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Right Beside You
In this fresh, speculative blend of queer romance and coming-of-age, Eddie meets Theo in present-day New York and Francis in a New York of the past... torn between eras and his heart, he must make a decision that will change his life forever.
High school has just ended and Eddie is at a loss for what's next. He had a falling out with his best friend, and he never really related to the rest of his peers in the sleepy Colorado town he calls home. The future is bleak.
Until his ancient and eccentric great aunt Cookie asks him to care for her in New York City as she recuperates from an illness. Eddie leaps at the opportunity. Soon after he arrives at her tiny Greenwich Village apartment, homebound Cookie asks Eddie to use her vintage polaroid camera to snap pictures of her favorite places she can no longer visit. But something's unusual about this camera. When he takes a photo, he's launched back in time to an entirely different New York of the early 20th century.
As Eddie explores the underground queer life of the Roaring 20, he discovers new undercurrents of his own identity. Not to mention a dangerously handsome boy in scuffed boots and tattered stovepipe trousers who keeps popping up in his visions of the past.
But when Eddie begins to develop a crush on the mercurial Francis, a cute baker named Theo enters the picture—and he's in the present. Caught between timelines and feelings, Eddie must make a decision about what he's willing to his romantic fantasies of the past or a reality that might just be what he's wanted all along.
High school has just ended and Eddie is at a loss for what's next. He had a falling out with his best friend, and he never really related to the rest of his peers in the sleepy Colorado town he calls home. The future is bleak.
Until his ancient and eccentric great aunt Cookie asks him to care for her in New York City as she recuperates from an illness. Eddie leaps at the opportunity. Soon after he arrives at her tiny Greenwich Village apartment, homebound Cookie asks Eddie to use her vintage polaroid camera to snap pictures of her favorite places she can no longer visit. But something's unusual about this camera. When he takes a photo, he's launched back in time to an entirely different New York of the early 20th century.
As Eddie explores the underground queer life of the Roaring 20, he discovers new undercurrents of his own identity. Not to mention a dangerously handsome boy in scuffed boots and tattered stovepipe trousers who keeps popping up in his visions of the past.
But when Eddie begins to develop a crush on the mercurial Francis, a cute baker named Theo enters the picture—and he's in the present. Caught between timelines and feelings, Eddie must make a decision about what he's willing to his romantic fantasies of the past or a reality that might just be what he's wanted all along.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2025
6 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Tucker Shaw
30 books134 followersTucker Shaw's novel, WHEN YOU CALL MY NAME, follows two gay teenagers during the height of the AIDS crisis in New York City in 1990. In hard times, nothing is more powerful than friendship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 29, 2025
A strange little baby. That’s how Tucker Shaw called this story. Just like When You Call My Name, it’s a dedication. Again, to New York. To all those actors from the past. To a time when things were more simple.
Right Beside You is indeed a strange little baby. I had to get used to it first. It’s like someone is watching from a circling helicopter, and then suddenly, the helicopter quickly descends and zooms in on details. Details of New York, details of the past, details of Cookie’s ninety-nine-year-old life, and details of Eddie’s life.
This story is about being afraid to fail since everything we do is visible—through cameras, social media, and other apps on our phones. We always check things—whether a movie is good, whether a restaurant is good, or whether we’re driving the right way. According to ninety-nine-year-old Cookie, we’re afraid to be different, afraid to be ourselves. This applies to Eddie, too.
So Eddie escapes to the past, together with Francis, and lives like he never lived before. But there’s also Theo, who is such a sweet guy aka cinnamon roll in the present.
Don’t read this book because you want to read a romance. Because it isn’t. Read it because you want to read a love song about New York and the past. Because you want to read a love song to (queer) joy. And because you want to follow Eddie’s journey to growth, from a boy who hides to a boy who is brave and shines.
Thank you, Tatiana and Chantal, from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, for this awesome ARC!
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Right Beside You is indeed a strange little baby. I had to get used to it first. It’s like someone is watching from a circling helicopter, and then suddenly, the helicopter quickly descends and zooms in on details. Details of New York, details of the past, details of Cookie’s ninety-nine-year-old life, and details of Eddie’s life.
This story is about being afraid to fail since everything we do is visible—through cameras, social media, and other apps on our phones. We always check things—whether a movie is good, whether a restaurant is good, or whether we’re driving the right way. According to ninety-nine-year-old Cookie, we’re afraid to be different, afraid to be ourselves. This applies to Eddie, too.
So Eddie escapes to the past, together with Francis, and lives like he never lived before. But there’s also Theo, who is such a sweet guy aka cinnamon roll in the present.
Don’t read this book because you want to read a romance. Because it isn’t. Read it because you want to read a love song about New York and the past. Because you want to read a love song to (queer) joy. And because you want to follow Eddie’s journey to growth, from a boy who hides to a boy who is brave and shines.
Thank you, Tatiana and Chantal, from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, for this awesome ARC!
