Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

I had to set with this book before I reviewed it. Not because it is bad, but because the themes within it hit too close to home.

I know what it is like to grow up queer in a small town, move to a larger town, and have people judge you for your background and your love for your hometown. I loved the exploration of themes of not belonging that this book explored, and how our refusal to have difficult conversations. Also appreciated the way the author made it clear that however one is Queer is okay.

This book was a tender and sweet coming-of-age for adults. I really enjoyed listening to this book. Shaan Dasani is an excellent narrator who brought the book to life. Thanks to HarperAudio and NetGalley for the early copy!

Novel Concept: 5/5
Execution 5/5

Title: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Dialogue: 4/5
Plot 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Theme: 5/5
Prose 3/5

Does this pass the Bechdel Test: Yes, Joan and Olivia talk about fries

Title
The Title refers to the literal bookstore in the novel called In-Between Books. It also connects to the themes about time travel, but also the in-between state that Darby finds himself in both as an adult between two towns and as a teenager, between two gender identities.

Characters
All of the characters feel like fully realized people with interesting quirks and flaws that help naturally create tension and propell the plot forward. Darby truely is his own worst enemy and he knows it. He both is trying desperately to figure himself out but is so unaware of others that he ends up accidentally hurting people in the process.

I loved the neighbor woman and her penguins. It's such a small detail but it really made the town feel all that much more alive.

Dialogue
So the voice of Darby's interrior monologue can sometimes come off as very juvenile way. There's a lot of stating things like directly acknowledging Midwestern social norms rather than just letting them play out. I wouldn't say this book as a show/tell problem because these moments aren't common but something I was aware of. It tended to stop the further we got into the story.

Everyone spoke in a natural way. Nothing felt forced nor did I feel like I was getting any exposition dumps disguised as dialogues.

Plot
This is a fairly simple plot of Darby coming home to help his mother move while he figures out what he wants to do with his life, and then encountering the past in the bookstore. It's a really unique way to explore a coming of age novel. Teenage Darby is struggling with his gender identity and adult Darby wants to help. He wants to help stop Darby's path of self destruction and as a result, helps himself reach a semblance of peace. And as a queer woman, it was nice that this queer coming of age novel wasn't a tragedy steeped in homophobia. While I do think those narratives are important because that's real, it was really nice to see a story about identity that wasn't about trying to get people to understand and accept queer people.

I also liked that this book did not take the Hallmark Route. The dynamics between Michael and Darby are complicated and steeped with both nostalgia and regret, but I'm glad that neither side was willing to fold and abandon everything for the other.

Atmosphere
This novel feels well researched. I believed the small town in Illinois and also the bustling city of New York. The time travel stuff was also believable and I'm glad that there wasn't any hard explanation on how it worked, but there clearly are rules and regulations that we can figure out some of on our own. It really made it seem all that more mysterious.

The thematic and emotional Atmosphere is great. We feel as overwhelmed and frustrated as Darby as he's trying to navigate himself and the city he's currently in. He is steeped in this struggle of understanding and we feel it every step of the way.

Theme
This book is about identity. When we set aside homophobia for a moment, a queer person trying to figure themselves out is extremely difficult. Especially because it's getting harder and harder for people to get access to the right information and terms. Identity is so difficult to navigate on your own. And I think this book does a great job of exploring that self destructive property of feeling alone and maybe queer and mix that with every teenager feeling like no one understands them. It's a recipe for an explosion. And the thing is, even if this book is not directly every interacting with homophobia often (i believe there's one scene), the effects of it are invisibly felt because Darby just doesn't know if his small town would accept him. It's so terrifying to wonder if your mother will hate you for something so undeniably out of your control.

The unique set up for the coming of age part is also steeped in really good theme. Because while nothing changes, Adult Darby has changed. He has always struggled with his identity even as an adult and talking through his younger self about it has also helped him feel more confident in who he is and where he belongs. Adult Darby becomes the person young Darby needed, because young Darby was too scared to articulate these things to his mother or his friend, people who would have played that role that Adult Darby is playing to Young Darby in the bookstore. Adult Darby is, weirdly, also coming of age because he's coming into himself.

