Boy Robot by Simon Curtis

Boy Robot is a unique read by Simon Curtis that should be a must read for young readers everywhere.

I would like to start off by saying this is not my favourite book - but it is good. Recently I've been finding more and more books I'm reading are fantastic, but just not in my wheelhouse. I did enjoy this book and I think it'd be a fantastic addition to another Young Adult/Young Reader bookshelf (whether personal or in a school) but I personally won't be grasping and holding it dear to my heart.

This book has lovable characters, easy to follow story lines, deeper meanings and themes (I love a good theme
I also like that this book includes some LGBTQ into it. I won't spoil, but it truly made my heart feel warm knowing that FINALLY books are realizing everyone is not a heterosexual male or female. Normalizing reality is fantastic, and Simon Curtis is earning bonus points for that alone. There are some reviews that seem to point at transphobia in this book - I didn't read it this way, but be wary. If you need trigger warnings, then maybe this book isn't for you? There's rape, transgender individuals and general topics that some people just aren't okay with. I was on the edge about reading about the rape, etc, and I still kinda am (I'm wobbling on the fence of unsure) - but I don't see this as Simon Curtis attacking anyone purposely. I think it's a plot device (maybe not the best plot devices...but that's for you to decide).

I did find this book way to long. Personally, I would rather a book be shorter and end perfectly with everything that needs to be there rather than longer, more substance but not worth it. There were some story lines that were dragged out WAY to long. Some of the scenes were exhausting to read because I knew the story would be fine without it being there. But some readers absolutely LOVE substance, so take that with a grain of salt. I prefer a book that gets to the point or only leaves what's essential.

I'm pretty sure this book will be a series. The way it left off just seems like it will continue on, or at least I hope so for other readers sake.

Overall, this book kinda left me confused. While it was absolutely fantastic, I do agree with some readers that some of the back story was a little brutal to be put in a YA. That doesn't mean this can't be one of the first novels to start introducing deeper/rougher content into YA but I just don't know where I want to stand on it...

Three out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. ( )