A WORK IN PROGRESS | Book Review

from my instagram: roberrrrto

Title: A Work in Progress
Author: Connor Franta
Originally Published: 2015
Page Count: 212 pages
Genre: Non-fiction / Autobiographical
Published by: Keyword Press

Date Read: May 26th - 28th 2015

This is my first dive into the whole 'YouTuber' books phenomenon, and whilst Franta seemingly tries to distance himself from this and all labels, when it comes to his book, it's forever going to exist within the category of 'Girl Online', 'The Pointless Book', 'Love, Tanya' and the like.

THE IMITATION GAME | Film Review

(Source: optimum)

SELMA | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

WHIPLASH | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

NEVER COMING BACK by Tim Weaver (SPOILER FREE)

Title: Never Coming Back (David Raker #4)

Author: Tim Weaver

Genre: Crime / Thriller
Originally Published: 2013

Page Count: 533 pages

Published by: Penguin

Date Read: 21st July - 30th July 2014

Never Coming Back is the fourth instalment of Tim Weaver's thrillers that use missing persons investigator, David Raker, as the protagonist. In this, my first, and Raker's fourth outing, we see Raker return to his family home in the south of England, recovering after the events of (what I assume was) the third book, 'Vanished'. Whilst there a body washes upon the shore, while at the same time an old flame visits him and asks him to investigate the disappearance of her sister, Carrie, and her family. 

This the basic gist of what sparks the rest of the novel. There are a series of flashbacks from Raker's past but mainly from other people as well, which I assume is just to keep the reader interested and so we're not just following Raker trying to piece things together whilst pissing everyone off in the process. The novel was confusing to start with, we start with Raker in 2007, and then we're in the shoes of former-Cop, Healy. It was confusing switching back and forth between the pair, who were both as annoying as one another. 

By the end of part one, we're essentially following just Raker with the occasional flashback to other characters in Las Vegas. The characters in the novel range from the stereotypical mob-boss with bird-like mannerisms (he reminded me a bit of Norman Bates, or Billy Drago in The Untouchables), to the equally stereotypical villagers, where Raker lives. The whole novel seems to focus on the enigma of one of these 'gangster-type' men, Cornell, whose stern seemingly follows everyone. 

I must admit this took a slightly different path from what I expected, I thought it was going to match that of Linwood Barclay's No Time For Goodbye, but it didn't. It became some political crime novel, which I really enjoyed.

The characters were frustrating, all the male characters are arsey with one another and can't seem to listen to each other. The dynamic between Healy and Raker was annoying, and as a first time reader with this series, I question Healy's relevance to the novel. I put in my review on goodreads: 

 "Read this if you like characters who are so arsey with other people it's a wonder people bother with them, several incredulous plot twists, and very descriptive writing."

The writing was clumsy at times with its phrasing, but what novel isn't nowadays? It was annoying that the most redundant things were being described to us. 

The strength of the novel comes with its mystery, it wasn't exactly original but it held my attention and kept me coming back for more. I just wish it strayed from the stereotypes, and had tried to keep its 'plot twists' down. I can't quite count how many chapter endings I could hear the 'Eastenders' credits sequence in my head. Despite this, the mystery was engaging, the writing was brilliant, and whilst I couldn't really care for Raker, I'll be checking out some more of his adventures soon. 4 stars.

BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY | Book Review

Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (Bridget Jones #1)
Author: Helen Fielding
Originally Published: 1996
Published by: Picador
Page Count: 336 pages

I think we all know the story of Bridget Jones by now, but if not, the novel is essentially the thoughts of Bridget, a 30-something singleton, desperate to quit smoking, lose weight and gain a boyfriend. It's all very simple.

