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Love meets love. Confusion meets clarity. Boy meets boy. "There isn't really a gay scene or a straight scene in our town. They all got mixed up a while back, which I think is for the best! And whether your heart is strictly ballroom or bluegrass punk, the dance floors are open to whatever you have to offer. This is my town." Meet PAUL. Gay his whole life, and finding love as wonderful, confusing and heartbreaking as every other teenager in his high school. Meet Paul's friends: JONI -- his best friend, who may not be his best friend any more; TONY -- his other best friend who can't leave the house unless his parents think he's going on a date! with a girl; INFINITE DARLENE -- homecoming queen AND star quarterback in the football team; KYLE -- the ex-boyfriend who won't go away; RIP -- the school bookie who sets the odds; And NOAH -- the boy who changes everything. Witty, engaging, refreshingly upbeat and slightly surreal, David Levithan's debut has been attracting glowing reviews in the USA. After all, being in love at high school is a challenge for any teen -- regardless of sexual preference!
Paul, a teenager navigating the complexities of high school romance, finds his world shifting when he meets Noah, a boy who challenges his perceptions of love and identity. Paul balances his social life, his evolving friendships, and the pressures of adolescence in a town where traditional social boundaries have been dismantled. He must contend with the lingering presence of an ex-boyfriend, the shifting dynamics of his inner circle, and the vulnerability required to pursue a new connection. The narrative unfolds through Paul's perspective, capturing the humor and uncertainty of teenage life in a setting that embraces a slightly surreal, inclusive atmosphere.
The reception of this work highlights its significance as a pioneering entry in the young adult genre for its optimistic and inclusive portrayal of queer teenage life. Readers and critics frequently note the author's ability to balance lighthearted, witty dialogue with the genuine emotional stakes of high school romance. The narrative is often praised for its refusal to rely on standard tropes of conflict, opting instead to create a world where acceptance is the baseline. This approach has solidified the book's status as a staple in contemporary literature for young adults seeking stories that prioritize joy and self-discovery.
Page Count:
224
Publication Date:
2003-09-01
Publisher:
Harper Collins Childrens H/B
ISBN-10:
0007191375
ISBN-13:
9780007191376
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