What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

*I received this book as an eARC from HarperCollins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: What If It's Us
Author: Becky Albertalli and Ada, Silvera
Recent Release Date: October 9, 2018

Synopsis: Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is? 

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Review: Becky Albertalli AND Adam Silvera wrote a gay YA contemporary romance book! I have followed these two authors since they first got published. Their social media is on point and they seem like truly excellent people. This book feels like two friends creating something magical together. You can see different aspects of each of their writing and their own personalities in Ben and Arthur. 

The characters in this book are so well fleshed out. There's about a dozen characters and they all feel complete and never was I once confused about who was being talked about. Arthur is new to New York, so he has his friends back home in Georgia as well as older interns working with him at his mother's law firm. Ben is a New Yorker so he's in his element with friends, an ex, and a kinda ex-friend even. The two boys meet in the most adorable meet-cute scenario and must find each other again in New York City. 

This is a modern book. There are wonderful references to current pop culture and maybe a few nods to other YA bestsellers. I really enjoyed the Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen references. There were so many character quirks that made me feel like I really knew these boys. It made me imagine what high school would have been like had I been more comfortable in my own skin. 

This is an adorable, fun book. I really enjoyed the epilogue. Becky and Adam show the fun and the challenges of a summer romance full of do-over first dates. I absolutely give this book a 5/5. Why haven't you already read it!?!  


--PAUL

Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles
Author: Mark Russell 
Artist: Mike Feehan
Recent Release Date: August 28, 2018

Synopsis: Heavens to Murgatroyd! Hanna-Barbera’s very own Snagglepuss is reimagined in a brand-new series, EXIT STAGE LEFT: THE SNAGGLEPUSS CHRONICLES, by author Mark Russell (THE FLINTSTONES)!

It’s 1953. While the United States is locked in a nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union, the gay Southern playwright known as Snagglepuss is the toast of Broadway. But success has made him a target. As he plans for his next hit play, Snagglepuss becomes the focus of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. And when powerful forces align to purge show business of its most subversive voices, no one is safe!

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Review: Mark Russell does an excellent job of putting a new spin on older properties. His Flinstones comic series was excellent and now he tackles another Hanna Barbera property: Snagglepuss. This comic takes place in Washington D.C. in 1953 at the height of the Communism scare. Russell manages to tell a historical, yet timely story. There are references to many cultural points such as Stonewall and Marilyn Monroe, but all through a modern lens. 

This is not a children's comic book. There are some very adult themes. Huckleberry Hound's re-imagining is tragic. The raid at Stonewall is so damn emotional. The struggle between Capitalism and Communism is shown. Everything in this comic is dark and deep. There's also a historical glossary at the end of the volume.

This story is excellently written. I can't wait to see what classic character or series Russell tackles next. It is very strange to think of the source material after reading this book. I give this graphic novel a 5/5. 


--PAUL

Black Wings Beating by Alex London - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Black Wings Beating
Author: Alex London
Recent Release Date: September 25, 2018

Synopsis: The people of Uztar have long looked to the sky with hope and wonder. Nothing in their world is more revered than the birds of prey and no one more honored than the falconers who call them to their fists.

Brysen strives to be a great falconer--while his twin sister, Kylee, rejects her ancient gifts for the sport and wishes to be free of falconry. She's nearly made it out, too, but a war is rolling toward their home in the Six Villages, and no bird or falconer will be safe.

Together the twins must journey into the treacherous mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle, the greatest of the Uztari birds and a solitary killer. Brysen goes for the boy he loves and the glory he's long craved, and Kylee to atone for her past and to protect her brother's future. But both are hunted by those who seek one thing: power.

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Review: I have been waiting for this book. YA Fantasy is my favorite genre and to finally have a book like this with a lead queer boy means so much. I wish my teenage self had had this book. Not only is this a book with boys kissing, there's also a vast magical world based on falconry. So much thought went into the culture London created. The subtle avian references really flesh out the world.

The first chapter of this book is so intense. It paints such a wonderful picture of the world and the characters within it. The family dynamics are such a large part of this book and the first chapter paves such an excellent path for them to be thoroughly delved into. The first chapter also sets in play the chapters from adults' perspectives sprinkled throughout the book. Most of the book is from either Kylee or Brysen's persepctive. 

