kateryderbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
agustinap's review against another edition
3.0
I would give this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it. It was really easy to read and the characters were likable. I have never read a book about this topic so it made me think about the different situations that these people live, either before or after their transformation. It's a hard life.
cassreadsalatte's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book but reading the author’s note at the end is key. I wish it was placed as an introduction.
sweetdreams_sunshine's review against another edition
4.0
This book is so, so important.
I won't lie there are flaws in this book. The biggest one for me was the ending was rushed and most of the results from the climax were resolved way quicker than necessary. Also although while I tag this as realistic fiction there were aspects of Amanda's life (and transition) that the author chose to gloss over to an extent, which may bug others but didn't bother me. Instead Russo chose to focus on Amanda's emotional journey and personal growth and I really enjoyed this fact.
Amanda, as a character, was easily the strongest aspect of this novel. She was easy to relate to, therefore it was easy to really feel for the struggles she went through. She also had a pretty great support system which made the majority of the side characters easy to like.
Overall, I just think this is a great read that everyone should give a chance.
I won't lie there are flaws in this book. The biggest one for me was the ending was rushed and most of the results from the climax were resolved way quicker than necessary. Also although while I tag this as realistic fiction there were aspects of Amanda's life (and transition) that the author chose to gloss over to an extent, which may bug others but didn't bother me. Instead Russo chose to focus on Amanda's emotional journey and personal growth and I really enjoyed this fact.
Amanda, as a character, was easily the strongest aspect of this novel. She was easy to relate to, therefore it was easy to really feel for the struggles she went through. She also had a pretty great support system which made the majority of the side characters easy to like.
Spoiler
I did enjoy that Russo did not make so her parents were accepting of the fact that she is a female, no matter what sex she was born as. I feel like that would not have been realistic, no matter how supportive they were in end.Overall, I just think this is a great read that everyone should give a chance.
thaictaff's review against another edition
3.0
If I Was Your Girl is a compelling book which approaches a subject I don't really know much about — being transgender. It was enlightening to read about this and I'll definitely look for more books with trans main characters. There's so much depth to this story; with discrimination against the transgender community, even from other members of the LGBTQ+ people, and fear for their safety, it's heartbreaking to read.
For as long as I could remember, I had been apologizing for existing, for trying to be who I was, to live the life I was meant to lead.
The story picks up after Amanda has transitioned into her true self, which I found very interesting. It did have flashbacks to when she was still figuring out how to be herself and be true to her identity. Those chapters were touching and of great importance to the plot. It helped me understand trans people in a way that I didn't think possible before.
Amanda is looking for a fresh start, she just wants to be a normal teenage girl and worry about grades, making friends and really just fit in. So when she starts going to this new school and it's accepted by everyone so easily, I was afraid this would turn into a Mean Girls situation. With the pretty popular girls taking to her so fast and all.
Luckily, that didn't happen. In fact, one of my favorite things about this book is the girls friendship. It is so important and pure, I loved that there wasn't really any animosity between them. It's also very important to highlight the fact that their reaction to finding out their friend is a trans girl wasn't to break the friendship or anything like that, and to actually learn more about what does that entail so they could be better friends to Amanda.
Another side of things that I loved seeing, was how it affects the parents. It isn't easy, and not all parents are so accepting of it, in fact, most of them aren't. Which is a sad reality, and I liked how it showed their struggle to help their child and how they tried to understand the best they could. It was a great development, especially with Amanda's father.
Anything, anyone, is better than a dead son.
I believe the romance wasn't really the focus of the story, and I'm so grateful for that. It did have its moments, of course. Grant was a good character, and he was important to Amanda's development but it wasn't something I was too interested in. And even though I can understand his reaction to finding out his girlfriend is transgender, it still disappointed me.
The development throughout this book was what really made me love this story. It gives you an insight on what's coming to terms with yourself about your identity as transgender is really like. And the ending was so important, it showed how far Amanda has come, and that it doesn't matter what Grant decides, she's okay with who she is and she's not hiding it anymore.
I wasn’t sorry I existed any more. I deserved to live. I deserved to find love. I knew now – I believed, now – that I deserved to be loved.
This book isn't perfect, but I feel like that's irrelevant at this point, because it tells a story I think everyone should read. In a way, it changed the way I view certain things and I'm so glad I decided to pick this up.
