Trying Hard to Hear You

by Sandra Scoppettone

Faced with the revelation that her best friend is a homosexual, a sixteen-year-old tries to cope with her own and her friends' reactions toward him

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, LGBT, Queer, American, Contemporary, Childrens

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Also wrote as Jack Early.

Sandra Scoppettone first emerged as one of the best hard-boiled mystery writers using the name Jack Early for her first three novels that included A Creative Kind of Killer (1984) that won the Shamus Award from the Private Eye Writers of America for best first novel. She had started writing seriously since the age of 18 when she moved to New York from South Orange, New Jersey. Scoppettone in the 1960s collaborated with Louise Fitzhuh and in the 1970s wrote important young adult novels. The Late Great Me depicting teenage alcoholism won an Emmy Award in 1976. Her real name was revealed in the 1990s with the start of a series featuring PI Lauren Laurano. Scoppettone shares her life with writer Linda Crawford.

Reviews

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teen novels really had heart in the seventies. I don't agree with everything, and I don't love Jeff, but I do love Camilla, who asks the questions I wouldn't dare to. This book rings true.
There should be more words for "love" in the English language. We use this one word to mean much too much. For example, there's this exchange, as close as I can remember it:
Jeff: "I just have to be with someone I love and respect."
Camilla: "Why can't you love and respect a girl, Jeff?"
Jeff: "Because it just doesn't do it for me."
Oooh. Wrong answer, buddy. He should love and respect Camilla, as they've been friends forever. But does he? I don't know, because "love" could mean several things in this context. I know it means he could never be romantically involved with a girl, but it still feels hurtful to think he could never love and respect any girl in any way. This is why I'm not so pleased with Jeff. Camilla cares about him more than he cares about her, I think. It's not right. Cue Aretha.
Also, he doesn't defend her from his bitch of a mother. And he never does really apologize for betraying her and lying to her.

[Roberta R. (Offbeat YA) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.

Pros: Simple but compelling story of friendship, prejudices and coming out, with a great cast of characters.
Cons: This is an oldie...you might feel like it's outdated. On the other hand, most issues are still relevant today. Sadly so.
Will appeal to: Those who prefer reading about feelings than about actual sex. Those who like stories with a strong friendship accent.

Sort-of-disclaimer: I read the Italian translation of this book, so I can't really judge the writing style. Also, I don't know if any parts of this novel have been cut off in my version.
Yes, I know. Really old stuff. The seventies! Even for me, who was already born at the time, this is a story that dates a little way back, since I was only a kid in 1973. Also, I've never lived in a small American suburb during an age of turmoils and attempted change. What I mean is, everyone can relate to this story. It's not ancient history, and it's not boring, and it's not outdated. Well, maybe (just maybe) the racial episode...but not the gay content. Which is a pity, of course. Yes, there was so much more ignorance going around those days, and lots of people thought that homosexuality was a mental illness (or a perversion, pure and simple). But mind you, if less often, this still happens today. So, what I mean in the end is, you have to give this story a chance. Because, 1973 or not, it will touch your heart.
Let me start by saying that the frame for this novel is one of my favourite: the kids are setting up a summer theatre show. I took an immediate liking to Camilla, the 16 year old narrator. She's genuine, fresh, introspective but outgoing. I also loved her relationship with Jeff, her best friend. The two of them have known each other for years, and Camilla doesn't see him as a possible boyfriend, which is refreshing. You can tell they are really close, though Jeff has a huge secret he didn't tell Camilla...he's gay. I sort of experienced a situation like that, so I think it's very plausible...especially given the still-not-so-enlightened time frame. Also, much later in the book, Jeff tells the story of how he realised he was gay, and it sounds so realistic and genuine.
In a sense, you might say this is a love triangle - except it isn't. Yes, there are a girl and two boys, but the dynamics at work here are really peculiar. Of course, the big secret doesn't hold for long, but this is not the point of the book. The point is how the secret, once revealed, affects the characters - especially Camilla. [...]

Whole review here.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this book was back in the 70's, and I was so impressed with it, that I still have my original copy, and I still reread it. It is a very realistic story about young people trying to come to grips with homosexuality in a post-Stonewall Riots (but not by much)setting. I don't want to give too much away, but this story is a touching tale that reveals the possible heart-wrenching consequences of people's inability to accept all forms of love. I have spent most of my life believing that this book should be required reading for absolutely everybody.

Best quote: "As long as people love instead of hate, what difference does it make who they love?"

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as a High School student back when it first came out "back in the day". Made quite a significant impression on me to this day. A heartfelt coming of age story and so much more.

