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A review by emmap1998
Thinking Straight by Robin Reardon
2.0
I had high hopes for this book, which unfortunately were not met.
The book would go up a whole star if the outdated, irritating and confusing IM lingo was removed. It made the book seem even more poorly written than it was and just made me want to scream. The childish writing style was contrasted hugely with graphic (but again- badly written) sex scenes that just seemed out of place in a YA book.
The plot was repeatative, and often dull, until a massive plot twist came out of nowhere. *spoiler* The corrupt rapist priest was introduced about three chapters from the end of the book, and resolved pretty quickly. I felt like not enough of a big deal was made about it, especially the victims who seemed to not even be mentioned.
Taylor, the protagonist, was extremely irritating. His mind seemed to entirely revolve around perfect sex god boyfriend Will. Who could have been a great character, if we hadn't only seen him through Taylor's eyes. Taylor had an annoying habit of thinking everyone was gay initially, and then when he discovered if the were or not, judging them accordingly. His mind was similar to that of a boy crazy teenage girl and there was practically no character development. I did like his strong will though, and his determination to not be changed.
However, the message of the book was essentially a good one. Some of the characters (like Will and Charles) were great and, if they were expanded further, could have been amazing. I mainly gave it 3 stars because of the extensive discussion concerning the bible and homosexuality, which made me think of things I hadn't before.
Overall, a good idea, but poorly executed, with irritating characters and lots of stereotypes.
The book would go up a whole star if the outdated, irritating and confusing IM lingo was removed. It made the book seem even more poorly written than it was and just made me want to scream. The childish writing style was contrasted hugely with graphic (but again- badly written) sex scenes that just seemed out of place in a YA book.
The plot was repeatative, and often dull, until a massive plot twist came out of nowhere. *spoiler* The corrupt rapist priest was introduced about three chapters from the end of the book, and resolved pretty quickly. I felt like not enough of a big deal was made about it, especially the victims who seemed to not even be mentioned.
Taylor, the protagonist, was extremely irritating. His mind seemed to entirely revolve around perfect sex god boyfriend Will. Who could have been a great character, if we hadn't only seen him through Taylor's eyes. Taylor had an annoying habit of thinking everyone was gay initially, and then when he discovered if the were or not, judging them accordingly. His mind was similar to that of a boy crazy teenage girl and there was practically no character development. I did like his strong will though, and his determination to not be changed.
However, the message of the book was essentially a good one. Some of the characters (like Will and Charles) were great and, if they were expanded further, could have been amazing. I mainly gave it 3 stars because of the extensive discussion concerning the bible and homosexuality, which made me think of things I hadn't before.
Overall, a good idea, but poorly executed, with irritating characters and lots of stereotypes.