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Ryan and Avery
From the New York Times bestselling author of EVERY DAY, this is a queer love story for the ages--told over the course of a couple's first ten dates.
When a blue-haired boy (Ryan) meets a pink-haired boy (Avery) at a dance--a queer prom--both feel an inexplicable but powerful connection. Follow them through their first ten dates as they bridge their initial shyness and fall in love--through snow storms, groundings, meeting parents (Avery's) and not (Ryan's), cast parties, heartbreak, and every day and date in between.
When a blue-haired boy (Ryan) meets a pink-haired boy (Avery) at a dance--a queer prom--both feel an inexplicable but powerful connection. Follow them through their first ten dates as they bridge their initial shyness and fall in love--through snow storms, groundings, meeting parents (Avery's) and not (Ryan's), cast parties, heartbreak, and every day and date in between.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2023
113 people are currently reading
2561 people want to read
About the author
David Levithan
119 books19.4k followersDavid Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
November 28, 2023
Ryan and Avery follows the couple for their first 10 dates. They're told out of order, which was an interesting way to tell their story and made it more dynamic.
I loved Ryan and Avery together. We get to see not only their romance, but also their friendship group and family drama. When we got to the final date told in the book I didn't want it to end. Would love to get a sequel of 10 more dates further down the line in their relationship.
I loved Ryan and Avery together. We get to see not only their romance, but also their friendship group and family drama. When we got to the final date told in the book I didn't want it to end. Would love to get a sequel of 10 more dates further down the line in their relationship.
January 12, 2024
Oh my god.
This book was so amazing??? Up until now, I've never read one of David Levithan's strictly queer novels. I've only read his every day series, which was something I heavily enjoyed.
This book did NOT disappoint. There was tons of rep and an absolutely beautiful story. So much of it I expected something bad, and I'm glad we have a queer story that isn't.
The characters felt so real, and I felt so incredibly seen. The emotion Levithan was able to capture was wonderful, and this is a book I will think highly of every time it passes my memory.
If you're looking for a nice queer story that's easy to read, definitely check it out. You won't be disappointed!
This book was so amazing??? Up until now, I've never read one of David Levithan's strictly queer novels. I've only read his every day series, which was something I heavily enjoyed.
This book did NOT disappoint. There was tons of rep and an absolutely beautiful story. So much of it I expected something bad, and I'm glad we have a queer story that isn't.
The characters felt so real, and I felt so incredibly seen. The emotion Levithan was able to capture was wonderful, and this is a book I will think highly of every time it passes my memory.
If you're looking for a nice queer story that's easy to read, definitely check it out. You won't be disappointed!
September 10, 2023
A beautifully tender dual POV YA coming of age love story between two queer teen boys! Told in a series of ten first dates we get to know Ryan (gay) and Avery (trans) as they meet, fall in love, experience difficulties with bullying, homophobia and unsupportive parents. I really enjoyed how this was nonlinear - starting on their fifth date and ending with their first and then last.
Great on audio narrated by Jamie K. Brown. These characters were apparently in another book by this author but you don't need to have read that one to enjoy this one. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Tobly McSmith, Amanda Woody or Mason Deaver.
CW: self-harm
Great on audio narrated by Jamie K. Brown. These characters were apparently in another book by this author but you don't need to have read that one to enjoy this one. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Tobly McSmith, Amanda Woody or Mason Deaver.
CW: self-harm
September 10, 2024
"Cuando un chico de pelo azul (Ryan) conoce a un chico de pelo rosa (Avery) en una fiesta, ambos sienten una conexión inexplicable pero intensa "
Esto es lo que David Levithan nos cuenta en su libro durante diez citas entre ellos. No es una historia lineal por qué va mezclando citas, lo cuál no queda mal.
Ryan es un joven que en casa no creen que esté tomando buenas decisiones y que su homosexualidad no esté aceptada del todo. Y solo es comprendido por su tía. Avery tiene una familia que lo acepta y unos amigos que lo apoyan. En una fiesta del orgullo celebrado para adolescentes Ryan y Avery se conocen, y aunque viven en pueblos diferentes empiezan a citarse para conocerse.
Cada uno nos va contando las citas, lo que sienten, lo que ocurre a su alrededor, como se van sintiendo entre ellos, con sus reacciones. Un libro fácil de leer y muy interesante y muy recomendable.
Esto es lo que David Levithan nos cuenta en su libro durante diez citas entre ellos. No es una historia lineal por qué va mezclando citas, lo cuál no queda mal.
Ryan es un joven que en casa no creen que esté tomando buenas decisiones y que su homosexualidad no esté aceptada del todo. Y solo es comprendido por su tía. Avery tiene una familia que lo acepta y unos amigos que lo apoyan. En una fiesta del orgullo celebrado para adolescentes Ryan y Avery se conocen, y aunque viven en pueblos diferentes empiezan a citarse para conocerse.
