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whiterose912's review against another edition
5.0
Great book, must have more. Must devour more. Must consume.
I hope the author writes more YA books, he has a sense of humour that is really light hearted, and I really like his style. Hope more gay YA comes out of him.
I hope the author writes more YA books, he has a sense of humour that is really light hearted, and I really like his style. Hope more gay YA comes out of him.
jmitschke's review against another edition
4.0
Very cute and funny look at denial (the protagonist being ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NOT GAY, until he really is) and coming out in high school for a very sweet and adorkable young guy.
dearestdorian's review against another edition
2.0
Absolutely, Positively Not reads more like Middle Grade than Young Adult. It was funny in places, and the protagonist was highly sympathetic. His mother's initial reaction to his coming out broke my heart a little. Way to invalidate your child, lady.
Overall, it was alright. I liked how there wasn't a love interest and it focused on Steven's development as a gay teen, before the question of dating and crushes ever came up. I liked his friend, Rachel, and how her actions are both good examples of what to do to be supportive, and what not to do.
The writing isn't that polished and it's not fantastic, but it has value in the story it tells. I feel like this would be a good read for any young teenager who is questioning their sexuality, because it's more of a lighthearted and simple look at the journey from the early stages of wondering through to realisation.
Overall, it was alright. I liked how there wasn't a love interest and it focused on Steven's development as a gay teen, before the question of dating and crushes ever came up. I liked his friend, Rachel, and how her actions are both good examples of what to do to be supportive, and what not to do.
The writing isn't that polished and it's not fantastic, but it has value in the story it tells. I feel like this would be a good read for any young teenager who is questioning their sexuality, because it's more of a lighthearted and simple look at the journey from the early stages of wondering through to realisation.
petersenftleben's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was cute and harmless, a quick read with a likeable enough protagonist. The part where Steven went online to chat with other gay teens was particularly funny and accurate. But I didn't feel the story went anywhere original or groundbreaking, and there was a certain level of unbelievability to the plot. The ending especially left me a little cold. I wished that there were better closure with Mr. Bowman, and I thought it would have made more sense if Steven had looked up the other gay kid in the yearbook BEFORE he called him, or had just waited until the next support group meeting.
wiitchycats's review against another edition
4.5
This book was lighthearted and wonderful. It takes a humorous look at the struggle of identity and coming to terms with who you are. I found myself bound to this book because of its humor and I was chuckling till the end.
I think most LGBT folks can identify with what this boy is going through throughout this book, maybe with a little less humor, but still it is relatable. For many of us, it all started with a crush or noticing we favored an activity labelled for the opposite sex and it is the same for our main character in this lovely story.
This book helped me find the humor in my own story. This book is a nice way to remind you of the silly things you did in your youth to stop something that is honestly unstoppable.
I loved this book and reccomend it to anyone who wants a good laugh about something we don't always know we can laugh about.
I think most LGBT folks can identify with what this boy is going through throughout this book, maybe with a little less humor, but still it is relatable. For many of us, it all started with a crush or noticing we favored an activity labelled for the opposite sex and it is the same for our main character in this lovely story.
This book helped me find the humor in my own story. This book is a nice way to remind you of the silly things you did in your youth to stop something that is honestly unstoppable.
I loved this book and reccomend it to anyone who wants a good laugh about something we don't always know we can laugh about.
ally1135's review against another edition
3.0
3.5- I would have appreciated this more if I read it when I was younger, though I still found it real and truthful. While there is some terminology that some may find offensive due to it being largely uncommon today, the overall positive message remains the same.
kricketa's review against another edition
3.0
It's not that hard to make me laugh, honestly. But something about knowing that this book had won an award for humor made me super-sensitive to the funny bits. Which I found more...silly. It's a fun, light read.
sandraagee's review against another edition
3.0
This was a nice enough book. The one thing that really got to me about it comes from the fact that I read this book immediately after reading Totally Joe by James Howe. Both books featured identical secondary characters, namely the uber-feminist best friend who is, naturally, the one who lands the boyfriend. Because of this huge similarity, I had a bit of trouble finding anything that made this book stand out from other coming-out stories.
That aside, this book was really enjoyable. Somewhat predictable, but nice enough.
That aside, this book was really enjoyable. Somewhat predictable, but nice enough.
librariann's review against another edition
4.0
Ages 12+
Humorous (though not very realistic) look at a 16 year old boy who is ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NOT (Gay) - except for the fact that he is. Outlandish situations and over-the-top characters are redeemed by the laugh-out-loud humor.
Humorous (though not very realistic) look at a 16 year old boy who is ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NOT (Gay) - except for the fact that he is. Outlandish situations and over-the-top characters are redeemed by the laugh-out-loud humor.