Review Detail

BETWEEN PERFECT AND REAL is a heartfelt read about finding yourself and coming out. Dean knows that he is a trans guy, but he is not yet ready to come out when the book begins. He has been watching youtubers and bloggers describe their own journeys, and he thinks that he wants to be someday. He loves theatre at school, and this year, with Romeo and Juliet, he is trying out for Lady Capulet, as there are not many roles for females. When he is cast as Romeo, he feels like he gets to be who he really is - a boy.

As he acts the role, he realizes that he is ready to come out, but the process is anything but easy. Starting with his friends and his girlfriend, he begins to share himself. Some people react well, while others do not. As he experiences the pain of deadnaming and misgendering, he also experiences the beauty of life lived identified as his true self, and there is nothing like it.

What I loved: This is such a beautiful story of finding yourself and coming out. Through Dean's eyes, the reader experiences both the joys and pains of the process. He is a really compelling character, and though there were heartbreaking moments, I loved the way he was able to embrace himself. I also appreciated the inclusion of the support group he joins, which shows an important resource, as well as the other fantastic characters he meets there who share their own journeys and help him (and the reader) learn more about gender. The inclusion of different kinds of reception to his coming out was also really powerful.

I loved the play as well, and the way that the reader can feel Dean shine on stage. Even though not everything works out perfectly, it's easy to tell his heart is in acting, and these moments are really great. I also super-loved his friend, Ronnie, and Ronnie's parents. There are so many awesome characters in the book.

Final verdict: A beautiful story about being true to yourself and coming out, BETWEEN PERFECT AND REAL is a heartfelt YA contemporary about theatre, friendship, and gender identity. Highly recommend for YA readers of all ages.