Thank you to Wednesday Books for sending me an eARC of this book to review. All thoughts are my own.

CWs:  (Non-malicious) mentions of the main character’s deadname, Brief instances of misgendering, Online transphobia (anonymous nastiness directed at trans character),  Mentions/discussion of racism experienced by a character, Discussion of trauma as a result of bullying, Body dysphoria,  Mentions of previous (off-screen) sexual harassment experienced by a side character

This book feels like a warm hug. Always the Almost by Edward Underhill is the exploration of Miles Jacobson, a messy trans boy trying to navigate life and find himself after he comes out as transgender. 

This is Miles’s coming-of-age story filled with teenage angst, heartbreak, fuck ups, and a whole lot of joy. If you want more trans books about artists, queer youth, and trans joy, I cannot recommend this 2023 debut enough. From trying on his first suit, to being called “sir” and “dude”, you will be smiling at the joy radiating from Miles. But it’s not always that easy. He also has his gloomy days as he shows how brave yet hard socially transitioning can be especially as a teen. 

I love how raw Miles’s emotions were and how well written he is as a teenager. While reading, I constantly was on a rollercoaster of emotions as Miles thinks he’s doing the right thing but finally learns he’s made a lot of big mistakes that needs to confront and rectify. But he’s also called out on his behaviors and learns how to give his friends space and time. 

Aside from being a chaotic queer, Mile is also a musician. You follow Miles week after week as he practices for the Tri-State Piano Competition trying to beat his arch-nemesis Cameron Hart as his true, trans and queer self. I loved a lot of the knowledge and references to classical music as someone who isn’t in tune with that genre of music. This book had me smiling so hard and secretly wishing Paige, Rachel, and Eric were my friends in high school.