Friday, April 3, 2015

ARC Review: None of The Above ♥ A Change in Young Adult

Friday, April 03, 2015

None of The Above
L.W Gregorio

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (April 7, 2015)
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  • ISBN-13: 978-0062335319
  • Genre: Young Adult
  • Pre-order: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles
  • Source: e-ARC was sent via Edelweiss. 
  • Synopsis: A groundbreaking story about a teenage girl who discovers she's intersex . . . and what happens when her secret is revealed to the entire school. Incredibly compelling and sensitively told, None of the Above is a thought-provoking novel that explores what it means to be a boy, a girl, or something in between. What if everything you knew about yourself changed in an instant? When Kristin Lattimer is voted homecoming queen, it seems like another piece of her ideal life has fallen into place. She's a champion hurdler with a full scholarship to college and she's madly in love with her boyfriend. In fact, she's decided that she's ready to take things to the next level with him. But Kristin's first time isn't the perfect moment she's planned—something is very wrong. A visit to the doctor reveals the truth: Kristin is intersex, which means that though she outwardly looks like a girl, she has male chromosomes, not to mention boy "parts." Dealing with her body is difficult enough, but when her diagnosis is leaked to the whole school, Kristin's entire identity is thrown into question. As her world unravels, can she come to terms with her new self?

  • Kristin Lattimer discovers she is intersex during a trip to the gynecologist. For those who aren't aware of this phenomena, please allow the psychologist in the making to explain.. Intersex is a condition where an individual has both female and male anatomy parts. That doesn't mean they qualify with two genders though, usually it's only one. Kristin outwardly looks like a girl, and she believes she is one too - however, she has testicles. The truth about her intersex "diagnosis" get's leaked in her high school and she gets bullied. It bothers me when people say diagnosis like it's an actual disease .. It's not bad to be intersex though. It is a medical condition only because it's not ordinary, otherwise physically there isn't anything wrong with the individual, but emotionally they might still suffer.
  • I've read real-life scenarios about many individuals who are intersex so I found None of The Above quite interesting from the usual fluffy reads. If someone is intersex, it's better if the individual decides to undergo surgery once they're older so they are aware which gender they relate more to. I've read about a child's parents who had a child who was intersex, and they decided for the child to undergo surgery and remove the male parts. As the child grew older, she felt more like a he.. So later on, she discovered she was actually born as an intersex, and she related more to being a male. Then she went through surgery for the second time.. Emotionally, people who are intersex can suffer a lot. If the society we all lived in was more accepting and open-minded, people would never have to confirm their own identity and bullying won't exist. 
  • I really liked the novel None of the Above: the title, concept, and plot was fantastic. This isn't a novel about seeking one's identity, it's about confirming one's identity to others and fitting in. It's something different in young adult, and I believe not only teenagers, but adults and parents should read this as well. It raises more awareness and challenges the stereotypes of intersex individuals. The plot might seem common with the bullying, but the concept of intersex is pretty unique in young adult. I can easily see a change and the powerful impact this novel will make on Young Adult. I do like the direction it's going in, it does raise more awareness through a positive approach.
  •  Kristin Lattimer is the kind of person who's kind and nice to everyone, people seem to love her. She's popular, and a track star - I liked that she was shown as acclaimed perfection but then she finds out she is intersex and almost everyone hates her now. Many teenagers can relate to her character because she is just an ordinary teenager who is living her life.. I also liked Kristin's dad who was more than supportive to her, it didn't bother him that she was intersex, what bothered him the most was her risk of cancer. The story explains more of this in detail. 
  • Kristin & Sam are a happy, perfect couple .. but then everything changes. Kristin's boyfriend Sam annoyed me quite a bit. Sometimes, I felt he was with her because she was pretty and popular. It made me pity Kristin once her boyfriend turned away from her yet, she kept on chasing him. I wanted to scream STOP IT, YOU DESERVE BETTER. However, I could understand because she feels unaccepted and lonely. It's hard to go from the popular person to the least likable person now.. It's rather upsetting when people turn away from you when you need them the most. I did like the other romance that came later on in Kristin's life. It felt more sweeter and more understanding.