Prose
The writing is fairly simple and sometimes a little too direct for my taste. But it was easy to understand and I never felt lost in the plot

A very reflective book, that doesn't set out to fix everything, have the MC find all the answers, or go live happily ever after with their childhood best friend. It's real and raw and I really appreciated the OwnVoices experience that was easily discernible through both the teenage and 30 year old trans main character. Although the ending was bittersweet and melancholy, it was also realistic and fit well with the story. The MC grew and learned a lot. I enjoyed the magical realism, although it was mostly there to serve as a mirror for the MC to look at himself in and be able to develop.

The narration was very well done! A perfect choice for this book, excellent quality and enjoyable to listen to.

I really loved the bulk of this book but the ending left me wanting but I won't spoil totally why. the overall arc of the story is Darby learning through the connection with his past self about how his life and relationships got to the point they were before his 30th birthday. I related a lot to relocating because of finances (literally doing that right now) and I also related to coming back to a hometown after being gone for years. I liked the discoveries he made but a lot of things were extended only due to one or the other just not using their words and talking about things like the adults they are. And then the ending happened and I was upset that we built up this relationship only for it to end up like it did. I'm the type of person that thinks when you find that connection you should do everything in your power to keep it, even if it means some sacrifice on your part but neither character does that and it upset me enough to take away a star.

The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill follows Darby, a trans man living in NYC.
I really enjoyed the writing. Darby is a really likable character. One of the mail tropes here is time travel. Main character travels back in time to the bookstore where he worked as a teen, and meets his old self. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

This was a 3.5 Star rating for me.

"The In-Between Bookstore" presents an intriguing premise about a magical bookstore that allows a trans man to confront his past self, but ultimately feels more melancholic than magical. While Underhill's writing is strong and the exploration of identity thoughtful, the time-travel element serves more as metaphor than plot device. The relationship between Darby and Michael shines, though Darby's chronic communication issues can frustrate. The audiobook narrator delivers a solid performance, bringing warmth to this bittersweet tale. While it may resonate deeply with some readers, others might find the pacing too slow and the story's heavy emotional weight overwhelming. A contemplative literary novel that happens to contain magical elements, rather than the sci-fi adventure some might expect.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I got to read this arc with audiobook thanks to net galley. I will say after a hot steak of 5 stars i was disappointed by this read. It wouldn't have been 3 if it wasn't for the feeling it didn't feel adult. It felt like a young adult and the story and character felt young like someone still in school. It was trying to hard with the LGBTQIA+ like made me think of kids now a days how it's all they mention. It should feel normal this book made me feel the opposite, it reminded me I am in the LGBTQIA+ and realize how many friends I have apart of it and made me think of my younger self and how i didn't know till later. And honestly it shouldn't have made me feel bad for not realizing or wishing I could go back and change things cause you can't and I wish they didn't talk to there younger self or do alot of the things they did. Darcy didn't seem real and I couldn't relate at all. I am apart of the LGBTQIA+ and I know i don't feel represented, but not being trans I felt i couldn't fully speak on that. I did ask my friends who are and they agreed no one thinks about the LGBTQIA+ that much, and bases everything on it especially as an adult. They just think of them and there friends as them it does turn out alot are part of the LGBTQIA+ but no one looks for it or at least that I know of, when it happens it amazing but friendship should be natural. Darcy also seemed childish as things from the past were effecting them from when they were young most people learn to move on while Darcy didn't, Darcy acted like they were 17 still figuring out who they are. I did look and see the author was trans so I can say for sure this felt more like a letter to their younger self then a put together story I love the idea but needed excuted differently. Narrator was a little extra not everyone needed a unique voice.

This was adorable! I’ve never read a book with a trans main character, so I knew this would be different for me. It was honestly so well done though!

When I first picked this up, I was intrigued by the premise. It was very realistic and the author did a very good job at making the whole story feel very genuine. Nothing felt outlandish or forced, and it felt as though we were just listening to a story out of the author’s mouth. In a situation like this, not a lot of exposition is needed, and readers feel right at home with the main characters. It’s one of the shortest books I’ll read this year, I’m sure, but it was super cute and gave the warm fuzzies for sure. I also love how the butterfly effect wasn’t an issue in this one. My main complaint is that Darby didn’t stay, but I can understand why. I want that HAE for him and I hope he finds it.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc for this book. I liked the idea of the story with the time travel. This is the first book I read from Edward Underhill. I would read another one.

