A review by beniamino
As Far as You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

The way younger me would have EATEN THIS UP. It's a really great book for gay youth, I think, which is why I have to give it a low rating; I've just grown up a bunch. Maybe I've "toughened up" or something, but I found myself cringing at everything going on. Kind of weird how creepily similar I am with MC. His anxiety seems really overdone, but maybe that's just 'cause anxiety's a spectrum – also, probably I was just cringing at his conversations with others about anxiety because I never had those...
his eating disorder plotline was done really really well, though; I also like the ending which focusses on him rather than the relationship. I have to give it a lower rating because his relationship with Pierce made me physically cringe, especially how fast it went... honestly, it's probably just been too long since I've read YA; but this is a perfect beach read, lighthearted when it's too dark, a great read for young gays. :)
 
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