“Love isn’t a choice. You fall for the person, not their chromosomes.”


  •  The plot is a bit ordinary since it's common in reality; it's still wonderful regardless. Bullying occurs once Kristin's secret is leaked out to the whole school - people can be so ignorant to the concept of intersex. If an individual is intersex, it doesn't mean they're an homosexual or bisexual - that usually doesn't have a connection to being intersex, some individuals can be but most intersex people are heterosexual so these stereotypes are stupid. It's a birth defect, it doesn't determine sexuality. If you think it does, please throw ice water on yourself and read a textbook about intersex with an cool mind.  It bothers me when people don't know the background information on something yet think so negatively about it. People mainly kids name-called Kristin "freak" or "faggot" which was quite harsh. Bullying seriously hurts, it needs to stop. I really hope some individuals educate themselves with this book and by simply using the internet. 
  • Overall, None of The Above is a realistic young adult novel, I haven't read a book like this before, although I have studied the concept. I love how the author balances educating readers through the informative messages - I liked how the author explored the social side of intersex. None of The Above is more of a self-discovery novel than a romance novel. Kristin already relates more to being a female, but she was having trouble fitting in still. It bothered me how Kristin was chasing Sam even after he had rejected her, the hope she still had for someone who was quite ignorant was saddening. The book also ends on an open note which depresses me, I wanted to know what happens next in Kristin's life now. I have a slight problem with the endings of books these days. 
  • I can understand why the author chose to write an open ending though because Kristin's life is still moving forward, it doesn't have a happy ending yet, however, she has reached the point of being contempt and satisfied. Overall, I would recommend that everyone should read this novel at least once in their lifetime! It's an eye opener for sure, I do look forward to more of the author's incredible work, I would rate None of The Above 4.5 butterflies. I could see it becoming a bestseller soon.


Recommended for fans of Golden Boy, and Annabel.

  • Shukran for reading this! Leave your blog links in the comments & I'll be sure to check them out & follow :) Stay in tuned pretty creatures.. 

    “Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness.” —George R.R. Martin 
    femmmefatalee@gmail.com

50 comments:

  1. Omgosh, what a strong theme to put into a YA novel, I really applaud the author for trying to break through this stereotype. I have never come across an inter-sex person before, but I hope to think that I am open-minded enough to not think twice about it. I don't understand what the big deal is anyway...why is it necessary for people to bully others because of a condition they can't help? It just really highlights that people need adult figures that teach them to be nice and open-minded from a young age. This sounds like a very eye-opening book, thanks for sharing Benish, I'm going to keep an eye out for this one!

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    1. Thank you for your thoughts Joy! ❤️ It is an incredible book that I enjoyed beginning to the end, it's defo. worth reading - I hope you enjoy this novel, it does raise more awareness and it's an eye-open as well. I think everyone should atleast read this book once! & yes, I agree it's a birth defect that cannot be controlled, people shouldn't respond negatively to it.

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  2. I absolutely agree, Benish. Why is society so hell bent on labeling each other as only "male" or "female"? Why do we even have such gender constructions? At this day and age where everyone is different, why can't we simply just be "us", with no label limiting our actions, feelings, and sexuality? It's definitely something to think upon and I think any discernment on this case would be worth it especially for the generations to come.

    And I'm glad that you liked this one, Benish! Aimee read this too and she absolutely loved it. I like that YA nowadays are focusing on subjects that many people shy away from and are at the same time ignorant about it. It's time to change that mindset!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. Thank you for dropping by Faye, I really appreciate it - & yes, I agree a lot of people are quick to point fingers and judge others by labeling them automatically. I do like the change in young adult books though, it's a book worth reading! I hope you like it as much as I have :)

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  3. This sounds so incredibly heartbreaking Benish, and that there's an author out there that is addressing more than typical teen first world problems and bringing us more diversity. It sounds remarkable and I can't wait to grab a copy. I really hope the author gets the recognition they deserve for having the strength to put their work out there, and I look forward to seeing YA groups discussing it. Lovely review Benish <3 Thanks for putting this one on my radar!

