Release: February 14, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle,
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A trans pianist makes a New Year’s resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals, but a new boy complicates things in Edward Underhill’s heartfelt debut Always the Almost.
Sixteen-year-old trans boy Miles Jacobson has two New Year’s resolutions. 1) win back his ex-boyfriend (and star of the football team) Shane McIntyre, and 2) finally beat his slimy arch-nemesis at the Midwest’s biggest classical piano competition. But that’s not going to be so easy. For one thing, Shane broke up with Miles two weeks after Miles came out as trans. And now Shane’s stubbornly ignoring him, even when they literally bump into each other. Plus, Miles’ new, slightly terrifying piano teacher keeps telling him that he’s playing like he “doesn’t know who he is”.
Then Miles meets the new boy in town, Eric Mendez, a proudly queer cartoonist from Seattle who asks his pronouns, cares about art as much as he does. This makes his stomach flutter. Not what he needs to be focusing on right now. But after Eric and Miles pretend to date so they can score an invite to a couples-only Valentine’s party, the ruse turns real with a kiss. This is also definitely not in the plan. If only Miles could figure out why Eric likes him so much. After all, it’s not like he’s cool or confident or comfortable in his own skin. He’s not even good enough at piano to get his fellow competitors to respect him, especially now, as Miles. Nothing’s ever been as easy for him as for other people—other boys. He’s only ever been almost enough.
So why, when he’s with Eric, does it feel like the only person he’s ever really not been enough for…is himself?
About the Author:
Edward Underhill grew up in the suburbs of Wisconsin, where he could not walk to anything.That meant he had to make up his own adventures. He began writing (very bad) stories as a kid and wrote his first (also very bad) novel in his teens. He currently lives in California. By day he writes music (most frequently for cartoons) and by night he writes stories, which aren’t as bad as they used to be.
As a queer trans man, he is passionate about books where queer and trans kids can find themselves in the pages. If you are one of those kids, he promises there will always be a place for you in his books.
Edward’s debut novel, ALWAYS THE ALMOST, releases from Wednesday Books/Macmillan on February 14, 2023.
Always the Almost Review:
The author’s approach to crafting a delightful romantic dramedy with transgender and non-binary characters in “Always the Almost” made this book special for me!Firstly, I loved the chemistry between Miles and Eric, which was my highlight! The author immediately immersed me in the drama Miles and Eric encounter, with Shane in the picture. Eric is adorable, and I love how understanding and accepting he is. Moreover, Eric doesn’t love Miles for any particular attributes but simply for being Miles, which makes the story charming. The two share many beautiful moments, like when he ties a tie for him when they go to Valentine’s party or simple moments as Eric draws while Miles plays the piano.Secondly, I particularly relished how the author devotes time to the supporting cast. Like we get into the drama between Rachel, Paige, and Josie. Additionally, the bond between Miles and Stefania is beautiful as she guides him through the preparations for the Tristate competition. The author writes Miles’s dynamics with everyone so beautifully. And I also enjoy the moments Miles spends with his parents as they adjust to his new lifestyle. Similarly, we have shady characters like Cameron, who relentlessly throws jabs at Miles concerning the competition, adding an extra layer of drama.Perhaps I didn’t give this book five stars because of some unnecessary moments. Certain moments and characters, such as Andrew, seemed excessive, lacking a significant impact on the overall plot. Furthermore, although I enjoyed Shane’s presence, the dramatic developments between him and Miles in the latter half felt unjustified. Here,the author did not convincingly establish their relationship in the first place.Nevertheless, “Always the Almost” was a delightful read that I wholeheartedly recommend, particularly to those seeking a heartwarming LGBTQ-themed romcom with endearing characters.