Going into this book, I didn't even read the synopsis. I just knew it was written by Alex London, there was falconry, and there were gay characters. I expected a gay male lead, but Brysen shares the role with his sister, Kylee. Kylee was absolutely my favorite character. Their relationship as siblings goes through so much in this book.

Love is at the center of this book. Not only romantic love, but familial and platonic. Each character is motivated by love in some way. The motivations all make sense and each character has a detailed past. 

The worldbuilding is phenomenal in this book. The bird imagery is everywhere. It's ever present. The culture is so well thought out. The geography of the area is described in such detail. I just got back from a tans Atlantic vacation and the imagery definitely reminded me of the beautiful Scandinavian landscapes.

Although this book is definitely only the first in a series, it is a complete story. I was very satisfied with the ending.

I give Black Wings Beating a 5/5. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. It's a YA Fantasy with a queer boy protagonist!!! I can only hope that one day I have a book out in the world that can be recommended alongside this one.   


--PAUL

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 3: Remastered (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 3: Remastered
Writers: Kieron Gillen & Si Spurrier
Artist: Emilio Laiso
Release Date: July 10, 2018


Synopsis: Simon Spurrier takes the reins as rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra jumps to light speed and accelerates into the next chapter of her life! Aphra is used to being in way over her head - but this time she's not alone! Who else is caught up in her latest misadventure? Let's hope they're friendly...otherwise Aphra may have finally bitten off more than she can chew!

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Review: Lesbians in space! Or at least, same-sex attraction. I am so excited to see queer characters in Star Wars. I can only hope representation makes its way into the films. 

Doctor Aphra is an antihero. I love how her ongoing series brings something new and different to the Star Wars comics. I especially like her dynamic with Imperial officer Magna Tolvan. Tolvan's Lawful Evil and Aphra's Chaotic Neutral(or maybe Evil?) pairs well together. 

There's a great Rebels cameo in this volume. There's also hilarious Imperial bureaucracy. As always, the evil droid duo also add so much humor. This was a great arc in this ongoing series. I am excited for more from Doctor Aphra! I give this volume a 5/5.


--PAUL

Moonstruck, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Moonstruck, Vol. 1
Writer: Grace Ellis
Artists: Shae Beagle & Kate Leth
Upcoming Release Date: March 27, 2018

Synopsis: Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it's up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it's too late.

The first chapter of the brand new, all-ages magical coffee-laden adventure from Lumberjanes creator GRACE ELLIS and talented newcomer SHAE BEAGLE.

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Review: This comic is adorable! I love the light and pastel colors used. The character design is breathtaking. I loved spending time on each panel just admiring the background characters. I want so many more stories set in this modern world full of paranormal people. There are werewolves, medusa, and so much more. My favorite is the gender queer centaur barista! There's also a magic show...in a world full of magic. I love it!

In addition to the main story, there's a meta-story of an old family comic in the spirit of Boxcar Children or Babysitters Club, called Pleasant Mountain Sisters. Julie's scribbling is even in the margins of the comic since she's a super fan. 

This comic is full of wonderful diversity. I love the main crew and want to see more of their adventures! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this comic! I give it a 5/5! 


--PAUL

Bingo Love (comic) by Tee Franklin - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Bingo Love
Writer: Tee Franklin
Artist: Jenn St. Onge and Joy San
Upcoming Release Date: February 20, 2018

Synopsis: Bingo Love is a story of a same-sex romance that spans over 60 years. A chance meeting at church bingo in 1963 brings Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray together. Through their formative years, these two women develop feelings for each other and finally profess their love for one another.

Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid 60’s, Hazel and Mari are reunited again at a bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.

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Review: This is a beautiful story. It's the story of two black grandmas in love. And how they became in love. And the challenges their love faced. I don't have many words for this comic other than to tell you to go buy it immediately. The world needs more stories like this. Especially stories told in such beautiful colorful artwork as this is. I highly recommend this to everyone. A well deserved 5/5. 