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    1. Thank you for your comment, it's actually a wonderful book - the plot isn't as original but the concept is pretty fantastic in young adult. It's the first book I've read of it - I hope you love it as much as I have, it's an amazing book indeed.

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  4. Oh wow this book sounds fantastic. I saw the title, the cover and knew a little bit about it and requested the book! Now I do have a review copy so I should be starting on this one sometime this month. And I am really looking forward to it! It sounds like a realistic book with a very real problem, and likeable characters that show the harsh reality about being intersex. Can't wait to read it!

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    1. It's quite realistic, it's a book defo. worth experiencing - I hope you enjoy this novel as much as I have! Hoping to hear your thoughts on it soon :)

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  5. See, I wanted to read this ,but going by reviews (which are all positive, the ones I've read anyway) I think It would frustrate me because of the bullying. Honestly, don't have any patience in books (and real life) and don't condone any bullying, but when it comes to things people can't control, like intersex, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, mental or physical disabilities. Just no. “Love isn’t a choice. You fall for the person, not their chromosomes.” If more people felt like that, there would be a lot less hate. :(

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    1. Yes the bullying was a main aspect in this novel, it's a very accurate portrayal of it - I agree with you, there shouldn't any hate. Even if people not like some things about others, there's no need for hate crimes.

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  6. Oh no! Not another open ending! I've been reading a lot of those lately. Well, I'm glad I know to expect it with this book now, so I will prepare myself. I plan on reading this book soon!!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. Thank you Nicole for dropping by 💝 I really liked this book so hope you enjoy it as much as I have :)

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  7. I'm glad that there are more books (especially YA) with these topics getting out there. Our reaction to people who are different from us is the problem - not the people. Maybe if we are exposed to new things more often it will be less of an issue.

    I've heard great things about this book as well.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have Karen :)

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  8. I have been seeing this around, I am so glad you enjoyed it as much as you did! Happy Friday! :)

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    1. Thank you, hope you try it out for yourself :)

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  9. I've seen this book around a few times, but this is the first time I read the blurb. What an original issue for a book to tackle. I think I heard about intersex once during my study psychology, but it was only a small part of the course. It's sad to hear how the main character get's bullied and how many people don't know enough about things like this and make wrong assumptions about it. It sounds like an interesting and realistic book, great review!

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    1. Thank you Lola - I quite liked this book, it's a very accurate portrayal of many people who are intersex and the ways they suffer. It's a book worth defo. experiencing :)

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  10. I LOVED this book, and I wholeheartedly agree- EVERYONE should read it at some point. And yes, the bullying is HARD to read, but the message is so, so important. The author just handled the whole book so well, I loved this one! Great review :)

    Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight

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    1. I'm glad you loved this one as well Shannon - it's really a wonderful novel that I can quite enjoyed. I hope to hear your thoughts on this novel soon :) Thank you <3

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  11. sound like a great book, this is the first I see a review for this book :) glad to see you liked it

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  12. I never really read the synopsis for this book. Wow, it sounds so awesome and interesting, diverse! I will have to add it to my TBR!
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

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    1. Thank you Missie, this is a novel defo. worth checking out :)

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  13. This book seriously sounds so incredible. I love how it talks about the topic of intersex and I'd love to read it and learn about it. I love that quote you picked out, so powerful!

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    1. The book itself was quite powerful as well xD Thank you Katie! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have, it's worth the experience :)

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  14. Oh my god, this is like the 7th review for this book that I read, ahah. THE RELEASE IS IN TWO DAYS OMG SO EXCITED. Especially because I don't know much about intersex (me hearing of this book was the first time me hearing of intersex O.o) Anyway, great review!!