Follow me on Instagram
May 26, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
Y'know what's worse than reading a disappointing read? It's a disappointing read from an author whose previous work you read was a five-star read. 😞
The plot was very much all over the place; much like how the eighteen-year-old protagonist, Eddie's head was very much living in the clouds - his imagination constantly running wild - and also very much unclear and unsure of what future awaits him. 😟 But by revisiting the past of critical and crucial moments where the good and the bad moments relate to the queer movement, he eventually was able to find a way to ground himself in the present. ⏳
The echoes of the past served as the groundwork for his coming-of-age awakening, fueled by his overactive imagination (plus a magical time-transporting camera 📸) that was his gateway to travel to a generation of voices forgotten that would later inspire him to become the person his eccentric great-aunt always knew he could be. 😥 'We are everywhere. That is the reality. That is the truth.' I don't fault him for behaving the way he did, nor how desperate he was to fulfill his fantasies, or the delusions of illusions that served as a sustenance for escaping to times of happiness where he was the better version of himself.
However, you could actually see the moment where time-jumping with Francis to specific instances started to take a toll on the author in the desire to cram in as many as pivotal points in time to showcase how the fight never stops, the celebration never ends, the presence is universal. It was fine till it was just the 1920s, but when it became a tell more than a show - as Eddie traversed through time searching for a glimpse of Francis - it lost me. 😕
“Hey. You do belong here. Where you’re from doesn’t make any difference. You’re here now, so that must mean you’re supposed to be. Right?”
The love for New York, a city of hidden depths, shines in the writing - words that ring with a fervor of a soul-rooted affinity to a city rich with history and longing, and a sadness that it may have lost its sheen, but it does not mean that spark cannot be found again. Each point Eddie visited was special and significant in helping him grow as a person. 🗽 Dull outside, dazzling inside, it's that subtle comparison to how Eddie also is wayward in how he wishes to embrace his own identity - to be part of a multi-generational and cultural heritage that Francis and Albert finally are able to remind him to be proud of who he is. How the luster and zeal of Old New York captured that sentiment with bravery and understanding and this soft but affirming reminder that it has always been there Right Beside You. 🫂
And if you needed a time-jumping beautiful boy to help you realize that, then who am I to complain? 🤷🏻♀️
The omniscient narrator was a tad unnecessary; the inserts of words of wisdom, as if they knew something was about to happen was something I could have done without. 'She knew who she was then. Maybe one day Eddie will know, too.' 😮💨 I also felt that Francis was pushed aside too abruptly and without explanation; almost as if it's simply his role to act as a conduit to guide others when they've lost their way. Ninety-nine-year-old Cookie certainly was a force to be reckoned with; she was a bit caricature in portrayal, though. Like I get how she was being the motivational inspiration for Eddie to get off his butt and see how much of himself he has to offer the world, but making her that old, felt too contrived. 🙄
“It never ends.”
“Not ever?” Eddie says.
“Nope,” Theo says. “Not ever.”
I don't blame Eddie for being drawn to both of his love interests. Both Francis and Theo were likeable enough - almost opposite in their dynamics, but yet, still alike in how they helped Theo reach within to bring out a part of him he struggled with. I liked how the author made the touches with either of them so sensual, but still so tender - how Eddie felt safe and loved. 🥺 'That’s all you need, Eddie. Just a minute. That’s all.' The scenes in the bakery were so gentle, but comforting, and Francis was a bit of a wild and unpredictable ride, but still full of a yearning and a search for something to feel. 💌
As much as I do see what Eddie's time with Francis was helping him learn that though time is fleeting, that those moments in time have passed by, does not mean that they cannot be lived again. That we cannot recreate new memories for future generations to hold onto. 'What you need to do now is live here. There is only us.' ❤️🩹 But, there was still something about the tone and writing that did not make me care. Was it flat? Too evident in its effort to prove a point? A rather anticlimactic conclusion? 🤔
Or maybe it was just that deluge of the insertion of all the important moments that changed lives and lifestyles read more like a Wiki journey rather than an emphatic one was the deciding factor of my thoughts. 😣 I was not able to overcome my annoyance with that to truly connect with the rest of the story, despite how I do appreciate what it was attempting to do. And that is rather disheartening to say the least at how it failed to resonate with me as much as I hoped it would have. 😔
“Timeless is timeless. We are timeless, too.”
Y'know what's worse than reading a disappointing read? It's a disappointing read from an author whose previous work you read was a five-star read. 😞
The plot was very much all over the place; much like how the eighteen-year-old protagonist, Eddie's head was very much living in the clouds - his imagination constantly running wild - and also very much unclear and unsure of what future awaits him. 😟 But by revisiting the past of critical and crucial moments where the good and the bad moments relate to the queer movement, he eventually was able to find a way to ground himself in the present. ⏳
The echoes of the past served as the groundwork for his coming-of-age awakening, fueled by his overactive imagination (plus a magical time-transporting camera 📸) that was his gateway to travel to a generation of voices forgotten that would later inspire him to become the person his eccentric great-aunt always knew he could be. 😥 'We are everywhere. That is the reality. That is the truth.' I don't fault him for behaving the way he did, nor how desperate he was to fulfill his fantasies, or the delusions of illusions that served as a sustenance for escaping to times of happiness where he was the better version of himself.
However, you could actually see the moment where time-jumping with Francis to specific instances started to take a toll on the author in the desire to cram in as many as pivotal points in time to showcase how the fight never stops, the celebration never ends, the presence is universal. It was fine till it was just the 1920s, but when it became a tell more than a show - as Eddie traversed through time searching for a glimpse of Francis - it lost me. 😕
“Hey. You do belong here. Where you’re from doesn’t make any difference. You’re here now, so that must mean you’re supposed to be. Right?”
