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adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Jay is about to be a senior in high school, but as the only out gay kid in rural Washington, he feels like he's missing out on so many formative experiences that his classmates are getting. Jay spends most of his time dreaming about his firsts and with that comes his own Gay Agenda. This list is filled with romantic and sexual experiences Jay is determined to experience one day. Then his parents announce that their moving to Seattle--AKA Queer Paradise--and suddenly the things on Jay's list don't seem that far away. But as Jay tries to balance his heart, his hormones and old vs new friends, he gets a bit swept away in it all.
This book was incredibly cute. I loved the tone and how just overwhelmingly positive this whole book was. I wish I had more rom-coms like this when I was in high school. Jay was a relatable and sympathetic narrator. Every time he would call someone a VSB I couldn't help but laugh. It was just too adorable.
My favorite character is Max (she/he), genderqueer gay guide extraordinaire. Max was effervescent. I loved his instant friendship with Jay and just how well they complimented each other. Also I need more genderqueer people in books. 🥺🥺🥺 Then there's Albert, our adorable geeky love interest. I head canon him as demisexual because of how he talks about how he doesn't feel attracted to people immediately it has to grow from an emotional connection. Albert also plays a version of Pokemon Go but called something else and I just loved those scenes SO MUCH.
I loved that this book talked about discussed stereotypes and why even if they are true, they're also harmful. I loved that this discussion was about both queer people and the BIPOC community, specifically the model-minority myth when Albert discusses what he's faced. It was such a good discussion and I want more YA books to have ones like this.
Jay also leaves behind his best friend in Washington. While she deals with poverty, Jay does his best to be there for her, but he doesn't really know what to do. I loved their friendship even though they had a lot of conflict. I loved the way it ended and how friendship was given the worth it deserves.
Rep: white gay MC, Chinese-American demisexual gay MC, Achillean genderqueer side character, drag queen side character, Black boy side character, various other queer supporting characters.
CWs: Emotional cheating/infidelity, sexual content, discussion of racism/racial prejudice, discussion of homophobia/gay stereotypes.
This book was incredibly cute. I loved the tone and how just overwhelmingly positive this whole book was. I wish I had more rom-coms like this when I was in high school. Jay was a relatable and sympathetic narrator. Every time he would call someone a VSB I couldn't help but laugh. It was just too adorable.
My favorite character is Max (she/he), genderqueer gay guide extraordinaire. Max was effervescent. I loved his instant friendship with Jay and just how well they complimented each other. Also I need more genderqueer people in books. 🥺🥺🥺 Then there's Albert, our adorable geeky love interest. I head canon him as demisexual because of how he talks about how he doesn't feel attracted to people immediately it has to grow from an emotional connection. Albert also plays a version of Pokemon Go but called something else and I just loved those scenes SO MUCH.
I loved that this book talked about discussed stereotypes and why even if they are true, they're also harmful. I loved that this discussion was about both queer people and the BIPOC community, specifically the model-minority myth when Albert discusses what he's faced. It was such a good discussion and I want more YA books to have ones like this.
Jay also leaves behind his best friend in Washington. While she deals with poverty, Jay does his best to be there for her, but he doesn't really know what to do. I loved their friendship even though they had a lot of conflict. I loved the way it ended and how friendship was given the worth it deserves.
Rep: white gay MC, Chinese-American demisexual gay MC, Achillean genderqueer side character, drag queen side character, Black boy side character, various other queer supporting characters.
CWs: Emotional cheating/infidelity, sexual content, discussion of racism/racial prejudice, discussion of homophobia/gay stereotypes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jay Collier decides it is time to stop hiding and come out. After a supportive coming out journey, Jay soon realizes that he is the only LGBTQ kid in his small hometown. Thinking that he will never truly be himself, Jay's parents surprise him and tell him they are moving to Seattle. Jay is thrilled with this news and finds himself surrounded by people just like him. As he tries to navigate his new life, Jay might learn what it really means to be true to yourself.
