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arogers159's review
5.0
What even happened? I went into this book expecting a kind of cutesy love story. I should have checked it out more because I was not ready for the pure HEARTBREAK that was this book. Honestly, I need time to recover.
mehsi's review
5.0
UPDATE: Review for the Re-read to come, I will be using my old review and add new comments and feelings to it. Will post it on Monday/Tuesday.
My rating will stay the same, I still love this book to pieces.
New review: 2017
So, since this book was getting a sequel, and a novella I decided to re-read this book. Well, actually I first tried the novella but couldn't get into it at all. I was just utterly confused. I read my review for this book, I checked the blurb, but I just couldn't get into the story. So a re-read was in order. I had to dig a bit to find this book, but when I did I immediately went to reading it.
This review will consist of parts from my old review (bold type) with new comments (normal type).
Rafe is an openly gay guy, but he wants to get rid of the spotlight and all the labels. So what does he do? He transfers to a boarding school far away from his family and friends, and ditches his labels. He is still gay but not openly. He soon becomes friends with various people, from Jocks to the outsiders.
It was so interesting to see Rafe and how he turned into a whole new person. How he was exploring, discovering new things. How he was trying to handle all this newness, and also explain it to those close to him. It was fun to see him interact with various characters from sporty guys to his roommate and his best friend.
I loved the book, I loved Rafe. Though I didn't really like the descriptions of him doing things with himself. I don't need to know that, or what he fantasizes about. :\
I loved Rafe still, I even loved him more in this second read, I am not sure how to explain, but I could see it clearer on why he would want to not say anything about his gayness. Sure, I wasn't agreeing with the fact he was making up little lies. But I could understand that he just wanted to be treated normally for once. That he could just be with guys without them making jokes, or treating him like a pariah, like he would go to bed with all of them. I could understand that.
I was a bit surprised that he wanted to ditch labels, but in the mean time was putting himself in a new label, and also labelling others (for instance the whole jock stuff).
I didn't really have a problem this round with the sexual stuff. If anything I was wondering what the me from 4 years ago had a problem (if you would call it that), as I didn't see anything that was that outstanding. There were a few things here and there, but nothing groundbreaking. I guess I changed a bit in those 4 years.
Since tags don't work: BOLD I loved his relationship with Ben, though I was quite sad
Yep, I still had a problem with this when this one popped up in the book. It just annoyed me so. Ben and Rafe were so cute together, they did a lot of things together. But then Rafe confesses something, and it was like the world exploded for Ben, as if Rafe was this big bad person. And yes, I do agree that Rafe's lies weren't good (though I wouldn't consider him hiding his gayness a lie), but that the fact he was gay shouldn't be that big of a deal breaker for you. So what if he was openly gay, so what? Does that make this experience less for you and him? Does that make this, what you guys have, something worthless? Can't you understand why he wouldn't say anything? Can't you at least listen to his reasons. I just found it really weird that he was all open to exploring, but when suddenly someone turns out gay he just goes a whole different direction.
Some more on the relationship between Ben and Rafe. I just found them both to be very cute. I was definitely shipping them and rooting for them to get together. For Rafe to finally be honest with Ben, and they would be forever together. I also loved how well they balanced and complimented each other, they were a great match. Both of them intelligent and interested in various topics, and I loved their discussions. Their conversations were really fun to read.
I am not sure what to think of the parents. Yes, I was happy they were so open with Rafe, and that they accepted him as he was. However, at times I found them a bit TOO much. Especially with his coming out, I just felt, this especially goes for the mom, that they were a bit too eager and too enthusiastic and over the top. Giving him books, taking him too meetings, even the mom becoming a president of a network for parents with gay kids. It felt like she was forcing him, not helping him. Continuous discussion about gayness, oppression and more. Yes, it is important, but your kid is more than just GAY. He is also a boy, he also wants to talk about something different for once. Let him live a bit. Let him explore on his own. If he has questions he can always go to you guys, but it is also important that he is able to figure out stuff himself. To find a place for him to belong.
Claire Olive, eh, at times I quite liked her, her voice was really well written, but at times I just wanted to hit the girl on the head. For various reasons.
I loved the little parts in between the chapters, that featured Rafe's life and how he became what he is now.
For some reason I was just not interested in these parts that much this round. I was bored, and I even noticed myself getting distracted by other things when these parts came up. Maybe it was because I already read them and vaguely remembered them, or maybe it was something else entirely. I did like the teacher's notes, they were quite fun to read.
