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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Tw: homophobia
Not So Pure and Simple is, like it's name suggests, not simple. Examining toxic masculinity and sexism, Giles does not shy away from illustrating the contradictions and toxic behaviors men and boys perpetuate. The ways that their behaviors of pursuit cause discomfort, fear, and unwanted attention to say the least. The toxic double standards towards women's purity versus men's sexual prowess. While this may be the largest overall theme, there are many other layers. Giles introduces religion versus faith versus the Church, the need for comprehensive sexual education (and the dangers of a lack of this), and homophobia. Not So Pure and Simple has some amazing side characters who are both diverse and detailed. They're some of my favorite in the book and I want a whole book about Cressie, his sister, please.
It's such an important book for young boys to read. To get them to examine the ways toxic masculinity is passed down. In hallways, church aisles, and at the dinner table. It tackles the ideas of the "nice guy" - that your behavior is acceptable and "nice", but also the idea that this entitles you to something. ALL the entitlement, privilege, and sexism. As I mentioned before, Giles also looks at religion, faith, and sexism. I'm not particularly religious, but it looks at our ideas of purity and how it's pretty wrapped up in women's purity.
There were just a few loose ends at the end that I think deserved a bit more depth and resolution. Especially in regards to the adults in this book like Del's parents, some older members of the church. But overall I think that this book is a great read for boys to make them question that rhetoric that is so pervasive in the media.
Not So Pure and Simple is, like it's name suggests, not simple. Examining toxic masculinity and sexism, Giles does not shy away from illustrating the contradictions and toxic behaviors men and boys perpetuate. The ways that their behaviors of pursuit cause discomfort, fear, and unwanted attention to say the least. The toxic double standards towards women's purity versus men's sexual prowess. While this may be the largest overall theme, there are many other layers. Giles introduces religion versus faith versus the Church, the need for comprehensive sexual education (and the dangers of a lack of this), and homophobia. Not So Pure and Simple has some amazing side characters who are both diverse and detailed. They're some of my favorite in the book and I want a whole book about Cressie, his sister, please.
It's such an important book for young boys to read. To get them to examine the ways toxic masculinity is passed down. In hallways, church aisles, and at the dinner table. It tackles the ideas of the "nice guy" - that your behavior is acceptable and "nice", but also the idea that this entitles you to something. ALL the entitlement, privilege, and sexism. As I mentioned before, Giles also looks at religion, faith, and sexism. I'm not particularly religious, but it looks at our ideas of purity and how it's pretty wrapped up in women's purity.
There were just a few loose ends at the end that I think deserved a bit more depth and resolution. Especially in regards to the adults in this book like Del's parents, some older members of the church. But overall I think that this book is a great read for boys to make them question that rhetoric that is so pervasive in the media.
Honestly, why aren't more people talking about this book? The discussions in here are so, so important and it's done so well. Del's journey is one that a lot of teens (especially teen boys) need to read.
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 overall. It was a bit dragged out but this novel covered a lot of important topics teens need to read about. I love Lamar Giles and this is probably my favorite book of his so far!
I actually really did enjoy this book. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading. But at one point, I was able to predict what exactly was happening, which was kind of a bummer because I like to be surprised when reading. But overall, the book itself was well written and it made me feel like I was a character in the book, observing from the outside.
This book is smart, funny, and as it's kirkus review says, is "hilariously necessary". While attempting to woo the perfect girl, Del accidentally volunteers for a purity pledge.
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh my gosh this book was much more intense and serious than I was expecting! I think I had skimmed a review or two and remembered them saying that it was very funny - and it did make me laugh out loud multiple times - but ultimately this is a story about a teen boy learning about misogyny, toxic masculinity and how it heavily affects his behavior. I hope a lot of teen boys read this - it feels very clearly aimed at teen boys. The story about the church influencing the school's sex ed program was also very well done. Del is a teen in a difficult situation - it's really terrible to watch the Pastor manipulate him, and others, and while his guilt feels valid, I hope he eventually sees that he had very little power in that situation. Really, this is a story about Del learning when he does have power and when he doesn't - and how to use it well, instead of using it to perpetuate harm.
I’ve been trying to articulate my feelings for this book for days and I still can’t find the right words.
This book was SO GOOD. It’s a
hilarious journey through an all-too-common space that encourages (overtly and/or covertly) toxic masculinity, misogyny, sex, sex education, the (lack of) a separation between church and state, and lies.
You make this journey through these complex intersections alongside a protagonist, Del, who maybe initially seems like a jerk, but has you rooting for him anyway. He is a flawed, real character who is reflective of many individuals in our actual society. And as you root for him (or, like me, you find conflict in rooting for him and rejecting his actions to “get the girl”). It’s very indicative of how deeply rooted this notion of masculinity we cling to is and just how the premium we place on sex (especially with respect to men having sex and women... not so much).
In truth, each of the characters in the book was well done, and their motivations and personalities were tangible and left me completely engaged.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention my love for the climax of the story and the eventual end. It left me loving Del that much more, left me hopeful, left me grinning goofily as I read the last few lines of the book.
Getting to see Lamar Giles on tour (on pub day, no less!) was also incredible. It was a great night listening to honest conversations on sex education, the premises of this story, #MeToo, and so much more.
I highly encourage the reading of this book, and conversations thereafter.
This book was SO GOOD. It’s a
hilarious journey through an all-too-common space that encourages (overtly and/or covertly) toxic masculinity, misogyny, sex, sex education, the (lack of) a separation between church and state, and lies.
You make this journey through these complex intersections alongside a protagonist, Del, who maybe initially seems like a jerk, but has you rooting for him anyway. He is a flawed, real character who is reflective of many individuals in our actual society. And as you root for him (or, like me, you find conflict in rooting for him and rejecting his actions to “get the girl”). It’s very indicative of how deeply rooted this notion of masculinity we cling to is and just how the premium we place on sex (especially with respect to men having sex and women... not so much).
In truth, each of the characters in the book was well done, and their motivations and personalities were tangible and left me completely engaged.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention my love for the climax of the story and the eventual end. It left me loving Del that much more, left me hopeful, left me grinning goofily as I read the last few lines of the book.
Getting to see Lamar Giles on tour (on pub day, no less!) was also incredible. It was a great night listening to honest conversations on sex education, the premises of this story, #MeToo, and so much more.
I highly encourage the reading of this book, and conversations thereafter.
This book is very readable, very relatable, and very funny. I really enjoyed the dialogue and banter between characters. The pacing was a little weird and there were moments that felt like they should have been made much bigger than they were. The lack of build up made the story a little difficult to follow.
I love the message of this book. It really tackles toxic masculinity in a raw, understandable way. I feel like the message could have been sent in a more discreet way (it shouldn’t be the job of a woman to call out oppression against them!!!!!). But with it being a YA novel, I understand why they presented the topic the way they did.
Overall, I’m excited to put this in my classroom library and suggest to my students. I think it will definitely spark some interesting conversation.
I love the message of this book. It really tackles toxic masculinity in a raw, understandable way. I feel like the message could have been sent in a more discreet way (it shouldn’t be the job of a woman to call out oppression against them!!!!!). But with it being a YA novel, I understand why they presented the topic the way they did.
Overall, I’m excited to put this in my classroom library and suggest to my students. I think it will definitely spark some interesting conversation.