A sweet, precious LGBTQ+ work of fiction. The cover art is stunning.

**Big thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the earc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read this one so fast and enjoyed it immensely! Super cute protagonist and a fresh perspective. I loved all the music connections and all the side stories, also! Hope the author will make this a series and write about some of the other characters. It was also such a realistic story with all the conflicted teenage emotions and missing something safe. I'll probably read everything else this author puts out there!

I loved this story! The characters were realistic, the plot and challenges were realistic. I loved that the main character was trans but also had depth, along with other queer characters in the story. I also appreciate that the author himself is trans. As I was reading this I couldn't help but think of all the students and young people that would benefit from hearing a story from the voice and perspective of a young transgender man dealing with being a teenager and then some.

Always the Almost is an honest and joyful story about music, trans joy and self-love. It follows Miles, a recently out trans boy and pianist who is balancing romance, friendship and a new, slightly eccentric piano teacher. Miles' journey is messy and there were times I just wanted to shake him, but that's part of YA romance charm. Miles felt honest and real, as did his whole friend group and love interest. Eric, the love interest, is so sweet and accepting, and felt like just what Miles needed. There is a plotline involving Miles' ex who dumped him after he came out because he doesn't like guys. This gets really frustrating, but that's my only negative.

I was nervous that this wouldn't work for me because I don't find piano particularly compelling, but the way Edward Underhill writes about it felt like pure magic. I found myself looking forward to every time Miles performed, and I wished I could see and hear it. I love how it became such an expression of joy for him. I also liked the support system Miles has as pianist. His teacher, Stefania, is so wonderful and easily the best character. The other competitors aren't all good, but there are quite a few that have his back, no matter what. Then there's all the friends and family that watch hours of piano just for him. Its all just really heartwarming.

Overall, I adored this. I think its a beautiful expression of trans joy, one that queer teens desperately need right now. I can not wait to read what this author does next, and to encourage all of my LGBT+ students to pick this up. So glad I got to to read this.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday books for providing me access to an eARC of Edward Underhill’s phenomenal book, Always the Almost. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Summary:

Miles Jacobson is a newly out sixteen year-old trans boy who has two goals for the new year: get his ex back and defeat his piano nemesis. Miles doesn’t plan on meeting Eric Mendez, a cartoonist and new queer kid from Seattle. Miles is so used to being almost good enough that he doesn’t know how to react to Eric’s instant acceptance and the romantic feelings that blossom between them.

Thoughts

This book is really interesting. I really like the way Miles’s piano teacher focuses on small technique things that can help him improve, but mostly discusses who he is and how that will show in his music. Miles wants his piece to be joyful. One of the major themes of this book is finding the joy even when that seems like an impossible task.

Another thing I liked about this book is the way that cheating is discussed. Without going into details, I feel like it fairly presented both sides without justifying the cheating or completely demonizing the characters who cheat.

That’s something I appreciated about this book in general is that the characters have room to grow. Everyone is humanized and has a chance to treat people better. But at the same time, the pain that multiple characters cause others is not swept under the rug either. This is especially true with Miles’s parents who both fail to fully accept him for who he is, but do make an effort to learn and do better by Miles.

This is a very human book about self-discovery, learning to forgive oneself and others, young love, and being a good musician. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to read about a fight for queer joy.

5 out of 5 stars

As a transmasc percussionist from the midwest, Always the Almost was a poignant read. I deeply related to Miles on many levels, in a way that it was simultaneously heartbreaking and encouraging to read how parts of his story played out.
I enjoyed the narrative, and though things were messy, some real life relationships never get the closure we think they deserve, so it felt real. The story left me wondering if I’d had books like this when I was younger, if it would be easier for me to handle it all now.

Is it possible to give a book 6 stars? This one deserves it.

"I am queer. I am trans. I am full of joy."


I frequently see people requesting stories of queer/trans joy instead of hurt. The world is so full of hurt and hatred. This is a PERFECT book to pick up instead of doom-scrolling. The writing style is comparable to Rachel Lynn Solomon and Mason Deaver, and the story is in the vein of Becky Albertalli.

TW: body dysphoria, transphobia, deadnaming, nonconsensual kiss

While there are trigger warnings I wouldn't classify any as severe. The story shows the transphobia, but focuses on the gender euphoria Miles feels. His journey with piano, his relationship with his parents, his desire to understand himself are all front-facing. The romance is plot B, and is the kind to make your cheeks hurt from smiling. The side characters are important and active, but don't pull focus from the core of Miles' coming of age. I would die for Stefania, no question.

This book is wonderfully wholesome and happy-making and will make you wish you had paid more attention in those piano lessons your mom paid for because maybe you could experience the joy of playing a 20-minute sonato. Or maybe not. IDK I hate practicing so much I gave up on every hobby besides reading.

