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Deep Secrets and Hope #1
Nail Polish and Feathers
Sixteen-year-old Evan Granger has no problems with being gay. Despite his mother’s objections, he wears nail polish and makeup to school and pursues his goal of becoming a professional drag queen.
TV drag star Taffy Sweet gives encouragement and Evan’s cousin Holly tries to protect him, but school bullies abuse him so badly because of his sexuality and the girly way he dresses that he ends up at the hospital emergency room. After that, even his new crush, a closeted football jock named Moe Garcia, is unhappy about Evan's choice to live his life openly gay. But even in girly clothes and nail polish, Evan is a force to be reckoned with, and he soon shows the bullies—and everyone else—that beating a drag queen up does not mean the queen is beaten down.
TV drag star Taffy Sweet gives encouragement and Evan’s cousin Holly tries to protect him, but school bullies abuse him so badly because of his sexuality and the girly way he dresses that he ends up at the hospital emergency room. After that, even his new crush, a closeted football jock named Moe Garcia, is unhappy about Evan's choice to live his life openly gay. But even in girly clothes and nail polish, Evan is a force to be reckoned with, and he soon shows the bullies—and everyone else—that beating a drag queen up does not mean the queen is beaten down.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2013
2 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Jo Ramsey
37 books41 followersJo Ramsey has been telling stories since she could talk, and has been writing them down since age five, when someone finally showed her how to make those funny little squiggles on paper. Out of desperation to keep Jo occupied, her kindergarten teacher encouraged her to write stories based on books in the classroom library, and the writing addiction was born.
When Jo was a teenager, she started writing young adult fiction, and still has some of the stories she wrote during junior high and high school. And no one else will EVER see them! Many of her stories involved “normal” teenagers who ended up doing or seeing extraordinary things. Her main influences were Susan Cooper and Madeleine L’Engle.
Although Jo never stopped writing entirely, real life interfered for a while after she graduated college. She worked as a special education teacher, married, and had two offspring. During that time, writing was both an escape and therapy. Continuing the themes from her earlier stories, Jo wrote for the teens she knew who were struggling with academics and with their lives, hoping that someday they and others like them would read and find encouragement from those stories.
Jo’s first young adult novel was published in 2010. Although her books vary widely in plot and characters, they all have one thing in common: The belief that anyone is capable of being a hero, whether to others or in their own lives, no matter who they are or what they’ve been through.
Jo lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats, one of whom, like Jo, has refused to grow up.
When Jo was a teenager, she started writing young adult fiction, and still has some of the stories she wrote during junior high and high school. And no one else will EVER see them! Many of her stories involved “normal” teenagers who ended up doing or seeing extraordinary things. Her main influences were Susan Cooper and Madeleine L’Engle.
Although Jo never stopped writing entirely, real life interfered for a while after she graduated college. She worked as a special education teacher, married, and had two offspring. During that time, writing was both an escape and therapy. Continuing the themes from her earlier stories, Jo wrote for the teens she knew who were struggling with academics and with their lives, hoping that someday they and others like them would read and find encouragement from those stories.
Jo’s first young adult novel was published in 2010. Although her books vary widely in plot and characters, they all have one thing in common: The belief that anyone is capable of being a hero, whether to others or in their own lives, no matter who they are or what they’ve been through.
Jo lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats, one of whom, like Jo, has refused to grow up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 25, 2013
3.75*
The cover and the title of this book grabbed my attention and the blurb intrigued me.
Evan narrates this story, he knows who he is and who he wants to be, pretty amazing for a sixteen year old. He's been wearing nail polish and dressing more feminine since fifth grade, his mother isn't thrilled but mostly tolerates it. She works a lot and his dad is much too busy with his new girlfriend and her kids.
The kids at school, well that is a whole different issue, teasing, pushing, name calling, it's only getting worse. The school does the minimum it has to and Evan doesn't really report it anymore or tell his mom. She would have his back, but he knows it will just make it worse.
His best friend and cousin Holly watches out for him and is his sounding board.
Evan describing himself as the schools 'punching bag' and what he goes through daily even while pretending it doesn't get to him is hard to read about, really hard to read about. Evan is just one example of a kid being bullied, assaulted and victimized.
His situation is made worse for him, because the people who love him or want to help him and keep him safe, keep telling him and pressuring to change who he is. As if changing him will make the haters stop.
It just hurts Evan more : “The people who claimed they supported me weren’t much better than the people who hated me. All of them wanted me to be someone I wasn’t.”
He gets pretty frustrated feeling he is being held responsible, even partly for the evil that is done to him : “Changing me wouldn’t change them,” I said.”
What I liked a lot was that with the exception of the bullies and tormentors, everyone was very multifaceted. Evan's mother for example, she loves him and supports him, but after his assault she reacts badly and isn't always understanding. She is acting in what she thinks is his best interest no doubt, but reading about it I would have liked her to respond differently at times, but I think her behavior was probably realistic.
His father also wasn't a total asshat, although he comes close.
Moe, his boyfriend is supportive and Evan feels better about himself when Moe stands up for him. But when Moe isn't what Evan needs, he isn't afraid to call Moe out on his behavior and stand up for himself. He didn't want to keep him at any price, which is a nice change. Their relationship is very new and very 'light' which I liked.
I guess my take away is that Evan not only has to worry about his 'enemies' even his 'allies' aren't always on his side, or at least not the way he needs and wants them to be, but again, that's how it is sometimes. Even trying to be helpful and supportive isn't always seen that way by the person we are trying to help. And most people in this book and in life really are trying to do the best they can and the best they know how.
