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A review by michaelbereading
Flamer by Mike Curato
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
During the summer between middle school and high school, Aiden Navarro finds himself at camp, where everyone else seems to enjoy themselves and fit in. As he manages friendships, confronts bullies, and shares moments with Elias, a boy who occupies his thoughts, Aiden embarks on a journey of self-realization and embracing who he truly is.
Let me start by saying that I am not typically drawn to graphic novels. I have never been able to get into them, but my husband recommended this and was certain I would love it... He was right. This was so stunning. The story, combined with the artwork, really resonated with me. It felt so real, and was authentic to so many of my experiences that I had growing up feeling trapped in social situations with other boys. Literally no notes.... This book was perfect, devastating, healing, and painful.
I mean this quote on the back of the book does a perfect job of explaining my own complicated feelings of being labeled as gay by peers and family before I even knew what it meant... "I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. They’re mean, and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both. I hate that word. Gay. It makes me feel . . . unsafe."
The fact that this is consistently one of the most banned books every year for the past 4 years is infuriating but not at all surprising.
Let me start by saying that I am not typically drawn to graphic novels. I have never been able to get into them, but my husband recommended this and was certain I would love it... He was right. This was so stunning. The story, combined with the artwork, really resonated with me. It felt so real, and was authentic to so many of my experiences that I had growing up feeling trapped in social situations with other boys. Literally no notes.... This book was perfect, devastating, healing, and painful.
I mean this quote on the back of the book does a perfect job of explaining my own complicated feelings of being labeled as gay by peers and family before I even knew what it meant... "I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. They’re mean, and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both. I hate that word. Gay. It makes me feel . . . unsafe."
The fact that this is consistently one of the most banned books every year for the past 4 years is infuriating but not at all surprising.