nnixe's review
5.0
Amazing book. It was raw and beautiful, I have never work with patients with eating disorders, I hope one day I can be of help. Me conmovió hasta las lágrimas
papercranestitches's review
5.0
Mark my words: The Impossible Boy is going to end up being one of my favourite - if not my very favourite - book of 2017.
fuzzywilson's review
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Medical content, and Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcoholism
hartd's review
4.0
A very sweet story. There is no conflict between Stan and Ben, and their relationship is really intimate and lovely. I definitely recommend reading this book.
I am cis but to me the genderfluid aspect of this book seems very good. I've seen complaints from trans readers that it's tiresome to always read cis partners' versions of trans people's stories, and I don't think this book makes that mistake. We don't really see Ben's thoughts on Stan's gender presentation, beyond the fact that Ben thinks Stan is beautiful. There's more focus on Stan's feelings about gender, as well as an informational moment when he explains how he feels to another character (Tone), which seems natural.
I really like the friendship that develops between Tone and Stan, and there's a nice family-of-choice feel throughout the book, with a great payoff near the end. This isn't really a book about being genderfluid or about having anorexia, either. I would classify it mainly as a coming-of-age romance, in a quiet way.
My only complaint: there are a few important things that happen which aren't actually shown, especially, which seemed like a strange choice to me. Oh, and a minor thing: the blurb is pretty silly (sorry). Romance is all about characters who are supposed to be unusual in the genre, but rock stars are pretty standard. I bought this because I read the excerpt and really liked Stan. The writing quality is great.
I am cis but to me the genderfluid aspect of this book seems very good. I've seen complaints from trans readers that it's tiresome to always read cis partners' versions of trans people's stories, and I don't think this book makes that mistake. We don't really see Ben's thoughts on Stan's gender presentation, beyond the fact that Ben thinks Stan is beautiful. There's more focus on Stan's feelings about gender, as well as an informational moment when he explains how he feels to another character (Tone), which seems natural.
I really like the friendship that develops between Tone and Stan, and there's a nice family-of-choice feel throughout the book, with a great payoff near the end. This isn't really a book about being genderfluid or about having anorexia, either. I would classify it mainly as a coming-of-age romance, in a quiet way.
My only complaint: there are a few important things that happen which aren't actually shown, especially
Spoiler
Stan's relapseanya_doesntmatter's review
4.0
I’m Just gonna dive right in and say: I ALMOST gave up on this book when I read the words “It’s a he.” I cringed because I know just how much it hurts to be referred to as an “it”. It pulled me out of the story and I had to think long and hard in regards to the author’s intent. I'm a stickler for getting it right when writing about marginalized peoples. #TeachableMoments #KnowledgeAndEmpathy My feelings were still in turmoil as I plowed on.... and I am so happy I did!
I really like these characters. Stan is a welcome surprise! I like that his non-binary gender identity is not the central focus driving the story. Stan fought that battle eons ago. He's comfortable in his skin and knows who he is. Then there's Ben. Ben is based on outward appearance a bad boy (with a heart of gold). An aspiring musician, Ben is the type of guy anyone would be lucky to have. He’s considerate, driven and cares deeply for Stan and his comforts.
The story focused on Ben and Stan getting to know each other, drawing strength from each other building a relationship and taking that next step when people decide to embark on that journey of “us”. These two working together and compromising speaks true to successful real-life relationships. It’s all about putting in the grunt work and baring your soul, being vulnerable and hoping that your significant other will still take you as you are. Ben does this for Stan and vice versa. I just about cried during those tender and sometimes painful moments.
This book is angst free and so full of heart. I was completely invested in their relationship, completely immersed in their world, their hearts, their minds and I could relate to an extent to their individual battles. I recommend it if you’re looking for a realistic sweet read. the only drawback was the unfortunate turn of phrase in the beginning, other than that everything else was beautifully written.
My Personal Anna Martin faves:
[b:Tattoos & Teacups|15719569|Tattoos & Teacups (Tattoos, #1)|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1340509796s/15719569.jpg|21391735], [b:Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|29968489|Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461201305s/29968489.jpg|50363930]
[bc:Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|29968489|Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461201305s/29968489.jpg|50363930] [bc:Tattoos & Teacups|15719569|Tattoos & Teacups (Tattoos, #1)|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1340509796s/15719569.jpg|21391735]
*ARC provided by publisher for review at my discretion*
I really like these characters. Stan is a welcome surprise! I like that his non-binary gender identity is not the central focus driving the story. Stan fought that battle eons ago. He's comfortable in his skin and knows who he is. Then there's Ben. Ben is based on outward appearance a bad boy (with a heart of gold). An aspiring musician, Ben is the type of guy anyone would be lucky to have. He’s considerate, driven and cares deeply for Stan and his comforts.
