Between Perfect and Real is a beautiful, emotional young adult contemporary about a trans boy coming out and finding himself and it was such a lovely surprise. Read on for my full book review!
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve Published by Harry N. Abrams on April 27, 2021
Genres: contemporary, young adult
Format: Hardcover
Source: Abrams & Chronicle Books
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A moving YA debut about a trans boy finding his voice—and himself
Dean Foster knows he’s a trans guy. He’s watched enough YouTube videos and done enough questioning to be sure. But everyone at his high school thinks he’s a lesbian—including his girlfriend Zoe, and his theater director, who just cast him as a “nontraditional” Romeo. He wonders if maybe it would be easier to wait until college to come out. But as he plays Romeo every day in rehearsals, Dean realizes he wants everyone to see him as he really is now––not just on the stage, but everywhere in his life. Dean knows what he needs to do. Can playing a role help Dean be his true self?
I received this book for free from Abrams & Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
☂️ TRIGGER WARNINGS:
transphobia, misgendering (challenged), deadnaming (challenged), gender dysphoria, bullying, forced outing, mention of suicide.There are no spoilers in this review.
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I ENJOYED…
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- Between Perfect and Real starts with Dean as he’s realizing he’s a trans boy. Cast as Romeo in the Romeo and Juliette production at his high school, he’s going to struggle with his changing relationships and the way the world sees him, and he sees himself, thorough the course of this story.
- I immediately felt compelled to read on with this book. Dean, our main character, is struggling with his identity and slowly coming to terms with it and I felt so much for him during the entire book. Following his journey to acceptance with its ups and downs and its struggles…, I was glued to the page, wanting everything to be okay. From the good times, the recognition of one’s self, the moments of acceptance and happiness, to the tougher times with the bullying, misunderstandings and hurt… we’re going through an incredible wide array of emotions in this story. The author doesn’t sugarcoat anything and it made for a realistic, important story so many readers need.
- One of my favorite things about this book was the friendships. I had my favorites, especially with Ronnie, Dean’s best friend, wanna-be-costume designer struggling with acceptance of his dreams from his family. I did love the entire friends group, though. It’s a big, queer, diverse cast of characters filled with support and shoulders to lean on whenever you need. People to go through anything with. They made me SO happy.
- There’s a great place in this book taken by relationships, especially how Dean’s coming out affects his relationships with his girlfriend and his family, just as well. Nothing is perfect, relationships get messy, acceptance doesn’t always happen the way you wish it would and this book perfectly represents that. I loved how real it all felt.
I HAD A HARD TIME WITH…
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- I just wish we could have gotten to know the cast of friends a little more. I loved them so much, but I still felt like I knew them a little too much on the surface and I just wanted more, I liked them so much.
OVERALL
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Between Perfect and Real is an emotional contemporary I’d definitely recommend to fans of the genre. I feel like this book can be such an important read for so many questioning teens out there and the group of supportive friends won my heart. Recommending this one!
FINAL RATING : 4 stars!
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Did you read Between Perfect and Real or do you want to? Do you have any recommendations of great annd emotional contemporary books? Let me know in comments!
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Have never heard of this book before, but it sounds so good! Not only that, but you rated it 4 stars which is super amazing, I definitely have to check it out xx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Ahh I hope you will and that you will enjoy it. Thank you so much, Melina <3
Such a great review and such beautiful visuals once again!!! You always have the nicest photos to go with your posts <3
I get wanting to know more about friend groups, especially when you can see yourself liking the characters a bit, but need that push to just get there all the way. But it still sounds like a great book!
Oh thank you so, so much Kat, I’m so happy you liked it, thank you <3 It was a really good book! :)
ahhh love this review, Marie!! i’m so glad to hear that you really enjoyed this book – i love books with characters/relationships that feel so real and with wonderful friendships, so i can’t wait to read this one! 🥰
Oh thank you so much, Dezzy! I hope you’ll love this one! <3