Two Boys Kissing by: David Levithan (2013)
208 pages
Genre:
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Source: The Library
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Goodreads Summary: New York Times bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.
While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.
While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.
My Review
I will tell you right now, this review of Two Boys Kissing isn’t so much a review as it is me gushing about its awesomeness and sharing why it hit so close to home for me, and obviously me trying to get you to read it.
Every teen should read Two Boys Kissing. Sure it may be little graphic and have some coarse language, but I’m sure teens have heard/seen worse in movies or from their peers. Two Boys Kissing broke my heart and put it back together, multiple times. I was moved in a way that I didn’t think possible. Sure I have been moved by books before, but this was different. I looked back over the notes I wrote while reading Two Boys Kissing and this was all it said, “love the narration, heart breaking, heartwarming, very emotional, SO MANY FEELS.”
Oh and in case you overlooked this in the synopsis, I will give you a heads up that this is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS, and it was amazing. This unique narration really made the book that much more amazing and powerful. Every single character in Two Boys Kissing will leave a lasting impression on you. Every single moment in this book holds significance, even if you think it doesn’t. I cheered on those two boys kissing, sending them good thoughts in their battle to beat the world record even though they are fictional (although they are based off of real people). I was that invested in this book.
Now in case you haven't noticed yet, I am obviously pro-gay rights equality, because gay people are the same as everyone else, and no, being gay isn't a choice. Is being straight a choice? Nope. I also want you to know that I have a family member who is gay, which may be why this book affected me so much, but even if I didn't know someone who was gay I would still be their ally. Anyway, I felt like you should know a little bit about my views so you can better understand why I loved this book so much. I can hope that if people who aren't pro - gay marriage equality or anything like that do for some reason read this book, that it will at least get them to really think about the topic. In the end, all I really want to say is this... read Two Boys Kissing. If you are a teen, read it. If you are an adult, read it. If you are a human, read it. Not to mention that Two Boys Kissing would also be a great book to read and discuss for a book club. Did I mention that if you haven’t read this book yet you should?
I'm with you, girl. I haven't read this one yet, but it's been on my radar since the cover-reveal had everyone buzzing. I think it was a bold move to use that image on the cover and brilliant one. Something I hear people say a lot which irritates me to no end is, "be with whoever you want, but I don't want to see it" -- that makes me so angry! It's such a half-assed way to *try* to be accepting of people who are "different" without actually being accepting of people who are different. And of course, images of two girls together are all over the place, so I really applaud everyone involved in this book for putting it out there that stories like this one need to be told -- and that they are worthwhile reads for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
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DeleteI give them mad props too for using that image for the cover. I wish there were even more books out there like Two Boys Kissing. I know there is a handful, but I feel like there isn't not enough.
I don't understand the not wanting to see it thing either...I totally agree with you, I think it is just their way of trying to sound like they accept those that are different, when they really don't. Ugh
I loved this one. I recommend it to everyone.
ReplyDeleteThat makes me smile! So happy to hear this!
DeleteGush away Kay, I adored this novel and so agree with everything you said!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love seeing how many others liked this novel as well!
DeleteI am a huge supporter of gay rights too! I HAVE heard of this book but I am not sure I want to read it. Not because the synopsis isn't intriguing but because I am not sure David Levithan and I... are 'compatible'.
ReplyDeleteI AM SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT KAY!
Lovely review :) (even if it was gushing :P)
It makes me happy to hear you are a supporter too! Thanks so much for reading through my gushing review. :D
DeleteI totally understand when you aren't compatible with an author, so I get what you mean. It's just too bad there are not even more books out there that really explore this topic.
What a wonderful, wonderful review Kay! I am so glad you loved this book. I too thought it was incredibly powerful and should be read by everyone. And I think your review did it justice!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you think my review did it justice! <3
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