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A review by sarahmreads
Both Sides Now by Peyton Thomas
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
EVERYONE NEEDS TO SHUT UP AND GO PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK BECAUSE I DON'T THINK I HAVE LOVED A BOOK SO MUCH RECENTLY!
I received a physical copy of this novel as an ARC from Penguin Teen, so thank you Penguin Teen! Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Finch Kelly is a trans student at his school, being heavily involved in his school's debate team with teammate Jonah, and aims to be the first transgender congressman in the United States. However, as the National debate competition looms over their heads, it gets revealed that the topic of debate this year is the right for transgender students to use the proper bathroom of their gender. Will Finch fall under the pressure of debating against his own right to pee? Or will his slight crush on his debate mate get in the way?
I would like to preface this by saying that this story covers some pretty heavy themes, as hinted at with just the plot alone. Peyton Thomas covers everything from the HIV pandemic in the 90s to poverty and home issues and transphobia and toxic relationships. It's a lot. But I feel like the author included just enough at the right times that it didn't feel too overwhelming in specific parts, and adding enough wholesome moments between Jonah and Finch that it allows for a breather before diving into the next heavy topic. It's so well done.
One of my favorite aspects of this story was the discussion of toxic relationships. This story showed the gradual progression of realizing how bad a relationship is and how exactly to get out of it. But it also shows the negative impact on the person who gets victimized and pushed down because of the toxic individual, which I related to so much.
That being said, I absolutely loved the blooming romance between Jonah and Finch as the story progresses. It was the friends to lovers I have always wanted to read, and comes along with it's own message of growth and supporting one another. It also delves into discussions of what falling in love with a transgender person really means, and how to get past the fear and push back one may receive for loving a transgender person, and tackling stigmatization on the issue. This conversation does happen much later in the story, but it was important to be included. However, even though Jonah is still kind of coping for reasons I won't get into cause spoilers, I can't really determine if the lovey dovey ending could have been more of a promise of taking things slow instead of already vowing the "I Love You's."
Every single character in this book was one I loved. Ruby, Finch's sister, had such a believable sibling dynamic, and I loved her as an individual. I will absolutely die for Jonah. Adwoa was so supportive and I love her with all my heart. Although Jonah was my favorite of the bunch, I do think Finch has a slight edge. You love him for his passion, his commitment, his caring personality. But he does have his flaws in the book that he seeks to have a conversation about and wants to grow from it. Example, a beautifully done discussion about white people speaking over BIPOC voices when it comes to matters that specifically impact BIPOC voices, like racism. Even with his flaws and the fact Finch isn't perfect, you still love him. That, to me, is the definition of a great main character.
The ending was open-ended but in the best way that makes you think that everything will be okay. And I don't think it was really shoved in your face, either, especially when it comes to Finch's family. Regardless, it makes you really believe that Finch and Jonah will get through this okay.
Both Sides Now is probably one of the most important LGBTQ+ books out there today, with writing that will have you crying and laughing on the same page and characters that will steal your heart. Please pre-order this book!
I received a physical copy of this novel as an ARC from Penguin Teen, so thank you Penguin Teen! Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Finch Kelly is a trans student at his school, being heavily involved in his school's debate team with teammate Jonah, and aims to be the first transgender congressman in the United States. However, as the National debate competition looms over their heads, it gets revealed that the topic of debate this year is the right for transgender students to use the proper bathroom of their gender. Will Finch fall under the pressure of debating against his own right to pee? Or will his slight crush on his debate mate get in the way?
I would like to preface this by saying that this story covers some pretty heavy themes, as hinted at with just the plot alone. Peyton Thomas covers everything from the HIV pandemic in the 90s to poverty and home issues and transphobia and toxic relationships. It's a lot. But I feel like the author included just enough at the right times that it didn't feel too overwhelming in specific parts, and adding enough wholesome moments between Jonah and Finch that it allows for a breather before diving into the next heavy topic. It's so well done.
One of my favorite aspects of this story was the discussion of toxic relationships. This story showed the gradual progression of realizing how bad a relationship is and how exactly to get out of it. But it also shows the negative impact on the person who gets victimized and pushed down because of the toxic individual, which I related to so much.
That being said, I absolutely loved the blooming romance between Jonah and Finch as the story progresses. It was the friends to lovers I have always wanted to read, and comes along with it's own message of growth and supporting one another. It also delves into discussions of what falling in love with a transgender person really means, and how to get past the fear and push back one may receive for loving a transgender person, and tackling stigmatization on the issue. This conversation does happen much later in the story, but it was important to be included. However, even though Jonah is still kind of coping for reasons I won't get into cause spoilers, I can't really determine if the lovey dovey ending could have been more of a promise of taking things slow instead of already vowing the "I Love You's."
Every single character in this book was one I loved. Ruby, Finch's sister, had such a believable sibling dynamic, and I loved her as an individual. I will absolutely die for Jonah. Adwoa was so supportive and I love her with all my heart. Although Jonah was my favorite of the bunch, I do think Finch has a slight edge. You love him for his passion, his commitment, his caring personality. But he does have his flaws in the book that he seeks to have a conversation about and wants to grow from it. Example, a beautifully done discussion about white people speaking over BIPOC voices when it comes to matters that specifically impact BIPOC voices, like racism. Even with his flaws and the fact Finch isn't perfect, you still love him. That, to me, is the definition of a great main character.
The ending was open-ended but in the best way that makes you think that everything will be okay. And I don't think it was really shoved in your face, either, especially when it comes to Finch's family. Regardless, it makes you really believe that Finch and Jonah will get through this okay.
Both Sides Now is probably one of the most important LGBTQ+ books out there today, with writing that will have you crying and laughing on the same page and characters that will steal your heart. Please pre-order this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Transphobia
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit and Religious bigotry