Reviews

Gay Club! by Simon James Green

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moony_reads's review

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3.0

needed a typical SJG book after boy like me lol
gay club! is cheesy, camp and oozes SJG ya goodness

nietnoah's review

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5.0

Simon’s books literally always go above and beyond my expectations (and I am not saying that because he is my favourite author). He once again wrote a HILARIOUS (!!!), funny, cute and inclusive book and I swear to god this might be my fave.
The whole story had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t know what Simon puts in his food to come up with the most RIDICULOUS (in a good way) plottwists but geez… this book had me in such a grip its insane.
The characters are all individually amazing! I absolutely love (and relate) with Barney. Danny was also to die for (everyone needs a Danny in their life lets be honest).
Last but not least: the messages throughout the whole story about being part of the LGBTQ+ community and everything that comes with that. I suggest you read the book yourselves to fully understand what I’m saying but you can tell that Simon deeply cares about the well being of the LGBTQ+ youth.
SO YEAH 5 STARS AND VOTE BARNEY

endemictoearth's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I will totally re-read this when it comes out on audio, bc I've loved the other two SJG books I've read on audio this year. I loved this one, too! All three of his books I've read so far have been both fun and funny, with good messages that don't feel too OVERT and IN YOUR FACE. There's always a tiny little romance around the edges, but is not the point of the book. While they all have similarities, they don't feel like retreads of each other.

I would recommend you try to get the US/ebook version, because the UK paperback I special ordered (which is beautifully sparkly on the outside) doesn't have the additional meeting minutes at the end that the ebook did and they were definitely worth it!

booksandlemonsquash's review

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4.0

Okay so this book is over dramatic and ridiculous but it’s got a great heart and I dare you not to smile at the hope it brings. I also love Barney as a main character and love Pax and Danny as sides (I like Maya and George too but they really lean into the ridiculousness of the election stuff too much for me!)

This book also manages to highlight some of the trials and tribulations faced by queer people (and especially teens) in a clear way, it showcases what happens and how it makes people feel. I loved that even while I was hating the actions!

foleyzac's review

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emotional funny hopeful 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? No

4.5

starrycandy's review

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funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Okay I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected!! The 5 stars comes from a place of love. The book was absolutely everything that it promised to be — outrageous, fun, and full of drama. The book is dialogue-heavy and the story moved quickly. I loved the drama. All the backstabbing and two-timing had me delighted. I also enjoyed all the little relationships the characters got into. Just so much fun :)

reading_rainbows's review

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I found this book stressful though entertaining. The book centers around a gay boy, Barney Brown running for president of their high school's LGBTQ+ Alliance club and his rival, a bisexual? rich girl. They make a lot of bad choices.

I was disappointed in the lack of diversity of characters. One of Barney's best friends, George, is a trans boy which is only mentions about 3 times in the whole book. The group is opened up for a hot second, then closed again. Demisexual and pan sexual are each mentioned once each, and feel like token representation.

I get that every book doesn't need to be totally diverse in their queer representation and yet have higher expectations for a book called gay club.