Book Log

Can't Take That Away - Steven Salvatore - 1/28/24

Not a Wattpad published book

TO TAKE CENTER STAGE, THEY'LL HAVE TO SHATTER THE BINARY.

Carey Parker dreams of being a diva. But, despite their ability to hit every note, emotional scars from their past and the stress of their beloved grandmother's spiraling dementia make it harder and harder for Carey to find their voice.

Then they meet Cris, a singer/guitarist who makes Carey feel seen for the first time in their life. With the rush of a promising new romance, Carey wonders whether they have the confidence to audition for the lead role in their school musical production of Wicked. Some people might not approve of Carey playing Elphaba, but they and their friends refuse to be silenced.

Told in alternating chapters spotlighting genderqueer Carey's identifying pronouns, Steven Salvatore's debut novel offers a powerful, uplifting anthem, a swoony romance, and an affirmation of self-identity that will ignite the activist in all of us.

~*~

All I can say is wow. Wow wow wow! I've been in love with Steven Salvatore's writing ever since I read And I Lived..., and this book absolutely meets my expectations and standards. In fact, it blows right through them. Perhaps I'm a bit biased, as LGBTQ+ works are a new discovery of mine and finding new ones make me want to happy scream. Either way, this author did a wonderful job.

Heartwarming yet heart wrenching, I laughed, cried, and sat in awe as I took in the story of Carey Parker. This novel really sheds a light on the experience of LGBTQ+ people all over America, and how tough life can be to be a high schooler with this extra step of self-discovery.

I'd rate this novel 5/5 stars. I absolutely loved it from page one, until I shut the cover at its finality. I'd highly recommend this book to my fellow gays, or anyone who wants a glimpse into the mindset of someone outside of the binary. Carey and Cris are my new OTP. =) <3