The love for New York, a city of hidden depths, shines in the writing - words that ring with a fervor of a soul-rooted affinity to a city rich with history and longing, and a sadness that it may have lost its sheen, but it does not mean that spark cannot be found again. Each point Eddie visited was special and significant in helping him grow as a person. 🗽 Dull outside, dazzling inside, it's that subtle comparison to how Eddie also is wayward in how he wishes to embrace his own identity - to be part of a multi-generational and cultural heritage that Francis and Albert finally are able to remind him to be proud of who he is. How the luster and zeal of Old New York captured that sentiment with bravery and understanding and this soft but affirming reminder that it has always been there Right Beside You. 🫂
And if you needed a time-jumping beautiful boy to help you realize that, then who am I to complain? 🤷🏻♀️
The omniscient narrator was a tad unnecessary; the inserts of words of wisdom, as if they knew something was about to happen was something I could have done without. 'She knew who she was then. Maybe one day Eddie will know, too.' 😮💨 I also felt that Francis was pushed aside too abruptly and without explanation; almost as if it's simply his role to act as a conduit to guide others when they've lost their way. Ninety-nine-year-old Cookie certainly was a force to be reckoned with; she was a bit caricature in portrayal, though. Like I get how she was being the motivational inspiration for Eddie to get off his butt and see how much of himself he has to offer the world, but making her that old, felt too contrived. 🙄
“It never ends.”
“Not ever?” Eddie says.
“Nope,” Theo says. “Not ever.”
I don't blame Eddie for being drawn to both of his love interests. Both Francis and Theo were likeable enough - almost opposite in their dynamics, but yet, still alike in how they helped Theo reach within to bring out a part of him he struggled with. I liked how the author made the touches with either of them so sensual, but still so tender - how Eddie felt safe and loved. 🥺 'That’s all you need, Eddie. Just a minute. That’s all.' The scenes in the bakery were so gentle, but comforting, and Francis was a bit of a wild and unpredictable ride, but still full of a yearning and a search for something to feel. 💌
As much as I do see what Eddie's time with Francis was helping him learn that though time is fleeting, that those moments in time have passed by, does not mean that they cannot be lived again. That we cannot recreate new memories for future generations to hold onto. 'What you need to do now is live here. There is only us.' ❤️🩹 But, there was still something about the tone and writing that did not make me care. Was it flat? Too evident in its effort to prove a point? A rather anticlimactic conclusion? 🤔
Or maybe it was just that deluge of the insertion of all the important moments that changed lives and lifestyles read more like a Wiki journey rather than an emphatic one was the deciding factor of my thoughts. 😣 I was not able to overcome my annoyance with that to truly connect with the rest of the story, despite how I do appreciate what it was attempting to do. And that is rather disheartening to say the least at how it failed to resonate with me as much as I hoped it would have. 😔
May 11, 2025
*reread on audio may 2025 and Graham Halstead is a national treasure.*
Thank you so much to Henry Holt Books for a digital copy to review!
In this fresh, speculative blend of queer romance and coming-of-age, Eddie meets Theo in present-day New York and Francis in a New York of the past... torn between eras and his heart, he must make a decision that will change his life forever.
^from the publisher!
Tucker Shaw is an incredible writer. Absolutely one of my favorite voices in storytelling. I fell head over heels in love with his writing with his first novel When You Call My Name (which was my favorite book I read last year). I have been eagerly awaiting this sophomore novel and I can gladly tell you - no sophomore slump to be found here.
No spoilers at all - but this story is magical, dreamy, beautiful, thoughtful, and emphasizes found family. There is no more beautiful thing as a queer person living in the world than found family.
I loved watching Eddie debate real or not real, true or false, present or past, while caring for someone he had only recently reconnected with.
The beauty of this story lies in the absolutely gorgeous prose. Tucker Shaw weaves sentences together with ease, drawing you in and letting you get lost in the magic of Eddie, Francis, Theo, Cookie, and Albert.
All I can say is - I truly hope you read this one. An absolute stunner from start to finish and already a top read of the year for me.
Tucker Shaw: you have my heart. I’ll read anything you write.
Thank you so much to Henry Holt Books for a digital copy to review!
In this fresh, speculative blend of queer romance and coming-of-age, Eddie meets Theo in present-day New York and Francis in a New York of the past... torn between eras and his heart, he must make a decision that will change his life forever.
^from the publisher!
Tucker Shaw is an incredible writer. Absolutely one of my favorite voices in storytelling. I fell head over heels in love with his writing with his first novel When You Call My Name (which was my favorite book I read last year). I have been eagerly awaiting this sophomore novel and I can gladly tell you - no sophomore slump to be found here.
No spoilers at all - but this story is magical, dreamy, beautiful, thoughtful, and emphasizes found family. There is no more beautiful thing as a queer person living in the world than found family.
I loved watching Eddie debate real or not real, true or false, present or past, while caring for someone he had only recently reconnected with.
The beauty of this story lies in the absolutely gorgeous prose. Tucker Shaw weaves sentences together with ease, drawing you in and letting you get lost in the magic of Eddie, Francis, Theo, Cookie, and Albert.
All I can say is - I truly hope you read this one. An absolute stunner from start to finish and already a top read of the year for me.
Tucker Shaw: you have my heart. I’ll read anything you write.