Rep: trans & gay MC, Latinx queer/questioning sc, Latinx sc with Down Syndrome, lesbian Jewish-atheist-pagan sc, lesbian Asian sc, sapphic side couple

Thanks to Wednesday Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

The rumors are true. This was a wonderful read! I loved Miles and his journey. I loved getting to know him as a pianist, and a queer trans kid who just wants to find himself and his joy.

Also, this is a certified cozy read!

This book was sweet and definitely a solid YA read, but there were a few things about it that bugged me. One of my biggest pet peeves in fiction is when a character doesn't defend themselves when there's a misunderstanding. When Eric saw Shane and Miles kissing, Miles so easily could have said "Shane kissed me" rather than agreeing that he initiated it, BECAUSE HE REALLY DIDN'T. So I feel like that could have been solved so much quicker. Though, I suppose the emotional cheating was important to address.

Another thing that bugged me a bit was how quickly the two main characters got together. I was looking for more development in that realm, though I understand why the author made that pacing decision.

Overall, this book is really sweet and fun, but it didn't do a lot more for me than that. I'm glad books like this exist for the teens that need them, and that's all it really comes down too.

This vibrant cover first caught my attention. Then I discovered the MC plays piano (I played years ago), and when I read it was blurbed by Phil Stamper (just finished his Golden Boys duology), I knew I needed to read this novel.

Miles is a trans-boy who’s recently come out, and he has two goals – win back his ex-boyfriend (a school jock who dumped him) and beat his arch nemesis (Miles has lost to him every year) at a classical piano competition. Miles is also experiencing struggles at school – teachers referring to him with the wrong pronouns/name and bathroom dilemmas, and piano competitions – trolls making horrible comments on message boards. Luckily he has some very protective friends to help him out. Every spare moment he has is spent practicing piano, usually in the school auditorium. And that’s where he meets new student Eric who’s working on his comic series.

Eric is laid-back, adorable, and he sees Miles – it’s easy to understand why Miles is attracted to him. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and turn into something more. Eric’s scenes with his younger sister are heartwarming and funny and allow the reader to see another side of him.

As for Miles – I wanted to wring his neck at certain points. Initially he’s pretty selfish and ignores what’s happening with his friends. Because of some of his actions, he’s forced to take a closer look at himself and how he’s treated others. It’s a wonderful character arc. I loved Miles’s piano teacher. She’s tough, talented, and nudges him (not gently) into thinking about who he is and why he plays.

This is a heart-warming, joyful novel with messy, flawed characters and an incredible debut. This author is definitely on my watchlist, and I’m anxious to see what he does next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed Always the Almost. Miles's journey of self discovery and acceptance was inspiring. I liked the parallel of him finding his way as a musical artist with him figuring out how who he wants to be as a person. The side characters in this were fun, and I loved how supportive and sweet Eric was. I wished that Mile's friends were a little more fleshed out, but overall I felt that the writing and story made up for the slight lack of character development. I will definitely be reading whatever Edward Underhill releases next!

I think this book is really cute. A good debut.
3.5

I’m an ex violinist so I REALLY enjoy the music storyline. He’s very good, very realistic and there weren’t the usual little mistakes that always are there where authors write about classic music.
I also like the rep, especially the trans rep. I don’t buy a lot the love story, if I have to be honest: Eric and Miles are cute, sure, but I don’t get the chemistry. I think Miles have more chemistry with Shane, but I don’t ship them either.
However, I can’t wait for the next book of this author. I think he can write great things!

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC!

You know when you finish a really good book, and you have to physically give it a hug because you cannot contain how much you loved it? Well, I definitely did that with this book.

Miles Jacobson is a sixteen-year-old trans boy and pianist, whose New Year's resolutions are to win back his ex-boyfriend Shane and to win the biggest classical piano competition in the Midwest. Unfortunately, Shane broke up with Miles because he came out as trans, and as for the piano competition, his rival - Cameron - has won ever single year since forever. These New Year's resolutions will not be easy.

But maybe a new friend will help. Eric Mendez is the new kid in town, and soon Eric and Miles become close friends, bonding over their mutual artistic leanings - Miles a pianist, Eric a cartoonist. However, when they pretend to fake date in order to get an invite to the big couples-only Valentine's party at their school, things take an unexpected turn.

What's really important? Winning back Shane, or exploring where this new relationship might go?

I absolutely loved everything about this book! The trans representation! The intersectional considerations of being queer and brown! A non-stereotypical and dynamically portrayed character with Down's Syndrome! So many good things! So! Many!

I literally did hug my Kindle when I was finished reading it. Absolutely 5 stars for me, and I will be investing in a copy of this book for our library.

"Always the Almost" is an incredible debut from trans author Edward Underhill.

