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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
There were some parts in the story that didn’t quite connect with me. The ending somehow turned it so: I think this is a wonderful reflection on whether you can honestly be gay and in the closet. Can you leave out a part of yourself; deny it to a certain point and still be happy, honest and not get lost in lies? Even though sexuality really shouldn’t matter?
The book is really a thought experiment about these questions and that’s what I think I really enjoyed about the narrative between Rafe and Ben. I can’t what for the second part now ☺️
The book is really a thought experiment about these questions and that’s what I think I really enjoyed about the narrative between Rafe and Ben. I can’t what for the second part now ☺️
When I read the description of this book, I though, "cool, this'll be a fun read". Then, I started it. I was not a fan at first. Thankfully, I did keep reading, and unexpectedly enjoyed this book. I might actually have to read the others in this series. I'll be very interested to see what happens next. Side note: the narrator did a great job, he captured everything perfectly.
I love to read books that have a different spin on the coming of age/coming out premise , especially with LGBT reads. With the story of Rafe we meet a teen who is out, loved and supported by his parents, and very active and vocal in the LGBT community. Rafe loves how his life is going except for one thing, to be labeled the gay kid. His is dream to go to all boys private school on the east coast, where he can an unknown new kid and just be Rafe, all seems to go well until he meets Ben.
Reading through Rafe's story I would get angry or frustrated with the choices he made trying to keep his secret. I enjoyed the supporting characters and I hope to see them in book 2.
Reading through Rafe's story I would get angry or frustrated with the choices he made trying to keep his secret. I enjoyed the supporting characters and I hope to see them in book 2.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this should have been so much better.
4/5*
Definitely a very entertaining book. I liked the diversity and the characters' growth in through the story.
Definitely a very entertaining book. I liked the diversity and the characters' growth in through the story.
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
I really enjoyed the voice of the novel. Even though I am not queer or a teenage boy, I found Rafe’s story relatable and nostalgic. The feeling of not wanting to be labeled as you’re discovering who you are is so universal. The characters made me laugh, made me frustrated with them, and even made me cry once.
At times I was frustrated with the main character’s stop-and-go ability to be reflective, but on another level, it was an effective narrative device.
I’d recommend this to people who liked King Dork (though it’s more mature and serious) and John Green’s coming of age novels. After reading this book, I plan to look for others by the same author.
At times I was frustrated with the main character’s stop-and-go ability to be reflective, but on another level, it was an effective narrative device.
I’d recommend this to people who liked King Dork (though it’s more mature and serious) and John Green’s coming of age novels. After reading this book, I plan to look for others by the same author.
Every character was annoying and some of the descriptions were downright offensive. The author chose to describe one of Rafe’s classmates by saying that his eyes were too close together like someone who is mentally challenged, as well as saying that girls who wear too much makeup are vain and, therefore, not beautiful. The writing was weak and the storyline flawed.