menniemenace's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
I liked the cover and the synopsis so much. It's like a scarring get-fit montage played with an evil "Eye of The Tiger" in the background.
The topic of male body image is rarely tackled, but it wasn't very well-done here. I feel as if the author told us rather than showing the problem and letting us connect the dots.
I liked the cover and the synopsis so much. It's like a scarring get-fit montage played with an evil "Eye of The Tiger" in the background.
The topic of male body image is rarely tackled, but it wasn't very well-done here. I feel as if the author told us rather than showing the problem and letting us connect the dots.
rileygatlin's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Probably not the target demographic for this book, but
lio_clementine's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.75
While heavy-handed and rushed at times, Fred Aceves sheds the romanticism often associated with eating and body image disorders to honestly portray body and muscle dysmorphia in a young man who reflects experiences not often portrayed in media.
jgduncan94's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jpfortmiller's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Addiction
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Death
wastingtime1994's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
Aceves writes a beautiful story I recognize but have never been affected by 4.25/5.0
sinslashcos's review against another edition
If you are looking for a heavy book that discuss muscle dysmorphia, steroid abuse, and male body image issues, this is a great book. It was too heavy for me to want to continue and delve deeper into, but I really appreciated the message and the story. It reminded me a lot of Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour.
Spoiler
I skipped to the end and read the final conversation between the main character and his ex-gilrfriend. I love how she didn't immediately take him back, but explained her own boundaries and need for time. One of the healthiest relationship conversations I've ever read. It should be framed and hung on a wall.joyful_soul_collector's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book! This is the first book I've ever read that discusses male body dysmorphia, and it made me feel very seen. I also enjoyed it specifically reading as a trans man, because I found out that a lot of the feelings David felt were similar to the gender dysphoria I've felt in my life, especially when he talked about times he worried about seeming feminine. It helped me realize that cis men and trans men actually worry about a lot of the same things in terms of body image issues. I really recommend this book to any men experiencing dysphoria with their bodies, it really feels nice to read about someone going through the same thing.
mayarelmahdy's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
I liked the cover and the synopsis so much. It's like a scarring get-fit montage played with an evil "Eye of The Tiger" in the background.
The topic of male body image is rarely tackled, but it wasn't very well-done here. I feel as if the author told us rather than showing the problem and letting us connect the dots.
I liked the cover and the synopsis so much. It's like a scarring get-fit montage played with an evil "Eye of The Tiger" in the background.
The topic of male body image is rarely tackled, but it wasn't very well-done here. I feel as if the author told us rather than showing the problem and letting us connect the dots.