Review also posted at Read. Breathe. Repeat.
For as long as I could remember, I had been apologizing for existing, for trying to be who I was, to live the life I was meant to lead.
The story picks up after Amanda has transitioned into her true self, which I found very interesting. It did have flashbacks to when she was still figuring out how to be herself and be true to her identity. Those chapters were touching and of great importance to the plot. It helped me understand trans people in a way that I didn't think possible before.
Amanda is looking for a fresh start, she just wants to be a normal teenage girl and worry about grades, making friends and really just fit in. So when she starts going to this new school and it's accepted by everyone so easily, I was afraid this would turn into a Mean Girls situation. With the pretty popular girls taking to her so fast and all.
Luckily, that didn't happen. In fact, one of my favorite things about this book is the girls friendship. It is so important and pure, I loved that there wasn't really any animosity between them. It's also very important to highlight the fact that their reaction to finding out their friend is a trans girl wasn't to break the friendship or anything like that, and to actually learn more about what does that entail so they could be better friends to Amanda.
Another side of things that I loved seeing, was how it affects the parents. It isn't easy, and not all parents are so accepting of it, in fact, most of them aren't. Which is a sad reality, and I liked how it showed their struggle to help their child and how they tried to understand the best they could. It was a great development, especially with Amanda's father.
Anything, anyone, is better than a dead son.
I believe the romance wasn't really the focus of the story, and I'm so grateful for that. It did have its moments, of course. Grant was a good character, and he was important to Amanda's development but it wasn't something I was too interested in. And even though I can understand his reaction to finding out his girlfriend is transgender, it still disappointed me.
The development throughout this book was what really made me love this story. It gives you an insight on what's coming to terms with yourself about your identity as transgender is really like. And the ending was so important, it showed how far Amanda has come, and that it doesn't matter what Grant decides, she's okay with who she is and she's not hiding it anymore.
I wasn’t sorry I existed any more. I deserved to live. I deserved to find love. I knew now – I believed, now – that I deserved to be loved.
This book isn't perfect, but I feel like that's irrelevant at this point, because it tells a story I think everyone should read. In a way, it changed the way I view certain things and I'm so glad I decided to pick this up.
Review also posted at Read. Breathe. Repeat.
readwithamila's review against another edition
5.0
Jag älskar Amanda. Hon är en hjältinna. Jag älskar också hur Russo porträtterar Amandas föräldrar. Det ger oss en inblick i hur föräldrarna till en transperson kan tänka och känna. Meredith Russo är själv en transkvinna och romanen är inspirerad av hennes egna erfarenheter, vilket gör läsupplevelsen ännu starkare. Russo iklär sig dock inte rollen av en pedagog eller någon som ska tillrättavisa oss. Hon snarare berättar en historia om en person som försöker vara sann mot sig själv.
Läs hela recensionen på https://www.readwithamila.com/om-jag-var-din-tjej-meredith-russo/
Läs hela recensionen på https://www.readwithamila.com/om-jag-var-din-tjej-meredith-russo/
heyitskai's review against another edition
5.0
"if people drive you to something, then its their responsibility"
im glad this was the first book about transgender people ive read (because it sure wont be the last). it was heart wrenchingly painful but beautiful at the same time. i love how amanda could finally be herself after so much time of hiding and hurting and pretending. but i wish she had the chance to come out as trans on her own terms. i wish people in the book (and in life) would embrace people who are 'different' (roll with it please, i cant think of a better word). but nonetheless i quite like the outcome, how amanda could finally live without that huge secret at the back of her mind. honestly, this book will stay with me for some time because of the rawness and realness.
im glad this was the first book about transgender people ive read (because it sure wont be the last). it was heart wrenchingly painful but beautiful at the same time. i love how amanda could finally be herself after so much time of hiding and hurting and pretending. but i wish she had the chance to come out as trans on her own terms. i wish people in the book (and in life) would embrace people who are 'different' (roll with it please, i cant think of a better word). but nonetheless i quite like the outcome, how amanda could finally live without that huge secret at the back of her mind. honestly, this book will stay with me for some time because of the rawness and realness.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
Amanda’s been keeping a secret... It’s that she used to be Andrew.
