A review by readwithjavi
Becoming a Queen by Dan Clay

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book broke my heart and then put it back together in the best way possible. I want to review without giving spoilers, so I'll just say it's completely different than what I expected. It starts out fun and almost like a romcom, but goes somewhere much deeper and, for me, more meaningful. I absolutely loved it. Mark is one of my favorite MCs I've ever read. He was anxious and in his own head a lot, and when his heart breaks, mine did too. But then when he found drag and started not only healing himself, but also really just becoming a better human to the people in his life ... I really felt it. I also liked that it was complex. It wasn't: "Oh tragedy strikes and BAM he becomes a fierce queen!" His path felt real. The chapters on grieving especially felt very very true. My favorite was his relationship with Eric, who was super wise (sometimes at the start it felt almost TOO wise), but then we also learn very flawed in his own ways. I really loved it and I finished it a week ago and find myself still thinking about it. That to me is a testament to a good book. One that stays with you and grows with time. It's not even my typical genre but I'm so glad I found it!
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