Reviews

I would normally say that I really enjoyed the book, but here that doesn't quite seem right. I'm really glad I read Nevada, and overall I really did enjoy the book, but it had enough disturbing and uncomfortable parts that it still doesn't feel like the right summary sentence.

I definitely spent the book really hoping that the characters will have a beautiful epiphany and figure everything out, but it's really not that kind of book. As she says in the dedication, "... even though it's not a happy book." Still, as other reviews have mentioned, some of the magic of the book is how much of a Mess Maria's life is, and I felt that way too.

The true magic and beauty of this book is in the way it talks about and makes you think about many complex issues related to gender and the trans experience without trying to capture or describe the whole of either, which would be impossible. Through a story about one trans experience, the reader is led to learn and think about so many aspects of the broader whole.

I also really enjoyed all of the details of Maria's life in New York. So many of the places and experiences resonated deeply with my experiences living and bicycling in NYC for the last 6 years, and that was great throughout. Lastly, the Imogen's narration of the Audio book was fantastic!

erinmariebrinkman's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars. real, frustrating, messy characters who drove me nuts while they tried to figure out how to come of age and asked sincere and maybe unanswerable questions

ari_odinson's review against another edition

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4.0

Read this for Queer Book Club and look forward to attending/talking about the book. It was like reading theory without actually reading theory which I personally appreciate.

carltonrobot's review against another edition

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5.0

I bought this book at Orca Book Co-op in Olympia based on the staff recommendation that said “Nevada walked so Detransition Baby could fly”. I haven’t read Detransition Baby yet but it’s on my list so I’m excited to see how they compare. But I read Nevada in one sitting. It took me on a wild ride and then ended so abruptly. I wanted it to keep going but that’s my only complaint. Loved seeing messy queer trans people on the page.

nipqueen's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ewible2's review against another edition

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5.0

I don’t remember who recommended this book to me, but it is amazing. I just finished and need to read it again immediately.

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