The story focused on Ben and Stan getting to know each other, drawing strength from each other building a relationship and taking that next step when people decide to embark on that journey of “us”. These two working together and compromising speaks true to successful real-life relationships. It’s all about putting in the grunt work and baring your soul, being vulnerable and hoping that your significant other will still take you as you are. Ben does this for Stan and vice versa. I just about cried during those tender and sometimes painful moments.
This book is angst free and so full of heart. I was completely invested in their relationship, completely immersed in their world, their hearts, their minds and I could relate to an extent to their individual battles. I recommend it if you’re looking for a realistic sweet read. the only drawback was the unfortunate turn of phrase in the beginning, other than that everything else was beautifully written.
My Personal Anna Martin faves:
[b:Tattoos & Teacups|15719569|Tattoos & Teacups (Tattoos, #1)|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1340509796s/15719569.jpg|21391735], [b:Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|29968489|Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461201305s/29968489.jpg|50363930]
[bc:Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|29968489|Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461201305s/29968489.jpg|50363930] [bc:Tattoos & Teacups|15719569|Tattoos & Teacups (Tattoos, #1)|Anna Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1340509796s/15719569.jpg|21391735]
*ARC provided by publisher for review at my discretion*
chadjames312's review
5.0
Anna Martin has written the most beautiful, thought-provoking novel!
ѓ??The Impossible Boyѓ?ќ is part meeting, falling in love and part overcoming what life throws in your way for the main characters, Ben and Stan.
Ben wants to find a way to balance his new burgeoning career and caring for his ѓ??Beautiful Impossible Boy,ѓ?ќ Stan. Stan has been battling anorexia since his teenage years. This is something he wants to work through on his own. Ben feels rejected but in the end, realizes Stan just needs the support of his ѓ??boyfriendѓ?? not a ѓ??parentѓ??.
ѓ??The Impossible Boyѓ?ќ is part meeting, falling in love and part overcoming what life throws in your way for the main characters, Ben and Stan.
Ben wants to find a way to balance his new burgeoning career and caring for his ѓ??Beautiful Impossible Boy,ѓ?ќ Stan. Stan has been battling anorexia since his teenage years. This is something he wants to work through on his own. Ben feels rejected but in the end, realizes Stan just needs the support of his ѓ??boyfriendѓ?? not a ѓ??parentѓ??.
zelda75's review against another edition
5.0
What a sweet and tender love story!
But this book is much more...it faces also serious and sensitive subjects.
Loved it! Stan ❤️
But this book is much more...it faces also serious and sensitive subjects.
Loved it! Stan ❤️
hartd's review against another edition
4.0
A very sweet story. There is no conflict between Stan and Ben, and their relationship is really intimate and lovely. I definitely recommend reading this book.
I am cis but to me the genderfluid aspect of this book seems very good. I've seen complaints from trans readers that it's tiresome to always read cis partners' versions of trans people's stories, and I don't think this book makes that mistake. We don't really see Ben's thoughts on Stan's gender presentation, beyond the fact that Ben thinks Stan is beautiful. There's more focus on Stan's feelings about gender, as well as an informational moment when he explains how he feels to another character (Tone), which seems natural.
I really like the friendship that develops between Tone and Stan, and there's a nice family-of-choice feel throughout the book, with a great payoff near the end. This isn't really a book about being genderfluid or about having anorexia, either. I would classify it mainly as a coming-of-age romance, in a quiet way.
My only complaint: there are a few important things that happen which aren't actually shown, especially, which seemed like a strange choice to me. Oh, and a minor thing: the blurb is pretty silly (sorry). Romance is all about characters who are supposed to be unusual in the genre, but rock stars are pretty standard. I bought this because I read the excerpt and really liked Stan. The writing quality is great.
I am cis but to me the genderfluid aspect of this book seems very good. I've seen complaints from trans readers that it's tiresome to always read cis partners' versions of trans people's stories, and I don't think this book makes that mistake. We don't really see Ben's thoughts on Stan's gender presentation, beyond the fact that Ben thinks Stan is beautiful. There's more focus on Stan's feelings about gender, as well as an informational moment when he explains how he feels to another character (Tone), which seems natural.
I really like the friendship that develops between Tone and Stan, and there's a nice family-of-choice feel throughout the book, with a great payoff near the end. This isn't really a book about being genderfluid or about having anorexia, either. I would classify it mainly as a coming-of-age romance, in a quiet way.
My only complaint: there are a few important things that happen which aren't actually shown, especially
Spoiler
Stan's relapsejennyreadsromance's review
5.0
This is the first transgender book I have read and I absolutely loved it. Although I read a lot of M/M romance, I don't quite know what I'm going to get when it comes to transgender or gender-fluid characters. I'm so glad I started with this one. Stan is a gender fluid man completely confident in his appearance. Ben is a wanna be rock star trying to make it big with his band. The chemistry between them is amazing and they are so cute together. One of the things I loved was that Ben didn't try to change Stan and just let him be him. There was never a question about their love for one another. This story is also about eating disorders and how they affect ourselves and those around us. It is a powerful message in more than one way and it's amazing.