--PAUL

Generations (graphic novel) by Flavia Biondi - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Lion Forge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Generations
Author: Flavia Biondi
Upcoming Release Date: October 10, 2017

Synopsis: After three years in Milan, Matteo returns home to the provincial country town where he was born and from which he had fled. Coming out as a young gay man in a provincial country town had led to ugly clashes with his conservative father, and the urban metropolis of Milan had been a welcome change from the stifling small town life of his childhood and the anger and bewilderment of some members of his family. But now, Matteo finds himself with little choice but to return home, with no money, no job, and an uncertain future, like so many other young people of his millennial generation. Afraid of encountering his estranged father, he instead takes refuge with his extended family, at a house shared by his grandmother, three aunts, and his very pregnant cousin. As he tries to rebuild his life, reconnecting with the women of his family and old hometown friends, he warily confronts a few truths about the other generations of his family-from their bigotry to their love, and tolerance, and acceptance-and a few truths about himself, including his fears of confrontation and commitment.

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Review: Generations is a story about family and growing up. Matteo left his hometown after coming out to his father as gay. It's been three years and he returns home to live with his grandmother, three aunts, and pregnant cousin. He realizes that each of his aunts has their own past, things they did that effected the rest of their life. This story shows that awkward time when as a young adult you start to see your elders as real people. 

The storytelling is lyrical, but at times it is evident that it's been translated. The artwork is simple, but matches perfectly with the tone of the story. I laughed out loud at the "only gay in the village" reference. I give this book a 5/5.  


--PAUL

Queer There and Everywhere: 22 People Who Changed the World by Sarah Prager - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Harper Collins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Queer there and Everywhere: 22 People Who Changed the World
Author: Sarah Prager
Upcoming Release Date: May 23, 2017

Synopsis: This first-ever LGBTQ history book for young adults will appeal to fans of fun, empowering pop-culture books like  Rad American Women A-Z and Notorious RBG.

World history has been made by countless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—and you’ve never heard of many of them. Queer author and activist Sarah Prager delves deep into the lives of 22 people who fought, created, and loved on their own terms. From high-profile figures like Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt to the trailblazing gender-ambiguous Queen of Sweden and a bisexual blues singer who didn’t make it into your history books, these astonishing true stories uncover a rich queer heritage that encompasses every culture, in every era.

By turns hilarious and inspiring, the beautifully illustrated Queer, There, and Everywhere is for anyone who wants the real story of the queer rights movement.

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Review: This book is an excellent look at just 22 amazing people who shaped what it means to be queer now. There need to be more non-fiction books like this for young readers. The people described in this book are so different from each other, but they all have one thing in common. They were different. They were queer. And they found a way to use that to their advantage in a world where so many were against them. 

This book is inspirational, funny, sad, educational, and so much more. I hope this book finds its way into every library's Young Adult section.

I give this book a 5/5 and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it! The stories are short enough that this would make a perfect coffee table or waiting room book. 


--PAUL

LOVE IS LOVE (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Love is Love
Edited by: Marc Andreyko

Synopsis: The comic book industry comes together to honor those killed in Orlando this year. From IDW Publishing, with assistance from DC Entertainment, this oversize comic contains moving and heartfelt material from some of the greatest talents in comics - - mourning the victims, supporting the survivors, celebrating the LGBTQ community, and examining love in today's world.

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Review: This comic is beautiful. It's amazing how so many different writers and illustrators came together to make this happen. The proceeds benefit victims, survivors, and their families through Equality Florida. One- and two-page stories fill this graphic novel. Some are illustrations, while others are poems or comic strips. They address different aspects of the Pulse tragedy, some directly and some more broadly. 

The Pulse incident was very close to me. I've been to Pulse many times, having gone to college less than an hour away. I even had my first kiss with my now husband there. The night of the shooting, I had friends that left mere minutes before it started. Many of the stories bring me back to that Sunday morning, trying to get a hold of any friends that may have been there. 

My eyes were wet after reading this whole graphic novel in one sitting.

I give this graphic novel compilation a 5/5. You should buy this now! Not only are there wonderful stories and reflections of the LGBTQ community, but it goes to a wonderful cause. 