Cada uno nos va contando las citas, lo que sienten, lo que ocurre a su alrededor, como se van sintiendo entre ellos, con sus reacciones. Un libro fácil de leer y muy interesante y muy recomendable.
December 26, 2024
Ich habe das Bedürfnis, mich persönlich bei David Levithan zu bedanken für die Gefühle, die dieses Buch in mir ausgelöst hat.
Das war einfach so wertvoll und schön.
Ja, auch irgendwie kitschig. Aber halt in queer und trans and we deserve some Kitsch too, oder nicht?
~ Irgendwas zwischen 4 & 5 Sternen, ich kann das nicht objektiv bewerten 🫣
Das war einfach so wertvoll und schön.
Ja, auch irgendwie kitschig. Aber halt in queer und trans and we deserve some Kitsch too, oder nicht?
~ Irgendwas zwischen 4 & 5 Sternen, ich kann das nicht objektiv bewerten 🫣
September 20, 2023
3,5*
Ich mochte die beiden Hauptfiguren und deren Liebesgeschichte unglaublich gerne, nur hatte ich so meine Probleme mit Levithans Erzählweise. Die Struktur des Buches ergab schon Sinn, war mir persönlich aber zu wirr. Auch der Schreibstil war mir zu ausschweifend und distanziert.
Trotzdem war es wirklich eine schöne Geschichte.
Ich mochte die beiden Hauptfiguren und deren Liebesgeschichte unglaublich gerne, nur hatte ich so meine Probleme mit Levithans Erzählweise. Die Struktur des Buches ergab schon Sinn, war mir persönlich aber zu wirr. Auch der Schreibstil war mir zu ausschweifend und distanziert.
Trotzdem war es wirklich eine schöne Geschichte.
November 3, 2024
Meine Gefühle (passt hier besser als Gedanken oder gar Meinung) zu dem Buch:
Rein sprachlich finde ich es etwas anstrengend und langwierig, weil es sehr ein telling not showing ist.
Und doch: ich mochte die beiden - die Nebencharaktere waren alle sehr flach, was für mich aber auch okay war -, sie waren meist so ehrlich zu sich und haben sich so gut bemüht auch ganz ehrlich miteinander zu sein.
Ich konnte ganz ganz ganz viel nachfühlen oder sogar mitfühlen, weil mich viel an meine erste queere Beziehung erinnert hat. Die Unsicherheit, die Freude und Stolz, die Aufgeregtheit und gleichzeitig dieses starke Glück, das einen manchmal vollkommen zu überfordern scheint. Ich hab so viele Sätze gelesen, die ich teils genauso gefühlt habe, wenn auch zu verschiedenen Zeiten in meinem Leben.
Ich mochte Averys Eltern so gern, ich mochte wie sein trans* Sein irgendwie wichtig war ohne dramatisch zu sein.
Ich mochte viel, ich habe viel gefühlt, ich weiß nicht, wie ich das Buch „objektiver“ finden würde.
Rein sprachlich finde ich es etwas anstrengend und langwierig, weil es sehr ein telling not showing ist.
Und doch: ich mochte die beiden - die Nebencharaktere waren alle sehr flach, was für mich aber auch okay war -, sie waren meist so ehrlich zu sich und haben sich so gut bemüht auch ganz ehrlich miteinander zu sein.
Ich konnte ganz ganz ganz viel nachfühlen oder sogar mitfühlen, weil mich viel an meine erste queere Beziehung erinnert hat. Die Unsicherheit, die Freude und Stolz, die Aufgeregtheit und gleichzeitig dieses starke Glück, das einen manchmal vollkommen zu überfordern scheint. Ich hab so viele Sätze gelesen, die ich teils genauso gefühlt habe, wenn auch zu verschiedenen Zeiten in meinem Leben.
Ich mochte Averys Eltern so gern, ich mochte wie sein trans* Sein irgendwie wichtig war ohne dramatisch zu sein.
Ich mochte viel, ich habe viel gefühlt, ich weiß nicht, wie ich das Buch „objektiver“ finden würde.
September 21, 2023
This sweet LGBTQ+ romance is the love story of two boys who meet at a queer prom, told through the lens of 10 dates in non-chronological order. Ryan's and Avery's stories are pretty different -- Avery is trans and has very supportive parents; Ryan is cis and does not, for starters -- until the two boys become part of each other's story. Together, they contend with homophobic bullies, geographic distance, and a growing gulf between Ryan and his parents. The boys' banter, sweet dates, and their growing affection are the stars here, though the omniscient third-person narrator is a bit ponderous at times and may try the patience of some readers.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio and Libro.fm for giving me an advance copy of this audiobook through the Libro.fm Librarian ALC program.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio and Libro.fm for giving me an advance copy of this audiobook through the Libro.fm Librarian ALC program.
