Publication date: May 2020
LGBTQ+ author? Queer and trans
Setting: Modern day New York City
Content warnings: Online and in-person transphobic bullying (challenged)
This book is very much about love — and not just the romantic kind. It so beautifully reflects on that human tendency to be drawn to the wrong kind of relationships, the kind that hurt. And how good it feels when you embrace the people who are truly there for you.
This book is action-packed with a number of mysteries that unfold throughout. This review is spoiler-free as uncovering these surprises as you go is what makes it so engaging.
Felix is a 17 year old Black, queer trans guy who goes to an art-focused high school in New York City. Felix comes to school one day to photos posted in the lobby of him before transitioning along his deadname. The bullying continues as this person anonymously sends Felix transphobic messages over Instagram.
As Felix plots to take revenge, he ends up in a catfishing scenario that turns into a bit of a love triangle.
Gender explorations
Felix has finished medically and socially transitioned before this book began. But he still has questions about his gender. Sometimes being a guy doesn’t feel like the right label. And girl is definitely wrong. I really enjoyed this subplot nestled in among all the action in this book.
Felix’s gender questioning makes him cross paths with some older queer and trans folks, who are probably my age. Felix feels intimated thinking they have it all figured out. I enjoy that the book playfully shows that no, older people are often still questioning too.
As a 40-year-old, I didn’t even know trans people existed in high school. So this book where Felix got to explore and pursue a transition in his early teenage years seems like a fairy tale. Even though he has all this support, his life is still challenging.
Some of the attitudes of Felix’s peers surprised me for being as transphobic as they were. You’d think things would be better in NYC in the 2020s. I am not doubting their accuracy, just sad to see it be so.
The book also beautifully acknowledges that while there are still things to fight for in terms of trans acceptance, we’d be mistaken if we did not celebrate and enjoy the hard won victories too.
Queer Book Reviews 
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