Elliot Starr

One of my favorite childhood books, idk why but I loved it

I read this book back in 6th grade before I knew what anorexia or SA or abuse even were. Flash forward to my high school years and I have experienced all the things that this book covers and the memory of reading it in 6th grade came back to me because it accurately depicted how I felt and it made me feel less alone, like someone understood. Amazing, inspiring, heartbreaking, lifechanging book.

I did not expect much for this book. I saw it at the library and wasn't going to check it out but I'm so glad I did. It was so different from any other dystopian/apocalyptic novel I had ever read, set several generations after the disaster, and that made me unsure if I even wanted to finish it but something about the writing kept drawing me in and eventually I couldn't put it down if I wanted to. I won't give away anything but the twists and turns of this book were completely unexpected which made it so fun to read. Overall really great writing and an amazing plot, definitely one of my new favorites.

I feel seen.

I feel seen through my nonbinary-ness, I feel seen through my queerness, and I feel seen in my neurodivergence.

I absolutely adored this book, I think it might just be my favorite. The characters felt so realistic and relatable and the magical realism explored through a beautiful use of imagery was enticing. It was like a breath of fresh air to read something so respectful to transgender identities and I love that while trauma was addressed, nothing severely tragic to the main characters which I feel is rare in queer romance books. Their love is so healthy, they love everything about each other even the "flaws".

Can't recommend enough especially to trans/nonbinary and neurodiverse folks. 10/10

Content warnings: Bullying, homophobia/transphobia

they could never make me hate you hooper humperdink