September 16, 2023
forever my literary idol. 14 books in and i love every single one. whether it’s his swoon-worthy love stories, his unmatched writing, or his unreal and unmatched ability to represent all people in his words, to FEEL, to smile, to provide a pocket of calm, david levithan just… gets me. always has, always will. i will pick up any book of his as long as he gives the world the honour or releasing them. i loved this so much.
love you forever david!!!!!!
love you forever david!!!!!!
Want to read
July 12, 2023
September 5, 2023
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, bullying, cursing, past disordered eating, coming out, underage drinking
Representation: Ryan- Gay, Depression; Avery- Transgender, Gay; Nonbinary, Lesbian
Ryan and Avery is a queer love story for the ages, told over the course of a couple's first ten dates.
When a blue-haired boy named Ryan meets a pink-haired boy named Avery at a dance--a queer prom--both feel an inexplicable but powerful connection. Follow them through their first ten dates as they bridge their initial shyness and fall in love--through snowstorms, groundings, meeting parents (Avery's) and not (Ryan's), cast parties, heartbreak, and every day and date in between.
This ALC was provided by libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
Wow I fricken loved this book!! I loved being in this world and not really having any expectations for it. I had never heard of this book until I started reading it and I just loved being able to exist in it. The story is over the couple’s first ten dates and things happen but it’s not action packed. And I absolutely loved that about it! It was nice to just go on the dates without being forced through endless events or action packed scenes. The author balances the world with the story telling in a way that makes it such an enjoyable read and never left me feeling bored or like I was missing anything! And this is the perfect read for fans of I Wish You All The Best or Felix Ever After!
Representation: Ryan- Gay, Depression; Avery- Transgender, Gay; Nonbinary, Lesbian
Ryan and Avery is a queer love story for the ages, told over the course of a couple's first ten dates.
When a blue-haired boy named Ryan meets a pink-haired boy named Avery at a dance--a queer prom--both feel an inexplicable but powerful connection. Follow them through their first ten dates as they bridge their initial shyness and fall in love--through snowstorms, groundings, meeting parents (Avery's) and not (Ryan's), cast parties, heartbreak, and every day and date in between.
This ALC was provided by libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
Wow I fricken loved this book!! I loved being in this world and not really having any expectations for it. I had never heard of this book until I started reading it and I just loved being able to exist in it. The story is over the couple’s first ten dates and things happen but it’s not action packed. And I absolutely loved that about it! It was nice to just go on the dates without being forced through endless events or action packed scenes. The author balances the world with the story telling in a way that makes it such an enjoyable read and never left me feeling bored or like I was missing anything! And this is the perfect read for fans of I Wish You All The Best or Felix Ever After!
March 31, 2025
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
En el momento en el que Ryan, de pelo azul, y Avery, de pelo rosa, se conocen en una fiesta, ambos sienten una tremenda conexión, que nos llevará a seguirlos durante sus diez primeras citas, pasando de una timidez tierna inicial, para ver cómo los sentimientos se van haciendo más profundos, sobreviviendo a tormentas de nieve, castigos de padres estrictos, alegrías y tristezas, una historia de amor entre dos chicos llena de ternura y verdad.
Si bien la historia puede no ser algo especialmente novedoso, o que la distinga de muchas otras novelas juveniles, lo especial de David Levithan es su narración, la forma en que parece que te estuviera contando un cuento sobre el amor y la vida de dos personajes que, pronto, pasan a convertirse en personas muy reales.
En el momento en el que Ryan, de pelo azul, y Avery, de pelo rosa, se conocen en una fiesta, ambos sienten una tremenda conexión, que nos llevará a seguirlos durante sus diez primeras citas, pasando de una timidez tierna inicial, para ver cómo los sentimientos se van haciendo más profundos, sobreviviendo a tormentas de nieve, castigos de padres estrictos, alegrías y tristezas, una historia de amor entre dos chicos llena de ternura y verdad.
Si bien la historia puede no ser algo especialmente novedoso, o que la distinga de muchas otras novelas juveniles, lo especial de David Levithan es su narración, la forma en que parece que te estuviera contando un cuento sobre el amor y la vida de dos personajes que, pronto, pasan a convertirse en personas muy reales.
July 6, 2023
I know I'm not the only person who fell in love with Ryan & Avery when they made their debut ten years ago in Levithan's Two Boys Kissing. When I saw that the pair got their own book, thrilled is an understatement! This novel is told over ten dates between Avery & Ryan, not necessarily in order-- not merely a gay teen romance, but one of serious first love that will resonate with any age. The two experience and grow a lot over these few months, and surely, endlessly more beyond the final page.
