By Carly Smith
Content Warning: Transphobia, homophobia, racism
Both Sides Now is a captivating, quick-moving novel about Finch Kelly and his life as a senior in high school. Finch has the typical woes of teens his age—friendships, his relationship with his parents, and admission into university. There is more to Finch’s story, though, because he is set to participate in the national debating competition and the topic being argued has to do with transgender rights. This hits close to home because Finch is transgender. Readers follow closely as Finch prepares for and takes place in the debate, transforms friendships, questions his sexual identity, and learns more about himself and his values as he strives to be offered admission to Georgetown University.
The novel is written from Finch’s perspective, and Thomas builds Finch’s character so carefully and intently that readers will have difficulty remembering he is not a real, physical human. Finch is intelligent, good-humoured, hard-working, and wise beyond his years. It is evident that transitioning, living with ever-arguing parents, and his role on the debate team have offered him many experiences that other teens have gone without, all of which contribute to his well-roundedness and mature disposition. Rather than dwell on hardships with which he is presented, like arguing for topics that he is passionately against in debate club, Finch uses them as learning opportunities.
Jonah is a friend and debate partner of Finch, a clever young man whose everyday life is equally as mesmerizing as Finch’s. Thomas paints a picture of Jonah, which unveils to readers life as a gay Asian teen. Between Finch and Jonah, a world of seemingly non-existent and outdated inequalities is revealed to readers, prompting reflection, both inward and outward.
Human rights are a major theme in Both Sides Now. Thomas’s ability to intertwine transgender rights with the life of a transgender high schooler and his extracurricular life is impeccable. The book is written in a way that makes readers want to continue to each new chapter immediately while also taking time to pause and reflect on current societal standards and one's own stances on the themes presented. The words and chapters flow flawlessly, and Thomas uses language both adults and young adults will connect with. If you are a white, cisgender, straight person, Both Sides Now should be at the top of your ‘to be read’ pile.
Thank you to the Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!