But at the end of the day and the end of the story things are looking up for Evan, he knows things aren't going to be smooth sailing, but he has friends and he is in counseling which I thought was very important and so seldom seen in books.
I have a good feeling how Evan is going to make his way, he has hope and people in his corner. I would love to read how his story continues and I would love to cheer him on and tell him you are okay just the way you are Evan, turquoise nail polish, eyeliner and all. This was a story about Evan's journey, he knew from the beginning who he was and where he wants to go, but he needed to show his world who he is.
The cover and the title of this book grabbed my attention and the blurb intrigued me.
Evan narrates this story, he knows who he is and who he wants to be, pretty amazing for a sixteen year old. He's been wearing nail polish and dressing more feminine since fifth grade, his mother isn't thrilled but mostly tolerates it. She works a lot and his dad is much too busy with his new girlfriend and her kids.
The kids at school, well that is a whole different issue, teasing, pushing, name calling, it's only getting worse. The school does the minimum it has to and Evan doesn't really report it anymore or tell his mom. She would have his back, but he knows it will just make it worse.
His best friend and cousin Holly watches out for him and is his sounding board.
Evan describing himself as the schools 'punching bag' and what he goes through daily even while pretending it doesn't get to him is hard to read about, really hard to read about. Evan is just one example of a kid being bullied, assaulted and victimized.
His situation is made worse for him, because the people who love him or want to help him and keep him safe, keep telling him and pressuring to change who he is. As if changing him will make the haters stop.
It just hurts Evan more : “The people who claimed they supported me weren’t much better than the people who hated me. All of them wanted me to be someone I wasn’t.”
He gets pretty frustrated feeling he is being held responsible, even partly for the evil that is done to him : “Changing me wouldn’t change them,” I said.”
What I liked a lot was that with the exception of the bullies and tormentors, everyone was very multifaceted. Evan's mother for example, she loves him and supports him, but after his assault she reacts badly and isn't always understanding. She is acting in what she thinks is his best interest no doubt, but reading about it I would have liked her to respond differently at times, but I think her behavior was probably realistic.
His father also wasn't a total asshat, although he comes close.
Moe, his boyfriend is supportive and Evan feels better about himself when Moe stands up for him. But when Moe isn't what Evan needs, he isn't afraid to call Moe out on his behavior and stand up for himself. He didn't want to keep him at any price, which is a nice change. Their relationship is very new and very 'light' which I liked.
I guess my take away is that Evan not only has to worry about his 'enemies' even his 'allies' aren't always on his side, or at least not the way he needs and wants them to be, but again, that's how it is sometimes. Even trying to be helpful and supportive isn't always seen that way by the person we are trying to help. And most people in this book and in life really are trying to do the best they can and the best they know how.
But at the end of the day and the end of the story things are looking up for Evan, he knows things aren't going to be smooth sailing, but he has friends and he is in counseling which I thought was very important and so seldom seen in books.
I have a good feeling how Evan is going to make his way, he has hope and people in his corner. I would love to read how his story continues and I would love to cheer him on and tell him you are okay just the way you are Evan, turquoise nail polish, eyeliner and all. This was a story about Evan's journey, he knew from the beginning who he was and where he wants to go, but he needed to show his world who he is.
December 9, 2015
4.5 Stars
I'd been looking forward to this book since I first saw it listed on DSP's coming attractions page. The main reason it appealed to me is because the m/m genre and even the YA LGBT genre are almost completely void of books that feature effeminate protagonists. Even on the rare occasion that authors dare to include less-than-macho main characters or love interests, they get lambasted with criticism about writing "chicks with dicks" or "girly boys". I was thrilled to see that finally the tide may be changing and we might start to see some stories where the gender roles are not so clearly delineated.
Instantly I fell in love with the main character Evan. He's feisty, self confident, sometimes mouthy. I envisioned him as having sass and style and a whole lot of self pride.
As could be expected, Evan was a target for some really hateful bullying and outright physical abuse in his school. Parts of the story are very heartbreaking. He has a pretty good support system with his cousin and some of his "geek" friends, but of course this is not enough to protect him from the most persistent and vilest bullies in the school.
I was glad the author showed how Evan repeatedly stood up for himself against the bullies. There is this myth that all a victim has to do is stand up against their bully one time and the problem will be solved. This is just a way of blaming the victim and it's a belief that could not be further from the truth. Most bullies specifically target victims who are weaker than them physically. So they are not going to cower away when the victim stands up to challenge them. They welcome this. It's another chance to humiliate the victim.
It's not enough for the victim to stand up for themselves. The bystanders must also stop standing by and start fighting back. The authority figures must also intervene and take responsibility for the safety of their students. I think all these factors were presented within this story.
One thing in particular that I appreciated was how Evan often felt bullied by the people who were on his side. His parents, school officials and even his boyfriend urged him to stop being so girly. They told him to stop wearing the nail polish, feather boas, and women's clothes...and then maybe he wouldn't get bullied. After all, wasn't he just asking for trouble? Again, they were blaming the victim.
Evan was brave. He was determined and fearless in a way that most macho men do not come close to demonstrating. He truly was a hero.
The ending of this story tore me up--not because it was sad or disappointing, but because it just struck an emotional chord. Honest to God, I really was a mess. I just think this book is absolutely spectacular.
Having said all this... why not a solid five stars? Okay, I don't want to come across as being a know it all or as being nitpicky. But there were a couple minor issues I had. One was with the pacing of the story. The entire plot spanned only about five or six days, and it was very detailed with a lot of unnecessary minutia. I thought all of that could have been tightened and the time frame of the story could have been spread out over a few months. Most stories are presented in scenes, but this one seemed to be one very long scene where every thought, conversation, action, etc was described.