September 29, 2023
[I received a free audiobook copy from HarperCollins UK Audio and Netgalley. This review is done freely, honestly and without payment].
[Ich habe ein kostenloses Hörbuchexemplar von HarperCollins UK Audio und Netgalley erhalten. Die Rezension erfolgt freiwillig, ehrlich und ohne Vergütung.]
Thank you so much!
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
David Levithan comes across, as you know he will, with a wonderful and sensitive narrative style that captivates you and draws you into the story. However, it is personally too excessive for me at some points, but I think die-hard Levithan readers will handle it well. :)
Nevertheless, it is difficult for me to rate the book itself.
While listening to it, I just realized that this is no longer my genre. Or at least the story about Ryan and Avery. The book couldn’t carry me away - couldn’t captivate me and keep me enthralled.
But that’s okay because preferences change and at some point, you come across a work where it strikes you.
Nonetheless, I think Levithan has written a wonderful novel that will inspire many people. It is a subject that needs to be addressed and should be addressed and that has been done here. The book can certainly give many people courage, hope, and the feeling of „being right“.
And even though I have not fallen off my chair with enthusiasm, I can say that for people who like lgbtiaq+ and ya, the book is an excellent work that treats its protagonists sensitively and lovingly.
Jamie K. Brown did a wonderful job of narrating. At a comfortable pace, Brown breathed a lot of life and emotion into Ryan, Avery and the whole story. I enjoyed listening and could lose myself in Brown’s voice.
I give the audiobook three stars for that very reason, even though I can’t really rate the story itself. As I said above, I don’t think I’m the right audience after all, but that this book/audiobook is wonderful for people who love this genre and/or are perhaps in a similar phase of life as our protagonists. Brown has simply breathed a lot of life into the whole thing and that is why the audiobook deserves its fairly deserved three stars.
(DEUTSCH)
David Levithan kommt, wie man es kennt, mit einem wundervollen und einfühlsamen Erzählstil daher, der einen gefangen nimmt und in die Geschichte zieht. An manchen Stellen ist es mir persönlich allerdings zu ausschweifend, aber ich denke, gesottene Levithan-Leser kommen damit gut klar. :)
Dennoch fällt es mir schwer, das Buch an sich zu bewerten.
Während des Hörens ist mir einfach aufgefallen, dass dies mittlerweile nicht mehr mein Genre ist. Oder jedenfalls die Geschichte rund um Ryan und Avery. Das Buch konnte mich nicht mitreißen – mich nicht fesseln und bannen. Ich habe einfach kein Herzklopfen bekommen.
Aber das ist auch okay, denn Geschmäcker ändern sich und irgendwann stößt man auf ein Werk, bei dem es einem auffällt.
Trotzdem denke ich, dass Levithan einen wundervollen Roman geschrieben hat, der viele Menschen und wohl auch Teenager begeistern wird. Es ist ein Thema, welches aufgegriffen werden muss und sollte und was hier getan wurde. Das Buch kann sicher vielen Menschen Mut und Hoffnung geben und dieses Gefühl von „richtig sein“.
Und auch wenn ich selbst nun nicht vor Begeisterung vom Stuhl gefallen bin, kann ich sagen, dass das Buch für Menschen, die lgbtiaq+ und ya mögen, sicher ein hervorragendes Werk ist, welches sensibel und liebevoll mit seinen Protagonisten umgeht.
Jamie K. Brown hat ganz wundervoll gelesen. In einem angenehmen Tempo hat Brown Ryan, Avery und der ganzen Geschichte viel Leben und Gefühl eingehaucht. Ich habe gern zugehört und konnte mich in Brown’s Stimme verlieren.
Ich gebe dem Hörbuch genau deswegen drei Sterne, auch wenn ich die Geschichte an sich nicht wirklich bewerten kann. Wie ich oben bereits sagte, denke ich, dass ich mittlerweile doch nicht mehr das richtige Publikum bin, aber das dieses Buch / Hörbuch wundervoll für Leute ist, die dieses Genre lieben und/oder sich vielleicht in einer ähnlichen Lebensphase wie unsere Protagonisten befinden. Brown hat dem ganzen einfach viel Leben eingehaucht und deshalb gebühren dem Hörbuch auch seine fair verdienten drei Sterne.
[Ich habe ein kostenloses Hörbuchexemplar von HarperCollins UK Audio und Netgalley erhalten. Die Rezension erfolgt freiwillig, ehrlich und ohne Vergütung.]
Thank you so much!
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
David Levithan comes across, as you know he will, with a wonderful and sensitive narrative style that captivates you and draws you into the story. However, it is personally too excessive for me at some points, but I think die-hard Levithan readers will handle it well. :)
Nevertheless, it is difficult for me to rate the book itself.
