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A review by matthewhubbard
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard
5.0
Dear Reader,
“We’re here” is a powerful reminder. These two words burned like a fire inside me as I wrote The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge. This story of queer teens in rural Alabama began as them seeking revenge for their heartbreak; however, while writing my heart was broken as Florida House Bill 1557, the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, began targeting my community. I cried tears of anger as events unfolded and turned to the document that would become this book to do the only thing I could: keep hope alive.
As I started writing to fight back, I thought of how helpless those affected by anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation must feel. It reminded me of my own struggles growing up in a small Alabama town. Just like the main character, Ezra, I felt alone and bullied by the world. After being harassed at school, I often begged the universe for answers: Will I always be alone? Will I ever belong? Do I even matter? Keeping that desperation in mind, I set out to write for anyone who might feel the same. Ezra is a younger version of me; I wrote my present-day self as his father to help him see himself clearly. As his father, I was able to finally answer those questions and heal the hurt I’ve carried for far too long. I hope you’ll discover yourself in these pages, as I have discovered myself, and know that you aren’t alone and you belong and you matter.
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge has been my story for so long, but now it’s our story. Together we’ll learn to believe in ourselves like Ezra and his friends as they cause mayhem and have fun doing so—believing in yourself is the best revenge, after all. With great pride, I welcome you to join the fight and promise you that you aren’t alone. We’re here, and we’re all “last boyfriends.”
Proudly,
Matthew
“We’re here” is a powerful reminder. These two words burned like a fire inside me as I wrote The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge. This story of queer teens in rural Alabama began as them seeking revenge for their heartbreak; however, while writing my heart was broken as Florida House Bill 1557, the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, began targeting my community. I cried tears of anger as events unfolded and turned to the document that would become this book to do the only thing I could: keep hope alive.
As I started writing to fight back, I thought of how helpless those affected by anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation must feel. It reminded me of my own struggles growing up in a small Alabama town. Just like the main character, Ezra, I felt alone and bullied by the world. After being harassed at school, I often begged the universe for answers: Will I always be alone? Will I ever belong? Do I even matter? Keeping that desperation in mind, I set out to write for anyone who might feel the same. Ezra is a younger version of me; I wrote my present-day self as his father to help him see himself clearly. As his father, I was able to finally answer those questions and heal the hurt I’ve carried for far too long. I hope you’ll discover yourself in these pages, as I have discovered myself, and know that you aren’t alone and you belong and you matter.
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge has been my story for so long, but now it’s our story. Together we’ll learn to believe in ourselves like Ezra and his friends as they cause mayhem and have fun doing so—believing in yourself is the best revenge, after all. With great pride, I welcome you to join the fight and promise you that you aren’t alone. We’re here, and we’re all “last boyfriends.”
Proudly,
Matthew