Secondly, I wish Evan had explained to both his mother and his boyfriend (Mo) that his desire to wear women's clothes and makeup and ultimately become a drag queen did have a connection to his feminine side. He said it was because he liked entertaining people and looking pretty. I think it's more than that. This doesn't mean I thought he was transgender. I just think some gay guys (a lot of them actually) do feel more comfortable expressing their feminine side. It comes as naturally to them as all the crude, macho behavior does to the butch guys. It's just part of who they are. A matter of identity.
I think maybe in this case, that might be something Evan would understand and be able to express better as he gets older. In the story, he's just sixteen. Maybe he doesn't really know exactly why he loves watching the drag queens and putting on the nail polish. He just loves doing it because it feels right. It feels authentic.
So yes, this is an incredibly long review. Sorry. But I think the book is worthy of the attention. I loved the story, the writing, and most of all, the main character Evan. What an amazing job by this author! This is really a worthwhile read.
I'd been looking forward to this book since I first saw it listed on DSP's coming attractions page. The main reason it appealed to me is because the m/m genre and even the YA LGBT genre are almost completely void of books that feature effeminate protagonists. Even on the rare occasion that authors dare to include less-than-macho main characters or love interests, they get lambasted with criticism about writing "chicks with dicks" or "girly boys". I was thrilled to see that finally the tide may be changing and we might start to see some stories where the gender roles are not so clearly delineated.
Instantly I fell in love with the main character Evan. He's feisty, self confident, sometimes mouthy. I envisioned him as having sass and style and a whole lot of self pride.
As could be expected, Evan was a target for some really hateful bullying and outright physical abuse in his school. Parts of the story are very heartbreaking. He has a pretty good support system with his cousin and some of his "geek" friends, but of course this is not enough to protect him from the most persistent and vilest bullies in the school.
I was glad the author showed how Evan repeatedly stood up for himself against the bullies. There is this myth that all a victim has to do is stand up against their bully one time and the problem will be solved. This is just a way of blaming the victim and it's a belief that could not be further from the truth. Most bullies specifically target victims who are weaker than them physically. So they are not going to cower away when the victim stands up to challenge them. They welcome this. It's another chance to humiliate the victim.
It's not enough for the victim to stand up for themselves. The bystanders must also stop standing by and start fighting back. The authority figures must also intervene and take responsibility for the safety of their students. I think all these factors were presented within this story.
One thing in particular that I appreciated was how Evan often felt bullied by the people who were on his side. His parents, school officials and even his boyfriend urged him to stop being so girly. They told him to stop wearing the nail polish, feather boas, and women's clothes...and then maybe he wouldn't get bullied. After all, wasn't he just asking for trouble? Again, they were blaming the victim.
Evan was brave. He was determined and fearless in a way that most macho men do not come close to demonstrating. He truly was a hero.
The ending of this story tore me up--not because it was sad or disappointing, but because it just struck an emotional chord. Honest to God, I really was a mess. I just think this book is absolutely spectacular.
Having said all this... why not a solid five stars? Okay, I don't want to come across as being a know it all or as being nitpicky. But there were a couple minor issues I had. One was with the pacing of the story. The entire plot spanned only about five or six days, and it was very detailed with a lot of unnecessary minutia. I thought all of that could have been tightened and the time frame of the story could have been spread out over a few months. Most stories are presented in scenes, but this one seemed to be one very long scene where every thought, conversation, action, etc was described.
Secondly, I wish Evan had explained to both his mother and his boyfriend (Mo) that his desire to wear women's clothes and makeup and ultimately become a drag queen did have a connection to his feminine side. He said it was because he liked entertaining people and looking pretty. I think it's more than that. This doesn't mean I thought he was transgender. I just think some gay guys (a lot of them actually) do feel more comfortable expressing their feminine side. It comes as naturally to them as all the crude, macho behavior does to the butch guys. It's just part of who they are. A matter of identity.
I think maybe in this case, that might be something Evan would understand and be able to express better as he gets older. In the story, he's just sixteen. Maybe he doesn't really know exactly why he loves watching the drag queens and putting on the nail polish. He just loves doing it because it feels right. It feels authentic.
So yes, this is an incredibly long review. Sorry. But I think the book is worthy of the attention. I loved the story, the writing, and most of all, the main character Evan. What an amazing job by this author! This is really a worthwhile read.
December 31, 2015
Loved this story about an out and proud teen who wants to be drag queen and how this impacts on his time at school, his family and his ability to have a public relationship with with the star of the footy team.
Yes there is lists of teenage angst in this story, but it is necessary, and gives a real understanding of how being gay and different as a teen affects kids and adults - its a challenge for everyone to accept straight away.
The story is told with humour and affection, and I cannot wait to read the next instalment.
Yes there is lists of teenage angst in this story, but it is necessary, and gives a real understanding of how being gay and different as a teen affects kids and adults - its a challenge for everyone to accept straight away.
The story is told with humour and affection, and I cannot wait to read the next instalment.
October 19, 2013
My first question would be, what happened with consistency? Where was the editor when Evan went from having white shoes to go with the dress, to “I didn't even think about shoes”, to wearing biker boots to the dance but arriving at the door wearing “a dress and heels”.
I realized that this book didn't grab my attention as it should have, so maybe that was the reason why I was paying attention to these things. If I had been more involved with the story or the characters maybe I wouldn't have noticed.
And the cover, it´s so pretty, gorgeous; but that´s not Evan. Evan has blue eyes, he is very proud of how beautiful he is, blond hair, blue eyes (those that matched the boa, and are brought out by the blue shirt) everything is so detailed described...why will you get it so wrong on the cover?