The format of the book, obviously, is a diary. The novel is divided into months and each month has a collection of entries throughout that month. The entries can be at times monotonous and contrived. Bridget is so desperate for one man, Daniel (her boss), to take notice of her that many consecutive entries are simply: why hasn't he emailed me back? why doesn't he notice me? why won't he flirt with me? where is he? - One side of me was screaming inside: Get Over It! Why are you so desperate? You don't need a man! But to be fair, Bridget is a pretty good depiction of a lot of people. I have, and I'm sure most people have, spent minutes, hours, days, weeks (maybe - hopefully not), pining over someone to get back to them, to take notice of them. It may be pathetic but sometimes, that's life.

With that aspect of life does come some startling realisation that they're not worth it and your friends have been right this entire time. Which brings me to the characters. Bridget, aside from being desperately single, is incredibly funny. She talks about 'fuckwittage' and things being 'v.g.', she is actually quite interesting to study at times, as I'm sure she is real in many shades of each of us. She messes up, climbs up fireman's poles instead of sliding down them, she's infectious. Her friends are brilliant, albeit stereotyped and one-dimensional at times. Her gay best friend, Tom, epitomises the gay lifestyle that has so been characterised on television. In a way it's insulting but in a way it's also truthful and provides comic relief and sound advice. Bridget's other friends are hilarious, having terrible boyfriends or husbands, and succumbing to the new fad in self-identity and spirituality. They're people you know and people you can laugh and relate with. 
Bridget's mum was a personal favourite, probably showing the main reason Bridget is v. desperate. Her mum's overbearingness is tragic yet relatable (AGAIN!) - I'm sure this is an autobiography and not fiction. The lead male characters of Daniel and Mark are pretty boring. Daniel's a chauvinist, which is good because the novel made me hate him. Mark Darcy is a bit boring and isn't as likeable as one would think. 

I've rambled far too much. Often like Bridget. Her diary extracts do become very narrative-like, with whole conversations put in with speech marks and everything. It's definitely not a realistic diary, but to be fair, I don't think it'd be half as interesting if some conversations weren't transcribed. 

In the end I did enjoy this, it was at times stupid and monotonous but the initial opening became very funny and [trying to find a word that isn't 'relatable']... relevant (?). I don't know. I enjoyed it mostly, but the ending was predictable and boring. I may read the sequel if I need some easy reading. 3.5 stars.

ALLEGIANT | Book Review

Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: YA / Dystopian
Published by: HarperCollins Children's
Originally Published: 2013
Page Count: 526 pages

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

(Source: Goodreads)

First of all, I don't want to spoil anything really and didn't want to publish the real blurb here incase anyone stumbles upon this review and finds out plot points to the first and second book, so I'll keep it simple.

The writing of this book was one that we've come to expect and enjoy with Roth. Her writing is effortless and just keeps you turning the page as she has definitely found her writing style. The characters in the book become slightly more developed, especially in regards to Four. We finally get Four's perspective in the book, allowing entry into his thought processes, and into how he sees the conflict going on around him. He does at times come across as petty, which I feel was Roth's intentions but it fell a little flat at times. Tris has continued to grow throughout the novels. The first novel really saw her develop, the second saw her make mistakes, and this final novel sees Tris learn from her mistakes and essentially become a really strong person, let alone a strong protagonist. We are introduced to new characters from whom, come answers. The whole of the series has been based on the faction system that has dominated society, separating you into either Amity, Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless or Erudite, depending on how your mind works and how you view society. Tris, finding out she's 'Divergent' in book one, and that she doesn't fit into either of these still has much relevance in the third book as it did in the first. I feel like what Roth did is what many writers fail to do, especially with dystopian, and that is explain how everything came about and what everything meant. 

It does become pretty complex at times and you become pretty unsure on who are actually 'the good guys' as there are many different groups in turmoil with each other. It does seem like one conflict after another. Yet this conflict provides some brilliant metaphors for today. I feel that Roth perfectly conveyed how corrupt society can become by trying to change someone, trying to fit them into a box of what you see as normal. It's something that's been done many times yet Roth did make it very interesting. 