--PAUL

Binge (audiobook) by Tyler Oakley - Paul's Review

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Title: Binge
Author: Tyler Oakley
Year Published: 2015

Narrator: Tyler Oakley
Audiobook Length: 7 hours 16 minutes


Synopsis: Pop culture phenomenon, social rights advocate, and the most prominent LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, Tyler Oakley brings you his first collection of witty, personal, and hilarious essays written in the voice that's earned him more than 21 million followers across social media.

For someone who made a career out of oversharing on the Internet, Tyler Oakley has a shocking number of personal mishaps and shenanigans to reveal in his first book: He experienced a legitimate rage blackout in a Cheesecake Factory; he had a fashion stand-off with the White House Secret Service; he crashed a car in front of his entire high school in an Arby's uniform; he projectile vomited while bartering with a grandmother. With millions of fans clamoring for more Tyler Oakley, he delivers his best untold, hilariously side-splitting moments with trademark flair in Binge.

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Review: I have followed Tyler Oakley online for over 6 years. I remember when he was a part of the youtube channel 5awesomegays. His popularity has skyrocketed. He is one of the top youtubers, branching out into red carpet interviews, hosting events, writing a book, and a competitor in an upcoming season of The Amazing Race. He is an all around personality.

This book covers it all. There are funny stories. There are sad stories. There are short chapters. There are long chapters. There is one chapter that really gets deep into the emotions. 

At times the order and sense of the chapters may seem off, but overall this is a great collection of stories. 

I am the same age as Tyler so all the references of his childhood were very close to me. I was also a kid growing up confused and gay in the 90's, so I shared some of the experiences Tyler writes about in this book. 

I give this book a 5/5 and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to readers familiar with Tyler Oakley. Or just interested in a 20-something gay guy's stories of growing up and experiencing this crazy world we live in.



--PAUL

Breakthrough: How One Teen Innovator Is Changing the World (audiobook) by Jack Andraka - Paul's Review

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Title: Breakthrough: How One Teen Innovator Is Changing the World
Author: Jack Andraka
Year Published: 2015

Narrator: Kevin R. Free
Audiobook Length: 4 hours 23 minutes


Synopsis: For the first time, teen innovator and scientist Jack Andraka tells the story behind his revolutionary discovery. When a dear family friend passed away from pancreatic cancer, Jack was inspired to create a better method of early detection. At the age of fifteen, he garnered international attention for his breakthrough: a four-cent strip of paper capable of detecting pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers four hundred times more effectively than the previous standard.

Jack's story is not just a story of dizzying international success; it is a story of overcoming depression and homophobic bullying and finding the resilience to persevere and come out. His account inspires young people, who he argues are the most innovative, to fight for the right to be taken seriously and to pursue our own dreams. Do-it-yourself science experiments are included in each chapter, making Breakthrough perfect for STEM curriculum. But above all, Jack's memoir empowers his generation with the knowledge that we can each change the world if we only have the courage to try. 

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Review: Jack Andraka is such an incredible human being. He is an inspiration to all, from kids to adults. Seeing an intelligent gay teen in the science industry making changes in the world is amazing. 

This book follows Jack's life so far while giving encouragement and insight into how such a young man has made such a change in the world. He is still so young. I can't wait to see what he does with the rest of his life. 

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I give it a 4/5 and recommend it to everyone, especially teens who find themselves different. 


--PAUL

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography (audiobook) - Paul's Review

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Title: Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography
Author: Neil Patrick Harris
Year Published: 2014

Narrator: Neil Patrick Harris
Audiobook Length: 7 hours 15 minutes


Synopsis: Tired of memoirs that only tell you what really happened?

Sick of deeply personal accounts written in the first person? Seeking an exciting, interactive read that puts the “u” back in “aUtobiography”? Then look no further than Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography! In this revolutionary, Joycean experiment in light celebrity narrative, actor/personality/carbon-based life-form Neil Patrick Harris lets you, the reader, live his life. You will be born in New Mexico. You will get your big break at an acting camp. You will get into a bizarre confrontation outside a nightclub with actor Scott Caan. Even better, at each critical juncture of your life you will choose how to proceed. You will decide whether to try out for Doogie Howser, M.D. You will decide whether to spend years struggling with your sexuality. You will decide what kind of caviar you want to eat on board Elton John’s yacht.