While listening to it, I just realized that this is no longer my genre. Or at least the story about Ryan and Avery. The book couldn’t carry me away - couldn’t captivate me and keep me enthralled.
But that’s okay because preferences change and at some point, you come across a work where it strikes you.
Nonetheless, I think Levithan has written a wonderful novel that will inspire many people. It is a subject that needs to be addressed and should be addressed and that has been done here. The book can certainly give many people courage, hope, and the feeling of „being right“.
And even though I have not fallen off my chair with enthusiasm, I can say that for people who like lgbtiaq+ and ya, the book is an excellent work that treats its protagonists sensitively and lovingly.
Jamie K. Brown did a wonderful job of narrating. At a comfortable pace, Brown breathed a lot of life and emotion into Ryan, Avery and the whole story. I enjoyed listening and could lose myself in Brown’s voice.
I give the audiobook three stars for that very reason, even though I can’t really rate the story itself. As I said above, I don’t think I’m the right audience after all, but that this book/audiobook is wonderful for people who love this genre and/or are perhaps in a similar phase of life as our protagonists. Brown has simply breathed a lot of life into the whole thing and that is why the audiobook deserves its fairly deserved three stars.
(DEUTSCH)
David Levithan kommt, wie man es kennt, mit einem wundervollen und einfühlsamen Erzählstil daher, der einen gefangen nimmt und in die Geschichte zieht. An manchen Stellen ist es mir persönlich allerdings zu ausschweifend, aber ich denke, gesottene Levithan-Leser kommen damit gut klar. :)
Dennoch fällt es mir schwer, das Buch an sich zu bewerten.
Während des Hörens ist mir einfach aufgefallen, dass dies mittlerweile nicht mehr mein Genre ist. Oder jedenfalls die Geschichte rund um Ryan und Avery. Das Buch konnte mich nicht mitreißen – mich nicht fesseln und bannen. Ich habe einfach kein Herzklopfen bekommen.
Aber das ist auch okay, denn Geschmäcker ändern sich und irgendwann stößt man auf ein Werk, bei dem es einem auffällt.
Trotzdem denke ich, dass Levithan einen wundervollen Roman geschrieben hat, der viele Menschen und wohl auch Teenager begeistern wird. Es ist ein Thema, welches aufgegriffen werden muss und sollte und was hier getan wurde. Das Buch kann sicher vielen Menschen Mut und Hoffnung geben und dieses Gefühl von „richtig sein“.
Und auch wenn ich selbst nun nicht vor Begeisterung vom Stuhl gefallen bin, kann ich sagen, dass das Buch für Menschen, die lgbtiaq+ und ya mögen, sicher ein hervorragendes Werk ist, welches sensibel und liebevoll mit seinen Protagonisten umgeht.
Jamie K. Brown hat ganz wundervoll gelesen. In einem angenehmen Tempo hat Brown Ryan, Avery und der ganzen Geschichte viel Leben und Gefühl eingehaucht. Ich habe gern zugehört und konnte mich in Brown’s Stimme verlieren.
Ich gebe dem Hörbuch genau deswegen drei Sterne, auch wenn ich die Geschichte an sich nicht wirklich bewerten kann. Wie ich oben bereits sagte, denke ich, dass ich mittlerweile doch nicht mehr das richtige Publikum bin, aber das dieses Buch / Hörbuch wundervoll für Leute ist, die dieses Genre lieben und/oder sich vielleicht in einer ähnlichen Lebensphase wie unsere Protagonisten befinden. Brown hat dem ganzen einfach viel Leben eingehaucht und deshalb gebühren dem Hörbuch auch seine fair verdienten drei Sterne.
August 28, 2025
Got this book from the library as a physical book only to open it on Libby and read on my phone late into the night.
It was a unique experience reading Levithan again. The last time I read something by him, I had not yet grappled with my own sexuality and thought I was straight. The fact that I read every book Levithan ever wrote should have been a clue, right?
Ryan and Avery is a nonlinear story that feels more significant than mere entertainment. It also felt a little too close to home. The story of me and my partner shares some similarities with this story, and that made it harder to read. But it was utterly worth it.
My favorite character was Aunt Caitlin.
The book was more meaningful than humorous, and I came away with a sensation of having fed my soul.
Favorite excerpts:
He liked the idea that when you fall in love with someone, the other person becomes your lighthouse keeper, even if it means staying up all night, even if it means staring out into the darkness until the darkness assumes the shape of your love and comes back to you.
We learn each other by listening.
Most of the time-no, all of the time-we have no idea what we are capable of.
I am still learning about you. Which makes sense, since I am still learning about me.
She wants Ryan to have mysteries under her roof, as long as they aren't harmful ones. (We love Aunt Caitlin. May everyone be blessed with someone like her in their lives).