As a 16 year old Evan doesn't completely understand why he feels the way he feels or why he needs to wear female clothes to feel pretty but he does. And he is not going to compromise who he is just to fit with the school standards, with his parents wishes or even his boyfriend’s ideas of how he should act or what he should wear.
The book is full of contradictions, it made me feel so frustrated at times. Evan´s mom, BFF and even his boyfriend were proud of him, for having the courage to stand up, but on the other hand they were asking him to “tone down” his clothes and attitude a bit. I understand completely their fears, and I have to say that in RL I would actually feel the same way, but here for a boy that is on the road of discovery and acceptance, his own and others, having the ones that supposedly support you try to change you was upsetting.
“The people who claimed they supported me weren’t much better than the people who hated me. All of them wanted me to be someone I wasn’t.”
I did have some issues with Evan´s attitude, especially towards his mom. I mean, we are still talking about a 16 year old teenager. Think of it as a mom, would you allow your child to go to school after spending the day in the ER? No, right? Well, Evan throws such a tantrum that there is no other option than to let him go. But in reality if at 16 your mother says no, then it is no.
And to balance this out, I didn't really understood Evan´s mother’s attitude. You can´t miss a day at work to spend it with your kid, who is in the ER after a brutal attack? Instead of listening to your child when he brought up the bullying you asked him to change his clothes, really? And your financial situation does not allow you to stay at home with your son, but you can have take out 3 or 4 times a week?
We are back to inconsistency here, I am sorry.
Evan is a sweet character, and even though I disagree with some of his attitudes, I understand his need to stand up for himself. I value his courage and his will to show adults that it is not about how he acts or what he wears, it is about acceptance.
At some point if felt like the author took a political stance with this book, trying to prove a point about how high school regulations are outdated, and their policies non-inclusive. I guess that was what Even was trying to change and show. That even when, bullying is not accepted, the majority of adults turn their backs to it. When it is actually their responsibility to enforce these policies at school.
I am very torn about this book, while I enjoyed reading about Evan and his crush on Moe. I suffered with him while he was abused, and bullied. I also enjoyed discovering this young man, who still has a long road to travel to become the person he wants to be.
Reviewed by Connie
I realized that this book didn't grab my attention as it should have, so maybe that was the reason why I was paying attention to these things. If I had been more involved with the story or the characters maybe I wouldn't have noticed.
And the cover, it´s so pretty, gorgeous; but that´s not Evan. Evan has blue eyes, he is very proud of how beautiful he is, blond hair, blue eyes (those that matched the boa, and are brought out by the blue shirt) everything is so detailed described...why will you get it so wrong on the cover?
As a 16 year old Evan doesn't completely understand why he feels the way he feels or why he needs to wear female clothes to feel pretty but he does. And he is not going to compromise who he is just to fit with the school standards, with his parents wishes or even his boyfriend’s ideas of how he should act or what he should wear.
The book is full of contradictions, it made me feel so frustrated at times. Evan´s mom, BFF and even his boyfriend were proud of him, for having the courage to stand up, but on the other hand they were asking him to “tone down” his clothes and attitude a bit. I understand completely their fears, and I have to say that in RL I would actually feel the same way, but here for a boy that is on the road of discovery and acceptance, his own and others, having the ones that supposedly support you try to change you was upsetting.
“The people who claimed they supported me weren’t much better than the people who hated me. All of them wanted me to be someone I wasn’t.”
I did have some issues with Evan´s attitude, especially towards his mom. I mean, we are still talking about a 16 year old teenager. Think of it as a mom, would you allow your child to go to school after spending the day in the ER? No, right? Well, Evan throws such a tantrum that there is no other option than to let him go. But in reality if at 16 your mother says no, then it is no.
And to balance this out, I didn't really understood Evan´s mother’s attitude. You can´t miss a day at work to spend it with your kid, who is in the ER after a brutal attack? Instead of listening to your child when he brought up the bullying you asked him to change his clothes, really? And your financial situation does not allow you to stay at home with your son, but you can have take out 3 or 4 times a week?
We are back to inconsistency here, I am sorry.
Evan is a sweet character, and even though I disagree with some of his attitudes, I understand his need to stand up for himself. I value his courage and his will to show adults that it is not about how he acts or what he wears, it is about acceptance.
At some point if felt like the author took a political stance with this book, trying to prove a point about how high school regulations are outdated, and their policies non-inclusive. I guess that was what Even was trying to change and show. That even when, bullying is not accepted, the majority of adults turn their backs to it. When it is actually their responsibility to enforce these policies at school.
I am very torn about this book, while I enjoyed reading about Evan and his crush on Moe. I suffered with him while he was abused, and bullied. I also enjoyed discovering this young man, who still has a long road to travel to become the person he wants to be.
Reviewed by Connie
October 20, 2013
too much teen angst.
November 3, 2013
With all the ingredients of a classic YA/LGBT novel, "Nail Polish and Feathers" offers us two things that set it apart. First, the young protagonist, Evan Granger, is adamantly effeminate and not about to hide it. He wants to grow up to be a drag queen. So rare is it that a YA novel really deals with the issue of a boy who simply cannot "pass" in a straight world. The supportive friends, the bullying jocks, the puzzled parents - even the closeted athlete boyfriend - are all here. What's dramatically different is that our young hero Evan - for that's what he is - refuses to accept admonitions to play it safe and act normal. His reasoning is that he is what he is and that the school and those who say they love him need to accept him unconditionally. The book is about Evan's agency, and it is surprisingly powerful. I found myself echoing his friends, "why can't he just tone it down?" And then realizing that I, too, reflect the problem the book is trying to illuminate. It is Even's refusal to back down that is at the core of this tale.
