[Review] Both Can Be True - Jules Machias

Summary: Debut author Jules Machias explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in this dual-narrative Own Voices story about two kids who join forces to save a dog . . . but wind up saving each other.

Ash is no stranger to feeling like an outcast. For someone who cycles through genders, it’s a daily struggle to feel in control of how people perceive you. Some days Ash is undoubtedly girl, but other times, 100 percent guy. Daniel lacks control too—of his emotions. He’s been told he’s overly sensitive more times than he can count. He can’t help the way he is, and he sure wishes someone would accept him for it.

So when Daniel’s big heart leads him to rescue a dog that’s about to be euthanized, he’s relieved to find Ash willing to help. The two bond over their four-legged secret. When they start catching feelings for each other, however, things go from cute to complicated. Daniel thinks Ash is all girl . . . what happens when he finds out there’s more to Ash’s story?

With so much on the line—truth, identity, acceptance, and the life of an adorable pup named Chewbarka—will Ash and Daniel forever feel at war with themselves because they don’t fit into the world’s binaries? Or will their friendship help them embrace the beauty of living in between? (Pub Date: Jun 8, 2021)

I think this was the first book I read with a gender fluid main character. In fact, it's one of the few including a character like that, so it gave me a lot to think about. But above it, the story was heartwarmingly relatable.

Ash, not Asher or Ashley, had to change schools because of bullying and there they meet Daniel, who's an oversensitive guy with the mission of protecting a senior dog from being put to sleep. Neither of them can keep Chewie, and they have no idea what to do with her until Daniel locates the person who'd left in charge of the rescue. As their feelings grow for each other, Ash finds themselves in a conundrum—should they tell Daniel when they're not ready to be out yet?

The story is as cute as it's cover tells you, but it's no walk in the park. Ash's issues do get to you, or they got to me, even though I'm cishet. Or maybe exactly because? Another aspect that called to me was the rescuing animals part. Chewie's story plucked some tears from me more than once. I've already confirmed it but I could feel the author has worked at a veterinarian (and everywhere else from their bio!), so I imagine they've dealt with this before, which lends verisimilitude and bitterness to the story. 

We can also find romance here and Ash and Daniel are certainly cute together, but in this aspect I wish there had been better moments, it was on the lukewarm side, save for all the to be or not to be out drama Ash needs to deal with. The premium of the story is ultimately the challenge to find Chewie a safe place, so the romance takes the backseat even though it is present for most of the story, so don't worry. 

Even if it's not the most fantastic I've ever seen, it's a great one for any public and must not be missed for LGBT YA book fans.  

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Rating: 4 out of 5.