Author: Rayona Lovely Wilson
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: February 29, 2024
Pre-Order: Amazon
Rating: 5 *s
Description: The mirror has always been the enemy. The reflection a mockery of the person I want to be. Every day I battle with gender and body dysphoria—it colors every aspect of my world.
I struggled with my own existence—until I meet Giovanni—an unexpected solace amidst life's turmoil. A traumatic experience deepens our bond, birthing an unspoken trust between us.
Giovanni gives me the strength to embrace myself and to discover love and connection where chaos once reigned.
Now, I have to embark in a journey of self-discovery and learn to love myself and the person reflected in the mirror.
My Review: Let me preface this review by telling you to read the trigger warnings. Phoenix and Giovanni handles heavy subject matter and it may not be for everyone to read but I do hope you give it a chance because it is so worth the read.
Blown Away. Sucked in. Couldn't put it down. Just a few short phrases to describe my feelings and I delved into Phoenix and Giovanni.
Phoenix is the story of a non-binary who is discovering themselves. It is a place we have all been in during our younger years and even in our adult lives. My heart ached for Phoenix as I read their journey. The journey of self-love, healing, and most importantly forgiveness. Rayona handles mental health awareness delicately and in a way that is relatable. It is something I wish more authors would write about and bring awareness to. Phoenix and Giovanni had me in tears, laughing, and feeling Phoenix's pain as they navigated through high school. It is a beautiful coming of age story and I thank Rayona for having the courage to write such a tough but crucial story. It is one of those stories that as you're reading, you don't realize just how much you needed to read it.
Rayona is a first time author for me but this will definitely be the first of many things I read from her.
I will most definitely have to put this on my TBR list.
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