Today I am sharing my review of Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender. This is a Young Adult book that will steal your heart.
Synopsis
Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many—Black, queer, and transgender—to ever get his own happily-ever-after.
When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages—after publicly posting Felix’s deadname alongside images of him before he transitioned—Felix comes up with a plan for revenge. What he didn’t count on: his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi–love triangle….
But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself.
Felix Ever After is an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognizing the love you deserve.
Why I Decided to Read this Book
I had seen nothing but great reviews about this book (it has 4.45 stars rating in goodreads) and you know I love a good YA book so I listened to the audiobook in January.
Rating
4.5 Stars (An Excellent Book!)
My Thoughts
This is a book that will make you fall in love with the characters. It is an adorable read but at the same time it is educational, thought provoking and eye opening. It is a story that will give you all the feelings.
Overall this is a story of a teenager trying to find himself and about trying to find love when you’ve never experienced it before. The character development is outstanding and there is an element of mystery that keeps you guessing as well.
Another thing I loved about the story is that it didn’t focus on Felix coming out. A lot of transgender youth stories that get mainstream media attention are focused on coming out. Those stories are important but Felix’s story focuses on continually exploring his gender identity, the struggles teens face and much more.
I listened to this in audio and I think the narration is amazing! I really was into it and didn’t want to put it down. Definitely recommend the audio format for this book. Check out the libro.fm link below to get a copy of the audiobook.
Content Warnings
Transphobia, homophobia, bullying, hate crime, emotional abuse, body shaming, racism, drug use
Who I Recommend this Book to
This is a must read for all that enjoy the Young Adult genre. Even more than that it is a book that I think everyone should read.
Get the Book!
Did this review of Felix Ever After convince you to read it? Check out the links below to get it from Bookshop.org and libro.fm. Please consider ordering it from a Black owned independent bookstore. This list of Black owned independent bookstores accepts online ordering.
>>Shop on Libro.fm (use code GISSELLEREADS for a discount if you want to start a membership)
If you’ve read this book let me know your thoughts in the comments!
This has been on my TBR list forever! I can’t wait to read it. I’m reading the memoir Sissy by Jacob Tobia right now and it’s also about his identity exploration and his “coming of gender” story. It’s been a great read so far.
Ahh not “his” wrong pronoun! I meant “their”! Still catching on!