The other surprise element is that there is no happy ending. Nothing is resolved. And that's not a bad thing. Evan is sixteen. What sixteen year old has his whole life set out and confirmed? But Evan becomes a young man who is strong, secure in himself, assured of his friends and family, and knows where he needs to go. Come to think of it, that sounds like a happy ending to me.
The other surprise element is that there is no happy ending. Nothing is resolved. And that's not a bad thing. Evan is sixteen. What sixteen year old has his whole life set out and confirmed? But Evan becomes a young man who is strong, secure in himself, assured of his friends and family, and knows where he needs to go. Come to think of it, that sounds like a happy ending to me.
October 22, 2016
I don't know what to say... The writing was good, but... first off, I couldn't get over how strict the school was. Like, is this for real?!?! You have to sign a contract to go to a dance? And you have to be there by eight fifteen or they won't let you in? And you can't leave until it's over? *boggled* Also, you have to leave painkillers with the nurse? And if you miss like three classes you fail them?
This is all so far from school's here in Norway. If we've got dances here, no one gives a shit about some stupid contract. You can arrive when you want and leave when you want, and no teachers are there as chaperones. Not in high school. In middle school, maybe, but definitely not high school. We can have whatever we want in our bags, it's not like anyone checks. I always had painkillers in my bag at school. And I missed a lot of classes when I was in school - and never failed anyone just because I missed three.
I just couldn't get over all these small things. It's got nothing to do with the book though, the writing was good, the character was interesting. But if this is how American schools are... then I'm glad I live in Norway. Not that I'm in school anymore, but damn.
This is all so far from school's here in Norway. If we've got dances here, no one gives a shit about some stupid contract. You can arrive when you want and leave when you want, and no teachers are there as chaperones. Not in high school. In middle school, maybe, but definitely not high school. We can have whatever we want in our bags, it's not like anyone checks. I always had painkillers in my bag at school. And I missed a lot of classes when I was in school - and never failed anyone just because I missed three.
I just couldn't get over all these small things. It's got nothing to do with the book though, the writing was good, the character was interesting. But if this is how American schools are... then I'm glad I live in Norway. Not that I'm in school anymore, but damn.
February 13, 2014
I had to bow out of this one at the 50% mark. Just too dull. And too many other books waiting for me to get to them.
The story was told in first person, which I usually like, but it kind of plodded along with a 'and then, and then, and then' kind of vibe. Every little thing was spelled out for us so that something like getting his cell phone out of his pocket to answer a text was given the same weight as being punched. (We're even told that he had to move a shopping bag to his wrist first because I need to know exactly how he got that phone out!) Maybe the author thought this helped to "paint a picture" or was the way a teenager would tell his story, but it fell flat to me. There were no emotional highs and lows.
There was also a lot of repetition of the major story points: why he dresses the way he does, his friends and family trying to get him to tone it down, the bullying he suffers and why nothing is ever done about it. Around and around, covering the same ground. When I started wanting to skim, I gave up.
The story was told in first person, which I usually like, but it kind of plodded along with a 'and then, and then, and then' kind of vibe. Every little thing was spelled out for us so that something like getting his cell phone out of his pocket to answer a text was given the same weight as being punched. (We're even told that he had to move a shopping bag to his wrist first because I need to know exactly how he got that phone out!) Maybe the author thought this helped to "paint a picture" or was the way a teenager would tell his story, but it fell flat to me. There were no emotional highs and lows.
There was also a lot of repetition of the major story points: why he dresses the way he does, his friends and family trying to get him to tone it down, the bullying he suffers and why nothing is ever done about it. Around and around, covering the same ground. When I started wanting to skim, I gave up.
honestly-ill-never-get-around-to-it
October 5, 2013High school bullying has me tense and anxious before the sample is over. Maybe I can't read this one.
August 28, 2013
3.5 stars.
December 9, 2018
Great premise for a book, but this was remarkably tedious and none of the characters were very likeable. Main character? Annoying and self-absorbed. Love interest? Anger issues and no real chemistry with lead. Best friend? One dimensional and only served to prop up main character; literally no personality written for her. Dad? One dimensional jerk. Mom? I would have rather read the book from her perspective. One entire paragraph dedicated to his thought process of checking the answering machine? Phew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2019
This was a bit hard story to read. All that bullying and trying to just go on... sometimes it was quite depressing to read. The author really wants to encourage everyone to be themselves, and I think she also succeeds to do it here. Ad aspera per astra: it’s really important to get support when you need, otherwise those astras just stay so far from you and can’t maybe never be reached. The theme of book is really serious and I wish school teachers everywhere would read it. I was glad the story turns to be a nice one, and it leaves really many kind of feelings, happy feelings too!
March 7, 2021
Bacana mas repetitivo. Tentou abordar ângulos demais e ficou raso.
January 18, 2015
Collection Harmony Ink Press - VO
Agé de seize ans Evan Granger n'a aucun problème avec l'homosexualité. Malgré les objections de sa mère, il porte du vernis à ongles et du maquillage à l'école et poursuit son objectif de devenir une drag queen professionnelle.
La star de TV Taffy Sweet l'encourage et la cousine Evan - Holly essaie de le protéger, mais à l'école, il est victime d'intimidateurs qui s'en prennent à lui à cause de sa sexualité et de la façon girly dont il s'habille, si violemment qu'il finit aux urgences de l'hôpital. Après cela, même son nouveau béguin, un membre de l'équipe de football enfermé nommé Moe Garcia, est mécontent du choix d'Evan de vivre ouvertement sa vie de gay. Mais même avec des vêtements girly et du vernis à ongles, Evan est une force avec laquelle il faut compter, et il fait face à ses tyrans et à tous les autres pour leur prouver que mettre une drag queen à terre ne signifie pas qu'elle est abattue.