With the dual perspectives the novel found some flaws. Tris and Four are together for a massive portion of the novel, and the chapters continue to switch between the two of them. With Roth having her identifiable writing style, it was sometimes hard to determine whose chapter you were in until it referenced the other protagonist. It became unnecessarily confusing and often tedious. It's when the pair aren't together that this really works and you get to see both sides of their stories and of the action that novel provides (although, comparatively little in regards to the first two books). 

I must note how slow the middle became, I feel the only reason I was continuing was because I was on a high from seeing the film that had just come out. 

The ending was brilliant, all answers had been provided, all loose ends tied up. And although it was a predictable ending it's one I enjoyed and thought was very powerful. A little slow at times, yet still a good ending to a great series.

4 stars.

THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN | Book Review

Title: The Five People You Meet In Heave
Author: Mitch Albom
Genre: Fiction / "Inspirational"
Published by: Time Warner Paperbacks
Originally Published: 2005
Page Count: 208 pages

The novel's protagonist is an elderly amusement park maintenance worker named Eddie who, while operating a ride called the 'Free Fall', dies while trying to save a young girl who gets in the way of a falling cart that hurtles to earth. Eddie goes to heaven, where he meets five people who were unexpectedly instrumental in some way in his life. While each guide takes him through heaven, Eddie learns a little bit more about what his time on earth meant, what he was supposed to have learned, and what his true purpose on earth was. Throughout there are dramatic flashbacks where we see scenes from his troubled childhood, his years in the army in the Philippines jungle, and with his first and only love, his wife Marguerite

(Source: Goodreads)

There's something about this book that just immediately appeals to me. It's such an interesting concept that one would probably love to actually happen. Wouldn't it be great that once you die you meet 5 people connected to you in some way, who explain your life and with that you learn about yourself and about how the world works? I think it's fascinating.

Unfortunately, I felt the premise was far greater than anything achieved in the final print.  The characters were just uninteresting. I didn't really care for anything that happened to them. Yes, we know Eddie, the protagonist, is bound to die; the opening pages are marked with a countdown to his demise. But do we actually care what happens to him, do we care about the people in his life? If I'm being honest, I wanted it to be more sentimental. I was expecting some heart-wrenching story about Eddie, I was expecting some philosophical (do I say crap?) statements that are completely ridiculous but also have me weeping and feeling ashamed with myself for doing so. But we don't get this. Instead we get a series of events of a quite boring man being told that his life had some sort of purpose. 

I don't know if it's the cynic in me but I just couldn't connect with the emotions that the book was trying to unearth. The person who lent me the book said they cried their way through it; the closest I came to feeling any emotions was towards the ending, which kind of had the shred of sentimentality and philosophicalness that I so desired. Maybe my issue with this is that I want to be philosophical but my mind just refuses to be.

Overall, it wasn't a waste of my time. I enjoyed aspects such as the messages that the book seemed to possess but I just didn't get what I expected and for that I was sort of let down. 2 stars.

SHARP OBJECTS | Book Review

Title: Sharp Objects
Author: Gillian Flynn
Genre: Crime / Thriller 
Published by: Phoenix
Originally Published: 2006
Page Count: 321

If you've read my blog or watched my youtube, it's definitely clear that my love for Gillian Flynn's books is a strong one. She writes in such a gritty and macabre fashion that you can't help turning the page till you reach the intense finale the novel has to offer. 

This novel follows Camille Preaker, who after escaping her sad childhood has moved to Chicago to write as a reporter. Whilst there, her boss informs her of a shocking story that has tongues wagging in Camille's hometown; the death of a child who was found strangled and with her teeth pulled out. Now another child is missing, and Camille returns home to uncover the truth and astound her readers. 

The novel works from this basic premise, we've seen it before, I'm sure. Yet something feels entirely different. Camille hints at a darker past; her sister died when she was young and the novel's title 'Sharp Objects' takes on a meaning that becomes incredibly compelling and interesting. 

Flynn's writing style is one to be desired as always, she shocks the reader but it doesn't always feel like she's writing it for that purpose; it's to gain a sense of character. I've said it before and I'll say it again, she definitely understands her characters. From the protagonist, who is oddly likeable in comparison to Flynn's other protagonists, to the over-sensitive mother, right down to the brother of the murdered child. Everyone has a certain psyche that as a reader you want to explore. 

