“It can be tricky to remove one’s mask after such a long time.” I was intrigued by Listen Closely since I first heard about it and knew I needed to read it. As audio dramas are at the center of the story, I chose the audio version. I have no regrets, the narrators (Cloud Quinn and Maggie Bain) did an incredible job to bring the characters to life (I have no words to even begin to describe the audio drama part). This book is a YA like I wish I could have found some when I was a teen. It’s a book that makes diverse people feel seen —and that’s no coincidence that the representation theme, and how it is validating, is at the core of the book. I adored the patter of the double/hidden identity, especially as we have neurodivergent and trans characters (who are so well pictured!). That image of the mask that you have to put on your face everyday and that becomes a part of who you are, but how it feels so liberating —but also terrifying and sometimes very difficult— to get rid of, was so perfect. Again, I wish I had a (some) YA book(s) to talk to me about that through fiction when I was younger, I would have felt allowed to be myself a lot earlier. To talk about that under the prism of teenage-years (when you discover who you are), the mirror of the private and public persona but also the role of the audios’ characters was a big plus as it made the subject resonate a bit more. This is a book about self discovery, mutual discovery and love. It’s touching, and —most of the time— cozy. I had such a great time with it!