Alors, pfffiou !
Tout d'abord chapeau bas à l'auteur qui sait très bien nous décrire la différence (pour ceux qui ont tendance à mélanger) entre les travestis, les drag Queens et les trans-genres, et à tout le parcours intellectuel que cela représente aussi bien pour Evan que pour son entourage - qui l'accepte ou non.
On suit donc le parcours de ce garçon de seize ans, qui a su très tôt ce qu'il voulait devenir : une drag-queen, non pas à plein temps, ni même un travesti, mais juste pour se donner en spectacle, apporter de la joie aux autres et se sentir belle. Et il est incroyablement fort mentalement, allant jusqu'à l'esbroufe pour assumer ses choix, bien qu'intérieurement il reste un gamin tremblant aux moments des confrontations, mais il ne démord pas de ses convictions et refuse de plier sous le joug de l'école, les idées préconçues et les règles édictées par tout un système. Et c'est cette dualité qui fait de lui de ce qu'il est, poussant parfois son entêtement jusqu'à l'extrême, mais au final, il ne déroge pas à sa règle de vie : il veut afficher et revendiquer ce qu'il est.
Bien sûr, son entêtement, il va le payer très cher, aussi bien au niveau de l'école et de l'équipe de foot qui passe son temps à le harceler parce qu'il est "différent", qu'auprès de sa famille, puisque ses parents sont divorcés et que son père veut faire retirer sa garde à sa mère pour le "reprendre en mains".
Il est donc assailli de tous les côtés, mais il trouve également du soutien auprès de sa cousine, présente sur tous les fronts et - parfois - de son petit ami, membre également de l'équipe de foot, mais totalement enfermé au fin fond de son placard et qui refuse d'en sortir, mais lui accorde sa protection.
C'est un excellent livre, une plongée dans la psychologie d'un ado qui sait déjà ce qu'il veut et fera tout pour atteindre son but, quitte à en payer le prix, au détriment de sa santé parfois.
Très fort, très puissant.
Agé de seize ans Evan Granger n'a aucun problème avec l'homosexualité. Malgré les objections de sa mère, il porte du vernis à ongles et du maquillage à l'école et poursuit son objectif de devenir une drag queen professionnelle.
La star de TV Taffy Sweet l'encourage et la cousine Evan - Holly essaie de le protéger, mais à l'école, il est victime d'intimidateurs qui s'en prennent à lui à cause de sa sexualité et de la façon girly dont il s'habille, si violemment qu'il finit aux urgences de l'hôpital. Après cela, même son nouveau béguin, un membre de l'équipe de football enfermé nommé Moe Garcia, est mécontent du choix d'Evan de vivre ouvertement sa vie de gay. Mais même avec des vêtements girly et du vernis à ongles, Evan est une force avec laquelle il faut compter, et il fait face à ses tyrans et à tous les autres pour leur prouver que mettre une drag queen à terre ne signifie pas qu'elle est abattue.
Alors, pfffiou !
Tout d'abord chapeau bas à l'auteur qui sait très bien nous décrire la différence (pour ceux qui ont tendance à mélanger) entre les travestis, les drag Queens et les trans-genres, et à tout le parcours intellectuel que cela représente aussi bien pour Evan que pour son entourage - qui l'accepte ou non.
On suit donc le parcours de ce garçon de seize ans, qui a su très tôt ce qu'il voulait devenir : une drag-queen, non pas à plein temps, ni même un travesti, mais juste pour se donner en spectacle, apporter de la joie aux autres et se sentir belle. Et il est incroyablement fort mentalement, allant jusqu'à l'esbroufe pour assumer ses choix, bien qu'intérieurement il reste un gamin tremblant aux moments des confrontations, mais il ne démord pas de ses convictions et refuse de plier sous le joug de l'école, les idées préconçues et les règles édictées par tout un système. Et c'est cette dualité qui fait de lui de ce qu'il est, poussant parfois son entêtement jusqu'à l'extrême, mais au final, il ne déroge pas à sa règle de vie : il veut afficher et revendiquer ce qu'il est.
Bien sûr, son entêtement, il va le payer très cher, aussi bien au niveau de l'école et de l'équipe de foot qui passe son temps à le harceler parce qu'il est "différent", qu'auprès de sa famille, puisque ses parents sont divorcés et que son père veut faire retirer sa garde à sa mère pour le "reprendre en mains".
Il est donc assailli de tous les côtés, mais il trouve également du soutien auprès de sa cousine, présente sur tous les fronts et - parfois - de son petit ami, membre également de l'équipe de foot, mais totalement enfermé au fin fond de son placard et qui refuse d'en sortir, mais lui accorde sa protection.
C'est un excellent livre, une plongée dans la psychologie d'un ado qui sait déjà ce qu'il veut et fera tout pour atteindre son but, quitte à en payer le prix, au détriment de sa santé parfois.
Très fort, très puissant.
August 23, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Evan has lived with scorn, hate and bullying for longer than he can remember because he refuses to conform to everyone else's idea of normal. Evan is gay and likes pretty things, when he grows up he wants to be a drag queen, but at the moment he is a sixteen year old boy just trying to make it through high school. With the bullying getting worse Evan has to cope with being told to change by his family, teachers and his new boyfriend Moe, but all he wants is to be himself and when he is viciously attacked he shows everyone that he will never be beaten down.