The plot itself is astounding. There's some tried and tested plot points like the sexy cop, the bitchy popular girl, and the whole idea of a woman returning to her hometown to uncover secrets of her past is incredibly generic. Yet, it all accumulates to present an intense finale.

The mystery itself is by no means unsolvable, but that's not the point. The point is the story, the arc of the characters. The psychology of the murderer, of Camille, of the whole bitch-infested town. Yes, every woman in the town seems like they know everyone else's business and try to exploit it in such a way. Some may say a tired cliché, but it's one that definitely adds to the novel, and once you reach the conclusion to Flynn's debut novel everything becomes clear and sickening.

The novel is, to use a cliché for thrillers, gripping. The final few chapters were very tense, something that after reading Flynn's later novels is something she's established very well as an author. I don't think this is Flynn's best work. Dark Places and Gone Girl show an author developing her ideas and putting lessons into practice. Sharp Objects is not the best novel I've read, but the themes and sickening characters make you want to return to Flynn for more. Sadly, I've read all Flynn's published thrillers and I have to wait for more books to be published or for the Hollywood adaptations that are coming away in the next year. GONE GIRL HAS A DATE IN OCTOBER! 

Overall, an astounding debut novel for Flynn with the final Epilogue being the best ending to a Flynn thriller I've read yet. It was emotional and poignant, and has overall made me very unnerved. Fantastic!  - ★★★★★ - 

WONDER | Book Review

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Genre:YA / Middle-Grade 
Published by: Random House
Originally Published: 2012
Page Count: 310

"WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?" (taken from goodreads)

I picked this book up at my local library due to recommendation of a friend and the ever-growing booktube community that have garnered much praise around it. I started hesitantly but grew to become fairly fond of this book.

The characters in this book are incredibly well-thought out, it's nice to read a perspective from someone younger than who I normally read about. But the book does not just have August's perspective, but many people who interact with him throughout his first year at middle school. His sister Via probably has the most thought-provoking narrative and perspective, she offers another view to August's story, one that is in itself rather sad at first, but also rather wonderful. It was a great idea on the author's part to divide perspectives to gain a real sense of the world 'Auggie' is living in. I wish we had a perspective perhaps from one of those people who had taunted August, but this was not to be. 

The writing of this book is very simple, but that is to be expected, in part due to its younger characters, but also its audience. I would probably recommend this for a younger audience, those in middle school themselves, not necessarily for me. But that does not mean I did not appreciate this book. 

I won't say too much because not only has a lot been said already by many reviewers alike, but this book is such an easy read that I think you should make up your own mind as always. 

Definitely worth a read; it has its touching moments and heart in abundance. ★★★★☆.

UGLIES | Book Review (NO SPOILERS)

Title: Uglies

Author: Scott Westerfeld
Genre: YA / Dystopian
Published by: Simon & SchusterOriginally Published: 2005
Page Count: 425

"Tally Youngblood is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait for the operation that turns everyone from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty. But new friend Shay would rather hoverboard to "the Smoke" and be free. Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world and it isn't very pretty. When Shay runs away the authorities offer Tally an ultimatum, find her friend and turn her in or never turn pretty at all."

You've probably worked out that this is another dystopian YA book, one that has actually garnered a lot of attention and praise. Sadly, I am still unsure on this book's appeal, it has an interesting premise but ultimately does not deliver.

I'm going to first start off by talking about the world that Westerfeld has created. In which, I am incredibly conflicted. On the one hand it's incredibly well-thought out, Westerfeld clearly has this world in his head, he just fails to introduce us to it well. We are almost plunged into the world, sort of in media res, but not quite. We aren't plunged into the story, really, more the world. The world is described to us, but I didn't feel as well introduced or interested. The language and names used are incredibly juvenile, whether this was intentional or not, I'm unsure but I wasn't too keen on the names 'Uglyville' and 'New Pretty Town'. It's a very apt description, but come on, in a dystopian novel you have so much breadth to invent names and histories and he chooses 'Uglyville'. 

