[Review] Boy Meets Boy - David Levithan

Title of Book : Boy Meets Boy
Author : David Levithan
Publisher : Harper Collins UK

This is the story of Paul, a sophomore at a high school like no other: The cheerleaders ride Harleys, the homecoming queen used to be a guy named Daryl (she now prefers Infinite Darlene and is also the star quarterback), and the gay-straight alliance was formed to help the straight kids learn how to dance. 

When Paul meets Noah, he thinks he’s found the one his heart is made for. Until he blows it. The school bookie says the odds are 12-to-1 against him getting Noah back, but Paul’s not giving up without playing his love really loud. His best friend Joni might be drifting away, his other best friend Tony might be dealing with ultra-religious parents, and his ex-boyfriend Kyle might not be going away anytime soon, but sometimes everything needs to fall apart before it can really fit together right.

This is a happy-meaningful romantic comedy about finding love, losing love, and doing what it takes to get love back in a crazy-wonderful world.

I got a free copy of Boys Meet Boys from Netgalley.

Boy Meets Boy is a love story, which happens in a town where everything can be normal. Everything. I’ve heard a lot about the author, David Levithan, but never really get to read his book, until this one.

I don’t know where to start with this book. To be honest, I’m … confused. The events in this book took place in a reality where homosexuals are majority and heterosexuals are minority. I don’t read much GLBT books and never really meet/know gay so maybe that’s why I’m confused. Boy Meets Boy actually has typical teen love story, except the people involved are gay (mostly).

This book lacks of character descriptions which doesn’t help me. I don’t have gay friends or really know one so it’s hard for me to imagine how this gay thing works. It’s difficult for me to explore and understand what goes on Paul’s mind. I don’t feel connected with the characters.

In this book, gay is a very normal thing, at least in Paul’s neighborhood. There’s even a transgender (boy becomes girl) who is a jock. In my mind, jock is associated with masculinity. But this boy (or girl), while being a jock, is also a homecoming queen. This situation confuses me. Since there’s not much depiction of this boy/girl, it’s hard for me to imagine how it would be like. Even though the idea of the homecoming queen/jock is unique.

The main story is actually very simple. About Paul who meets Noah and they fall in love with each other. They meet obstacles along the way and read this book to see how it ends. It could be a sweet and simple love story. 

Boy Meets Boy is a nice read, but it’s not for me. Maybe if I’m familiar enough with the GLBT theme I’ll grow to like this book. Oh, and last but not least, I love the cover.