From Powells.com
Our favorite books of the year.
Staff Pick
I swiftly fell in love with this book. This was such a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of the complicatedness of coming out as nonbinary, of dealing with an anxiety disorder, of choosing when to trust and when to forgive, of finding family and moving on. The characters are complex and almost tangible and really pack an emotional punch. Recommended By Ari M., Powells.com
I swiftly fell in love with this book. This was such a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of the complicatedness of coming out as nonbinary, of dealing with an anxiety disorder, of choosing when to trust and when to forgive, of finding family and moving on. The characters are complex and almost tangible and really pack an emotional punch. Recommended By Jade H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, Mason Deaver's stunning debut will rip your heart out before showing you how to heal from tragedy and celebrate life in the process.
"Heartfelt, romantic, and quietly groundbreaking. This book will save lives." Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
It's just three words: I am nonbinary. But that's all it takes to change everything.
When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
At turns heartbreaking and joyous, I Wish You All the Best is both a celebration of life, friendship, and love, and a shining example of hope in the face of adversity.
Review
"A soft, sweet, and incredibly important story about a nonbinary teen finding their voice. This book is going to be so important to so many people." Alice Oseman, author of Radio Silence and Heartstopper
Review
"A beacon of hope in a broken world. We all need this book." Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin
Review
"Profoundly poignant and often swoon-worthy... a stunning gift to the world." Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here
Review
"I Wish You All the Best reminds us that, when we open up to love, we have the capacity to become our most authentic selves." Adib Khorram, Morris and APALA Award-winning author of Darius the Great is Not Okay
Review
"Tender and bursting with humanity, I Wish You All the Best tells a heartwarming queer love story without compromise." Meredith Russo, Stonewall Award-winning author of If I Was Your Girl
About the Author
Mason Deaver is a non-binary author and librarian from a small town in North Carolina where the word "y'all" is used in abundance. When they aren't writing or working, they're typically found in their kitchen baking something that's bad for them or out in their garden complaining about the toad that likes to dig holes around their hydrangeas. I Wish You All the Best is their debut novel. You can find them online at masondeaverwrites.com.