[Arlene Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of a young adult literature class, this just blew me away.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of coming of age,first love, and coming to terms with homosexuality. Very well written,and the subject matter conveyed wisely and honestly, for young people who are going through it to grasp, but better yet, to help their friends learn about acceptance.

[Angela Mcentee · Rating 4 out of 5]

another great teen novel. it addresses the angst of being a teenager, and sexual identity. I truly loved this book when I was in high school.

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book in a London charity shop a lifetime ago, but long after I was a YA, and I hated it. In fact I found it offensive and my memory of its ending was that it was a cliche which was now thankfully banished though I was surprised it was still being trotted ouy in 1974.

I've mellowed somewhat because I realise there was a great deal of the egocentric in my response. As a gay male I was fixated on the character of Phil Chrystie, the novel's doomed gayboy (if anyone imagines there is some double entendre hiding in that statement I can only say get your head out of the sewer). But of course the doomed gayboy was only the deus ex machine for the author's examination of homosexuality, the novel wasn't about him at all, it is about Camilla, and her responses to Chrystie. This isn't a novel about a boy accepting his homosexuality so much as about everyone accepting homosexuality.

My interpretation and change of view was largely influenced by my greater knowledge of the author and the books she wrote featuring lesbian characters. Still I don't agree with the whole doomed scenario she wrote for Chrystie but then this was ten years before Boys on the Rock by John Fox. I am also conscious that the novel and film of The Summer of 42 was probably a goad to the author in writing this book. I think she wanted to say that the simplicities of growing up, as presented in The Summer of 42 were in fact far greater and more complex.

I salute her for that but if I saw a young gay person now reading the book I would be tempted to take it away from them. Good intentions using bad, if not dangerous, storylines make for a bad book, even if the author's intentions were noble. I was still shocked that there was an edition of this book produced in 2000 with a cover that makes it look like a coming out novel - it isn't and despite the warm fuzzy memories of many reviewers on GR this is a novel only for nostalgics, not for the young.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sucked me in when I read it in 7th grade for a summer reading program. It is about first love, and how it is NOTHING like you expect. It is also about standing up for your friends even when they turn out to be different than you had thought. It is also about dealing with loss. Sounds depressing, but it was very uplifting at the time, since it helped me work through a lot of early teen issues. I re-read it about ten years ago, and it moved me as much as the first time.


10/25/09 I read this again this weekend, in two nights. I laughed, I cried, etc. It was just as good as I remembered it. I think now it has a little bit of 70's-dated slang in it, but I think it is a book every teenager should read, and most adults, since the theme of acceptance is something we should never forget. I had forgotten some of the details, but remembered the story very well. It was one of those books that stayed with me a long time after I first read it. "A thinking book" my mom called it. Wonder if she read it? Wonder if she would have let me read it in 7th grade if she had? By today's standards it is very tame, no sex or drugs, just the idea of teenagers ruled by emotions and how avaiding being a "sheep" and going along with the crowd is never the easy way.

[Kat Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the character Penny was based on my mother. She did summer theatre in new year in the 70s. Had a very similar event happen in her life. Was the lead in once upon a mattress and is just as wild and fun as Penny. Plus she knew the author. However my mothers story obviously doesn’t end like Penny’s. I read the book in when I was younger and nothing was cooler or made me cry harder than this book and thinking about my mom being Penny. Oh and her Maiden name was Althers, just like Sam!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book back in High School and it always stayed with me. I finally bought a copy and re-read it, I was worried it wouldn't be as good as I remembered it but it was. This is definitely one of my favorite books.

"As long as people love instead of hate, what difference does it make who they love?"

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during my 7th grade year of elementary school over two decades ago. It was the first book with gay characters and themes, I ever encountered. I was mesmerized. Couldn't stop thinking about it for years. I actually forgot the title of the book over time, yet I could always recite the plot. However, no one: avid readers, librarians or internet searches knew what book I was talking about. Finally, finally I found the title by reading an article about the evolution of homosexual themes in young adult literature from a Virginia University journal. There it was the plot laid out just as I remembered.

I now have to get my hands on a copy.

I know it probably hasn't aged Very well, given how far LGBTQ lit has come as well as our sentiments towards such subject matter. Still, my 7th grade self wants to re-read it.

[Vanlilith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Brin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago but my memory of it was very hazy. It was a pleasure to read it again and remember just how good it was. Full review to follow.

