Book cover of Always the Almost

Book description

Sixteen-year-old trans boy Miles Jacobson has two New Year's resolutions: 1) win back his ex-boyfriend (and star of the football team) Shane McIntyre, and 2) finally beat his arch-nemesis at the Midwest's biggest classical piano competition. But that's not going to be so easy. For one thing, Shane broke up…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Always the Almost as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

When I first read the blurb for this book and saw that there was a piano competition involved with queer characters, I was so ready to read it.

Being a pianist myself, I have a love of classical music and this book hit all the boxes! I also enjoyed there was a variety of queer representation as well. Not going to lie, I really cried at the ending of this book, everything wrapped up really well and I enjoyed reading Miles’ story. This book was everything I was hoping for and more. I can’t wait for the author’s next book!

If you love Always the Almost...

Book cover of Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander by Christian Hurst,

When seventeen-year-old Lily Starling is found in San Francisco with no memory of who she is, her search for answers pulls her into a future she never imagined. Taken aboard the Union starship Salamander, she becomes entangled in a mission that will test the limits of identity, loyalty, and courage.

Want books like Always the Almost?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Always the Almost.

Browse books like Always the Almost

Book cover of Sasha Masha
Book cover of The (Un)Popular Vote
Book cover of Between Perfect and Real

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Always the Almost, you might also like...

Book cover of Marvelous Jackson

Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird,

Since losing his mom, thirteen-year-old Jack Wilson has spent most of his time seeing just how much trouble he can get away with so that he feels like a winner at something. But he takes his mischief too far and is faced with the possibility of unbearable consequences. He…

Book cover of THE END - Alpha

THE END - Alpha by Aaron Ryan,

When a man with power believes he's God, mankind doesn't have a prayer.

In a world ravaged by chaos and despair, where faith itself is under siege, one man’s thirst for power threatens to plunge humanity into darkness. 

The End: Alpha thrusts readers into the year 2113, where Constantine…

5 book lists we think you will like!