When Tally is on her quest to find Shay and 'the Smoke', we finally get a sense of world-building but even then my attention for some reason was not being held.

The characters aren't anything to be desired, I was left unattached and not bothered what would happen to them. Tally isn't anything special, she doesn't have the key to the future but the end of the novel really makes her role a much more significant one. 

The plot is slow and I think a story only really kicks in at about page 100, maybe even 200. You would think this is because the first 100 was for 'world building', but it was kind of just Shay and Tally bonding, which was good to see but I had no interest because each character was dull and boring. Tally wants to be with some guy, who is now a pretty, while Shay wants to explore their world and elope with the mysterious David. 

Now you just know there's a love story sub-plot here, don't you? And of course, we find one! It isn't that badly put together but once again unneeded. I didn't mind it as much as I have done with other YA books, but I fear the sequel is going to produce some conflicted love / love triangle that I will most likely despise. 

The book had its moments, and its premise was brilliant. I thought it was very interesting to see such a future, a future that isn't so hard to imagine. However, the lack of story at several points made my attention shift to other books and for that it can't receive anything other than 3 stars. 3 stars meaning it's okay, but you should probably read it to make up your own mind. I'll probably pick the sequel up if it's at the library, but if not, oh well.

GONE GIRL | Book Review

Title: Gone Girl 
Author: Gillian Flynn
Genre: Crime / Thriller
Published by: Phoenix
Originally Published: 2012
Page Count: 463

"Who are you?

What have we done to each other?

These are the questions Nick Dunne finds himself asking on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears. The police suspect Nick. 

Amy's friends reveal that she was afraid of him, that she kept secrets from him. He swears this isn't true. A police examination of his computer shows strange searches. 

He says they weren't made by him And then there are persistent calls on his mobile phone.

So what did happen to Nick's beautiful wife?"

I picked this book up on a whim, I needed a third book in one of those 3 for 2 deals, and this was the most appealing. I do not regret for one second picking up this book.

'Gone Girl' is divided into two perspectives, Nick Dunne's and his wife, Amy's, alternating between each perspective with each chapter. Nick's perspective begins on the day of his wife's disappearance and charts his life as the mystery unravels about his wife's disappearance. Amy's perspective is a series of diary entries throughout the couple's relationship, from their first encounter and onwards. It follows Nick and Amy as they have returned to Nick's former home in Missouri, to help his sick family and to recover after their failing careers in New York.

Through these perspectives we get a real sense of annoyance and aggravation with these characters, especially Nick. Nick is a lying, beautiful-on-the-outside, ugly-on-the-inside narrator. It becomes very obvious that he keeps withholding information from the reader and all you are left with is a sense of sheer hatred for this main character; almost the protagonist is the antagonist. This isn't down to Gillian Flynn's poor writing, but down to her excellent writing. Nick is supposed to be unlikeable, it makes him more interesting, it makes you turn each page as a new plot twist is revealed, one that churns your stomach and makes you wonder who the hell are these people? 

Amy's diary entries are so deliciously enticing. They're filled with crude language and brilliant description. Amy and Nick were both writers in New York, so it works well that they are both brilliant storytellers. 

The novel starts off fairly slowly, lets the reader adjust to these characters' minds, as it does take quite a while to get your head around them. The slowness of the opening and the complex minds of the protagonists makes it a struggle, almost. However, after that the novel takes a turn, a fascinating one, one filled with plot twists and shocking moments, and it works really well. It has brilliant references to pop culture that make the novel all the more satisfying as you delve deeper into these sick characters' lives. (It also makes reference to one of my all-time favourite films, Vertigo, by Alfred Hitchcock, and reminded me of Vertigo's different narrative structure). 

