A review by larabezzina
As Far as You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper

challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book was enjoyable and a quick read that helped break me out of a reading slump (I finished it in one sitting) however while the story was enjoyable there were aspects of the writing and some coverage of sensitive topics that felt superficial. For example it felt as though the author just googled touristy spots in London and then wrote from that. Furthermore, while some topics like navigating toxic relationships were covered in great depth there were several incidents in the book that seemingly came out of no where such as
eating disorders and an instance where the MC is nearly sexually assaulted
and were then resolved as though they were trivial which felt insincere, unrealistic and tested my suspension of belief (including the fact that the MC has
severe anxiety
but still manages to drop everything and move overseas without a solid plan). Still, the book does a fantastic job of representing lgbt young people, is a wonderful story about found family and was rich in musical knowledge that felt very authentic. 
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