Choose correctly and you’ll find fame, fortune, and true love. Choose incorrectly and you’ll find misery, heartbreak, and a guest stint on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. All this, plus magic tricks, cocktail recipes, embarrassing pictures from your time as a child actor, and even a closing song. Yes, if you buy one book this year, congratulations on being above the American average, but make that book Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography! 

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Review: Neil Patrick Harris or NPH, as he is often referred to as, is an awesome person. He is an excellent actor as well as an all around entertainer. He also lives an amazing life with a loving husband and two adorable kids. I mean, have you seen their Halloween photos? Why would you not be more interested in his life?

In this book, NPH creatively put together a Choose Your Own Adventure book in the style of old. I listened to the audiobook, so I had a little different experience. I imagine reading and actually choosing your path leads to a different feel. In the audiobook, NPH pretty much reads the book straight through with some added explanation to help with the unusual form of storytelling. 

Some of my favorite chapters concluded with NPH dying. Or, rather me dying. The book is written in second person. This adds an extra level to the audiobbok when NPH is reading to you calling you himself. 

This book covers most of NPH's life from his early Doogie Howser, M.D. days until now. All the stories are told in such a witty, clever, and fun way. 

I give this book a 5/5 and HIGHLY recommend it. Of all the recent memoirs/autobiographies I have read this is definitely one of my favorites. 


--PAUL

One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR) on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: One Man Guy
Author: Michael Barakiva
Publication Date: May 27, 2014

My Pre-Reading

Synopsis: Alek Khederian should have guessed something was wrong when his parents took him to a restaurant. Everyone knows that Armenians never eat out. Why bother, when their home cooking is far superior to anything "these Americans" could come up with? Between bouts of interrogating the waitress and criticizing the menu, Alek’s parents announce that he’ll be attending summer school in order to bring up his grades. Alek is sure this experience will be the perfect hellish end to his hellish freshmen year of high school. He never could’ve predicted that he’d meet someone like Ethan.

Ethan is everything Alek wishes he were: confident, free-spirited, and irreverent. When Ethan gets Alek to cut school and go to a Rufus Wainwright concert in New York City’s Central Park, Alek embarks on his first adventure outside the confines of his suburban New Jersey existence. He can’t believe a guy this cool wants to be his friend. And before long, it seems like Ethan wants to be more than friends. Alek has never thought about having a boyfriend—he’s barely ever had a girlfriend—but maybe it’s time to think again.

Michael Barakiva's One Man Guy is a romantic, moving, laugh-out-loud-funny story about what happens when one person cracks open your world and helps you see everything—and, most of all, yourself--like you never have before.

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Review: This is a super cute summer romance that would be a good book to read while sitting out on the beach or in a hammock enjoying some gorgeous summer weather. It's a quick easy read, and it was fun to watch Alek rediscover himself. 

I think this book has really good intentions. I've never read another book about an Armenian main character, so I think that it was neat to be able to glimpse a part of the Armenian-American heritage. I also really enjoyed that, even though Alex hated parts of his Armenian upbringing, it was still so deeply ingrained within him that he could recall the stories and the manners without a second thought. Although he hates his parents for being so strict, he's really a good kid. 

Another thing I enjoyed about this book was how accepting everyone was. The D.O.s accept Ethan for who he is, and even the people you think might be the least likely people to accept Alek and Ethan are incredibly open and caring and loving. It's just really nice to see in a YA book, especially as it's becoming more common in every day life. Just because Alek starts to fall for a boy doesn't make him any different than any of his peers. 

There were some really good, strong things about this book, but as a whole it just wasn't anything spectacular. Even though it's a gay teen romance, it's still a teen romance, and I'm not sure that having "gay" stamped on it is enough to make it stand out from all of the other contemporary YA romances. It's cute, it's sweet, and it makes a lot of good points... but then again so do most other books in its genre. I would probably recommend it to anyone looking for a nice summer romance without much suspense, mystery, magic, or any of that jazz. I'd give One Man Guy a 3/5.


