Always the Almost by Edward Underhill -> Starting October 2nd, 2022

[Alaina]

A trans pianist makes a New Year's resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals and win back his ex, but a new boy complicates things in Edward Underhill's heartfelt debut YA rom-dram, 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”—whatever that means.

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—and 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, which 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?

[Trisha]

yes! more content warnings (honestly, I love this trend!) and a promise! I love that the author gave us a promise, right in the beginning! ❤

[Dr. Andy]

Trisha wrote: "yes! more content warnings (honestly, I love this trend!) and a promise! I love that the author gave us a promise, right in the beginning! ❤"

That's awesome!! I'll be starting this on the 6th hopefully!

[Trisha]

ugh, I keep getting all teary-eyed reading this
both my kids are trans and this book just gives me all the feels! I love it!

oh, and we do take our coffee seriously in Washington! lol

8 chapters
(view spoiler)[ Ugh, Miles!! SEE ERIC Please !! he's adorable, you are adorable. and we all want someone to draw a dancing waffle playing piano for us right?! I love this kid!

and I understand Shane - I understand he hasn't yet matured enough to be secure in who he is - but I don't like it. . .I hope Miles moves on

oh and I love Rachel and Paige! the bathroom brigade is killing me! I love them! I remember that fight! Forcing a school in the southern US to make my oldest more comfortable when using a bathroom and dressing room (for PE) was a small nightmare but totally worth it!

And total score on the suit !!!

and I'm a bit nervous - Eric and Miles have been so easy to so far. What will go wrong? It has to be something and I don't know if I'm ready for it! (hide spoiler)]

Ugh, and I wish I could talk to Miles' parents. I would explain about how to transition pronouns and names until it becomes easy and you quickly get to where you don't have to think about it anymore.

[Trisha]

Through 15 chapters

(view spoiler)[ ugh, why Miles why? I hate that Shane is still this maybe out there for Miles. He's not.

I like Eric so much.

and I like the music teacher. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

through 21 chapters

(view spoiler)[ ugh, I knew something would throw drama. I figured it would be shane

but I never anticiapated Paige and Rachel breaking up! and now Miles and Rachel aren't speaking! Yikes!

poor Eric. my heart breaks for him (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

and I'm done

(view spoiler)[ I know we were supposed to be cheering Miles on (and I was) but I was so excited to see Lily win too! I'm glad Miles gets to go too!
Cameron, what a poor loser.

I'm so glad Miles was able to apologize and make it up to everyone!! I loved the lunch time petition too! lol (hide spoiler)]

this one was so cute!

[Dr. Andy]

ch 8 (view spoiler)[ I'm really enjoying this one! I get why Miles is pining after Shane, but at the same time like Shane is clearly so uninterested. Also I don't like how Shane continually brushes Miles off and avoids talking to him. I am loving Stefania and Eric tho! They make me happy. Also Eric gives me demisexual vibes. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

ch 13 (view spoiler)[ Ah I am loving this!! I really think Miles needed to hear what Rachel said about his body being a boys regardless of his anatomy. He IS a boy, full stop. Also I'd love to see Eric explore his gender more. I feel like he could fit genderflux which is like a mix of agender and genderfluid! Maybe we'll see more. I am loving the music aspect of this and I love Miles and Eric together. I want to know who Paige was staring at earlier in the chapter tho. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

ch 19 (view spoiler)[ Oh no :( I get why things happened with Shane like that but I also hate it :((((( I hope Eric and Miles can work it out. Also what is going on with Paige and Rachel?? Will we get answers??? (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Trisha wrote: "Through 15 chapters

[spoilers removed]. "

Stefania is the literal BEST!

[Dr. Andy]

ch 23 (view spoiler)[ I am absolutely NOT internally crying over Miles's dad giving him that tie and the way Miles is repairing his relationship with Eric. Definitely not. Okay maybe I am. BUT ITS ALL SO SWEET.

The fight with Rachel surprised me. I hated how many nasty things she said. I know why Miles said what he said, but also he wasn't completely in the wrong. I can't remember if Rachel apologized for the things she said, bc Miles does deserve an apology for that. (hide spoiler)]