A review by zulliekinz
Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-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
What a read!
Garvin's ability to present us with Riley, a gender queer teenager, and showcase the struggles of wanting to present as gender fluid - in modern society that cannot understand or fully accept - was heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Garvin takes care not share Riley's gender assigned at birth and the reader must ask themselves why they want to know this, as Riley themselves struggles with other characters in the book who also feel like they "need" to know.
I absolutely adored the characters, the writing, the journey and honestly didn't want it to end! Can we get more of Riley please Garvin??!
So pleased with this recommendation from the StoryGraph - I was definitely in the mood for it and now it's my first 5* read of the year! Awesome!
Garvin's ability to present us with Riley, a gender queer teenager, and showcase the struggles of wanting to present as gender fluid - in modern society that cannot understand or fully accept - was heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Garvin takes care not share Riley's gender assigned at birth and the reader must ask themselves why they want to know this, as Riley themselves struggles with other characters in the book who also feel like they "need" to know.
I absolutely adored the characters, the writing, the journey and honestly didn't want it to end! Can we get more of Riley please Garvin??!
So pleased with this recommendation from the StoryGraph - I was definitely in the mood for it and now it's my first 5* read of the year! Awesome!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Transphobia, and Homophobia