What is brilliant about this book is its comment on the media. The media is a force to be reckoned with inside this novel, they forge the rise and fall of the characters in this book. Flynn's comments depict the intrusiveness the press is, not only to these characters, but to the public's minds, and because of that the novel acts as a fantastic allegory.

I can't really say too much when it comes to the plot without giving away any spoilers. So I shall keep this review reasonably short. (Although, I already see it becoming fairly lengthy). Like I said, the beginning was slow, but after that you are launched into a domino effect of circumstances that shock and make you shiver. The jargon of some characters can be offensive and vile but it is great at creating character development and allowing the reader a deep insight into the minds and personalities of that character. 

The ending really hindered this book, although it is also understandable why Flynn decided to end it in such a way. It again further exemplifies the personalities and egos that she has set up and reinforces that the novel is a captivating read that makes you want to read more and more until there is nothing left but acknowledgements and enticing adverts for the author's other books. 

'Gone Girl' is a book that demands to be discussed. Flynn's impeccable writing stems a deliciously page-turning book that afterwards leaves you feeling unnerved about the human psyche and curious about that lovely commitment that is marriage.
5 out of 5 stars.  

City of Bones | Book Review

Title: City of Bones

Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA / Fantasy
Published by: Walker Books

Originally Published: 2007

Page Count: 442

"Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn towards a group of sexy demon hunters, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City - and the dangers of forbidden love."

The first thing I should probably reveal is that I had a lot of issues with this book, and I guess it has to start with this obnoxious blurb. I don't usually go off blurbs a lot, nowadays, I usually read books that have been recommended or have decent goodreads reviews. When I do read a blurb, I understand that it probably isn't going to be the best representation of the novel, but that blurb, my, they must know their target audience, and I'm pretty sure I'm not that.

The novel follows Clary Fray, a fifteen-year old girl who at the beginning of the book is in a club, seemingly for all ages, when she witnesses what appears to be a murder. However, it seems no one else can see what's going on. From there the plot develops as Clary discovers that she is a part of this world that she's suddenly become aware of, and has 'shadow hunter' blood within her. A shadow hunter being someone who hunts demons. She meets Jace Wayland, a young shadow hunter, who is obviously very dark, brooding and naturally, incredibly attractive (hello typical YA trope). Clary is now on a quest to understand who she is and what she is. 

I think my main issue with this book lies within its wafer-thin characters. Clary is thrust into this world with her best friend, Simon. And despite maybe a slight fear, the pair suddenly become completely okay and natural with this crazy world around them filled with werewolves, vampires and warlocks. Clary succumbs naturally to the charm of Jace and he being the arrogant sod that he is, loves it. 

Jace is cocky and yet slightly alluring, as all YA guys tend to be. He has a charm of honesty and fearlessness. And yet, he is maybe the only redeeming part of this cast of characters. He certainly seems to have some character development in him... somewhere. 

Simon is Simon, the geeky best friend who is naturally in love with his girl best friend. 

Then we have Isabelle, Alec and Luke. The saving characters of this book, and of course, Clare uses them sparingly. Maybe wisely so. Isabelle and Alec are a brother a sister shadow-hunting duo, who are energetic, intriguing and... attractive. (No one's mediocre looking in this book). They are proactive and seem to be at least two dimensional. 

Luke is mysterious and cooky, and I like him. (He's Clary's mum's very close friend.)

Okay, I've rambled way too much about the characters. Time to talk about the plot.

Wow. The domino effect is strong in this book. It seems everything links to another thing, which in turn links to another thing, and finally another thing. These characters are rarely stood still, collecting their thoughts. They're always in the middle of something. Which is great! It keeps the plot rolling, keeps the action coming, but my, you better keep up because before you know it, they'll be discussing what a nephilim is, and you best hope you've been paying attention! Because of this, I found my eyes skipping across pages, getting bored of this terminology we're just supposed to understand. It's great that this world is so planned out, but Clary seems to understand it instantly, while as a reader, I found it rather difficult. 

