sarahjane8024's review
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ray_jacky's review
4.0
I liked this book! (actual rating: 3.5)
It was written very nicely, even if I wished it had been a bit more suspenseful at some points.
The narrating voice was honest and I think the story gives the reader a perspective that is either very relatable for people who also identify as transgender or that gives cis readers a better understanding for their situation.
I also liked the developement that can be seen throughout the story. It goes from his early childhood to his adolscence and this way, the reader gets to know about the events that had the most influence on him in is life.
Some of them, like his father's agression were not very detailed and since the family has a huge impact on a child, it would've probably been important to address this isse a bit more.
The main character struggles a lot with his identity and while not even knowing himself yet, he is harassed for what other people think he is. It took a while, but finally, in the end, he comes out to at least some friends and plans his next steps for his life, most importantly, his transition.
I liked how the book ended with a hopeful look into the future.
(I did not read "Refuse" so I don't know how Dean's story goes on!)
It was written very nicely, even if I wished it had been a bit more suspenseful at some points.
The narrating voice was honest and I think the story gives the reader a perspective that is either very relatable for people who also identify as transgender or that gives cis readers a better understanding for their situation.
I also liked the developement that can be seen throughout the story. It goes from his early childhood to his adolscence and this way, the reader gets to know about the events that had the most influence on him in is life.
Some of them, like his father's agression were not very detailed and since the family has a huge impact on a child, it would've probably been important to address this isse a bit more.
The main character struggles a lot with his identity and while not even knowing himself yet, he is harassed for what other people think he is. It took a while, but finally, in the end, he comes out to at least some friends and plans his next steps for his life, most importantly, his transition.
I liked how the book ended with a hopeful look into the future.
(I did not read "Refuse" so I don't know how Dean's story goes on!)
klara_l's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
I generally like queer books a lot, and don't get me wrong this is not a badly written book, but I didn't enjoy reading it. The description of the book is nothing like the actual book and it needs *Content Warnings* rape, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, homophobia, transphobia, violence, suicide, self harm, abusive relationships, gaslighting, drugs, needles, death, ableism, racism
Content warnings apply to this review too.
This was not an easy read and I think I would have gotten more out of it if I had been warned. the book is quite graphic and direct with the abuse that is going on.
I thought going into this that it would be a book about a kid growing up in a transphobic town and dealing with that with his friends by his side. It doesn't really seem like anyone is really on his side. Only two of his friends don't ever make transphobic comments to him and his best friend is the worst one. She doesn't bully and abuse him because she is ignorant or scared of people who don't fit in, she does it to hurt him. To cause the most amount of pain.
Dean doesn't even really realise that he has been raped by his best friend or that she is being abusive and manipulative in her behaviour, he moves on from her because he has no other choice. He doesn't deal with how he was abused by his best friend or the world. He keeps the name his rapist gave him.
I get that this book is trying to show the reality of what life can be, and I'm really glad that Dean finds the strength to seek the treatment that he needs and hopefully get some support so he can deal with everything. The book is missing the part where he deals with any emotions though.
I had really high hopes going in and it left me feeling a lot worse. I recommend only reading it if you are in a good place.
Content warnings apply to this review too.
This was not an easy read and I think I would have gotten more out of it if I had been warned. the book is quite graphic and direct with the abuse that is going on.
I thought going into this that it would be a book about a kid growing up in a transphobic town and dealing with that with his friends by his side. It doesn't really seem like anyone is really on his side. Only two of his friends don't ever make transphobic comments to him and his best friend is the worst one. She doesn't bully and abuse him because she is ignorant or scared of people who don't fit in, she does it to hurt him. To cause the most amount of pain.
Dean doesn't even really realise that he has been raped by his best friend or that she is being abusive and manipulative in her behaviour, he moves on from her because he has no other choice. He doesn't deal with how he was abused by his best friend or the world. He keeps the name his rapist gave him.
I get that this book is trying to show the reality of what life can be, and I'm really glad that Dean finds the strength to seek the treatment that he needs and hopefully get some support so he can deal with everything. The book is missing the part where he deals with any emotions though.
I had really high hopes going in and it left me feeling a lot worse. I recommend only reading it if you are in a good place.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Transphobia, Homophobia, Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Racism
Moderate: Drug use, Death, Deadnaming, Bullying, and Ableism
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