Review: As Far As You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper
SYNOPSIS:
The author of The Gravity of Us crafts another heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding the people who become your home–perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli
Marty arrives in London with nothing but his oboe and some savings from his summer job, but he’s excited to start his new life–where he’s no longer the closeted, shy kid who slips under the radar and is free to explore his sexuality without his parents’ disapproval.
From the outside, Marty’s life looks like a perfect fantasy: in the span of a few weeks, he’s made new friends, he’s getting closer with his first ever boyfriend, and he’s even traveling around Europe. But Marty knows he can’t keep up the facade. He hasn’t spoken to his parents since he arrived, he’s tearing through his meager savings, his homesickness and anxiety are getting worse and worse, and he hasn’t even come close to landing the job of his dreams. Will Marty be able to find a place that feels like home?
REVIEW:
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
An absolute must read for teens. My initial thought was that this book was going to be about teen falling in love and a sort of coming-of-age story. But Marty’s journey is so much more, it’s about finding your chosen family, finding true friends, and finding yourself and your voice.
Phil Stamper tackles tough topics like anxiety, eating disorders, toxic relationships, and homophobia with grace. Marty’s journey resonated with me in ways I wasn’t anticipating. And while at first it seemed that Marty was running from his problems by moving to London under an elaborate web of lies, it’s this escape to London that allows Marty to fully realize what he wants.
At the beginning of the story, Marty was struggling to make friends, dealing with less than stellar parents, and being a doormat crippled by anxiety. Marty’s character arc was a truly inspiring journey as he learns to cope with his anxiety, he gets closure on toxic relationships, and works to find common ground with his parents. At times during the story it felt like Marty and his lies were unraveling but this just added to Marty’s emotional complexity and made it all the more genuine. And while things don’t end perfectly, they end authentic and real.
I also loved the details of the musical world that Phil incorporated. I am not musically inclined in any way, shape, or form but I found myself Googling numerous things throughout the novel. From different instruments, to orchestras, to notes; I adored learning about something completely outside of my wheelhouse.
And while Marty does find romance in London, he also finds himself. Phil perfectly captures how delightfully awkward some of those firsts are. He also touches on how people change in relationships, sometimes for the better and sometimes not so much. I just felt that this was such a well-rounded novel and it was refreshing to dive back into my YA roots.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