First thing I have to say is I love the positive talk about sex in this book. Jason June handles talk about sex in a way people can understand but to let people know that it is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide away and never bring up again. I love the positive spotlight shown on the LGBTQ community and how all types of people are welcomed and accepted.
I liked Jay as a character, his list making skills, his love for his family and friends and his love for himself and who he is. That being said though he isn't without his faults as some situations that take place he doesn't handle too well. He does right his wrongs in the end and proves that everybody makes mistakes but the way you handle them is what shows people what kind of person you are.
I am trying very hard to not spoiling anything as I think you should give this a try for yourselves but one thing I can say is the serious topics this book explores are handled with respect and written very well. The topic of stereotypes and how harmful and hurtful they can be, how it's important to be yourself and live your truth, and how sometimes things that seem important in the moment aren't really in the grand scheme of things.
The romance was very adorable and cute with relatively low drama. Albert was a adorable love interest and super patient and understanding with Jay. I loved seeing their relationship blossom into something really beautiful.
Even different types of love and relationships are brought up and explored very well. Friendships are just as important or even more important then relationships. How you shouldn't forget them no matter what happens and you shouldn't shut them out to spare them pain. Having people to talk to in a moment of pain is better then dealing with it alone.
What this book has taught me is that you should never forget where you come from or who you have in your life. That friends can be family and family loves you no matter what you do or mistakes you make. I hope for a sequel to this, cause I would love to read more about Jay and his found family and what life has in store for them next.
First thing I have to say is I love the positive talk about sex in this book. Jason June handles talk about sex in a way people can understand but to let people know that it is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide away and never bring up again. I love the positive spotlight shown on the LGBTQ community and how all types of people are welcomed and accepted.
I liked Jay as a character, his list making skills, his love for his family and friends and his love for himself and who he is. That being said though he isn't without his faults as some situations that take place he doesn't handle too well. He does right his wrongs in the end and proves that everybody makes mistakes but the way you handle them is what shows people what kind of person you are.
I am trying very hard to not spoiling anything as I think you should give this a try for yourselves but one thing I can say is the serious topics this book explores are handled with respect and written very well. The topic of stereotypes and how harmful and hurtful they can be, how it's important to be yourself and live your truth, and how sometimes things that seem important in the moment aren't really in the grand scheme of things.
The romance was very adorable and cute with relatively low drama. Albert was a adorable love interest and super patient and understanding with Jay. I loved seeing their relationship blossom into something really beautiful.
Even different types of love and relationships are brought up and explored very well. Friendships are just as important or even more important then relationships. How you shouldn't forget them no matter what happens and you shouldn't shut them out to spare them pain. Having people to talk to in a moment of pain is better then dealing with it alone.
What this book has taught me is that you should never forget where you come from or who you have in your life. That friends can be family and family loves you no matter what you do or mistakes you make. I hope for a sequel to this, cause I would love to read more about Jay and his found family and what life has in store for them next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Homophobia
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! I was looking for something fun to read to ring in June, and this was the perfect thing. A sex-positive gay rom-com perfect to kick off your Pride reading lists!
What I liked about this is the way that you can feel Jay’s emotions throughout this book. June does a great job writing his emotions and the way he reacts to everything. It feels real and authentic and I think it will resonate with a lot of teens. Jay fumbles his way through a lot of romantic firsts in a very teenage way.
The supporting characters also take the show in this book, especially Max. There’s a lot of diverse representation throughout, and there’s just as much emphasis on platonic relationships as there is romantic. There’s so much to love about the ways these characters interact.
The main reason this didn’t get five stars is because the book gets a bit repetitive at times, with the lists. COVID is also mentioned once, so it’s not really clear if that’s going on here? Maybe it will be taken out in the final copy.
All in all, if you’re looking for a funny, light-hearted gay summer romance, definitely check out this book!