The relationship between protagonist Miles Jacobson and love interest Eric Mendez is so refreshingly healthy, centering unconditional support while still highlighting the importance of establishing boundaries.

As a teacher, this is a book I'll be recommending to my students. And as a reader, this will be one of those rare books I see myself reading again and again.

~Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
A feel-good contemporary YA romance about a queer trans boy, Miles, who is trying to figure out who he is on the precipice of a classical piano competition. For a debut work, the writing is solid, letting Miles's personality shine through while also touching on topics such as struggling with gender dysphoria and friendship. I loved and related to Eric's character so much and I feel like this would've been an even better story if we got duel perspectives between him and Miles. I also found Miles a ~tad~ unlikeable (just based on the shit he says and does to his friends and Eric), but this is mostly solved by the end of the story. Lastly, I would've preferred if Eric and Miles's relationship was a little more slow-burn. Overall, however, this was a wholesome own-voices romance, and I can't wait to see what Edward Underhill comes out with next!

I loved a lot of things about this book, but I think what gets me the most is how YA it feels. I love a lot of things about queer YA: the messy characters, self-discovery, understanding of others, the unparalleled feeling of joy. But I think the true heart of why it means so much and why it is a genre that feels like home is that queer YA authors pour so much love into their books. And that is certainly true for Always the Almost.

So, what's it about? Always the Almost follows Miles, a pianist who's just come out as a trans guy to his friends and family. When New Year's comes around, he finds himself missing his ex-boyfriend, who broke up with Miles after he came out. Logically, as any (un)reasonable teenager would, Miles makes a resolution to win his ex back. He also decides that this year will be the time he beats his insufferable piano rival. Then when Miles comes back to school following winter break, he meets the new kid in town, Eric. Eric is everything Shane (the ex) was not. He's comfortably queer, understanding, intuitive, and cute in an entirely different way. He makes Miles feel things.

Always the Almost is a story about all those typical queer YA feelings; it's about feeling as if everything you do almost enough, but not quite there — like you can never truly be yourself. And while I am not trans myself, just this base feeling of always having to reach farther is something I can painfully relate to. And it also really warms my heart to think about all the trans kids who might pick up this book and see themselves in it — who might relate to Miles even more than I did.

I loved the progression of Miles' music throughout the book. I honestly felt Miles rise up to the challenge, and struggle to find himself in his piano playing. I loved watching his understanding and self-discovery influence his passion. It's such a real, beautiful thing to let your personality seep into your hobbies and passions.

I absolutely adored Eric. He was so understanding and caring, and he always knew what to say — or at least he always clarified. I loved his development as the love interest and supporting character for Miles' journey. Although I gotta say that I was not a big fan of Miles' friends. Maybe they reminded me too much of people I know in real life, or maybe they were just simply a lil too messy for even my messy heart. But I did really appreciate their respective life experiences and character arcs. They felt real, and they weren't perfect, but I could tell they cared. Maybe they weren't always the best friends to Miles, but we've all got our own problems to deal with.

And Miles. Oh, Miles. He made so many mistakes. Like, mistakes that I saw coming chapters ahead and wanted to just grip him by the shoulders and yell at him for. But that's kinda why I'm reading, isn't it? To see him mess up and come back from it. To see the "epic highs and lows" of... piano?? competitions??? (ok sorry, I'll stop now) But anyway I really liked him as a person and a protagonist, messy in everything he is.

Always the Almost is so joyful. It's a story of a gay trans guy. A story of a piano player. A story of a true teenager. It's a story about messing up and finding love and messing up again and coming back and doing it again, and again, and again. It's a story about understanding others as well as yourself. It's a warm hug to queer YA as a genre, and a read to make you smile. It's happiness in the face of darker moments. It's joy.

Content Warnings: transphobia, deadnaming, homophobia, bullying, mentions of racism, infidelity (kiss), gender dysphoria

Always the Almost is a greatly endearing queer romance full of beautifully written characters. The premise was immediately alluring, and the writing strong enough that I continued reading. I would highly recommend it to romance readers!

"Always the Almost" is a beautiful tale of queer romance intertwined with self-discovery and appreciation. The story was captivating and the characters were lovable. Edward Underhill's writing style was unique and I especially enjoyed the many ways he incorporated parentheses into the pages! Recommend this to any romance lovers!

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review*

Always the Almost was everything I needed in a YA contemporary romance with a trans-MC. It did not let me down in any way and I cried at the end because Miles grew in every way that he needed to.

All the characters were so good, and I loved all of them.

Trans joy is something I don't see a lot of and I loved it in this book. Give me more of this!!

Wildly charming, quite nerdy, and thoroughly heart-warming. As always, there is nothing I love more than fake-dating. I'm so appreciative to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the eARC.