It’s worth the read but is lower down on my rankings of books.
lestradez0's review against another edition
4.0
"As Far As You'll Take Me" by Bloomsbury is a heartwarming and deeply personal novel about self-discovery, identity, and the power of music. The book is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores the struggles and triumphs of a young gay man as he navigates the challenges of growing up and finding his place in the world.
The story follows Marty, a talented musician who leaves his small town in Kentucky to pursue his dream of playing in London. As he navigates a new city and a new culture, he grapples with the challenges of coming out to his family and finding acceptance and support from those around him. Along the way, he discovers the transformative power of music and the ways in which it can connect us to others and to ourselves.
One of the strengths of the book is Bloomsbury's skillful use of character development and emotional depth. Marty is a vividly drawn protagonist, full of complexity, nuance, and vulnerability. His struggles and triumphs are relatable and compelling, and his journey is one that will resonate with readers of all ages.
The book also explores important themes of self-acceptance and self-discovery, offering a powerful message of hope and resilience. As Marty confronts the challenges of his journey, he learns to embrace his true self and to find the courage to pursue his dreams and passions.
Overall, "As Far As You'll Take Me" is a powerful and inspiring novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. With its rich character development, engaging narrative, and heartfelt message of hope, it is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The story follows Marty, a talented musician who leaves his small town in Kentucky to pursue his dream of playing in London. As he navigates a new city and a new culture, he grapples with the challenges of coming out to his family and finding acceptance and support from those around him. Along the way, he discovers the transformative power of music and the ways in which it can connect us to others and to ourselves.
One of the strengths of the book is Bloomsbury's skillful use of character development and emotional depth. Marty is a vividly drawn protagonist, full of complexity, nuance, and vulnerability. His struggles and triumphs are relatable and compelling, and his journey is one that will resonate with readers of all ages.
The book also explores important themes of self-acceptance and self-discovery, offering a powerful message of hope and resilience. As Marty confronts the challenges of his journey, he learns to embrace his true self and to find the courage to pursue his dreams and passions.
Overall, "As Far As You'll Take Me" is a powerful and inspiring novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. With its rich character development, engaging narrative, and heartfelt message of hope, it is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
itsmeggiebee's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tobyto_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
klarrja's review against another edition
4.0
a charming coming of age story that explores the impact of friendship and music. The plot can sometimes feel a little thin, but the end of the book does tie things in better.
deschatjes's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet coming of age and discovery story of Kentucky boy escaping to London to “make it” in the music world.
About making choice in relationships and friendships & lots of great musical side stories.
Lots of insecurities & disordered eating to fit into an ideal also dealt with sensitively.
About making choice in relationships and friendships & lots of great musical side stories.
Lots of insecurities & disordered eating to fit into an ideal also dealt with sensitively.
unmistakablyphoenix's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was not written for me, so I didn’t connect with the main character almost at all. I liked some of the side characters, despised some of the others.
I enjoyed watching the main character figure out himself and become emotionally stronger, I did admire him for his self awareness.
I also enjoyed the focus on music and instruments, I seem to enjoy YA books that have a big focus on a hobby the character loves. I think it grounds the story very well.
I found it hard to get through the first half of the book, but about 70% of the way in it got really good and finished on a high note.
I enjoyed the writing style, though it did get overly detailed at some points. I’m not sure if that’s a character quirk or the author’s style, so I guess I’d have to read another of his books to find out.
Would recommend this for queer men with an anxiety disorder and love of playing music, the main character should be very relatable for you!
I enjoyed watching the main character figure out himself and become emotionally stronger, I did admire him for his self awareness.
I also enjoyed the focus on music and instruments, I seem to enjoy YA books that have a big focus on a hobby the character loves. I think it grounds the story very well.
I found it hard to get through the first half of the book, but about 70% of the way in it got really good and finished on a high note.
I enjoyed the writing style, though it did get overly detailed at some points. I’m not sure if that’s a character quirk or the author’s style, so I guess I’d have to read another of his books to find out.
Would recommend this for queer men with an anxiety disorder and love of playing music, the main character should be very relatable for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Outing, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Homophobia, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
mdpbernal's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
kmkasiner's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Bloomsbury YA for an e-arc of Phil Stamper's second book, As Far As You'll Take Me.
Trigger warnings: Anxiety/panic attacks, disordered eating and body dysmorphia, homophobia, religious prejudice
First of all I love the cover of this book, it's so colorful! London is one of my favorite places, so I wanted to read this as soon as I knew what it was about. The main character, Marty, is seventeen and moving to London for the summer to try and create a new life there. The situation he's escaping from becomes clear from diary entries in between the chapters.
I went into this expecting a light hearted travel drama, and it started that way, but then quickly became more serious. There are funny moments, but Marty deals with a lot of heavy things, including anxiety. I appreciated the mental illness rep and related to it myself. Marty's anxiety begins to manifest in panic attacks and later disordered eating. He is involved in a couple of toxic friendships that worsen his anxiety. This is not a romance. There is a romantic relationship, but it's not the only plot in the book and (spoiler). I enjoy seeing more books for the "new adult" crowd. A lot of this reminded me of my late teens/early twenties when I was studying abroad and making things work on a shoestring. I also really liked how important music is in the book, and that aspect felt very true to life.
My main criticism of the book is that it could have been longer. Because this is a relatively short standalone, everything is resolved quickly in the end. But we are left with the impression that while Marty has a new lease on life, he will still deal with these issues but with new friends and coping mechanisms. It's a story about making your way in the world and choosing your own family to stand beside you.
Trigger warnings: Anxiety/panic attacks, disordered eating and body dysmorphia, homophobia, religious prejudice
First of all I love the cover of this book, it's so colorful! London is one of my favorite places, so I wanted to read this as soon as I knew what it was about. The main character, Marty, is seventeen and moving to London for the summer to try and create a new life there. The situation he's escaping from becomes clear from diary entries in between the chapters.
I went into this expecting a light hearted travel drama, and it started that way, but then quickly became more serious. There are funny moments, but Marty deals with a lot of heavy things, including anxiety. I appreciated the mental illness rep and related to it myself. Marty's anxiety begins to manifest in panic attacks and later disordered eating. He is involved in a couple of toxic friendships that worsen his anxiety. This is not a romance. There is a romantic relationship, but it's not the only plot in the book and (spoiler)
Spoiler
it does not have an HEAMy main criticism of the book is that it could have been longer. Because this is a relatively short standalone, everything is resolved quickly in the end. But we are left with the impression that while Marty has a new lease on life, he will still deal with these issues but with new friends and coping mechanisms. It's a story about making your way in the world and choosing your own family to stand beside you.