This is a wonderful story that is all from Evan's perspective, it shows the ups and downs and the hopes and dreams of a young man who knows who he is and the victimization and bullying he has to live through. Evan is only sixteen and he is already used to shielding himself from the verbal abuse, the physical abuse ratchets up and Evan finds himself a protector in the shape of football jock Moe. Moe is gay but in the closet, he is interested in cute and one of a kind Evan but is too scared of the repercussions if he comes out, so they start a secret relationship.
While we follow Evan in his story we see the many faces of those around him, his mother who will always have his back but reacts badly when he is attacked, his father who is determined to turn Evan into a real man and his school who only do the minimum to stop the bullying. We see the pressure that Evan faces from people saying they support him but want him to change, we see Evan's sheer determination to be who he wants to be and not what others want him to be. We see him share his pain with a TV drag star and hope for words of encouragement in return and we see the slow development of his relationship with Moe, a relationship that must be kept secret.
I recommend this to those who love young adult stories that are filled with pain and suffering, who love a young man who just wants to be himself, a young man who stands up for himself in the face of huge opposition and a young man who sees a glimmer of hope in the future.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Evan has lived with scorn, hate and bullying for longer than he can remember because he refuses to conform to everyone else's idea of normal. Evan is gay and likes pretty things, when he grows up he wants to be a drag queen, but at the moment he is a sixteen year old boy just trying to make it through high school. With the bullying getting worse Evan has to cope with being told to change by his family, teachers and his new boyfriend Moe, but all he wants is to be himself and when he is viciously attacked he shows everyone that he will never be beaten down.
This is a wonderful story that is all from Evan's perspective, it shows the ups and downs and the hopes and dreams of a young man who knows who he is and the victimization and bullying he has to live through. Evan is only sixteen and he is already used to shielding himself from the verbal abuse, the physical abuse ratchets up and Evan finds himself a protector in the shape of football jock Moe. Moe is gay but in the closet, he is interested in cute and one of a kind Evan but is too scared of the repercussions if he comes out, so they start a secret relationship.
While we follow Evan in his story we see the many faces of those around him, his mother who will always have his back but reacts badly when he is attacked, his father who is determined to turn Evan into a real man and his school who only do the minimum to stop the bullying. We see the pressure that Evan faces from people saying they support him but want him to change, we see Evan's sheer determination to be who he wants to be and not what others want him to be. We see him share his pain with a TV drag star and hope for words of encouragement in return and we see the slow development of his relationship with Moe, a relationship that must be kept secret.
I recommend this to those who love young adult stories that are filled with pain and suffering, who love a young man who just wants to be himself, a young man who stands up for himself in the face of huge opposition and a young man who sees a glimmer of hope in the future.
January 12, 2016
... meh.
I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, so I'm going to come right out and say that it didn't really do it for me. The message is an important one, but the story itself... Well, parts of it were just too American for a Brit like me to understand. How am I meant to know how important Homecoming is when I don't even know WHAT it is? Why are athletes in American schools such jerks? Is high school really that cliquey and if so, why doesn't anyone do anything about it? America, man.
Also, the writing seemed fairly weak. It was all telling, not showing; in places very simplistic. The dialogue didn't sound particularly realistic, in that it wasn't at all subtle with the message being conveyed. In places it was seriously didactic, which grated after a while. I wasn't very engaged with the plot for a lot of the book, and there wasn't even pretty writing to lure me in. In places I DID find myself thinking about it while I wasn't reading, which is a good sign, but on the whole I didn't care a whole lot.
I have a lot of feelings about queer characters and I realise that this kind of homophobia is all too real for many people but at the same time, it's a story I've heard too many times. I'd rather something original -- something more cheerful, perhaps. It isn't going on my list of favourite queer books.
So yeah, rather a disappointment really, which is a shame.
I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, so I'm going to come right out and say that it didn't really do it for me. The message is an important one, but the story itself... Well, parts of it were just too American for a Brit like me to understand. How am I meant to know how important Homecoming is when I don't even know WHAT it is? Why are athletes in American schools such jerks? Is high school really that cliquey and if so, why doesn't anyone do anything about it? America, man.
Also, the writing seemed fairly weak. It was all telling, not showing; in places very simplistic. The dialogue didn't sound particularly realistic, in that it wasn't at all subtle with the message being conveyed. In places it was seriously didactic, which grated after a while. I wasn't very engaged with the plot for a lot of the book, and there wasn't even pretty writing to lure me in. In places I DID find myself thinking about it while I wasn't reading, which is a good sign, but on the whole I didn't care a whole lot.
I have a lot of feelings about queer characters and I realise that this kind of homophobia is all too real for many people but at the same time, it's a story I've heard too many times. I'd rather something original -- something more cheerful, perhaps. It isn't going on my list of favourite queer books.
So yeah, rather a disappointment really, which is a shame.
October 4, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ebook was provided by Harmony Ink Press in exchange for an honest review.
Nail Polish and Feathers is the first book in the young adult (YA) LGBT series from Jo Ramsey entitled Deep Secrets and Hope. This was truly Evan's story and how he deals with the bullying and the qualified acceptance he gets from those closest to him. The one true person who appears to accept him as wholly as possible is his cousin Holly, while his mother and Moe can't help but ask him to tone down so as not to call further unwanted attention to himself. Their reactions come from a place of love and are not surprising and I do get the point that they're trying to make, but you can't help but applaud the more difficult choice Evan had to make--to stand up and continue to be who he is without making any compromises for whatever reasons others may have. It's his courage that makes Nail Polish and Feathers a four-star read. ♥
Note: This ebook was provided by Harmony Ink Press in exchange for an honest review.