It was a unique experience reading Levithan again. The last time I read something by him, I had not yet grappled with my own sexuality and thought I was straight. The fact that I read every book Levithan ever wrote should have been a clue, right?
Ryan and Avery is a nonlinear story that feels more significant than mere entertainment. It also felt a little too close to home. The story of me and my partner shares some similarities with this story, and that made it harder to read. But it was utterly worth it.
My favorite character was Aunt Caitlin.
The book was more meaningful than humorous, and I came away with a sensation of having fed my soul.
Favorite excerpts:
He liked the idea that when you fall in love with someone, the other person becomes your lighthouse keeper, even if it means staying up all night, even if it means staring out into the darkness until the darkness assumes the shape of your love and comes back to you.
We learn each other by listening.
Most of the time-no, all of the time-we have no idea what we are capable of.
I am still learning about you. Which makes sense, since I am still learning about me.
She wants Ryan to have mysteries under her roof, as long as they aren't harmful ones. (We love Aunt Caitlin. May everyone be blessed with someone like her in their lives).
November 30, 2023
This is just a gentle, tender, beautiful read about two young boys teetering on the waters of dating and young love. I like that Avery and Ryan showed the two experiences most LGBTQ people have with family; like Avery, they may love and accept you (while still learning and getting things wrong) while like Ryan, the relationship may be tense and cause lots of pain, whether the parents know/care or not. While it was sad, it was so true to life but also a little magical the way they slowly had to learn each other through these days.
The only thing that kinda confused me was the order of the dates. I’m not sure why it wasn’t chronological but I don’t think it really prevented me from enjoying the story.
David Levithan really does write for the queers.
The only thing that kinda confused me was the order of the dates. I’m not sure why it wasn’t chronological but I don’t think it really prevented me from enjoying the story.
David Levithan really does write for the queers.
October 4, 2023
Another excellent queer novel from David Levithan. The story of a pink-haired trans boy, Avery, and a blue-haired barely out boy, Ryan, and the begging of their relationship in 10 “dates.” Masterfully told in a non-chronological timeline, this is pure queer joy but also tackles serious issues. Understated and beautiful.
October 27, 2023
tw. s*lf harm, homo- and transph*bia, vi*lence, eating disorder
I’m a hopeless romantic so I really, really enjoyed this very romantic book. This was so pure and cute!
It reflects countless fears and thoughts that teenagers have with their first love, and I found myself in many of those worries and thoughts and conflicts when I was younger and figuring out my sexuality, my preferences, what I want and don’t want. It deals with how your environment reacts to you as a queer individual, and the struggles that often come with it.
This book reminded me a lot of Heartstopper. It has an equally adorable and easy vibe to it with lots of representation, while dealing with mental health issues, even if only briefly.
For me, it was kind of tough at first to get into the book and understand Avery’s and Ryan’s dynamic, because it’s not told chronologically. I liked it that way, now looking back, because it felt like a little puzzle. And once you knew how things would develop, you’re really excited to find out how everything began.
The book begins with date 5, and then always switches between one after that and one before that. So after chapter 5 comes 6, then 4, then 7, then 3, and so on. It’s a rhythm I had to learn and get used to, but once I knew, I enjoyed it and was very excited to get to date 1 and 10.
I listened to the audiobook which NetGalley was so kind to send to me (thank you!), and I really loved the way it was read. The narrator switched voices between different characters, and after some time, I knew who was speaking without their names having been said.
The writing style is rather unusual, in my eyes, because it doesn’t have a concrete POV. Most of the books I’ve read switch between POVs only when the chapters change. This book changes the POVs sometimes in the span of just a few sentences. It’s very easy to follow, as it is always clearly stated. For example something along the lines of ‘While Avery felt excited to be here, Ryan was anxious.’
Like this, you have a very good overview of everyone’s feelings and thoughts at every moment of the book, which was unusual but amazing! You’re not left wondering what the other one’s thinking, because you know.
I can highly recommend this adorably queer book for everyone who’s looking for an easy book to read before going to bed or to listen to while doing chores or traveling. It’s entertaining and cute and romantic and sweet and so so so lovely
I’m a hopeless romantic so I really, really enjoyed this very romantic book. This was so pure and cute!
It reflects countless fears and thoughts that teenagers have with their first love, and I found myself in many of those worries and thoughts and conflicts when I was younger and figuring out my sexuality, my preferences, what I want and don’t want. It deals with how your environment reacts to you as a queer individual, and the struggles that often come with it.
This book reminded me a lot of Heartstopper. It has an equally adorable and easy vibe to it with lots of representation, while dealing with mental health issues, even if only briefly.
