A review by kait_sixcrowsbooks
Between Perfect and Real, by Ray Stoeve
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ALRIGHT a week after the fact, but here we are, lol. And even then…I don’t really know what to say? I just really, really enjoyed this book.
Between Perfect and Real is a book I wish I could’ve had when I was in high school. Granted, I didn’t know I was genderqueer until I was 21 and starting grad school, but I think it may have helped me to at least explore that part of myself a little earlier. The way Dean relates to his transness isn’t the same as mine, but we have some similarities, and frankly it felt a bit validating to see a character in high school share that bit of myself.
And on top of that, I like how Dean was never framed as a perfect character. He’s a high schooler realizing he’s trans and wanting to transition, but not knowing how. He has a girlfriend, he’s trying to get into college, and he’s living with a parent who is trying to shove him into a pre-approved box regardless if that’s what he wants to do. He makes mistakes, but he tries to make the best out of everything. I dunno if I’m framing this well, I just think he’s a well-written character.
But…yeah, this was a wonderful book. I loved the characters, the plot, the themes. It was all great, and I can see a lot of trans kids relating to Dean.
More thoughts once I can actually formulate them, but oh my GOD that was a good book.
Between Perfect and Real is a book I wish I could’ve had when I was in high school. Granted, I didn’t know I was genderqueer until I was 21 and starting grad school, but I think it may have helped me to at least explore that part of myself a little earlier. The way Dean relates to his transness isn’t the same as mine, but we have some similarities, and frankly it felt a bit validating to see a character in high school share that bit of myself.
And on top of that, I like how Dean was never framed as a perfect character. He’s a high schooler realizing he’s trans and wanting to transition, but not knowing how. He has a girlfriend, he’s trying to get into college, and he’s living with a parent who is trying to shove him into a pre-approved box regardless if that’s what he wants to do. He makes mistakes, but he tries to make the best out of everything. I dunno if I’m framing this well, I just think he’s a well-written character.
But…yeah, this was a wonderful book. I loved the characters, the plot, the themes. It was all great, and I can see a lot of trans kids relating to Dean.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Minor: Suicide
Transphobia includes misgendering, deadnaming (the name isn’t stated on page), and general transphobic ideas
Suicide includes the mention of a trans woman dying by suicide