May 2, 2025
thank you so much to Netgalley and TBR and Beyond tours for the early copy! all opinions are my own!
as a History teacher and queer, this was pure perfection.
the writing didn't feel heavy at all despite sometimes repeating things, it just went with the flow, adding more mystery and magic to this city and the characters. i ADORED the historical bits, the many personalities and how important they later became to the story and the MC, how they added more depth to the story of the city and the LGBT+ community. speaking of the characters, i loved how not a single one was similar in character to each other. Each was so unique in their queerness, something i truly appreciated because it kinda reads like a love letter to queer people and to embrace yourself as such. the MC was kinda hard to understand but when i did, everything clicked because i'm also in his position and sometimes everything is hard and you have no idea what to do.
the ending made me tear up a little and my heart is still sore from reading it. the last chapters had me suffering so much and you truly have no idea how everything will end. but even tho it kinda hurts, i loved it.
so yeah, i have no idea what else to write so PLEASE go read this book if you haven't yet. this will probably became another queer book i will recommend without getting tired because it is that good 💜💔
as a History teacher and queer, this was pure perfection.
the writing didn't feel heavy at all despite sometimes repeating things, it just went with the flow, adding more mystery and magic to this city and the characters. i ADORED the historical bits, the many personalities and how important they later became to the story and the MC, how they added more depth to the story of the city and the LGBT+ community. speaking of the characters, i loved how not a single one was similar in character to each other. Each was so unique in their queerness, something i truly appreciated because it kinda reads like a love letter to queer people and to embrace yourself as such. the MC was kinda hard to understand but when i did, everything clicked because i'm also in his position and sometimes everything is hard and you have no idea what to do.
the ending made me tear up a little and my heart is still sore from reading it. the last chapters had me suffering so much and you truly have no idea how everything will end. but even tho it kinda hurts, i loved it.
so yeah, i have no idea what else to write so PLEASE go read this book if you haven't yet. this will probably became another queer book i will recommend without getting tired because it is that good 💜💔
October 6, 2025
It had its moments, but overall, IDK. Very slow to start then didn’t explain a lot in the middle and end.
April 11, 2025
Tucker Shaw can literally do no wrong!
Small-town boy with big-city dreams gets a call to go take of his great-aunt in THE city, living in Greenwich Village, but experiencing NYC in a way he never thought he would, by taking trips to the past via his great-aunts polaroid?? Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. And executed SO WELL! This book is just FUN, spanning across the many eras NYC has undergone, showcasing famous people, landmarks, and buildings of the past, while chasing down an absolute HEARTTHROB in the process, while also crushing on a current-day heartthrob baker :) Our bb MC is getting his big-city wish AND experiencing a romance he never thought possible when living in his tiny Colorado town. This book is just an addictive journey that I never wanted to end. Come onnnnnnn, one more blast from the blast please? Or maybe 73, I'd totally be fine with that.
Shaw AMAZES me with his knowledge and references of historical icons on the NYC scene. I was OBSESSED with being immersed in such culturally rich figures of those times, being presented in such a fun way of great-aunt Cookie dropping knowledge bombs on Eddie of these icons. You can just tell these are scenes and figures Shaw knows and loves and genuinely enjoys writing about, in addition to research I'm sure he did to ensure everything was historically accurate. An when Shaw is having a good time, I'M having the best time!
This is a book where a setting with an NYC backdrop is just done SO WELL, much like his previous book. Which is attributed to Shaw's writing. And in this book in particular, combined with the magic realism element of the polaroid, is just LUSH. Gay ball's, speakeasys, landmarks, a cast that fits the setting and each of the era's Eddie visits, and Cookie's different experiences across the city through the eras. It's just so well done and the type of world-building that makes for a fully immersive read :)
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the advanced copy!
Small-town boy with big-city dreams gets a call to go take of his great-aunt in THE city, living in Greenwich Village, but experiencing NYC in a way he never thought he would, by taking trips to the past via his great-aunts polaroid?? Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. And executed SO WELL! This book is just FUN, spanning across the many eras NYC has undergone, showcasing famous people, landmarks, and buildings of the past, while chasing down an absolute HEARTTHROB in the process, while also crushing on a current-day heartthrob baker :) Our bb MC is getting his big-city wish AND experiencing a romance he never thought possible when living in his tiny Colorado town. This book is just an addictive journey that I never wanted to end. Come onnnnnnn, one more blast from the blast please? Or maybe 73, I'd totally be fine with that.
Shaw AMAZES me with his knowledge and references of historical icons on the NYC scene. I was OBSESSED with being immersed in such culturally rich figures of those times, being presented in such a fun way of great-aunt Cookie dropping knowledge bombs on Eddie of these icons. You can just tell these are scenes and figures Shaw knows and loves and genuinely enjoys writing about, in addition to research I'm sure he did to ensure everything was historically accurate. An when Shaw is having a good time, I'M having the best time!
This is a book where a setting with an NYC backdrop is just done SO WELL, much like his previous book. Which is attributed to Shaw's writing. And in this book in particular, combined with the magic realism element of the polaroid, is just LUSH. Gay ball's, speakeasys, landmarks, a cast that fits the setting and each of the era's Eddie visits, and Cookie's different experiences across the city through the eras. It's just so well done and the type of world-building that makes for a fully immersive read :)
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the advanced copy!
June 17, 2025
“We are a culture, not only that, a multiculture, a history, a past and a present and a future. We are everywhere. That is the reality. That is the truth.”