Nail Polish and Feathers is the first book in the young adult (YA) LGBT series from Jo Ramsey entitled Deep Secrets and Hope. This was truly Evan's story and how he deals with the bullying and the qualified acceptance he gets from those closest to him. The one true person who appears to accept him as wholly as possible is his cousin Holly, while his mother and Moe can't help but ask him to tone down so as not to call further unwanted attention to himself. Their reactions come from a place of love and are not surprising and I do get the point that they're trying to make, but you can't help but applaud the more difficult choice Evan had to make--to stand up and continue to be who he is without making any compromises for whatever reasons others may have. It's his courage that makes Nail Polish and Feathers a four-star read. ♥
August 29, 2013
3.75 stars but definitely rounded up. I liked how all the characters in this book are written because no one was too overexaggerated, everyone was believable in his or her own way. Evan of course is my no 1, just because he's the strongest person I've ever "met" in a book. It seems like the whole school is bullying him, yet he sticks to his way and nothing can stop him from being the person he wants to be :-)
I'm out of school since more than 20 years now and you couldn't pay me enough money to go back there. I can't imagine how it has to be to be different than mainstream and I hope a lot of kids are able to be as strong as Evan is. Though I'm afraid that most aren't and for them it must be even worse :-(
There were a few issues I had with this book, one being that at some places it feels a bit lengthy. The whole story takes place over the span of a few days, but it felt longer. Not sure how to explain it. But all in all that didn't spoil the book for me and I had good reading time
I'm out of school since more than 20 years now and you couldn't pay me enough money to go back there. I can't imagine how it has to be to be different than mainstream and I hope a lot of kids are able to be as strong as Evan is. Though I'm afraid that most aren't and for them it must be even worse :-(
There were a few issues I had with this book, one being that at some places it feels a bit lengthy. The whole story takes place over the span of a few days, but it felt longer. Not sure how to explain it. But all in all that didn't spoil the book for me and I had good reading time
October 5, 2016
I struggled with this. On the one hand, it was lovely to see YA novel that dealt with openly with the question of gender. I loved the idea of it, and still love that young readers have the opportunity safely and comfortably identify with Evan. On the other hand, I think it was just too YA for my tastes, falling into that trap of an age/community I am too far removed from to appreciate.
Also, the quality of the writing/editing itself left something to be desired. Characters seemed to think or feel whatever was needed for the scene, regardless of what they previously expressed. Also, details got changed or just went missing on a few occasions, leaving me confused. Finally, there were too many convenient little developments that strained my disbelief for me to buy into the story.
Likely a good book for the right audience, but missed the mark for me.
Also, the quality of the writing/editing itself left something to be desired. Characters seemed to think or feel whatever was needed for the scene, regardless of what they previously expressed. Also, details got changed or just went missing on a few occasions, leaving me confused. Finally, there were too many convenient little developments that strained my disbelief for me to buy into the story.
Likely a good book for the right audience, but missed the mark for me.
October 11, 2015
I don't usually read "gay" literature because the quality is usually appallingly bad and the characters are poorly written or act as stereotypes. I was surprised by this book because I found the main character, Evan, to be quite likable and realistic. His inner motivations and feeling about expressing who he is were powerful and much better though out that in other books from this genre.
The ending did not fully resolve all of the issues but was sweet and I felt like the book had accomplished what it set out to do. I would definitely recommend this book as it covers a variety of themes that most GLBTQ teenagers (and even adults) can relate to and the book is firmly grounded in reality.
The ending did not fully resolve all of the issues but was sweet and I felt like the book had accomplished what it set out to do. I would definitely recommend this book as it covers a variety of themes that most GLBTQ teenagers (and even adults) can relate to and the book is firmly grounded in reality.
September 30, 2015
Evan Granger refuses to be anything but himself. Being a 16 year old is obnoxious enough as it is, what with the hormones, and finding a niche for yourself and maintaining friendships without being too awkward, but Evan's got plenty more to deal with. He wants to become a drag queen someday. He dons nail polish (turquoise is his favorite color), and he's experimenting with makeup. This book covers not only discrimination from authority figures and students alike, but displays the awfulness of victim blaming. Throw in a little innocent (secret) romance, and a fabulous grand gesture, and you have a memorable YA read. I loved it!
March 14, 2015
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance Every day as Evan walks into school, he doesn't know what challenges he will face. Even those closest to him begin to try to change him "for his own good." Victim shaming at its worst. Unfortunately, his bullies aren't all at school. Evan shows us that that there is nothing wrong with being yourself. Find the full review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
September 6, 2015
Not a book for me. I liked how the main character stood up for himself no matter what but the plot was slim and went around and around the same things with the same language. I do think it is a good message but as I said just not for me.
September 18, 2013
“The people who claimed they supported me weren’t much better than the people who hated me. All of them wanted me to be someone I wasn’t.”
Read more @ Gay List Book Reviews
Read more @ Gay List Book Reviews
September 2, 2013
I didn't finish this. It was plodding and didn't seem to go anywhere.
September 21, 2013
Sweet and engaging, I really loved the character of Evan and enjoyed reading his story.
February 14, 2014
I enjoyed it very much, but it just kept hitting me over the head with the message of "Bullies are bad. Be who you are." I still had a good time reading it. It was a very very quick read too.
October 13, 2015
I love it! Evan is my freaking life. I love his bravery and I love how he stuck up for himself even after he had the crap beat out of him. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2016
This entire book reeks of straight people who have no idea what being queer actually is like. Overall a disappointing book, especially being a queer teen myself.
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