**Beautiful, heart-warming, and intentional**

I think most importantly I need to preface this with that as a whole, I absolutely enjoyed this book very much. The characters were well developed, the 'found-family' dynamic was strong, and after reading the author's notes, I feel it accomplished what it set out to do. I will say that I also recognize that I may not have been the intended audience for this as it is a YA book which I tend to stray away from these days. Nonetheless, I'm glad I decided to read it. 

I'm not going to sit here and give you a synopsis or re-cap, I'm just going to tell you what worked and what didn't. 

What Didn't:
1. The language and writing was definitely directed at a more YA audience. **THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT** but for me personally, it dropped the story down and at times made me cringe a little with all the poop talk and excitement for college parties..but again, I get it, at that age, it fits but for me personally it was unrelatable content.
2. While I appreciated the conflict in the story and Lucy's ability to overcome and persist, there were at times where I felt that things that didn't need to be drawn out where talked about too much and things that 'needed' more resolution didn't get them, in my opinion. *****(For example/spoiler; there was so much talk about Callie's dog, which while I understand animals are family and of utmost importance; major events that took place on a college campus that students protested and stayed in Lucy's corner were just 'noted' and moved on...)**** 

What Did:
1. Lucy's ambition and authenticity. She never gave up on herself or her dreams. She always persisted in the face of despair and I think that as a member of any queer community, but especially the Trans community, that is incredibly important. 
2. Going along with point 1, I also loved that this book reflected an accurate LGBTQIA+ life representation story. It's not all rainbows, parades, and pride flags. There are a lot of really bad days. There are a lot of dark days. There are a lot of times where you have to decide to re-out yourself all over again and trying (especially in today's political environment) who is safe to tell and who isn't. Sometimes there is crying. Sometimes there is just wanting to lay in bed and rot for seventeen days. It's important to recognize this, and it's important to stand in solidarity that as a member of the queer/trans community, you are not alone, ever; and it's OK and healthy to have bad days as long as you don't let the bad days consume.

Overall, I really recommend this book to anyone that is member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a true ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, someone that is struggling with their identity and where the fit in the world or if you know someone that is struggling, and finally, if you know someone that wants to read a fantastic story to heal their inner LGBTQIA+ wounds. <3


**Finally as the author is openly trans and formerly incarcerated, I really think it's important to push this book and get it out there to show that your past does not define your future and you are always capable of rewriting your story at any time!**