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    1. Thank you Lola ♥ This is a very powerful novel & I could understand your viewpoint. I hadn't heard about intersex until my first year of college. t's a wonderful book though, I hope to hear your thoughts on it sometime soon :)

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  15. Wow! This is such an intriguing subject matter! I love your review, and I'm definitely adding this book to my reading list. I have a feeling it's going to break my heart but it will be completely worth it. Love that quote you share, too! Awesome review, love xo

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    1. Thank you for dropping by & commenting such sweet things :) ♥ This book is complex, yet so simple at the same time if that makes sense. Enjoy it! x

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  16. Wonderful review Benish :) I wish the world was more understanding of people as individuals than it is, but it seems as though fear breeds hatred. Which is really quite sad.

    I'm going to have to add this one to my list, just for the subject alone. I'm glad more and more books are tackling issues like this.

    - Wattle @ Whimsical Nature

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    1. Yes, I do like where Young Adult is going with the awareness and positivism nowadays ♥ Thank you Wattle.

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    2. Yes, I do like where Young Adult is going with the awareness and positivism nowadays ♥ Thank you Wattle.

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  17. I learned so much reading this. I don't mind open endings and I thought that in this book, it was realistic.I was happy that Kristin seemed to be on a good path :)
    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen at YA Romantics

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    1. Thank you Jen & I agree, the ending did depress me because of the open note but I can understand why the author chose to do so.♥

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  18. I'm liking the sound of this book more and more after all these reviews I'm reading, especially as it focuses on something I've not seen featured in books before. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy this one overall Benish, despite the open ending. Lovely review! :)

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    1. Thank you Jasprit! ♥ This is a novel defo. worth reading - the concept is pretty fantastic - I hope you like it as much as I have, maybe even more? :)

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  19. I'm really glad you liked this one, Benish, because I absolutely loved it. I adore that diversity is coming into YA more these days, because people need to be able to see themselves in the media they are consuming.

    I could hardly bare the bullying that Kristin had to go through and I seriously wanted to jump in there and tell everyone to get lost.

    I think you're definitely right when you say not just teens/young adults should read this book. I think it could be a real eye opener for everyone, because it's such an important piece of work.

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    1. YES to your comment<3 It's a powerful story overall, I do believe almost everyone should read this atleast once. I agree, I love the change in Young Adult as well, the books are actually more intense now from the usual fluffy reads. I'm glad you liked it as well, I loved reading your review :)

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  20. What a really intriguing and interesting theme! Definitely unique and I do like that the author chose something out of the box, real, and very life changing. I'm glad that the author was not only able to tell a wonderful story, but also educate her readers!

    Lovely, lovely review and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much :)

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    1. Thank you Magen for your kind words :) I quite liked this novel, it's something different and worth checking out ♥

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  21. Gah it's so annoying when a book you enjoy ends without tying all the knots. I'm still really interested in this though! I have an e-ARC from Edelweiss although I haven't touched it since I got it weeks (maybe months) ago. You've inspired me to read it soon though! I think it's such a good message to be spreading. Thank you for the amazing review Benish!

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    1. Thank you Laura ♥ I really did like this novel, it did end on an open note - but I understand that was the point of the book since Kristin's life will stay go on, it doesn't have a happy ending. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I have :)

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  22. I'm definitely curious about this book because it's a new ground breaking thing being explored in YA of diversity, and it's just interesting to see how everyone will react to it. So far, so good. Highlighting how she chased after Sam sounds like it would bother me as well. Thanks for the review Benish xx

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    1. Thank you Jeann for dropping by, I hope you enjoy this novel as much as I have :) It's defo. worth the experience & something different in Young Adult.

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  23. I've seen a lot about this book lately that's made me want to read it, but your review definitely bumped it up on my TBR list. It seems like it deals with such a complex issue in such a great way. I cannot wait to read it and take a break from the norm of YA contemporaries!

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    1. Thank you for your thoughts Kristen<3 The concept of the novel is pretty fantastic, it's something diverse in Young Adult which I quite liked. I hope you enjoy this one :)

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  24. I really do love how diverse young adult is being, there is a new novel out as well called Simon vs. Homosapiens Agenda - I hope to hear your thoughts on it soon xx

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    1. P.s I really do love the recommendations you have listed- great collection.

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    2. AMEN to your comment, I'm hoping to check out that novel next :) Hopefully I'll do a review sometime next week. Thank you so much.

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