For me, it was kind of tough at first to get into the book and understand Avery’s and Ryan’s dynamic, because it’s not told chronologically. I liked it that way, now looking back, because it felt like a little puzzle. And once you knew how things would develop, you’re really excited to find out how everything began.
The book begins with date 5, and then always switches between one after that and one before that. So after chapter 5 comes 6, then 4, then 7, then 3, and so on. It’s a rhythm I had to learn and get used to, but once I knew, I enjoyed it and was very excited to get to date 1 and 10.
I listened to the audiobook which NetGalley was so kind to send to me (thank you!), and I really loved the way it was read. The narrator switched voices between different characters, and after some time, I knew who was speaking without their names having been said.
The writing style is rather unusual, in my eyes, because it doesn’t have a concrete POV. Most of the books I’ve read switch between POVs only when the chapters change. This book changes the POVs sometimes in the span of just a few sentences. It’s very easy to follow, as it is always clearly stated. For example something along the lines of ‘While Avery felt excited to be here, Ryan was anxious.’
Like this, you have a very good overview of everyone’s feelings and thoughts at every moment of the book, which was unusual but amazing! You’re not left wondering what the other one’s thinking, because you know.
I can highly recommend this adorably queer book for everyone who’s looking for an easy book to read before going to bed or to listen to while doing chores or traveling. It’s entertaining and cute and romantic and sweet and so so so lovely
September 18, 2023
De las cosas más bonitas que he leído.
Thanks for the free book PRHINTERNATIONAL y Edelweiss.
“We find someone to love, and in finding that person, we find our own capability to love them.”
Avery ( un Chico de cabello rosa) y Ryan ( un chico de cabello azul) se conocieron en un baile y ambos sintieron una poderosa conexión. En este libro los acompañamos en sus diez primeras citas y veremos que ocurre.
Quienes siguen esta cuenta saben que el BL ( boys love) tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón y este no fue la excepción. La manera tan particular que tiene el autor de describir cada detalle en cada situación te hace sentir que estás viendo una película, es súper cinematográfico todo.
Ryan y Avery no podrían ser más diferentes entre sí: Ryan tiene una familia que no lo apoya del todo y Avery tiene unos padres maravillosos y comprensivos. Esto hace que las dinámicas, interacciones y puntos de vista en diferente situaciones sean diferentes pero complementarios.
A Ryan quería abrazarlo todo el tiempo porque todas las cosas que tuvo que pasar con sus padres fueron complicadas. Y les juro que sería la mejor amiga de Avery en cualquier universo.
En fin, una historia llena de amor bonito, de ese que te deja el corazón calientito y con esperanza. Yo leí este ARC pero el libro ya salió a la venta el 12/09 así que vayan a comprarlo.
Thanks for the free book PRHINTERNATIONAL y Edelweiss.
“We find someone to love, and in finding that person, we find our own capability to love them.”
Avery ( un Chico de cabello rosa) y Ryan ( un chico de cabello azul) se conocieron en un baile y ambos sintieron una poderosa conexión. En este libro los acompañamos en sus diez primeras citas y veremos que ocurre.
Quienes siguen esta cuenta saben que el BL ( boys love) tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón y este no fue la excepción. La manera tan particular que tiene el autor de describir cada detalle en cada situación te hace sentir que estás viendo una película, es súper cinematográfico todo.
Ryan y Avery no podrían ser más diferentes entre sí: Ryan tiene una familia que no lo apoya del todo y Avery tiene unos padres maravillosos y comprensivos. Esto hace que las dinámicas, interacciones y puntos de vista en diferente situaciones sean diferentes pero complementarios.
A Ryan quería abrazarlo todo el tiempo porque todas las cosas que tuvo que pasar con sus padres fueron complicadas. Y les juro que sería la mejor amiga de Avery en cualquier universo.
En fin, una historia llena de amor bonito, de ese que te deja el corazón calientito y con esperanza. Yo leí este ARC pero el libro ya salió a la venta el 12/09 así que vayan a comprarlo.
July 17, 2024
"Lo sta guardando davvero, con quell'intensa concentrazione che si ha quando si legge un libro, soltanto che è rivolta a un'altra persona."
Ogni capitolo è uno dei dieci appuntamenti, in ordine sparso, successivamente al loro primo incontro, dove il colore dei capelli dell'uno ha attirato l'altro, la loro complicità è stata istantanea e, con questi appuntamenti impareranno a conoscersi meglio e ad approfondire i loro sentimenti. È scritto in doppio pov dei due protagonisti. All'inizio non mi stava piacendo la scelta dell'ordine sparso, più che altro perché alcune vicende non si capivano, ma, tutto sommato non è stato male.