All in all, I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I will be re-reading it someday again.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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Old review: 2013
This will be a short review, because I am quite tired, but I want to atleast give my feelings on the book.
I wasn't sure what to expect of this book. I read the blurb and I was sold. It sounded absolutely wonderful, and it turned out it was.
Rafe is an openly gay guy, but he wants to get rid of the spotlight and all the labels. So what does he do? He transfers to a boarding school far away from his family and friends, and ditches his labels. He is still gay but not openly. He soon becomes friends with various people, from Jocks to the outsiders.
I loved the book, I loved Rafe. Though I didn't really like the descriptions of him doing things with himself. I don't need to know that, or what he fantasizes about. :\
I loved his relationship with Ben, though I was quite sad
I loved the little parts inbetween the chapters, that featured Rafe's life and how he became what he is now.
I would recommend this book to people who: Don't mind someone being gay, boarding schools, short stories about someone's life.
My rating will stay the same, I still love this book to pieces.
New review: 2017
So, since this book was getting a sequel, and a novella I decided to re-read this book. Well, actually I first tried the novella but couldn't get into it at all. I was just utterly confused. I read my review for this book, I checked the blurb, but I just couldn't get into the story. So a re-read was in order. I had to dig a bit to find this book, but when I did I immediately went to reading it.
This review will consist of parts from my old review (bold type) with new comments (normal type).
Rafe is an openly gay guy, but he wants to get rid of the spotlight and all the labels. So what does he do? He transfers to a boarding school far away from his family and friends, and ditches his labels. He is still gay but not openly. He soon becomes friends with various people, from Jocks to the outsiders.
It was so interesting to see Rafe and how he turned into a whole new person. How he was exploring, discovering new things. How he was trying to handle all this newness, and also explain it to those close to him. It was fun to see him interact with various characters from sporty guys to his roommate and his best friend.
I loved the book, I loved Rafe. Though I didn't really like the descriptions of him doing things with himself. I don't need to know that, or what he fantasizes about. :\
I loved Rafe still, I even loved him more in this second read, I am not sure how to explain, but I could see it clearer on why he would want to not say anything about his gayness. Sure, I wasn't agreeing with the fact he was making up little lies. But I could understand that he just wanted to be treated normally for once. That he could just be with guys without them making jokes, or treating him like a pariah, like he would go to bed with all of them. I could understand that.
I was a bit surprised that he wanted to ditch labels, but in the mean time was putting himself in a new label, and also labelling others (for instance the whole jock stuff).
I didn't really have a problem this round with the sexual stuff. If anything I was wondering what the me from 4 years ago had a problem (if you would call it that), as I didn't see anything that was that outstanding. There were a few things here and there, but nothing groundbreaking. I guess I changed a bit in those 4 years.
Since tags don't work: BOLD I loved his relationship with Ben, though I was quite sad
Spoiler
when it didn't work out, because Ben found out that Rafe was keeping things away from him (aka him being gay), which I found really weak of Ben. Omg you would do it (aka sex) because he is straight? But now he is gay, you don't like it? Wtf? /BOLDYep, I still had a problem with this when this one popped up in the book. It just annoyed me so. Ben and Rafe were so cute together, they did a lot of things together. But then Rafe confesses something, and it was like the world exploded for Ben, as if Rafe was this big bad person. And yes, I do agree that Rafe's lies weren't good (though I wouldn't consider him hiding his gayness a lie), but that the fact he was gay shouldn't be that big of a deal breaker for you. So what if he was openly gay, so what? Does that make this experience less for you and him? Does that make this, what you guys have, something worthless? Can't you understand why he wouldn't say anything? Can't you at least listen to his reasons. I just found it really weird that he was all open to exploring, but when suddenly someone turns out gay he just goes a whole different direction.
Some more on the relationship between Ben and Rafe. I just found them both to be very cute. I was definitely shipping them and rooting for them to get together. For Rafe to finally be honest with Ben, and they would be forever together. I also loved how well they balanced and complimented each other, they were a great match. Both of them intelligent and interested in various topics, and I loved their discussions. Their conversations were really fun to read.
I am not sure what to think of the parents. Yes, I was happy they were so open with Rafe, and that they accepted him as he was. However, at times I found them a bit TOO much. Especially with his coming out, I just felt, this especially goes for the mom, that they were a bit too eager and too enthusiastic and over the top. Giving him books, taking him too meetings, even the mom becoming a president of a network for parents with gay kids. It felt like she was forcing him, not helping him. Continuous discussion about gayness, oppression and more. Yes, it is important, but your kid is more than just GAY. He is also a boy, he also wants to talk about something different for once. Let him live a bit. Let him explore on his own. If he has questions he can always go to you guys, but it is also important that he is able to figure out stuff himself. To find a place for him to belong.
