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moonyreadsbystarlight 's review for:
Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens
by Tanya Boteju
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The beginning of this book felt like a two, but as we progressed, some parts were closer to three stars - possibly more if it weren't for some key details.
Good things: There were some super cute and fluffy moments that I enjoyed. I also really liked the description of her doing drag - the internal monologue and what it was like to preform.
Minor issues: Some of the main character's decision-making and behaviors were a bit insufferable. But, I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that she is quite similar to parts of me that I have a problem with. Also, some of her dad's reactions to things don't feel realistic.
Major issues: 1. The fairy godmother trans woman trope! It's awesome that there's a trans woman who is present in the book, but she is stereotypical in so many ways. And I don't think the book did a well enough job differentiating drag queens and trans women. Furthermore, the way she is initially described with focus on her muscles and other details made me uncomfortable - I could absolutely see that making someone dysphoric.
2. The biggest problem that I had with this book was age. I know it's YA, so there's typically a focus on high schoolers, but I couldn't help but be creeped out. If they had been college aged, this could have been avoided. As a 17 year old, she sneaks into adult spaces, gets alcohol, makes out with adults. Even her friend relationship with a 30+ year old was so odd to read. As an adult, I would be horrified to learn that someone who was in a bar that I had chatted up or kissed was 17. I just had a really hard time with the fact that she was so young going into adult spaces.
Good things: There were some super cute and fluffy moments that I enjoyed. I also really liked the description of her doing drag - the internal monologue and what it was like to preform.
Minor issues: Some of the main character's decision-making and behaviors were a bit insufferable. But, I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that she is quite similar to parts of me that I have a problem with. Also, some of her dad's reactions to things don't feel realistic.
Major issues: 1. The fairy godmother trans woman trope! It's awesome that there's a trans woman who is present in the book, but she is stereotypical in so many ways. And I don't think the book did a well enough job differentiating drag queens and trans women. Furthermore, the way she is initially described with focus on her muscles and other details made me uncomfortable - I could absolutely see that making someone dysphoric.
2. The biggest problem that I had with this book was age. I know it's YA, so there's typically a focus on high schoolers, but I couldn't help but be creeped out. If they had been college aged, this could have been avoided. As a 17 year old, she sneaks into adult spaces, gets alcohol, makes out with adults. Even her friend relationship with a 30+ year old was so odd to read. As an adult, I would be horrified to learn that someone who was in a bar that I had chatted up or kissed was 17. I just had a really hard time with the fact that she was so young going into adult spaces.