readwithrhys's Reviews (1.33k)

This is a book that is definitely "here for the vibes and messy af characters" rather than the plot. I still really enjoyed it but based on how many times I was confused, 3.75 is what I'm rating it. I love Anna-Maria McLemore, and while this is my least favourite, I still recommend it!!

I really wish this was better. There's not many memoirs out there from intersex people, and so when my hold on this came in, I was excited. But... was quickly let down. There's so much to talk about with this book. 

1) the writing. This felt so much more like a blog post than a book. And not in a good way. Some writing felt like you would talk to a friend. In a book, especially a memoir, I don't want to feel like I'm talking to a friend. I pick up your book because I want to read about your life, your hardships, the challenges you have overcome to be the person you are today. Not like I'm reading a text you sent me. 
2) I felt like there was so much filler information that we didn't need, or like other reviews have pointed out, felt like we were reading Weigel's resume/cover letter. I don't need paragraphs about every job you've had. That's for a resume...
3) this also felt sort of preachy. Like there would be no room for discussions regarding white privilege. This book also felt like white feminism in a nutshell at points. 

and finally, I want to point out one specific quote. From the chapter titled "Poem", there is this quote:

"Rather than viewing myself as a "crazy," though, I'd posit that those of us who are bipolar are merely different, and misunderstood. Like how Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter books had to shroud his identity as a werewolf in secrecy to escape shame and stigma but was still one of the best professors our favorite Gryffindor trio ever had. (Note to trigger-happy cancel culturalists: a reference to Harry Potter is *not* an endorsement of J.K. Rowling.)"

I'm sorry? Are you seriously referencing HP and JKR in 2023, when this book was published???? Have you not seen the fucking news? Even in September 2023, it is VERY obvious JKR is a transphobic POS. And you have the audacity to reference her? This entire paragraph the quote came from would've sufficed without it perfectly fine. This also felt like a full on slap to the face. There were multiple instances in the book where Weigel made it very clear she is all for Trans Rights are Human Rights, and then for this to show up? No, you lost me there. 

2 stars. Do NOT recommend. 

This is a cute, quick middle grade novel featuring a nonbinary LI/MC. 

The book starts out from Essie’s POV, and we learn she is forced to move to North Carolina with her dad because he has a teaching opportunity at a college there, while her mother, who is an artist with a messy work schedule, stays in St. Louis. Essie is 13 years old and in 7th grade, and is forced to leave her best friends and make new friends at the new school in NC. 

She makes some new friends, who then introduce her to Ollie, a nonbinary kid also in grade 7, who happens to be the child of one of Essie’s dad’s coworkers at the college. 

The book is split in 2 parts: Part 1 Butterflies (Essie’s POV) and Part 2 Hands (Ollie’s POV) 

This book has a cool way of storytelling. Both parts follow the same story, just from the different POVs. At the end of part 1, it leaves readers off at a cliffhanger, not knowing what will happen to Essie; does she get to stay in NC, or will she have to move back to St. Louis and stay with her mom? Part 2 is in Ollie’s pov, so there are overlapping scenes, just from their perspective, but you also get new scenes. I think this is a neat way of writing. 

I think Spin With Me is a great book for readers aged 8-11. As a 23 year old trans man who read it, I can say it is cute, but it’s obviously made for a much younger audience. I love reading books with trans* main characters because I never could find these types of stories as a kid or a young teen. That being said, I gave this 3.5 stars because I found the writing to be ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’. 

If you’re a parent looking for a middle grade novel that has a trans* main character for your kids to read, I do recommend Spin With Me!