Claire Olive, eh, at times I quite liked her, her voice was really well written, but at times I just wanted to hit the girl on the head. For various reasons.
I loved the little parts in between the chapters, that featured Rafe's life and how he became what he is now.
For some reason I was just not interested in these parts that much this round. I was bored, and I even noticed myself getting distracted by other things when these parts came up. Maybe it was because I already read them and vaguely remembered them, or maybe it was something else entirely. I did like the teacher's notes, they were quite fun to read.
All in all, I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I will be re-reading it someday again.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Old review: 2013
This will be a short review, because I am quite tired, but I want to atleast give my feelings on the book.
I wasn't sure what to expect of this book. I read the blurb and I was sold. It sounded absolutely wonderful, and it turned out it was.
Rafe is an openly gay guy, but he wants to get rid of the spotlight and all the labels. So what does he do? He transfers to a boarding school far away from his family and friends, and ditches his labels. He is still gay but not openly. He soon becomes friends with various people, from Jocks to the outsiders.
I loved the book, I loved Rafe. Though I didn't really like the descriptions of him doing things with himself. I don't need to know that, or what he fantasizes about. :\
I loved his relationship with Ben, though I was quite sad
Spoiler
when it didn't work out, because Ben found out that Rafe was keeping things away from him (aka him being gay), which I found really weak of Ben. Omg you would do it (aka sex) because he is straight? But now he is gay, you don't like it? Wtf?I loved the little parts inbetween the chapters, that featured Rafe's life and how he became what he is now.
I would recommend this book to people who: Don't mind someone being gay, boarding schools, short stories about someone's life.
vimki's review
4.0
4.5 stars!! i rly rly rly enjoyed this. i flew through it. the only bit i didnt like was the ending but thats just my preference. yaaaaaaaay!!
erikaq's review
4.0
(Possible spoilers below)
Here is the thing about this book: It is a contemporary romance YA and it absolutely hits every single mark in that regard. The protagonist, Rafe, is likable, well rounded, and flawed. But we root for him. We want him to get the boy and for his plan to work. And this could have been a simple rom com esque high school romance involving two boys intead of the usual het couple, but instead we get an exploration into what identity in terms of sexuality means and how that defining fact is not easily shed and shouldn't be shed. We get a book that creates a conversation about the complexities of coming out and how every single person goes through it differently.
I loved the connection between Rafe and Ben. I loved that we got to see them become friends and how the progression from friendship to attraction to kissing was handled in such an organic way. I loved how different they are to each other and that none of the secret/lying was brushed off and that it indeed had a lasting effect.
All the other characters were great too in their unique and quirky ways. I can't wait to read Honestly Ben and seeing the different perspective and the continuation of this story.
Would recomend. It's a very light and quick read and certainly enjoyable.
Here is the thing about this book: It is a contemporary romance YA and it absolutely hits every single mark in that regard. The protagonist, Rafe, is likable, well rounded, and flawed. But we root for him. We want him to get the boy and for his plan to work. And this could have been a simple rom com esque high school romance involving two boys intead of the usual het couple, but instead we get an exploration into what identity in terms of sexuality means and how that defining fact is not easily shed and shouldn't be shed. We get a book that creates a conversation about the complexities of coming out and how every single person goes through it differently.
I loved the connection between Rafe and Ben. I loved that we got to see them become friends and how the progression from friendship to attraction to kissing was handled in such an organic way. I loved how different they are to each other and that none of the secret/lying was brushed off and that it indeed had a lasting effect.
All the other characters were great too in their unique and quirky ways. I can't wait to read Honestly Ben and seeing the different perspective and the continuation of this story.
Would recomend. It's a very light and quick read and certainly enjoyable.
akookieforyou's review
4.0
*4.5*
"I guess I'd like to think of what we have as agape. A higher love. Something that transcends. Something not about sex or brotherhood but about two people truly connecting."
This book was really funny, sweet, and it opened my mind to even more perspectives on things. I've never noticed before how important it is to people to label literally everything, and how we shouldn't let those labels define us entirely. We're all more than just our sexuality, and I wish more people would see that.
"I guess I'd like to think of what we have as agape. A higher love. Something that transcends. Something not about sex or brotherhood but about two people truly connecting."