The novel harbours a nice little plot twist in its finale. Although, it isn't nice, can be seen a mile away and doesn't make sense. The ending destroyed the hope I had for this, it promised  fight scenes, but before we could get a sense of the action, Clary was off with the reader trailing behind her. 

I did enjoy certain aspects of this book, however. The shadow hunters use runes to help them in their quests. They mark symbols onto their bodies with a 'stele', a small stick-shaped device, and it is to help them if they are hurt, or give them certain abilities and agility. It's a handy weapon that I don't think I've seen used much, so I enjoyed that aspect of it. I also enjoyed the fact that these beautiful human beings were scarring their bodies to protect themselves, it just seemed... fitting. 

Overall, what I liked about this book was the idea of it. I think I'm getting rather sick of teenage YA girls and how they picture and are obsessed with these YA teenage boys who are so often either jerks or insufferable soppy messes (this book, conveniently has both). In the end, I guess I would read the second book as I have been assured that it is better, and I do think this is one of the better typical YA novels.

Three out of five stars, I think is an accurate rating.  

Review: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan.

Title: Boy Meets Boy

Author: David Levithan

Genre:YA / LGBT / Romance

Published by: Alfred Knopf 

Originally Published: 2003

Page Count: 185

"I was the first openly gay president of my third-grade class. I have seen men holding hands walking down the street in a big city and I have read about women getting married in a state that's not so far away. I have found a boy I might just love, and I have not run away. I believe that I can be anyone I might want to be. All these things give me strength." 

Boy Meets Boy follows the protagonist, Paul, an openly gay sophomore in high school. At the beginning of the book the captivating Noah tumbles into his life, and the pair are soon romantically linked as they both develop feelings for each other.  The town they live in is a paradise, an idyllic refuge for gay, bisexual, transgender, and frankly, every type of person. The book epitomises "YA romance" but has a whole cast of characters who are growing in character in each and every page.

The setting of this town is completely science-fiction, yet somehow believable. Every one in Paul's town seems wonderfully accepting and beautiful, they all embrace difference, and there's no one who epitomises difference than the homecoming queen and star quarter back Infinite Marlene (formally known as Daryl).

What I adore about this book is its collection of characters. You obviously have Paul at the centre of the story, he is the root that stems to each connecting character. Paul is likeable and relatable, he's your typical teenager. Noah is interesting and loveable. But besides these characters you have Tony (who I personally adored), he lives in the town next to Paul and lives in a religious household, where his parents try to ignore his homosexuality. His friendship with Paul is completely platonic and utterly perfect, the pair do not judge each other and are always there for each other.
You also have Joni, Paul's former best friend, isolating herself from her friends due to her boyfriend, Chuck. (We've all known a Joni, haven't we?)
You have Kyle, Paul's former ex who is now straight and claims Paul 'tricked' him. And you have Paul's parents, Tony's parents, Paul's brother Jay and Noah's sister Claudia.
Throughout the 185 pages you get a glimpse of people you have known in real life, fictionalised in Levithan's work but so beautifully. It's so sad that we don't see more of some characters. I personally would love to know more about Tony and Claudia.

There's not much I can say about this book, it follows and confines to certain tropes such as boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy tries to win girl back. But no, we have two males at the centre and its refreshing and original. It's a juxtaposition of the norm, yet it is completely the same. With Paul's town being so accepting, the novel portrays a gay relationship as similar and as typical as any other, and that's what I like about this book. I believe it is a few years before its time. It perfectly depicts what teenagers go through and it has nice references to popular culture and certain issues, such as the US's boy scouts issue, in which gay boys had been excluded from the scouts (something which has now changed). It refers to Paul's town having 'Joy Scouts', which I think is just wonderful.

The novel is a very character-driven book, like I said, and it has become one of my favourites, which I feel is a necessity for all gay teenagers. If I had read this at fifteen, I would have treasured it so much. Sadly, 15-year-old me was not much one for books, nor one to be suggested this kind of book by the people I surrounded myself with.

A quirky little book with a lovely ending. 4 out of 5 stars.