--Ashley

Neil Gaiman Presents Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner (audiobook) - Paul's Review

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Title: Swordspoint: A Melodrama of Manners
Author: Ellen Kushner
Year Published: 1987

Narrators: Ellen Kushner, Dion Graham, Katherine Kellgren, Robert Fass, Nick Sullivan, Simon Jones
Audiobook Length: 10 hours 54 minutes

Synopsis: On the streets of Riverside, a man lives and dies by the sword. Even the nobles on the Hill turn to duels to settle their disputes. And in this city, the swordsman Richard St. Vier is the undisputed master, as skilled as he is ruthless – until a death by the sword is met with outrage instead of awe, and the city discovers that the line between hero and villain can be altered in the blink of an eye. Because every man lives at sword's point, if you can only find his weakness. And even the greatest swordsman in Riverside has one thing he cares for deeply.

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Review: This audiobook is presented by Neil Gaiman. The majority of the novel is narrated by Ellen Kushner herself. A few of the scenes are acted out, some with even background music and other added sounds. I preferred just Ellen Kushner reading. The acted out scenes weren't frequent enough for me to attach the characters to voices. I was more familiar with Ellen Kushner's voices of the characters. There were also so many characters with unique names that it took me a while to get to know them as well. 

It also took some time to get into the world, too. But once I started to figure out how this world works, I really liked it. The politics of the world reminded me of Downton Abbey, but add Game of Thrones in there. The swordsman are the celebrities in this culture. And the wealthy hire them to fight out their disputes. 

This novel was written in 1987 and I didn't think it felt old. It withstood the 25 years since it was published, in my opinion. The depiction of sexuality was very progressive. Almost all the characters are portrayed as fluid in their sexuality with same-sex pairings commonplace. Besides their sexuality, all the characters are also very grey. There is depth to all of them. They play the game and each have their own ideas of honor and morale. 

I loved the ending. All the pieces fell into place just right. I was very satisfied. I will definitely be looking into the sequels. I give this audiobook a 4/5 and recommend it to fans of intrigue set in a unique world. 

  
--PAUL

Neil Gaiman Presents Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner (audiobook) - Paul's Pre-Reading

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Title: Swordspoint: A Melodrama of Manners
Author: Ellen Kushner
Year Published: 1987

Narrators: Ellen Kushner, Dion Graham, Katherine Kellgren, Robert Fass, Nick Sullivan, Simon Jones
Audiobook Length: 10 hours 54 minutes

Synopsis: On the streets of Riverside, a man lives and dies by the sword. Even the nobles on the Hill turn to duels to settle their disputes. And in this city, the swordsman Richard St. Vier is the undisputed master, as skilled as he is ruthless – until a death by the sword is met with outrage instead of awe, and the city discovers that the line between hero and villain can be altered in the blink of an eye. Because every man lives at sword's point, if you can only find his weakness. And even the greatest swordsman in Riverside has one thing he cares for deeply.

Why?: I've heard great things about this book. Felicia Day's book club, Vaginal Fantasy, read this book as one of their alternate picks last year. I added it to my tbr list back then and since then I've subscribed to audible. I saw the audiobook was produced by Neil Gaiman. There's also a quote from George R. R. Martin on the cover featured on goodreads. If so many great people like it, I'm hoping I will too.   

Expectations: I'm expecting an in depth fantasy novel with some same-sex romance. I've heard the fantasy world established is quite vast and I am definitely a sucker for good world building.   

Judging a book by its cover: The cover for the audiobook is pretty simple. There's just a guy in a really unique white cape/jacket of some sort. An alternate cover featured on goodreads shows two characters in elaborate clothes. These covers both remind me of older fantasy novels. This book was published in 1987.  


--PAUL

One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR) on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: One Man Guy
Author: Michael Barakiva
Publication Date: May 27, 2014

Synopsis: Alek Khederian should have guessed something was wrong when his parents took him to a restaurant. Everyone knows that Armenians never eat out. Why bother, when their home cooking is far superior to anything "these Americans" could come up with? Between bouts of interrogating the waitress and criticizing the menu, Alek’s parents announce that he’ll be attending summer school in order to bring up his grades. Alek is sure this experience will be the perfect hellish end to his hellish freshmen year of high school. He never could’ve predicted that he’d meet someone like Ethan.

