Review: Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Remember how in my last blog I promised I wouldn't be forgetful and/or lazy in my future posting attempts?
Well, obviously I lied.

I'll try and make it up to you all by telling you about this great book I just read.

The book is called Two Boys Kissing. It is written by the brilliant Mr. David Levithan (other books by David Levithan include Boy Meets Boy and Will Grayson, Will Grayson with John Green).

The book follows several different sets of characters: Craig and Harry, who are attempting to break the world record for the longest kiss, Ryan and Avery, who are trying to figure out just what it is they're doing, Peter and Neil, who have been a couple for a time now but still have their ups and downs, and Cooper, who feels hopelessly alone and soon will feel nothing.

Craig and Harry's world recorded breaking kiss acts as the central hub around which all the other storylines are rotating and playing off of. For Avery and Ryan, they are a beacon of hope. If these two boys can kiss for the whole world to see, maybe they could have a chance. For Peter and Neil, they are brothers in arms. And for people all across the world, they are an inspiration.

The entire novel is narrated by a generation of gay men lost to AIDS. I think this gives the book even more power than just the individual stories being told.

There is a great deal of beauty in this book. The beauty of love, of finding someone new who makes your life seem less empty, the beauty of doing something for a cause that is greater than yourself. But this book also filled me with a lot of anger and despair.

The past and present treatment of homosexuals disgusts me. This kind of blind hatred is a character in much of human history but it doesn't make me any less angry to see it and know that it exists. It is unfair, so unfair that gay people are treated with such disdain. For what? Loving someone? Any rational person would find that statement mind-boggling. I certainly do. Love is just love. What does it matter who you direct your love to?

I won't go on and get myself all worked up, but really, the dislike of gay people is unwarranted and unjustified.

Two Boys Kissing is Levithan's newest book. I highly recommend you pick it up. It gives great insight, is beautifully written, and perfectly captures many emotions anyone can experience.

Until next week, (you know, because I totally won't forget again) happy reading!

Cheers,

~Renee