Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

Publication date: February 2023
LGBTQ+ author? Queer and trans
Setting: Modern day Wisconsin

This is a perfect YA romance novel. We have a little bit of boy trouble and a nice high school sized problem with wanting to beat your nemesis at a big piano competition.

In the author’s note, Edward Underhill writes:

“Trans and queer folk deal with plenty of Not Joy in real life… So I wanted to write a story with a happily-ever-after. I wanted to write a story about all the other stuff that’s part of being trans and queer.”

So in addition to the hard stuff of coming out as trans and queer in high school, he writes about finding your first suit and being loved for who you are. This so aligns with my Queer Joy Test!

First the boy trouble. Miles’ boyfriend Shane breaks up with him when he comes out as trans because he’s not into guys. Miles is upset about this, but in the meantime starts dating another guy named Eric. Eric does not believe in labeling his identity. But Eric respects Miles’ labels. When Miles asks him if he sees him as a guy, Erica responds:

“I see you as everything you tell me you are or want to be.”

OMG so good right? There is some high school level drama with Miles, Shane and Eric. And everything works itself out, as promised.

As someone who is not really into classical music, I still really got into the piano competition. The author really takes us along the ride, explaining what each composer means and how to play with feeling and meaning.

I find many YA novels really drag, but this one was a quick, fun read. Overall, this is such a delightful and not very angsty YA novel.