[Maddalenah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sempre bello, non ce n'è.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite from my teen years that would still be relevant to today’s kids. This author GETS being a teen, on every level - summer jobs, friendships that last for years and those that come and go, awkward crushes. She especially gets what it’s like to be in a teen theater group - I read this because I was heavily involved in drama club, and I ended up recommending it to my fellow thespians. We all agreed that it rang true, from the life or death drama of casting to the excitement of opening night. And then there’s the realistic, harrowing coming out story, as two boys struggle to be themselves in the face of a conservative small town. (You just KNOW that the harassers here grew up to be deep-red voters, still living in the same hamlet, sporting MAGA hats on their balding heads.) It may be a period piece now, with its references to Jethro Tull vinyl and A&P WEO, but the issues it deals with are timeless.

[Saretta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Altro tuffo nell'infanzia, questo decisamente meno riuscito. La protagonista mi è risultata abbastanza irritante e i temi sono trattati come li trattano le serie americane dello stile Dawson Creek e simili.
Il tutto in generale dava quell'impressione di americanità, intendo cioè tutti i luoghi comuni sulla vita liceale di cui sono intrisi serie tv e film.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the unexpected turn that first love can take. It showcases the prejudice in humans, and about standing up for those you care about even though it puts you at odds with the way the rest of the world thinks.

[Alene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant coming of age story centered around 3 teenage friends faced with coming to terms with sexual orientation issues.
I first read this book as a teen in the late 1970's, and it had a profound effect on me. Now in my late 50's, I have read many hundreds of books over the course of my life. I have only ever permanently kept a small number of those books, maybe 25 or so. This book is among those in my collection. I have kept my original copy for over 40 years now.
The book was originally published in the early 70's, when widespread ignorance and intolerance of homosexuality forced many gays to stay closeted out of shame and fear of the negative consequences of revealing one's true self to one's family and friends. Sadly, the two gay main characters accidentally become outed, and are subjected to heart breaking humiliation and devastation.
To me, on a broader level, the book is most important for reminding the reader about the terrible emotional and psychological damage that can be wrought on the mental health of a fragile young individual as a result of what is now widely referred to as "bullying". Of course, people bully others for a variety of reasons, and homosexuality was an easy target at that period of time.
The book was very emotionally moving to me because I felt that I could relate strongly to what all the main characters were experiencing. Like the main character Camilla, I was a young, straight, female teenager growing up in the 70's, who was mostly ignorant of homosexuality. And what I had been "taught" about it was much of the same misinformation and stereotypes that Camilla mistakenly believed. I also related to the bullying experienced by the two gay main characters because I was also bullied as a teenager. In my case, because I was considered unattractive. I knew what it was like to be abused, rejected, permanently scarred, and damaged emotionally and mentally just for having the nerve to walk around in the face/body/skin that I was born into the world with. Rejection of a young person by peers and society based only on who they naturally are (gay, ugly, whatever...) often causes lifelong trauma. Although this book is technically a work of fiction, the tragedy is that there are of course countless similar real life stories of homophobia and gay bashing that have occurred over time. The resulting pain and ruined lives are of incalculable proportions.
This book offers insight and wisdom, asks important questions, and teaches timeless lessons interwoven with moments of wit and humor. Most importantly, it helps teach the reader the importance of love over hate, and respect over humiliation, while offering cautious hope and optimism at the book's end for the futures of the remaining main characters.

[Christopher Poulios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, a very good and intriguing book that I am surprised was not turned into a movie or at least an ABC After School Special episode. For the sake of supplying criticisms, I will offer three. First, the author injects a bit too much politics into the content. The discussion of Watergate at the Fourth of July barbecue and the frequent interspersions of Wokism (in what was the pre-Woke era) were really not necessary to the plot. (Another example would be Camilla's trip to the female dentist for the sole purpose of accentuating how her mother, a wannabe feminist still stuck somewhat in the 1950s, believed in patronizing only women professionals, was another unnecessary addition that took up useless space). Second, Camilla herself comes off in many instances as a not so nice and even bitchy character. Her mockery of people with, quote, "basically dumb jobs" (like the manager at the supermarket where she worked) is so typical of the many liberal snotty kids with upper middle class parents. (The man provides food shopping services to the public, Camilla, meanwhile, you want to be an actress, that is not exactly a job requiring a lot of brain matter). Her often cruel treatment of "best friend" Jeff because of his homosexuality makes her the type of person I would not want to be in a wartime foxhole with. Finally, perhaps the author was going for the ironic twist,
but a bunch of New York kids involved in the theater who could not tolerate their gay friends? I think the plot would have been more believable if these were Midwestern or Southern kids who were either the "big people on campus" or the athletic/jock/cheerleader types. Just opining.

