This might be one of the quickest reads I've ever come across. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but if you are easily frustrated by characters making bad choices, this may not be the book for you. I appreciated the straightforward writing style.

Part one was okay. Part two had me thinking I might like this book better than the original series. Part three lost all momentum in an instant, and dragged on for far too long. Despite the ending being a chore to read, the lead up to Coriolanus' "downfall" to the man we know in the Hunger Games felt too rushed.

The one positive I have is that Coriolanus is a very interesting character. Of course, you know his fate, and never fully believe he is a good person. He is never "likable." But he does give you glimpses of a good heart that brings you hope that he could turn around. In my opinion, this was the best interpretation of writing an unlikable protaganist I've seen.

As a side note, I listened to a good portion of this in audiobook, and do not recommend it. They really should have gotten someone who was willing to sing in a book where songs were so important. It was straight up cringey to listen to at times. The rest that weren't song lyrics were just plain dry.

I'm normally not super interested in YA romance at this point in my life. This book was definitely written for a younger target audience that I am not a part of. However, this a book that I wish I had as a teen, and I feel it's too important of a story to not give 5 stars.

As far as trans characters go, Felix is great and realistic representation. He goes through up and downs that hit very close to home to my own experiences. It is a very loving portrayal, and even though Felix definitely faces hardships, the way his story is written brings a feeling of hope and happiness that I think a lot of trans kids and teens need and appreciate. There were a handful of trans stories out when I was a teen myself, but they were focused on their struggles and the sadness. I never found a book like this that was just joyful, and it was a breath of fresh air. I would have really looked up to Felix if I had read this when I was his age.

Overall, I think this a story that just about anyone can enjoy, but for the trans kids out there trying to find out who they truly are, this could change their lives.

My mother lent me this book and told me it was one of her favorites. I thought it was only right to read it for Mother's Day.

I didn't think it would be my type of book, as I'm generally not a spiritual person like my mom is. However, even with my agnostic worldview, this book touched me. Rather than being a strictly "Christian" story, it's more of a lovely story about a man learning the meaning his life held that he couldn't see when he was alive. It made me think of myself and what I believe are my own shortcomings, and then of all the people who love me despite those shortcomings, and then all of the strangers I've affected in ways I don't even know about.

My mental health recently took a sharp decline that disrupted my life. I don't think it's a coincidence that my mom lent this to me during my recovery period. I saw a lot of myself in Eddie as a character, and I think she knew I would. I'm grateful that she is so smart, and giving, and the kindest person I know. It means I got to connect with a story I might have otherwise never encountered on my own.

Happy Mother's Day to all the good mothers out there, but especially to my own (I'm pretty biased, I know, but she is definitely the best one). Make sure to reach out to your own mom, or if she is not a part of your life, reach out to whoever comes to mind when you think about the holiday and let them know you love them.