The award-winning novel about being out, being proud, and being ready for something else . . . now in paperback.
Rafe is a normal teenager from Boulder, Colorado. He plays soccer. He's won skiing prizes. He likes to write.
And, oh yeah, he's gay. He's been out since 8th grade, and he isn't teased, and he goes to other high schools and talks about tolerance and stuff. And while that's important, all Rafe really wants is to just be a regular guy. Not that GAY guy. To have it be a part of who he is, but not the headline, every single time.
So when he transfers to an all-boys' boarding school in New England, he decides to keep his sexuality a secret -- not so much going back in the closet as starting over with a clean slate. But then he sees a classmate break down. He meets a teacher who challenges him to write his story. And most of all, he falls in love with Ben . . . who doesn't even know that love is possible.
This witty, smart, coming-out-again story will appeal to gay and straight kids alike as they watch Rafe navigate feeling different, fitting in, and what it means to be himself.
My Review:
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Platypires for Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
"Who was I? How could I stand up for gay people while at the same time hiding that part of me?"
I truly enjoyed reading "Openly Straight" and thought it delivered a very powerful message. What does it mean to be labeled and only perceived as your level. On some level I understood where Rafe was coming from in that aspect. Breaking free from labels is something most teenagers face or at least I did. Unlike, Rafe I didn't have the means to start over in a new city.
I think that was one of my few hang ups and maybe it's due to age. I remember friends of mine coming out to me but they still had to wait till they were out of high school to official be out. This was defiantly new experience to read about a boy having all the resources and support and turning his back on it. I was really intrigued how the author would tell this story and not alienated his readers.
I can safely say the author did a really good job. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was adorable. Rafe was a tad over privilege but still came across as a good guy. I also don't think I've blushed so much reading a book in a long time. Lots of awkward moments.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
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