What a lovely second novel by Tucker Shaw. I’m deeply interested in the turn toward the past that I’m seeing in queer YA. While seemingly simple in its premise, this book’s characters acted as a calling to me. Greatly enjoyed.
What a lovely second novel by Tucker Shaw. I’m deeply interested in the turn toward the past that I’m seeing in queer YA. While seemingly simple in its premise, this book’s characters acted as a calling to me. Greatly enjoyed.
May 6, 2025
When You Call My Name was a 2022 favorite and I was eager to read everything Tucker Shaw would publish. Shaw's time travel YA didn't disappoint. Tucker Shaw is an amazing writer. Every sentence has meaning. Right Beside You is a book about self exploration, self love and self worth. Right Beside You is a time travel NYC story about 🌈 gay culture in from the 1930s to now. A roadtrip in one single city. NYC is that diverse. This book is loaded with history for folks that know about famous actors , artists and pop culture and a fun reason to google for those people who are unaware to these historic figures. I can't wait to watch and listen to the media these artists made. Right Beside You would not have worked without the male lead, Eddie. Eddie felt real. He's messy. He's thrust in to action when his 99 year old great aunt needs care when a custodian calls him up. I love the slow revealing of Aunt Cookie's life throughout the book. This book has a cute romance side plot. The first date was so sweet. This coming of age novel that's part historical, part contemporary with a dash of romance is 5/5
January 8, 2026
Eddie has never really felt a sense of belonging in Colorado, so when the opportunity presents itself to move to New York City and provide care for his great Aunt Cookie, he purchases the ticket without too much overthought.
Tucker Shaw consistently writes New York City in a beautiful way, a time when things were more authentic, people stopped to enjoy the smaller things.
Cookie, while not able to get around the city as easily as she once did, sends Eddie on all her errands. Equipped with a vintage polaroid camera and a list of tasks to complete before afternoon sherry, he sets out.
Splitting his time between the past and the present, Eddie navigates a complex set of emotions when he meets Francis in the roaring 20s, and Theo in the present.
What does it all mean, and how could this be possible?
New York and Cookie both provide Eddie experiences that help him step into himself, allowing him to grow in ways that simply weren't possible in Colorado.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book, and again just always love reading Shaw's depiction of New York City.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing this advanced readers copy to enjoy and review.
Tucker Shaw consistently writes New York City in a beautiful way, a time when things were more authentic, people stopped to enjoy the smaller things.
Cookie, while not able to get around the city as easily as she once did, sends Eddie on all her errands. Equipped with a vintage polaroid camera and a list of tasks to complete before afternoon sherry, he sets out.
Splitting his time between the past and the present, Eddie navigates a complex set of emotions when he meets Francis in the roaring 20s, and Theo in the present.
What does it all mean, and how could this be possible?
New York and Cookie both provide Eddie experiences that help him step into himself, allowing him to grow in ways that simply weren't possible in Colorado.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book, and again just always love reading Shaw's depiction of New York City.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing this advanced readers copy to enjoy and review.
April 2, 2025
I requested and received an eARC of
Right Beside You
by Tucker Shaw via NetGalley. Eddie has just graduated high school and isn't sure what to do next. When he receives a request from his great aunt Cookie that he come to New York City and care for her, Eddie jumps at the opportunity for a change in his life. As he settles in, Cookie gifts him a vintage polaroid camera and asks him to take photos of cherished places that she is no longer able to visit. When he uses the camera, however, he finds himself transported back in time to the New York City of the early 20th century. As Eddie discovers more about himself and history (including the handsome Francis) he finds himself torn between the past and the present.
Eddie is such a wonderful protagonist and there so many things about his character that I really grew to appreciate throughout the story. Little things, like the reason behind the falling out with his best friend, his anxiety, the way he uses his imagination to center himself, made him feel very real and familiar to me. I found Right Beside You interesting before the more fantastical parts of story kicked in, but once they did I was even more excited about following Eddie on his journey. The struggle between the past and present may physically take the form of Francis (the whimsical and sweet boy from the past) and Theo (the caring and evidently striking fellow from the bakery where Eddie buys Cookie’s opera cake) but the book doesn’t get hung up on romance and has many important messages.
From the moment Cookie appeared on the page I found her to be a complete delight. Shaw is fantastic at creating vivid and memorable characters and Cookie is a shining example. I got a kick out of all of her wonderful references and the stories she told. Albert is another terrific character, and although the affection developed more slowly I really enjoyed his role in the novel and gaining a better understanding of him. Right Beside You has all of the right elements. A little romance, a little magic, and a lot of emotion go a long way. I’m not sure when or how it happened, but I do know that it didn’t take me very long to become invested in this story. In his book, Shaw writes a beautiful love letter to queer culture, history, and New York City that mesmerized me.
Eddie is such a wonderful protagonist and there so many things about his character that I really grew to appreciate throughout the story. Little things, like the reason behind the falling out with his best friend, his anxiety, the way he uses his imagination to center himself, made him feel very real and familiar to me. I found Right Beside You interesting before the more fantastical parts of story kicked in, but once they did I was even more excited about following Eddie on his journey. The struggle between the past and present may physically take the form of Francis (the whimsical and sweet boy from the past) and Theo (the caring and evidently striking fellow from the bakery where Eddie buys Cookie’s opera cake) but the book doesn’t get hung up on romance and has many important messages.
