![]() For Marty’s story, being gay plays a critical role in the book, but being queer wasn’t made a *defining* feature for the rest of the characters. I think the majority of the cast is queer. On that note, Stamper’s sophomore novel is very! very! queer (no surprise). Besides Marty’s relationship with his parents, toxic friendships-and romantic relationships-are further discussed, which I have not seen a lot of in YA. Marty’s parents are Christian, so As Far As You’ll Take Me does confront the tension between Christianity and being queer (in Marty’s case, being gay). He wants out of Kentucky and the homophobia he’s suffocating. What Marty wants to make sure is they will never realize that he never got into that program. He travels to London to supposedly go to a music summer program (in the eyes of his parents back in Kentucky). ![]() My first reaction when I reached the end was “aww that was a good book.” What really stood out to me was the musical elements, as Marty-the protagonist-is an oboist. ![]() ![]() Luckily, As Far As You’ll Take Me exceeded my expectations in pretty much every single way. ![]() I think I finished this book in about two days? The very (very) general premise reminded me of How It All Blew Up, which if you read my review, I wasn’t the biggest fan of. *Note: I received an ARC of this title from Phil Stamper’s literary agent. Content Warnings: panic attacks, emotional and verbal abuse, homophobia, disordered eating, anxiety, forced outing ![]()
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