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gaderianne's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting look into the teenage male mind. The main character in the book goes through a journey of self-discovery when he asks the gay kid at school to help give him a make-over (inspired by Queer Eye). It's meant to win the girl of his dreams (who turns out to not be the girl of his dreams) and in the process he discovers himself and who his real friends are.
ecmanclt's review against another edition
5.0
Alex Sanchez is such a good author, another good read. I loved this book, a young boy looking for help because he is clueless.
sirlancelot2021's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
librariann's review against another edition
Ages 13+ (some PG-13 language, but plenty of sex thoughts and talk)
A bit shallow but relatible. Influenced by viewing "Queer Eye", sophomore hispanic virgin dude enlists help of resident gay Sal to make him over so that he can land his gorgeous crush, Roxy. In turn, he learns the joys of room redecoration, proper skin cleansing, and eating healthfully! Most importantly, he learns not to be homophobic and that, sometimes, your dream girl turns out to be a total skank-ho. A bit of after school special (friend dudes are into the mud mask!) but a good book about becoming more accepting, even though the characters are a little more caricature. Plus: set in Austin!
A bit shallow but relatible. Influenced by viewing "Queer Eye", sophomore hispanic virgin dude enlists help of resident gay Sal to make him over so that he can land his gorgeous crush, Roxy. In turn, he learns the joys of room redecoration, proper skin cleansing, and eating healthfully! Most importantly, he learns not to be homophobic and that, sometimes, your dream girl turns out to be a total skank-ho. A bit of after school special (friend dudes are into the mud mask!) but a good book about becoming more accepting, even though the characters are a little more caricature. Plus: set in Austin!
elvenavari's review against another edition
3.0
I think Sanchez did a good job capturing a teenage boy's every day. I really enjoyed seeing Carlos' growing throughout the book. However, I found a lot of the events a bit unbelievable. But, maybe I just don't know teens today...I just can't see every single one worrying about/wanting to hook up on a daily basis.
funsizelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Not at all what I expected. The Queer Eye makeover to get the girl hook seamlessly segueways into something more as grungy, teen Carlos is befriended by Sal, a gay teen at his high school. Carlos becomes more open and honest with his family and friends, eventually becoming a confident and happy person capable of having a real relationship with a girl.
finesilkflower's review against another edition
2.0
Alex Sanchez has a talent for heavily hinting at interesting and nonconventional endings for his novels, and then disappointing you by not going there. For example, Getting It.
The makeovers are good, though (Carlos quickly turns into quite the metro, giving lectures about proper skin care regimens, etc. I don't know whether I love it or hate it).
Spoiler
I understand that the annoying main character Carlos had to remain straight in order to maintain the veneer of a lesson that hanging out with gay people doesn't make you gay, but his interest in his funny, attractive gay classmate, Sal, seems romantic at times, and, gosh darn it, you want them to end up together. (Though Sal would have a bit of a raw deal there, perhaps.) Sal sparkles, as all romantic leads should (in the sunlight?), and all the scenes without him are dull. Sanchez's only(?) straight-centered coming-of-age makes straight relationships, straight sex, and straight BOYS seem totally unappealing.The makeovers are good, though (Carlos quickly turns into quite the metro, giving lectures about proper skin care regimens, etc. I don't know whether I love it or hate it).
sparkleboymatty's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun little book. I love that there are so many positive books for LGBQT teens nowadays. It was a little predictable but very enjoyable.
pjmurphy3's review against another edition
5.0
I remember reading this book a few years ago and loving. Sanchez weaves a finite web of teenager emotions and hormones along with the complexities of a coming of age story. I enjoy his work and I look forward to then he writes again.
ex_libris_volantes's review against another edition
4.0
Like much of Sanchez’s work, the story does not tie up LGBT issues in pretty boxes with perfect endings. I fully understand when many LGBT reviewers negatively react to certain themes and characters in Sanchez depictions, but would challenge that only to say, “are our interactions in real life not just as flawed, and in need of change for the better?”
Sanchez does a great job in my opinion, of approaching LGBT topics in an educational manner toward those not necessarily in the community, or struggling to accept themselves on their “coming out” journey.
Admittedly, Sanchez writes characters that are flawed, and includes scenes reflective of the real, and unfortunately prevalent misconceptions that LGBT persons such as myself have encountered many times throughout our lives. This makes it hard for me to judge his work as negatively as I see some of my peers do.
In my opinion, the best way to break through the armor that people yet to accept LGBTQ+ people have around their beliefs and misgivings is to drive a thousand wedges into every little crack until the light can shine through. Corny as that may sound, I find Sanchez to be great at showing the light through, and around the flaws his characters have to overcome, and “Getting It” does this just as well as several of his other works.
Sanchez does a great job in my opinion, of approaching LGBT topics in an educational manner toward those not necessarily in the community, or struggling to accept themselves on their “coming out” journey.
Admittedly, Sanchez writes characters that are flawed, and includes scenes reflective of the real, and unfortunately prevalent misconceptions that LGBT persons such as myself have encountered many times throughout our lives. This makes it hard for me to judge his work as negatively as I see some of my peers do.
In my opinion, the best way to break through the armor that people yet to accept LGBTQ+ people have around their beliefs and misgivings is to drive a thousand wedges into every little crack until the light can shine through. Corny as that may sound, I find Sanchez to be great at showing the light through, and around the flaws his characters have to overcome, and “Getting It” does this just as well as several of his other works.