From the moment Cookie appeared on the page I found her to be a complete delight. Shaw is fantastic at creating vivid and memorable characters and Cookie is a shining example. I got a kick out of all of her wonderful references and the stories she told. Albert is another terrific character, and although the affection developed more slowly I really enjoyed his role in the novel and gaining a better understanding of him. Right Beside You has all of the right elements. A little romance, a little magic, and a lot of emotion go a long way. I’m not sure when or how it happened, but I do know that it didn’t take me very long to become invested in this story. In his book, Shaw writes a beautiful love letter to queer culture, history, and New York City that mesmerized me.
May 5, 2025
Right Beside You is a tender, time-bending coming-of-age novel that blends historical fiction, queer identity, and magical realism with heartfelt grace. Tucker Shaw crafts a story that feels both whimsical and deeply grounded, following Eddie—a lonely, uncertain recent high school graduate—as he trades his stagnant Colorado life for a summer in New York City and a surprising journey through time.
Eddie is easy to empathize with: adrift, grieving the loss of connection, and searching for where he belongs. His great aunt Cookie is a delightful, eccentric presence, and her mysterious vintage camera becomes the portal to a past New York that's vividly imagined and rich with emotion. Shaw doesn’t just drop Eddie into the 1930s for the sake of aesthetic; he uses the setting to explore hidden queer histories, creating a beautiful, sometimes aching contrast between then and now.
Francis, the enigmatic boy from the past, is magnetic in his mystery, but it’s Theo—the sweet, steady baker in the present—who grounds the novel’s emotional core. Eddie’s romantic dilemma between fantasy and reality is both relatable and poignant, and Shaw wisely avoids melodrama in favor of quiet, thoughtful emotional beats.
The only thing keeping this from being a five-star read is that some parts of the story—especially Eddie’s transition from passive observer to someone taking control of his future—feel a little rushed or underdeveloped. A few emotional turns could have used more breathing room.
Still, Right Beside You is a beautifully written and refreshingly original queer story about self-discovery, chosen family, and the importance of living in the moment. It’s perfect for fans of soft magical realism and introspective queer narratives.
Eddie is easy to empathize with: adrift, grieving the loss of connection, and searching for where he belongs. His great aunt Cookie is a delightful, eccentric presence, and her mysterious vintage camera becomes the portal to a past New York that's vividly imagined and rich with emotion. Shaw doesn’t just drop Eddie into the 1930s for the sake of aesthetic; he uses the setting to explore hidden queer histories, creating a beautiful, sometimes aching contrast between then and now.
Francis, the enigmatic boy from the past, is magnetic in his mystery, but it’s Theo—the sweet, steady baker in the present—who grounds the novel’s emotional core. Eddie’s romantic dilemma between fantasy and reality is both relatable and poignant, and Shaw wisely avoids melodrama in favor of quiet, thoughtful emotional beats.
The only thing keeping this from being a five-star read is that some parts of the story—especially Eddie’s transition from passive observer to someone taking control of his future—feel a little rushed or underdeveloped. A few emotional turns could have used more breathing room.
Still, Right Beside You is a beautifully written and refreshingly original queer story about self-discovery, chosen family, and the importance of living in the moment. It’s perfect for fans of soft magical realism and introspective queer narratives.
June 7, 2025
There’s no question Shaw is a talented writer. While Right Beside You is not without its flaws, I still found it a quirky, weird, and deeply original hidden gem. I loved the way Shaw played around with voice and POV, subverting reader expectations and keeping us guessing, which was a great match to the fluidity and ambiguity of the magical realism genre. I absolutely adored the immersive and atmospheric flashes of the past, with their attendant colorful characters. More than anything, this novel is a love letter to NYC and its queer history, and Shaw is so, so good at portraying both.
He is also terrific at creating and realizing his secondary characters. From Cookie (though she does get one note, which I will go into later,) to the cranky, gleeful pathos of Albert, to Theo, who could have been the boring ‘safe’ love interest, but who instead came off lovable and human. Even Eddie’s mom, Donna, who barely appears, still manages to feel like a real, rounded person. And I still want to know more about Francis! We got a little, but far from enough.
This book read smoothly and quickly and for the most part, left me happy, immersed, and eager to learn more. That said, I do have a couple of beefs (beeves?)
First off, while Eddie was credible and fleshed out as a character, his passivity and tendency to pinball and waffle often left me frustrated. He’s our protagonist, but it takes him an awfully long time to start protagging. He did, ultimately, come into his own, but I think it must have been at the 67% mark, which is way late. At the end of the day, I found literally everyone he interacted with more interesting and engaging than him.
Secondly, I want to talk about some of Cookie’s behaviors through the book, which were actually really toxic and I wish the narrative thought to interrogate and challenge them more.
And, ugh, the thing is, my issues with Eddie’s and Cookie’s portrayals aren’t even affecting my star rating, because the writing was so good. But I still needed to rant about it. Honestly, if Shaw gives us a sequel with the older, more self-actualized Eddie, I’m here for it. And if he gives us a sequel/prequel/timequel with Francis as protagonist, I would be ecstatic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions within are my own.
He is also terrific at creating and realizing his secondary characters. From Cookie (though she does get one note, which I will go into later,) to the cranky, gleeful pathos of Albert, to Theo, who could have been the boring ‘safe’ love interest, but who instead came off lovable and human. Even Eddie’s mom, Donna, who barely appears, still manages to feel like a real, rounded person. And I still want to know more about Francis! We got a little, but far from enough.
