Edward Underhill’s latest young adult novel, In Case You Read This, delivers a poignant and authentically crafted romance that transcends typical meet-cute narratives. Following his previous works Always the Almost and This Day Changes Everything, Underhill continues to demonstrate his remarkable ability to write nuanced LGBTQ+ characters with genuine depth and relatability. This time, he presents us with Arden and Gabe, two transgender teens whose chance encounter in a Nebraska motel lobby becomes the catalyst for a story about finding connection, family, and oneself.
The novel opens with both protagonists in transition—literally and metaphorically. Arden reluctantly leaves behind the acceptance and community he found in Los Angeles for the uncertain terrain of Winifred, Michigan, while Gabe eagerly anticipates escaping small-town Illinois for the promise of Pasadena, California. Their meet-cute over a shared love of the fictional band Damaged Pixie Dream Boi feels both serendipitous and earned, setting the tone for a narrative that expertly balances hope with reality.
Characters That Breathe with Authentic Life
Arden Fisher: The Reluctant Wanderer
Arden emerges as a beautifully complex protagonist whose sardonic exterior masks deep vulnerability. His resistance to change feels genuinely teenage—not merely obstinate, but protective. Underhill captures the particular anxiety of being a trans teenager in an uncertain environment with remarkable sensitivity. Arden’s relationship with his mother Cynthia and grandmother Doris provides some of the novel’s most emotionally resonant moments, particularly as family tensions surface during their cross-country journey.
The author skillfully portrays Arden’s artistic nature without falling into stereotypes. His sketches and observations about the world around him—from the absurdity of Carhenge to his detailed drawings of Oscar the “megacat”—reveal character depth through action rather than exposition. His fear of disappointment and tendency to expect “the other shoe to drop” creates a relatable character arc that many readers will recognize in themselves.
Gabe Wilson: The Hopeful Dreamer
Gabe represents the flip side of the trans experience—eager anticipation rather than anxious resistance. His enthusiasm for California and the opportunities it might bring feels authentic to his small-town background, yet Underhill avoids making him naively optimistic. Gabe’s struggles with his voice and singing, his complex relationship with his sister Meg, and his desire to be “out and proud” while battling internal fears create a multifaceted character who grows throughout the narrative.
The songwriting element adds layers to Gabe’s character development. His work on “Nebraska Dimension”—the song inspired by his night with Arden—becomes both a creative outlet and a means of processing his emotions. Underhill demonstrates impressive skill in showing rather than telling us about Gabe’s musical talents and the way creativity serves as both escape and expression.
Supporting Characters That Shine
The novel’s supporting cast deserves particular praise. The Pretzel Queer Club (PQC) members—Brian, Luna, Ivy, and Noah—each possess distinct personalities that avoid typical YA ensemble casting. Brian’s bird-watching obsession, Luna’s intensity about everything from pronoun pins to DPDB fandom, Ivy’s surprising depth beneath her metal-loving exterior, and Noah’s genuine enthusiasm create a found family that feels authentic rather than convenient.
Similarly, Tess and Miguel bring Los Angeles energy to the story without becoming caricatures. Their determination to reunite Arden and Gabe drives much of the plot’s later momentum, yet they remain fully realized characters with their own motivations and relationships.
Exploring Themes with Nuance and Care
Family Dynamics and Generational Trauma
One of the novel’s strongest elements is its exploration of family relationships. The tension between Arden’s mother and grandmother reflects real intergenerational conflict about dreams, expectations, and the price of pursuing artistic ambitions. Cynthia’s journey from her failed musical aspirations in Los Angeles to finding a new path in Michigan parallels Arden’s own struggle to accept change and find belonging.
Underhill handles these family dynamics with remarkable maturity, avoiding easy resolutions while still providing hope. The revelation of Arden’s father’s story and its impact on both mother and grandmother adds layers of complexity that elevate the narrative beyond simple teen romance.
Trans Identity and Community
The portrayal of trans experiences throughout the novel demonstrates Underhill’s commitment to authentic representation. Rather than focusing solely on struggle or trauma, the book presents transness as one aspect of these characters’ rich, full lives. Both Arden and Gabe navigate different challenges—from bathroom anxiety to voice dysphoria to family acceptance—without their entire identities being defined by these struggles.
The contrast between their experiences also highlights the diversity within trans communities. Arden’s established confidence in smaller social situations versus Gabe’s desire to be more openly proud creates realistic tension and growth opportunities for both characters.
Technical Craft and Writing Style
Narrative Structure and Pacing
Underhill employs a dual-perspective narrative that maintains momentum while allowing readers to fully inhabit both characters’ experiences. The alternating chapters create natural cliffhangers and emotional beats, while the inclusion of text message “interludes” adds contemporary authenticity to the storytelling.
The pacing occasionally stumbles during the middle section, particularly as both characters settle into their new environments. Some scenes feel slightly prolonged, and certain plot developments—like the DPDB reunion concert—border on convenient. However, these minor issues don’t significantly detract from the overall reading experience.
Voice and Dialogue
The author’s talent for capturing authentic teenage voice shines throughout. Arden’s dry humor and Gabe’s earnest enthusiasm feel genuine rather than manufactured. The dialogue, particularly in text exchanges, captures the rhythm and casualness of teenage communication without falling into dated slang or forced contemporaneity.
The integration of online culture—from Tumblr posts to Reddit threads—demonstrates Underhill’s understanding of how modern teens actually communicate and build communities, adding authenticity to the digital aspects of Arden and Gabe’s connection.
Cultural and Musical Authenticity
The fictional band Damaged Pixie Dream Boi serves as more than mere plot device. Underhill creates a convincing musical universe complete with song lyrics, fan culture, and the kind of devoted following that indie bands often inspire. The choice to make DPDB a queer-friendly band adds layers to both characters’ identities and provides a natural meeting point for their connection.
The music industry details, from small venue descriptions to fan forum dynamics, demonstrate research and authenticity that enhances rather than overwhelms the central romance.
Areas for Improvement
While In Case You Read This succeeds on many levels, some elements feel underdeveloped. The resolution of family conflicts, particularly between Arden’s mother and grandmother, happens somewhat quickly given the depth of their established tension. Additionally, some supporting characters, while well-drawn, could benefit from more individual development beyond their roles in advancing the central romance.
“In Case You Read This” occasionally falls into the trap of making events too convenient—the DPDB concert, the coincidental meeting of Tess and Miguel with Gabe, and various timing elements sometimes stretch credibility. However, these issues don’t significantly impact the emotional core of the story.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to LGBTQ+ YA Romance
In Case You Read This earns its place among quality LGBTQ+ young adult fiction through authentic character development, genuine emotional stakes, and Underhill’s evident understanding of both trans experiences and teenage life. While it may not reach the heights of genre standouts like Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas or You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, it offers something equally valuable: a story that normalizes trans identity while delivering genuine romance and personal growth.
Readers who enjoyed Becky Albertalli’s What If It’s Us series or Julian Winters’ Running With Lions will find much to appreciate here. The novel’s emphasis on found family, authentic teenage voice, and the intersection of identity with young love creates a satisfying reading experience that lingers beyond the final page. The novel shares DNA with Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park in its portrayal of young love that feels both epic and intimate.
“In Case You Read This” succeeds as both romance and coming-of-age story, offering readers characters worth caring about and a narrative that honors the complexity of teenage life while delivering the emotional satisfaction that the best YA fiction provides. Edward Underhill has crafted a story that feels both timely and timeless, proving once again that the best young adult fiction speaks to readers of all ages.
