Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
RATING: 4.5
GENRE: YA Contemporary
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.
MY THOUGHTS:
Two boys kissing is a literary journey, with a poetic feel and it is narrated in the perspective of an inspiring voice. David Levithan has a knack for making taboo subjects endearing, emotional and very real life. A must read and a future classic!
Two boys kissing focuses on Craig and Harry and their attempt to beat the world record for the longest time kissing. Watched by the world, these boys are a pivot point for the stories of other characters. Cooper is lonely with just the sleazy users of chat-up sites for company. Ryan and Avery have only just met but feel like they belong. Neil and Peter are together and loving. Tariq is trying to overcome a conflict with haters. As the marathon progresses over a 32 hour period, the stories all link and come together.
The main thing I like about this book is that each of the stories show a different perspective on the topic. Each story involves a gay person or couple and their experiences. It demonstrates to the reader the variety of ways in which a person and their surrounding friends and family react to their sexuality - whether good or bad. This was a real eye - opener to me. It illustrated perfectly how gay people are perfectly normal and their unthinkable suffering is not needed.
The voice of the book is a chorus of men who died from AIDs. Again, tackling a taboo subject so delicately, this adds another depth of meaning to the book. At first, the meaning of the narrative is unclear but as the story progresses the issue is revealed in a very mature way.
Overall, a fantastically written book about love, life and the struggles your sexuality can bring. A definite eye opener and a mature approach to some very current issues. A must read for all teens!
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