This was just an absolutely wonderful book. I first borrowed it from the library, but had to bring it back (can only have 2 books at that one library). So I bought it, waiting for it to arrive, and then waiting for the right mood to arrive as well.
I just flew through this book, I devoured the book, I wanted to know more about Amanda. About her life, about her previous life, but also about her life at her dad's place. I wanted to see her get happy, she so deserved that. She deserved friends who loved and cared about her. She deserved a sweet guy.
The book switches between the now, and the then. While I loved that this was done, it gave more insight in Amanda and who she was before she truly became Amanda (her struggle (and also her suicide attempt), her path to becoming a real woman) I wish it was done a bit more chronologically. Instead of jumping around in the past (from a few months to a few years), it would have been better if it started with Amanda's childhood, and then build up to the moment of her moving to her dad's place.
Amanda was a wonderful girl, she was sweet, caring, but I also so loved her nerdier side (her love for Star Wars was just a delight). She is also a great friend, even though she had trouble at times (like with the Chloe x Bee situation). You see her change so much in this book. From a shy, worried, often afraid girl who doesn't really know how to do a lot of girly things, to a girl who is brave, who can stand up for herself, and who is happy. She learns a lot from her friends, from bras (oh, girl, when that gym part came up, I was just feeling the pain) to ear piercings. :P
Grant was such a sweet guy. He isn't really the smartest, but he does try his best. He is sweet, caring, and he works his butt off. I instantly took a liking to him. Though his reaction at the prom had me wanting to slap him. :| But other than that, I loved him, and all he did for Amanda. Their dates were just adorable, and I loved how supportive he was of her.
Layla, Chloe, Anna? These girls were just amazing. They were sweet, understanding (not only during the book, but also afterwards), the pulled Amanda in their fold and didn't let her go. They dragged her to all sorts of fun events, and I was just so delighted with them. I was worried that they may change, or may just turn against Amanda, but oh no, these girls are gold. *hugs all 3 of them*
Amanda's Mom and Dad. While I can't imagine how hard it must be to find out that your son is actually your daughter (since I would call it that), I loved that these 2 still tried their best to accept Amanda. It wasn't easy, and they had a few bumps along the way, but eventually they picked up, and they were so sweet and supportive. Amanda is really lucky with her parents. Especially if you hear the stories from her best friend Virginia about their support group and how some of the people there ended. :(
Parker and Bee, I will just put those in the same category. They were pretty terrible characters. Parker had a small chance of redemption at one point (during the promposal), but then he completely and utterly destroyed everything. :|
Bee? I never quite liked her. Or maybe it should be better to say that I never trusted her. I just had a feeling. An instinct.
The only thing I didn't like in this entire book, and which prevented me from rating it 5+ stars... was the fact that Amanda sure took her sweet time to tell him, and even then, didn't push when he did that to the letter she typed out for him. And after that she just didn't care to tell him any more. I just was so frustrated. I know, she had a rough past, she is in a small town that is also religious, but something big as this, the fact you used to be a boy, should be said. It shouldn't be hidden. It shouldn't be a secret. If it is just a fling, sure, go ahead, don't tell him, but if you are envisioning a future together, if you are falling in love, then tell him. Be honest with him.
Now I can hear people say that I shouldn't judge, but I have my fair share of baggage, and I shared that quite soon with my boyfriend. As soon as I could see us staying together, I told him. We spoke about my baggage, and he told me things about his own. I think it is only fair.
What happens at prom, and afterwards. Wow. Just wow. Can we please throw Parker from somewhere high? Bah. :| I was so horrified when that happened (and no, you will have to read to find out what happens).
The after afterwards (starting at chapter 32), it was definitely a sad couple of chapters, but I also feel happiness, because things happened, talks happened, things were said, things were finally closed and came together in a good way.
The last chapter was just so sweet, and I was so happy with how everything ended, and what Amanda finally did. I can see a promising future for her and a certain someone, but I am also sure that her friends will be her friends forever, they just have such a connection.
Phew, I believe I have everything mentioned that I wanted to mention. Sorry if it is a bit chaotic, this book just brought out all the feels. It is a story that grabs you by your nose and just doesn't let go. Fantastic characters, beautiful, and at times, intense story, and much much more. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This was just an absolutely wonderful book. I first borrowed it from the library, but had to bring it back (can only have 2 books at that one library). So I bought it, waiting for it to arrive, and then waiting for the right mood to arrive as well.
