★★★★★
Super relate with the main character which may be why i always think about this book. A deep dive on insecurity and the harshness of childhood social dynamics. I still question whether changing a part of yourself out of insecurity is pandering.
For an insecurity to be an insecurity its an innate discomfort with a part of yourself that is most of the time completely irrational. As i grow older and come to terms with my insecurities i realize stressing over anything that will never change is permanent hell. I limit myself to things i have the ability to change like my work ethic, teeth(i got braces), crossed eye(i had one too), and body.
For the main character to be judged for something that he saw as a problem is insane, if changing a part of myself will make me a more content person, who is to be the arbiter of my happiness.
Obviously, changing things about you can be a slippery slope and lead to regret but as long as it comes from a place of personal feeling and not outside influence, you should be fine.