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A review by nietnoah
Hiding Him by Adam Hattan
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I didn’t have high expectations for this book because I’ve read a lot of gay YA over the years, but I have to say I was quite impressed. While it is not groundbreaking and remains fairly predictable, I enjoyed the overall story. However, none of the characters really stood out to me. They all felt quite two-dimensional and underdeveloped. Most of the conflicts in the book are resolved too quickly, which I am not a fan of. Additionally, there are many time jumps where an extra chapter or two would have been beneficial.
One aspect I absolutely disliked was the “homophobe turns out to be closeted” narrative. It’s such an overdone trope and I’m starting to find it quite insensitive. The idea that a character’s homophobia is just a result of their own hidden sexuality is not only clichéd but also diminishes the real and complex reasons behind homophobia. It feels like a lazy explanation that undermines the depth of the issue, especially since the homophobe in question is a side character. I find it weird that many authors still include this in their books. Is it some sort of secret fantasy? I don’t know. But I immediately get bored when I’m presented with a closeted homophobe.
To end on a positive note, I think this book is a solid addition to the queer YA genre, and I hope the author continues to write more because I see potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if his next book turns out to be a 5-star read for me. ⭐️
One aspect I absolutely disliked was the “homophobe turns out to be closeted” narrative. It’s such an overdone trope and I’m starting to find it quite insensitive. The idea that a character’s homophobia is just a result of their own hidden sexuality is not only clichéd but also diminishes the real and complex reasons behind homophobia. It feels like a lazy explanation that undermines the depth of the issue, especially since the homophobe in question is a side character. I find it weird that many authors still include this in their books. Is it some sort of secret fantasy? I don’t know. But I immediately get bored when I’m presented with a closeted homophobe.
To end on a positive note, I think this book is a solid addition to the queer YA genre, and I hope the author continues to write more because I see potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if his next book turns out to be a 5-star read for me. ⭐️