I just flew through this book, I devoured the book, I wanted to know more about Amanda. About her life, about her previous life, but also about her life at her dad's place. I wanted to see her get happy, she so deserved that. She deserved friends who loved and cared about her. She deserved a sweet guy.
The book switches between the now, and the then. While I loved that this was done, it gave more insight in Amanda and who she was before she truly became Amanda (her struggle (and also her suicide attempt), her path to becoming a real woman) I wish it was done a bit more chronologically. Instead of jumping around in the past (from a few months to a few years), it would have been better if it started with Amanda's childhood, and then build up to the moment of her moving to her dad's place.
Amanda was a wonderful girl, she was sweet, caring, but I also so loved her nerdier side (her love for Star Wars was just a delight). She is also a great friend, even though she had trouble at times (like with the Chloe x Bee situation). You see her change so much in this book. From a shy, worried, often afraid girl who doesn't really know how to do a lot of girly things, to a girl who is brave, who can stand up for herself, and who is happy. She learns a lot from her friends, from bras (oh, girl, when that gym part came up, I was just feeling the pain) to ear piercings. :P
Grant was such a sweet guy. He isn't really the smartest, but he does try his best. He is sweet, caring, and he works his butt off. I instantly took a liking to him. Though his reaction at the prom had me wanting to slap him. :| But other than that, I loved him, and all he did for Amanda. Their dates were just adorable, and I loved how supportive he was of her.
Layla, Chloe, Anna? These girls were just amazing. They were sweet, understanding (not only during the book, but also afterwards), the pulled Amanda in their fold and didn't let her go. They dragged her to all sorts of fun events, and I was just so delighted with them. I was worried that they may change, or may just turn against Amanda, but oh no, these girls are gold. *hugs all 3 of them*
Amanda's Mom and Dad. While I can't imagine how hard it must be to find out that your son is actually your daughter (since I would call it that), I loved that these 2 still tried their best to accept Amanda. It wasn't easy, and they had a few bumps along the way, but eventually they picked up, and they were so sweet and supportive. Amanda is really lucky with her parents. Especially if you hear the stories from her best friend Virginia about their support group and how some of the people there ended. :(
Parker and Bee, I will just put those in the same category. They were pretty terrible characters. Parker had a small chance of redemption at one point (during the promposal), but then he completely and utterly destroyed everything. :|
Bee? I never quite liked her. Or maybe it should be better to say that I never trusted her. I just had a feeling. An instinct.
The only thing I didn't like in this entire book, and which prevented me from rating it 5+ stars... was the fact that Amanda sure took her sweet time to tell him, and even then, didn't push when he did that to the letter she typed out for him. And after that she just didn't care to tell him any more. I just was so frustrated. I know, she had a rough past, she is in a small town that is also religious, but something big as this, the fact you used to be a boy, should be said. It shouldn't be hidden. It shouldn't be a secret. If it is just a fling, sure, go ahead, don't tell him, but if you are envisioning a future together, if you are falling in love, then tell him. Be honest with him.
Now I can hear people say that I shouldn't judge, but I have my fair share of baggage, and I shared that quite soon with my boyfriend. As soon as I could see us staying together, I told him. We spoke about my baggage, and he told me things about his own. I think it is only fair.
What happens at prom, and afterwards. Wow. Just wow. Can we please throw Parker from somewhere high? Bah. :| I was so horrified when that happened (and no, you will have to read to find out what happens).
The after afterwards (starting at chapter 32), it was definitely a sad couple of chapters, but I also feel happiness, because things happened, talks happened, things were said, things were finally closed and came together in a good way.
The last chapter was just so sweet, and I was so happy with how everything ended, and what Amanda finally did. I can see a promising future for her and a certain someone, but I am also sure that her friends will be her friends forever, they just have such a connection.
Phew, I believe I have everything mentioned that I wanted to mention. Sorry if it is a bit chaotic, this book just brought out all the feels. It is a story that grabs you by your nose and just doesn't let go. Fantastic characters, beautiful, and at times, intense story, and much much more. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/