----
This is the gay summer rom-com we all needed. Sure it's not perfect, but it was fun! More in a review to come next week.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Vomit
Minor: Homophobia
While I definitely think it’s important for queer teens to have books that frankly discuss teenage sex and sexuality, it felt like the only focus for the first 20% of the book. That coupled with overly juvenile behavior and language (‘frack’ was particularly jarring considering the subject matter) means I’m unfortunately putting this one down. Hopefully this resonates with others (and particularly gay teens) more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jay's Gay Agenda is the embodiment of what queer literature created by queer authors looks like. Jason June creates a sex-positive and affirming story of a gay teen who leaves his rural home of 17 years to the more queer-populated city of Seattle. Along the way, Jay meets a football team that participates in costuming clubs, exciting social situations, and attempts to stay in touch with his best friend back home. The story is enhanced by Jay's unique voice in the story, with his quirks clearly demonstrated in the first person. The other characters who are queer are also unapologetically so, and stereotyping within the community is discussed and addressed in the story. Jay is figuring out where and how he fits in with the world around him, just like the other characters in this story. Simply put: this is a story many queer people would have liked to have as a teenager.
My biggest problems with this book comes down to lack of content warnings before the story and lack of communication between characters within it. This is another book that's problems could be mostly (if not entirely resolved) from honest communication from the start, rather than assumptions. In the beginning of the story, Jay comes off as very self-centered. This is brought up by other characters, and Jay does learn from his mistakes. The only issue is that Jay's mistakes include infidelity, lying, and then getting upset when the truth slips out . At times, Jay's decisions can be made out of jealousy rather than good will, such as when Jay decides not to help out his childhood best friend by entering in his old school's homecoming contest because she was originally going to go with her boyfriend . Although these decisions did bother me while reading the story, I strongly feel that characters--especially diverse ones--should be allowed to make mistakes and grow from them as long as those mistakes are appropriately resolved.
Unlike other queer and upcoming books I've read this year, Jay's flaws are fully addressed in the story. By the end of the book, Jay is able to take full responsibility for his actions and also appropriately apologize for them. The characters which are affected hear his apology and respond realistically. My personal feelings towards stories where poor communication drives the drama aside, the story is mostly well done. The only other (minor) criticism I have for the book was certain expressions and dialogue seemed a little too forced, as though the author was making assumptions on how Gen Z students actually talk to each other. This was very apparent when the characters acted out or referenced IPhone emojis .
Overall, Jay's Gay Agenda is a great addition to the 2021 queer YA line-up. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for letting me have an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. If you are interested in picking up this book, make sure to preorder or go to your local bookstore on June 1st, 2021.
My biggest problems with this book comes down to lack of content warnings before the story and lack of communication between characters within it. This is another book that's problems could be mostly (if not entirely resolved) from honest communication from the start, rather than assumptions. In the beginning of the story, Jay comes off as very self-centered. This is brought up by other characters, and Jay does learn from his mistakes. The only issue is that
Unlike other queer and upcoming books I've read this year, Jay's flaws are fully addressed in the story. By the end of the book, Jay is able to take full responsibility for his actions and also appropriately apologize for them. The characters which are affected hear his apology and respond realistically. My personal feelings towards stories where poor communication drives the drama aside, the story is mostly well done. The only other (minor) criticism I have for the book was certain expressions and dialogue seemed a little too forced, as though the author was making assumptions on how Gen Z students actually talk to each other. This was very apparent when
Overall, Jay's Gay Agenda is a great addition to the 2021 queer YA line-up. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for letting me have an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. If you are interested in picking up this book, make sure to preorder or go to your local bookstore on June 1st, 2021.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Vomit
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Racism
Infidelity (by omission) : Jay lies about his current sexual activities to another boy he is dating. Jay lies as he is worried that telling the truth would mean that he wouldn't be able to see the person he is dating romantically anymore.
Adult/minor relationship: Jay is in high school and performs sexual activities with a gay person enrolled in college. (Sexual activities were immediately following Jay's 18th birthday, but they were talking and planning activities while Jay was still 17.)
Racism: One of the characters expresses that he feels he is discriminated based on being Asian.
Vomit: There is a scene where a character pukes on another person.