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.

3.5 stars

For some reason, I found Darby to be quite unlikable which made it challenging to want to root for him. There were so many parts of his story and wanting out of a small hometown because you felt different that made me want to like it more than I did. Maybe I just have a hard time with a non-traditional "happy ending".

It was probably just the wrong moment in time for me to be reading it, because I'm sure this will impact so many others out there.

Thank you @avonbooks @netgalley @harperaudio for the complimentary ARC & ALC.

Unfortunately this was a miss for me. Very slow paced. It felt very YA, the MC came across as selfish. I know he went through a lot but didn’t understand why he distanced himself from his mother when she had been nothing but loving and supportive. I was intrigued by the time travel, but by the end wondered what even was the point. Also didn’t love the ending.

When 29 year old Darby unexpectedly loses his job at the same time that his rent gets raised, he decides to take a break. He goes on a trip back home to his small town in Illinois.

Feeling out of place, he visits the bookstore he worked at when he was in high school. Darby is astonished to see his past self working the register- the person he was before his transition. But it’s not only that- he soon realizes that whenever he steps foot in the store, the world has been rewound to 2009.

He decides to use this extraordinary situation to try and figure out the mystery of what caused the monumental rift between him and his childhood best friend Michael, the pain of which reverberates to this day. In the present, he gets to know the adult Michael and realizes that he and the town are a lot more LGBTQ+ friendly than he’d ever imagined.

Underhill deftly utilizes the magical element of time travel to tell a tender story of growing up, self-acceptance, forgiveness, love, and found family.

Rating:

Review: On goodreads, you'll see this book described as "The In-Between Bookstore is a stunning novel of love, self-discovery, and the choices that come with both, for anyone who has ever wondered what their life might be like if they had the chance to go back and take a bigger, braver risk." And that is exactly what it is. There were so many moments while I was reading and listening to this book that I was like "oh, it would be so cool if the message or lesson here is this," and then it was. This book is a book that reminds you that love doesn't have to be romantic, and it doesn't have to external. Figuring out your place in the world doesn't have to mean you feel nothing for another place too. Just because a scenario could work out doesn't mean it should. Something ending differently that you expect doesn't mean it was a failure. Some time success comes from what we learn about ourselves along the way. I absolutely loved this book. This was my first book by Edward, and I'm so glad I have another one in my personal library to immediately pick up.

Synopsis: When Darby finds himself unemployed and in need of a fresh start, he moves back to the small Illinois town he left behind. But Oak Falls has changed almost as much as he has since he left.

One thing is familiar: In Between Books, Darby’s refuge growing up and eventual high school job. When he walks into the bookstore now, Darby feels an eerie sense of déjà vu—everything is exactly the same. Even the newspapers are dated 2009. And behind the register is a teen who looks a lot like Darby did at sixteen. . . who just might give Darby the opportunity to change his own present for the better—if he can figure out how before his connection to the past vanishes forever.