I never would have thought with a title of “Two Boys Kissing,” and a not so great cover, I would have HOLY MOLY! This made my all time favorites list!
I never would have thought with a title of “Two Boys Kissing,” and a not so great cover, I would have loved this book so much. Also, I get a little perturbed when it’s always boys and not girls. But, this this is so universal it didn’t matter.
Levithan centers his novel around a true event, two boys kissing to break a world record. But, my oh my, the narrators are the previous generation of gay men, looking down with support, understanding, and even resentment.
I loved this early quote... “We were once the ones living and then we were the ones dying. We sewed outfits, a thread’s width into your history. We were once like you, only our world wasn’t like yours. You have no idea how close to death you came. A generation or two earlier, you might be here with us. We resent you. You astonish us.”
And, just OMG with the characters. Two boys meet at a gay prom (not in my day!) Two others are trying to negotiate a relationship, another has been assaulted, and one appears damaged beyond repair by his parents lack of acceptance. While this may be a YA book, the writing was phenomenal!
Personally I could relate to so many of the characters struggles as many of my own were painful. So yes, this book made me cry, but also filled me with hope. While this is about the gay experience, it also reminded me about the struggles of immigrants, Native Americans, African Americans, etc. That’s why I found this book to be so universal. It was also a great reminder of the price paid by countless others who came before to ease the way. Yup, can’t recommend enough!...more
John Green writes with satire and humor about some of life's greatest obstacles, and questions. In this book we meet four main characters who have lefJohn Green writes with satire and humor about some of life's greatest obstacles, and questions. In this book we meet four main characters who have left home to attend high school. Miles comes in search of the "great unknown". The others come for a variety or reasons, but they find themselves drawn to one another and become fast friends. While I am not in high school, the pranks bring back wonderful memories of that period in life. I found myself drawn into their world very quickly, and was rooting for each of them. Yet, when one of them dies, the search for answers becomes a quest. In the end we are left with a profound respect of the unknown, of our sence of invincibility, and that life is indeed a great unknown worth every minute of the journey....more
I know a book about cancer sounds depressing, but this book is written in such a way that it had me laughing more than crying. I loved the dry and s
I know a book about cancer sounds depressing, but this book is written in such a way that it had me laughing more than crying. I loved the dry and sarcastic sense of humor all throughout the book. Many of the insights were truly profound. I came away with the feeling that we do not have to be defined by our disease, but rather, are given the opportunity to see the world differently. An excellent read. ...more
Debbie "DJ"
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