I waffled about this rating for a bit. This book isn't likely among my all time favorites for a variety of reasons. But, I could not have possibly asked for more from this novel.

Anna-Marie McLemore takes The Great Gatsby and remixes it for the modern age and a YA demographic. The cleverness of the social commentary, particularly in direct comparison with the original, is really what sealed it. The choice to keep the 1920s setting but introduce the complications of the Latine and Trans experiences along with the issues associated with being white-passing... McLemore really did a solid job incorporating commentary while not overpowering the narrative. Gatsby and "Carroway" remain characters designed to fascinate. And, I would argue that McLemore gave far more agency to both Daisy and Jordan. Overall, I think this rating is earned.

This one wasn't for me. The writing style was pretentious and meandering with little focus on the titular topic until the latter half of the book. Can't necessarily recommend it, though I'm sure it will suit someone.

The content warnings are severe and graphic for this one. Please pay attention to them if you need them. Particularly surrounding motherhood/pregnancy and Trans bodies as well as domestic abuse. I actively avoid motherhood/pregnancy in stories, but reading it in this scifi horror format really reinforced why I avoid it. It was well written and considered, just incredibly heavy in both content and social commentary. There were pacing issues throughout, but I have heard some attempts at explaining those which make sense despite the iffy execution.

Andrew Joseph White is absolutely an author that is not going to hold your hand. His novels have really spanned the ratings for me, but his descriptions of trans characters and their experiences are compelling enough to keep bringing me back.