This book was really funny, sweet, and it opened my mind to even more perspectives on things. I've never noticed before how important it is to people to label literally everything, and how we shouldn't let those labels define us entirely. We're all more than just our sexuality, and I wish more people would see that.
gillianw's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this YA novel about a boy who is eager to reject a label he feels has both limited and exposed him. When Rafe decides to leave his old friends and his 'gayness' behind, he anticipates that the 'straight' life at a new school will bring him more anonymity and a chance to form bonds with other straight guys, without a label getting in his way. But he doesn't count on falling in love and having to risk coming out all over again.
If you read any other reviews from people who are devastated about the lack of an HEA, please ignore them. Rafe is in highschool and still learning about himself and IMO, this book ends the only way it could have. No trauma, no together 4-ever, but definitely on a positive, self-aware note.
4 stars
If you read any other reviews from people who are devastated about the lack of an HEA, please ignore them. Rafe is in highschool and still learning about himself and IMO, this book ends the only way it could have. No trauma, no together 4-ever, but definitely on a positive, self-aware note.
4 stars
kaikai1618's review
4.5 stars. This book had such a nice blend of humor, friendship, and figuring out who you want to be.
I found this book to be very enjoyable while also dealing with how Rafe was hiding this part of himself. What I liked was how the author portrayed all of that small struggles of being gay in everyday life with the comments or assumptions people have.
I'm also glad that this book tackled the struggles of being gay even when in an accepting or mostly accepting community.
The passages Rafe wrote for his teacher were a very interesting way of showing Rafe's past while also showing us a different side to his thoughts that is more sporadic when he used quick writes.
Also his relationship with Ben was just amazing as a close friendship between two guys even when Rafe wanted more than that eventually. They just made me so happy with their closeness and how they didn't need to try to be "Macho" dudes and could just be close without thinking it's wrong.
So that's my sporadic review but I did really enjoy this book would recommend.
I found this book to be very enjoyable while also dealing with how Rafe was hiding this part of himself. What I liked was how the author portrayed all of that small struggles of being gay in everyday life with the comments or assumptions people have.
I'm also glad that this book tackled the struggles of being gay even when in an accepting or mostly accepting community.
The passages Rafe wrote for his teacher were a very interesting way of showing Rafe's past while also showing us a different side to his thoughts that is more sporadic when he used quick writes.
Also his relationship with Ben was just amazing as a close friendship between two guys even when Rafe wanted more than that eventually. They just made me so happy with their closeness and how they didn't need to try to be "Macho" dudes and could just be close without thinking it's wrong.
So that's my sporadic review but I did really enjoy this book would recommend.
thepetitepunk's review
3.0
Funny and genuine, Openly Straight explores Rafe's experience with sexuality as he enrolls in a new school. Here, Rafe is no longer "the gay kid." He's just known as Rafe. But can Rafe truly be himself while hiding part of his identity?
Openly Straight is an easy read with a bunch of teenage boys as characters that act, well, like teenage boys. It's funny with a good message, and the characters (especially Rafe's parents and Claire Olivia) are unique but realistic. Rafe, even though his plan to be "straight" at his new school is flawed, is still relatable as a character; I was empathetic towards him the whole time. The only real issue I had with this book is that the plot didn't really interest me. There was a lot of stereotypical dumb boy behavior—which could be expected from an all-boys school—but it took up a lot more of the book than necessary. Rafe and Ben's brief romance was cute, but it definitely was not the most original take on two boys exploring sexuality.
Overall, Openly Straight is a lighthearted novel about identity and the power of labels.
Openly Straight is an easy read with a bunch of teenage boys as characters that act, well, like teenage boys. It's funny with a good message, and the characters (especially Rafe's parents and Claire Olivia) are unique but realistic. Rafe, even though his plan to be "straight" at his new school is flawed, is still relatable as a character; I was empathetic towards him the whole time. The only real issue I had with this book is that the plot didn't really interest me. There was a lot of stereotypical dumb boy behavior—which could be expected from an all-boys school—but it took up a lot more of the book than necessary. Rafe and Ben's brief romance was cute, but it definitely was not the most original take on two boys exploring sexuality.
Overall, Openly Straight is a lighthearted novel about identity and the power of labels.
tishywishy's review
3.0
Rafe has an interesting angle, one that started out with good intentions but quickly gets distorted by the lies that get added to it. Very simple story, the supporting characters - toby and albie- are great. The story line and writing isn't much to write home about but it's charming enough.