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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.
eduardtatomir's review
4.0
It was a really cute book and I enjoyed it a lot. Definitely made for teens/tweens but as a 21 y/o, I still liked it a lot.
imissyou's review
3.0
Openly Straight appeared to me thanks to goodreads! I wanted to read it by life was like oh no you wait. When I could read it I find this amazing story (like John Green's books and yes... i love John Green) about this boy that just wants to feel accepted by a community... How cute is that... Probably if i keep writing i will spoil all the book so read it
lizzys_wonderland's review
5.0
This was a book that showed that people who are open about their sexuality aren't alway comfortable with who they are. I loved this book because it showed the "double-life" of an openly gay kid (Rafe) back home and a -may I say it- openly straight kid at boarding school. This is a book worthy of a five star rating.