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Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry
Where to even start.. Autoboyography was the book I held wen I came out to my mum. I can barely remember what it was about, but I remember clutching it close to me when we went home. (it did not go well)
I do remember the story being kind and wholesome. All in all I enjoyed it and while I likely won't re-read, it was a calm and sweet note to my ears amongst the screams of NYE 2018.
“It is a big deal. I'm describing how my heart beats”
Oh boy, here we go again – another lukewarm review for a very hyped book.
The story is about Tanner, a half-Jewish, bisexual senior in high school. Originally from California, he and his family moved during his sophomore year to Provo, Utah. A town where a majority of the habitants are part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
(Let’s shorten that to the LDS church, from now on).
Afraid of what being open in such a conservative area could lead to, forces Tanner to keep a low-profile. And it has worked out pretty well. At least, until his very last term.
In The Seminar, a class dedicated to writing an entire novel in 6 months, he meets Sebastian. A soon-to-be published, very handsome, author and the new TA. Oh, and he’s also the local bishop’s son.
Autoboyography reads slightly older than a lot of YA contemporary, but it’s still a book about firsts. First meetings. First kisses. And first loves.
But despite it primarily being a romance novel, the romance ended up being some of my least favourite parts.
I just can’t get behind instant love. Instant attraction? Sure. But not instant love.
It just made the romantic relationship between Tanner and Sebastian feel superficial, especially compared to the rest of the book.
Because the book definitely dives in a lot deeper with its’ portrayal of religion. Going in I expected a more villainous portrayal of the Church and its’ members, but I was pleasantly surprised by the care given. It impressively managed to both critique and respect the LDS church.
It’s clear the authors did their homework – at least that’s my impression as an outsider myself.
And while the romantic relations where a bit iffy, the familial were not. It was quickly created a clear understanding of both Tanner and Sebastian’s family. Neither were perfect – with significant faults in each – but they were also filled with so much love.
Within YA there hasn’t always been a lot of exploring different families, and this is the type family dynamics I want to see.
As for other, platonic, side characters; they were alright, I guess.
I personally thought there was a lot of potential with Autumn, Tanner’s best friend - had she been given more time. Some of it was really good though, and I could perfectly understand her and Tanner’s relationship. But some of it… just went in a really weird direction.
“You have so much space in your heart for your church, but does it have space for you?”
To wrap things up: Autoboyography is a good look at religion and identity; how the two intertwine and how they can be at odds. But it's hidden within a mediocre romance-story.