REVIEW: The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill 3.5

Darby is an almost 30-year-old transgender male living in New York City. When he loses his job and cannot afford rent, his mom offers to return to Illinois to help her move. Coming home means seeing his former best friend and the place where Darby doesn't feel like he belongs. When visiting his high job, The In-Between Bookstore, Darby is transported to 2009 and sees his teen self. Can he change the falling out with his best friend?

The In-Between Bookstore is a magical, realistic book in which the main character, Darby, realizes he can visit his past self when entering the bookstore. The mystical elements were done well; they are still fantastical but believable. Edward Underhill describes everything throughout the book, so you feel right there with Darby. I liked the general message of your identity and discovering who you are, especially in a small-town setting. The audiobook's narrator was great, making you relate to the characters. Shaan Dasani narrates the story of a transgender award-winning actor, writer, and producer.

I didn't quite like some things. Much of the book moved very slowly, and it never felt like much happened. I also questioned some of Darby's choices when visiting his past self. Things could have been handled better, especially since he is 30. Lastly, the ending didn't do it for me. It was very bittersweet, and it felt like it could have shown more growth from the character.

Overall, I enjoyed The In-Between Bookstore, but it didn't quite hit me as I hoped.

Thank you, Netgalley, Avon & Harper Voyager, and HarperAudio Adult, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with an advanced copy to review!

This was such a heartwarming tale of self discovery, featuring our main character Darby and his childhood friend, Michael. The magical realism aspect in this novel is “time travel” and I found it interesting that it isn’t used as a tool to change his future, but instead as a way to better understand his own journey. It is used to gain clarity on unresolved feelings and explores what it means to grow from our mistakes. Honestly, what an intriguing premise for a book and I think it was written with what felt like such a genuine voice. A very fun and introspective listening experience!

3.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review!

Non-spoiler synopsis:
Have you ever wished you could go back in time and tell your younger self something that would make the rest of your life easier? The In-Between Bookstore is a whimsical, heartfelt queer story about self-discovery, friendship, (found) family, romance, and second chances. Darby is a trans man who grew up in rural Illinois and couldn’t wait to move away from home as a teenager, find a community who understands him and people who accept and affirm his authentic self. And so he does – he moves to NYC for college, finds a job and a solid group of friends, and plants himself there. As he nears his 30th birthday, he finds himself out of a job and unable to afford his absurd NYC rent, so he goes back home – a place he never envisioned moving back to – to figure out his next steps. While home, he discovers the Bookstore he worked at as a teenager is a portal to the past.

Review:
I really enjoyed the premise of this story, but there are a few things I found myself longing for that made this bump down from a 5- to a 4-star read. For one, I wish there was a bit more description to help visualize the setting, especially of the bookstore. There was some, but I just found myself wanting more. I felt like I really wanted to imagine myself there and be able to transport myself back in time with Darby, but it was difficult for me to do. I also felt like the ending fell a bit flat. Maybe I was just hoping for more and that clouded my judgement?
But, nevertheless, I found the story very sweet and cozy and enjoyed it the whole way through. I really enjoyed how dynamic Darby and all of his relationships were – there was a lot of growth across all of the focal characters. I loved the way younger Darby and current Darby were able to learn and grow from each other, the increasing self-awareness and the repairing of relationships throughout.
As for the audiobook itself, I felt like the speaking was honestly a bit slower than most audiobooks I listen to, to the point where I could put it on 2.5x speed and still understand clearly. That said, that isn’t an issue for me whatsoever. It’s nice to have a slower 1x speaking speed and be able to increase the speed to exactly where I like it! Otherwise, the audio was clear and sounded great!

Please read The In-Between Bookstore if you like magical realism, The Butterfly Effect, and heartfelt stories that center queerness; it publishes on January 14, 2025!! I’m interested to hear what you think of it if you do!
___
TW: gender dysphoria

Darby, a trans New York man turning 30 and just laid off, heads home to small town Illinois to help his mother move, and more vitally come to terms with his pre-transition past.

This book has lots of things that work for me, most of all the touching, heartfelt, and yes awkward meetings and conversations with old friends and acquaintances; I also loved the flashbacks about growing up queer in a small town, then awkwardly coming out in college, and going back as an adult to reconcile with your past; how you can be homesick for a place where you never really felt like you fit in?