This book read smoothly and quickly and for the most part, left me happy, immersed, and eager to learn more. That said, I do have a couple of beefs (beeves?)
First off, while Eddie was credible and fleshed out as a character, his passivity and tendency to pinball and waffle often left me frustrated. He’s our protagonist, but it takes him an awfully long time to start protagging. He did, ultimately, come into his own, but I think it must have been at the 67% mark, which is way late. At the end of the day, I found literally everyone he interacted with more interesting and engaging than him.
Secondly, I want to talk about some of Cookie’s behaviors through the book, which were actually really toxic and I wish the narrative thought to interrogate and challenge them more.
And, ugh, the thing is, my issues with Eddie’s and Cookie’s portrayals aren’t even affecting my star rating, because the writing was so good. But I still needed to rant about it. Honestly, if Shaw gives us a sequel with the older, more self-actualized Eddie, I’m here for it. And if he gives us a sequel/prequel/timequel with Francis as protagonist, I would be ecstatic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions within are my own.
November 16, 2024
Eddie heads to New York City from his small town in Colorado to help care for his aging great aunt. As a queer kid he has dreamed of New York City and all the adventures he will have once he gets there, but the reality of his move is overwhelming once it finally happens. Cookie is 100 years old but does not let age define her. She has lived a colorful and adventurous life creating a large community amongst her people in New York City. She has lived an amazing life and wants to share as much of it with Eddie as she can.
Cookie creates opportunities for Eddie to see the magic of New York by sending him all over town to run errands for her. The twist comes in the form of real magic that not only transports him around town but through time into all different eras in New York. He gets to experience New York as Cookie had. There may or may not be a boy guiding him on all these adventures as well.
Such a great story of finding who you are and learning to live as your true self. I loved the relationships in this book and the beautiful description of New York City...past and present.
I was given an advanced copy of the book through NetGalley. Thanks to them for allowing me to read it early.
Cookie creates opportunities for Eddie to see the magic of New York by sending him all over town to run errands for her. The twist comes in the form of real magic that not only transports him around town but through time into all different eras in New York. He gets to experience New York as Cookie had. There may or may not be a boy guiding him on all these adventures as well.
Such a great story of finding who you are and learning to live as your true self. I loved the relationships in this book and the beautiful description of New York City...past and present.
I was given an advanced copy of the book through NetGalley. Thanks to them for allowing me to read it early.
June 4, 2025
I applied for the arc of this book back in 2024, and eventually I forgot about it. But to my surprise in March I got it. I decided to go in kinda blind and I don’t regret it. It took me longer to read then normal because of finals, but when I had time to get into it I couldn’t stop reading. I love the New York setting, the love interests are both interesting and add to the story in enchanting ways, and cookie was just the best, I want to be like her when I am that age. I loved the storyline with the time travel aspects allowing the main character to find himself. It was a bit slow to start but ended very fast paced. I think I actually would have liked to see more, I think there is more this story can tell. I do think there are unanswered questions about Francis and the magic system which I would have liked to see answered, but other than that I had a great time reading and I would highly recommend the read. 4/5 ⭐️
June 23, 2025
I want to rate this book higher, because I did enjoy it as long as I didn’t think about it, but the timelines just make no sense to me.
One timeline is happening in present day, so let’s call that 2025. In that timeline there is a 99-year-old woman who talks an awful lot about things that were happening in the 1920s. She was probably born in 1926, but is talking about things from the early to mid 20s with the kind of knowledge and detail that suggests she was there.
Maybe my memory is especially bad, but social events and celebrities from when I was two don’t mean much to me, and I don’t keep their pictures on my walls.
I feel like if she is going to have this kind of nostalgia, it should be for the time when she was coming of age and was a real person in the world, instead of for the moment that she was born.
Maybe I’m missing something. If I am, someone please tell me!
One timeline is happening in present day, so let’s call that 2025. In that timeline there is a 99-year-old woman who talks an awful lot about things that were happening in the 1920s. She was probably born in 1926, but is talking about things from the early to mid 20s with the kind of knowledge and detail that suggests she was there.
Maybe my memory is especially bad, but social events and celebrities from when I was two don’t mean much to me, and I don’t keep their pictures on my walls.
I feel like if she is going to have this kind of nostalgia, it should be for the time when she was coming of age and was a real person in the world, instead of for the moment that she was born.
Maybe I’m missing something. If I am, someone please tell me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
In Right Beside You, the MC Eddie is an eighteen year old who daydreams and fantasizes his life is different than it really is. Then him and his mom get a call that his great aunt Cookie needs help, so he's off to NYC to help her. Cookie is my favorite character. She's whimsical, loves her music and movies, and has a penchant for sending Eddie on unique errands. Eddie was such a great character, and I loved seeing him experience NY in both his time and Cookie's time. The magical realism in this book was just so much fun. This is a story about finding and being your true self, relationships, and the amazing city of NY.
March 26, 2025
I think I expected the book to be a little different but it was also really sweet and inspiring. I love books where it's not just the characters falling in love or any kind of relationship blooming but also where they fall in love with where they've ended up. This was precisely that, with the places and the people and the feeling that Eddie found with all of it. It kind of reminded me of the movie Midnight in Paris which was sweet. The entire book made me feel, just feel so much and I can't say what beyond hope and kindness because it is a wonderful book. Overall, it was great to read!