Ethan is everything Alek wishes he were: confident, free-spirited, and irreverent. When Ethan gets Alek to cut school and go to a Rufus Wainwright concert in New York City’s Central Park, Alek embarks on his first adventure outside the confines of his suburban New Jersey existence. He can’t believe a guy this cool wants to be his friend. And before long, it seems like Ethan wants to be more than friends. Alek has never thought about having a boyfriend—he’s barely ever had a girlfriend—but maybe it’s time to think again.

Michael Barakiva's One Man Guy is a romantic, moving, laugh-out-loud-funny story about what happens when one person cracks open your world and helps you see everything—and, most of all, yourself--like you never have before.

Why?: This book sounds like a really cute summer romance, and it's been a while since I've read a good one. The synopsis also promises humor, which is always a plus! 

Expectations: Other than a light, humorous, contemporary romance, I'm not really sure what else to expect. I've never read anything from this author, so I can't say anything about what I hope the writing will be like or anything, and it's been so long since I've read a book like this that I don't know what to compare it to as far as what I think it will be like. 

Judging a book by its cover: I kind of like this cover. I like that the boys are paper dolls, and I like how bright the yellow is. I think the yellow would help it stand out on a shelf, so I'd probably at least notice it and maybe pick it up.


--Ashley

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Boy Meets Boy
Author: David Levithan
Year Published: 2005

My PRE READING

Synopsis: 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.

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Review: The beginning didn't feel like a David Levithan novel. His books always have been so grounded and real to me. This started out kind of ridiculous and outrageous. Many of the characters were larger than life. The city it takes place in also seemed nonrealistic. The high school contains a cheerleader biker gang, a high school cover band, and a few drag queens. All of the high school characters seem very sure of themselves. It felt like adult situations just transplanted into a high school and even earlier with stories that go as far back as elementary school. But I think Levithan did this all purposefully. 

About 80% into the book I finally understood why Levithan created a world like this. With the protagonist "having it easy" it creates a unique lens to look at other gay youth in different situations. The chapter entitled "Tony" had me on the verge of tears.

This was David Levithan's first published book and I think you can tell. Many of his signatures are just beginning to emerge. The wit and charm of his writing are there. Unique, quirky, and random still describes his writing, but his writing has grown in his more recent books. 

I did enjoy this book and I give it a 4/5. But, if you are looking for a modern gay story you should read "Two Boys Kissing".  If you are looking for depth and conversations of sexuality, gender, and individuality you should read "Every Day". I will continue to consume as much of David Levithan's writing as I can.

-PAUL

Few Are Chosen by Storm Grant - Paul's REVIEW

***I was provided an ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

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Title: Few are Chosen
Author: Storm Grant
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: Apprentice warrior Blake St. Blake is the Chosen One, raised by an ancient order to defend the world against evil. Well, maybe not the whole world, but at least his neighborhood in downtown Detroit. When a dreaded reflux demon is sighted in a local cemetery, Blake is sent off to his very first battle, armed with his sword, his super-senses, his black leather duster, and a few well-rehearsed one-liners.

But another Chosen One gets in Blake’s way—an apprentice wizard named Shadow. While the boys argue about who’s the more chosen of the two, the demon escapes.

Blake wants to be angry, but it turns out he and Shadow have a lot in common. Besides, Shadow’s pretty cute, and Blake can’t help but think that the wizard’s skills (and hands and lips and other bits) might make the perfect complement to his. Blake and Shadow are brave enough to challenge the reflux demon in a second battle, but will they have the courage to tell each other how they feel?

Review: I liked the concept of this novella. It is cool to see gay characters take the lead in a paranormal fantasy novel. Unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. It was done very basic and didn't turn out to be that unique. There are many cliches, but you should go into reading this knowing it is very lighthearted. 

Maybe this is just because the story is so short, but I didn't feel this story was fully fledged out. I have read short stories that had a lot more depth that this 45 page story. The dialogue was bad. There were many awkward moments. And I wanted more romance. There was sex, but not romance. 

I give this novella a 2/5. I think it has a lot of potential and I would be interested in seeing this world, story, and its characters fully fledged out. These 45 pages just did not do it for me. 

-PAUL