[Vanessa (V.C.) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about 1970's young adult fiction hits so different. The maturity level of the writing, the characters, and all the musical theater references of the time was very refreshing and engaging, but where the book really took off was when it's revealed that two characters in the story (one who's a friend of the MC, the other who MC had a romantic crush on) are gay and are dating each other. Aside from exploring homophobia, I was also impressed at the way this book went into race in such a remarkably simplistic and yet still emotional and profound way. I can imagine that for 1970's readers, this book was mind-blowing and impactful in widening their worldview on gay men in a time when adults and young people alike never personally knew gay people and had a hard time understanding them. The only downside of this book for me was that it took over 180 pages for them to FINALLY get to the gay subplot which is the very thing that lured me to this book in the first place, but once it did, I couldn't put it down, and was very moved and touched by everything else that followed. It won't be the best queer literature you'll ever read, but it's so worth going out of the way to find it for how it portrays a snapshot in time when being yourself was truly all or nothing.

[Maddalenah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book many, many times when I was a teenager. Even if it's been years since the last time I picked it up, there will still parts that I remembered word for word, which is always a weird feeling.
It is... so clearly a book from a different era. Thankfully. (Though I know not everything is perfect right now).
Camilla is not a particularly endearing main character: she's a little arrogant, a little judgemental and kind of self congratulatory. She is a teenager though, and I think she's quite realistic - and the book left me the feeling that she could grow into a nicer, more interesting person.

One thing I was not prepared for was the amount of casual fat shaming. I guess we really made progress in this area in the last 30 years (I know this is a book from the 70s but I was reading it in the 90s and I didn't notice enough to have a memory of it - I do wonder sometimes how this level of uncaring judgement in the books I was reading shaped the way I saw and still see myself).

[Mirrordance · Rating 1 out of 5]

C'è un motivo per cui non mi piacciono i libri "young adults", mi sembrano sempre scritti un gradino sotto; non ho mai capito perchè i ragazzi non possano leggere la letteratura così come è scegliendo argomenti, tematiche e generi secondo le proprie inclinazioni e desideri.

Un libro brutto, da come è scritto, dal cambio di registro leggerissiomo che sprofonda bel serio e tragico e questo filo conduttore sopra le righe di politically correct ed educativo.
Mi spiace perchè avevo qualche aspettativa in più per Sandra Scoppettone di cui ho apprezzato la serie di gialli Lauren Laurano, ironica e calata nei personagi ance se surreale.

Spesso trovo, come normale, i libri per ragazzi (perchè questo è veramente per ragazzi e inadatto ad adolescenti e liceali) oramai superati per un lettore adulto ma riesco ad aprrezzarne alcuni aspetti se sono scritt bene, questo invece sembra proprio realizzato per un fine e non riesce neanche a raggiungerlo senza irritarmi.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, the reason I got this book out of the library is that one of the minor characters is based on my dad and since I used to visit my grandparents who live in Southold I got some of the references. I found how the book was written felt dated (I think this is mainly because YA fiction has developed so much as a genre since the '70s so I have higher standards for the YA I read) and in my opinion, the characters felt a bit two dimensional. Considering when it was written this book covers several hard topics with relative grace. And one more reminder of the importance of telling our stories so that others do not feel alone in their experiences.

Summary: A good if a bit dated story, which you might want to read, if only just because it was one of the first LGBTQ+ YA books.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this weird little book while browsing the library shelves. There is a lot to be said for not weeding every dated, old-but-still-serviceable item. It gives the collection personality; especially when the item has continued to circulate!

The retro cover caught my eye and I could not resist. I mean, the hair alone on what I am pretty sure is Phil on the far left made it worth checking out. Far out, Phil!

It had its flaws, of course, but I enjoyed this time capsule of a 70s YA gem. I was up way too late finishing it because I *had* to know how it was going to end.

[Jennifer Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this YA book the first time when I was about 8 or so, and it made a real impression on me to the good. Now, 50 years after it takes place, I can see it is dated in some ways. But the story and the struggles of the kids involved ring true. Scoppetone does a beautiful job of giving the reader a front row seat to a meaningful time in young people's lives. The drama of being a teenager is real, the taboos are real, and the heart found in this novel is deep.

[Benedetta Ventrella (rienva) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro per ragazzi degli anni '70 che andrebbe riportato in circolazione. La voce della protagonista, specie all'inizio, è molto brillante e divertente, il libro ha il pregio di essere rapido e efficace nel proporre il susseguirsi degli eventi, non si perde in lungaggini.

[Wendi Enright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and captivating; this book was ahead of its time. It is easy to forget how confused and scared people used to be about homosexuality. The ending was a bit contrived - I have a hard time believing Jeff's parents didn't disown him.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a moment where the narrator listens to a Judy Garland album and dead-ass weeps. Y'all, old school LGBTQ YA was wildin'.

[Will Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished in 24 hours great book- 4.8