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, NetGalley, and Tucker Shaw for this ARC!
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, NetGalley, and Tucker Shaw for this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
This is marketed as a romance. In my opinion it shouldn’t be, and that did not set me on a great track to enjoy it. It is a relatively short book, and it reads fast, but when it’s pitched as a romance and we’re getting more fantasy than romance (fantasy is not a genre it’s designated as), there has been a serious miscommunication problem.
Despite the length, this took me a very long time to read, and that’s a hallmark to me of something I didn’t love. I enjoyed the themes and the historical element, but the fantasy was a little wishy washy, and not in an everyday magic way.
The characters were pretty good, and the narrative style was interesting, but I think overall I’m not going to think about it ever again.
My biggest complaint is the misclassification of the genre and emphasis in the summary on something I thought got not enough of a focus in the novel. If this had been classified right, I probably wouldn't have picked it up, because it’s not my usual fare. And someone who might not pick it up may have.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the length, this took me a very long time to read, and that’s a hallmark to me of something I didn’t love. I enjoyed the themes and the historical element, but the fantasy was a little wishy washy, and not in an everyday magic way.
The characters were pretty good, and the narrative style was interesting, but I think overall I’m not going to think about it ever again.
My biggest complaint is the misclassification of the genre and emphasis in the summary on something I thought got not enough of a focus in the novel. If this had been classified right, I probably wouldn't have picked it up, because it’s not my usual fare. And someone who might not pick it up may have.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2025
What I liked the most about this book what the ways people keep finding ways to love and enjoy life, even if others try to judge you or hurt because of who you love.
Cookie was so feisty!! Loved her, Eddie was a mess! But who isn’t at 18? And he was just trying to find himself, and a place to belong. Theo was the sweetest! And Francis was magic.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Cookie was so feisty!! Loved her, Eddie was a mess! But who isn’t at 18? And he was just trying to find himself, and a place to belong. Theo was the sweetest! And Francis was magic.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
October 22, 2025
Disappointing overall. I just couldn’t really stand Eddie’s character and it seemed like he stayed on the same issues the whole time instead of actually growing or investigating what was happening. I still don’t get the purpose of the time travel aspect as it really didn’t feel necessary to get to the conclusion we got. Just fell flat for what I’d hoped would be much more impactful.
June 19, 2025
I will say that this book was not what I initially expected nor the type of book I usually read, but once I started listening I was intrigued (if not confused at times). I loved the characters and all of the history of NY and Gay Icons. I loved following Eddie's journey.
September 12, 2025
This is a sweet, a little bit strange story about finding your identity and becoming comfortable with yourself. It also delves a lot into queer history, in a way that's engaging and fits Eddie's own story. While some of the plot points were a bit predictable, I did enjoy the story overall.
April 12, 2025
strange, interesting, well-written story. the idea was interesting and worked pretty well, and the characters were awesome. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
May 10, 2025
Read this immediately after "A Wrinkle in Time" and very much enjoyed time travel of a different sort... visiting NYC in all these different periods, and I learned a bit about some places I've been.
Read
June 10, 2025DNF. Could not appreciate the way the story is told.
August 3, 2025
What a beautiful story! It catches you from the first pages! This author knows how to write his characters and how to capture your attention! Loved it!
August 24, 2025
3.5⭐️ Wasn't sure where this was going at first but I ended up really liking it.
December 1, 2025
Tucker Shaw is an auto-read author for me. Absolutely loved his take on New York's queer history, and finding home, romance, and inspiration in the past. Whimsical, but with gravity.
August 8, 2024
I cant wait for this to come out next year!!
September 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title in exchange for a review!
3.5 stars - rounded up to 4.
This was a delight. As expected, Tucker Shaw delivers another outstanding story that is filled with vivid / nuanced characters, plenty of introspection, and lots of charm.
While it didn’t quite reach the emotional intensity that accompanied his debut novel (When You Call My Name), Tucker Shaw has crafted a great narrative here. It comes at a time where queer stories are more important than ever, and it sheds light on the experiences of queer people in generations past.
The writing? Excellent. The pacing? Excellent. The structure? Excellent.
I will say that I wasn’t fully sold on the execution of the more speculative aspects of the story. (i.e., the time traveling was a premise that had some flaws), but I was able to overlook those based on the rest of my experience with the book.
I will read whatever books Tucker releases — he has a special quality to his writing. Written from the POV of young-adult narrators, but rich with his own wisdom and life experience in a way that never feels patronizing — just uplifting and insightful.
3.5 stars - rounded up to 4.
This was a delight. As expected, Tucker Shaw delivers another outstanding story that is filled with vivid / nuanced characters, plenty of introspection, and lots of charm.
While it didn’t quite reach the emotional intensity that accompanied his debut novel (When You Call My Name), Tucker Shaw has crafted a great narrative here. It comes at a time where queer stories are more important than ever, and it sheds light on the experiences of queer people in generations past.
The writing? Excellent. The pacing? Excellent. The structure? Excellent.
I will say that I wasn’t fully sold on the execution of the more speculative aspects of the story. (i.e., the time traveling was a premise that had some flaws), but I was able to overlook those based on the rest of my experience with the book.
I will read whatever books Tucker releases — he has a special quality to his writing. Written from the POV of young-adult narrators, but rich with his own wisdom and life experience in a way that never feels patronizing — just uplifting and insightful.
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