So what didn't work? The magical bookstore where today Darby travels back in time to guide teenage Darby. It’s really just a devicel for Darby reflecting on his life before transition and before leaving his hometown, and it was a distraction for me (and for someone coming to this book for the science fiction element they may be disappointed in how underplayed it is).

While the writing is vivid, often funny, and always touching, this is the first adult novel by YA author Edward Underghill, and it still feels Young Adult - ish to me. But It’s well worth reading for the insightful emotional journey Darby takes you on, and I am very curious to see what this writer does next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. It publishes January 14th.

The premise of the book was intriguing, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations and the surrounding hype. It felt very much like a YA novel, which isn’t surprising given that this is the author’s first adult book. The time travel storyline was underdeveloped, and while I expected it to be an emotional read, neither the story nor the characters resonated with me. Readers seeking more depth or stronger sci-fi elements may want to skip this one.”

I was so excited to get my first audio book to review so
right off the bat thank you so much! Now, on to the main feedback! I’m usually an immersion reader who reads along with the text but, in this situation I didn’t have that. Audio only didn’t take away from the experience. The narration was fantastic as was the writing. Will definitely go back and read more from this author once I have the time in my schedule again 😅

This is my first Edward Underhill book but will not be my last. This was an extremely interesting read. I went in blind assuming a magical bookstore, which I was somewhat correct but I ended up getting a diverse time travel bookstore with growth and humor. Underhill’s writing was engaging, the pace kept me reading despite not to much happening, the characters were likable and diverse, and the story was fresh. I was lucky enough to get the audiobook early and the narrator did a wonderful job. I like Darby would continue to go to a bookstore that transported me back in time to see my high-school self and view the struggles I was facing throughout time. If you like books about growth and reflection this will be a good book to pickup!

3.5 ⭐️
If you could tell your teenage self one thing what would it be?

This is a beautiful story of self discovery in your late 20s which I absolutely relate to and enjoyed that the main character was at this stage in their life.

This was the first book I’ve read where the main character is trans and I absolutely loved that perspective more than I expected as well as all the queer representation. Darby was a little selfish and unlikable in the beginning, but I believe it added to his character development. By the end I was happy for him and just wanted him to feel as much love and acceptance of himself as the other characters showed him.

I probably would not suggest the audio version of this, the narrator had a very nasally voice, and that got even worse for certain characters voices that really made my skin crawl. We don’t hear from those characters as much after he leaves NY so it got a little better after the beginning part.

First, thank you HarperAudio and NetGalley for allowing me to read the as an ARC read!

Darby goes back to his hometown after years of living his true self in New York City. Amid his complicated feelings surrounding the next steps of his life, he finds himself talking to his younger self. Why is he here? What is he supposed to learn? Is anything supposed to change?

I listened to this book on audio and I am glad I got past the first 3 chapters. The voices are extra nasally and pretentious, like someone tried to write all the stereotypes of New York Queers and it shows. I like the overall idea them, but the voices almost ruined it for me. I found myself cringing and bracing myself when NYQ dialogue was coming.

The story though?? Loved it! I found myself binging it just to get to the end. There were times I thought I knew exactly where it was headed and then, Darby does something I wouldn’t have expected. Darby goes through an internal transformation in this book. One that has you so frustrated with him it’s not even funny. He’s stuck in his past. Stuck like that teenage Darby, with wounds he hasn’t healed, but now he’s turning 30.

Reading this as a 25 year old with some of the same “what if” questions had this book hitting deeper than I expected.


SPOILER:
I saw a few people that didn’t enjoy the ending but I LOVED IT! Darby finally chooses his next step out of acceptance, love, and understanding. He’s not running away from his past anymore. He’s finally running TOO his future - one that connects his two selves. Maybe he didn’t end up with his high-school best friend. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I think that shows just how much he understands himself. To not lean into the “what ifs” of the past but to make new “what ifs” of the future.

This is a 3.5 star read for me. I really enjoyed this story. I loved the time travel aspect, along with finding space to belong.

The ending of this story was not what I expected, and honestly, I loved that! The characters in this were not my favorite, though. They all seemed to be so absorbed in their own worlds that it was hard to see a lot of character growth. Overall, I enjoyed this story and always love some magical realism in what I read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper audio for my advanced reader copy.