La trama è molto carina di per sé, Ryan e Avery mi sono piaciuti parecchio perché sono ben scritti e con una propria personalità, ma spero in un secondo volume perché, oltre il finale che lascia un po' sulle spine, come volume unico, non è molto esaustivo, dal momento che: si è data troppa importanza sul rapporto di Ryan con i suoi genitori, risultando anche ripetitivo; c'è molta descrizione dei loro sentimenti, che non è male, ma può risultare un po' noioso a lungo andare, accantonando la loro relazione in generale. Inoltre sono stati citati degli ex di entrambi di cui mi sarebbe piaciuto sapere di più, quali esperienze hanno affrontato. Quindi spero in un sequel 🤞🏻.
Avery è un personaggio che non si ritrova con il sesso del proprio corpo. Ama il teatro ed è molto dolce e, a tratti, un po' infantile, gioca molto con la sua fantasia. I suoi genitori sono molto gentili e comprensivi (capirete anche il perché ho aggiunto Found Family nei trope 💖)
Ryan, al contrario, è più un ragazzo con i piedi per terra ma non si tira indietro ad affrontare avventure con Avery e a farsi trascinare dal suo entusiasmo. Ha un rapporto complicato con i suoi genitori. La sua colonna portante è sua zia, da cui si rifugia spesso. Alle medie ebbe un esaurimento, causa della TV e internet, per il suo corpo non perfetto.
Detto questo, non vi aspettate una trama troppo complessa o colpi di scena perché ne rimarreste delusi. È del tutto prevedibile e la dolciosità fa da padrona ma non da fastidio. Affronta anche i temi del bullismo e dell'omofobia.
Conoscevo questo autore perché avevo già letto "Will ti presento Will", che ha scritto a quattro mani con John Green, e mi è subito piaciuta la sua scrittura. Davvero consigliato ✨
Recensione e citazioni sul blog 💜
July 18, 2024
Digitales Leseexemplar des Verlags via Netgalley
Mein größtes Problem mit dem Buch war tatsächlich der Schreibstil. Er ist sehr distanziert, wodurch ich einen sehr großen Abstand zu Ryan und Avery gefühlt habe und keinen wirklichen Zugang zu den beiden gefunden habe. Klar, man hat einiges über sie erfahren, auch ihre Gedanken und Gefühle, aber richtig mitfühlen konnte ich bei ihnen so gar nicht, dafür waren sie mir zu weit weg. (Dass ich das letzte Mal ein Buch von David Levithan gelesen habe, ist circa sieben Jahre her, dementsprechend kann ich nicht beurteilen, ob das ein spezielles Charakteristikum von ihm ist oder nur von diesem Buch.)
Der Stil hat auch dafür gesorgt, dass sich das Buch sehr gezogen hat und ich nicht immer so motiviert war, weiterzulesen, obwohl ich unbedingt wissen wollte, wie Avery und Ryan sich eigentlich kennengelernt haben und was sie bei ihren Dates erlebt haben. Dabei hat mir auch der nicht-chronologische Aufbau sehr gefallen, hat dem Ganzen noch mal mehr gegeben als hätte man das von Date 1 bis 10 verfolgt.
Plot und Charaktere fand ich top, Schreibstil tatsächlich eher anstrengend und zu distanziert.
Mein größtes Problem mit dem Buch war tatsächlich der Schreibstil. Er ist sehr distanziert, wodurch ich einen sehr großen Abstand zu Ryan und Avery gefühlt habe und keinen wirklichen Zugang zu den beiden gefunden habe. Klar, man hat einiges über sie erfahren, auch ihre Gedanken und Gefühle, aber richtig mitfühlen konnte ich bei ihnen so gar nicht, dafür waren sie mir zu weit weg. (Dass ich das letzte Mal ein Buch von David Levithan gelesen habe, ist circa sieben Jahre her, dementsprechend kann ich nicht beurteilen, ob das ein spezielles Charakteristikum von ihm ist oder nur von diesem Buch.)
Der Stil hat auch dafür gesorgt, dass sich das Buch sehr gezogen hat und ich nicht immer so motiviert war, weiterzulesen, obwohl ich unbedingt wissen wollte, wie Avery und Ryan sich eigentlich kennengelernt haben und was sie bei ihren Dates erlebt haben. Dabei hat mir auch der nicht-chronologische Aufbau sehr gefallen, hat dem Ganzen noch mal mehr gegeben als hätte man das von Date 1 bis 10 verfolgt.
Plot und Charaktere fand ich top, Schreibstil tatsächlich eher anstrengend und zu distanziert.
October 29, 2023
un roman très chouette où l'on suit ryan et avery à travers une série de dix rendez-vous/dates remplis pour la plupart de moments très doux, puis d'autres un peu plus forts et impactants (et où j'ai dû faire une pause). la plume est plutôt fluide malgré quelques incompréhensions, et je trouve que l'histoire est facile à suivre et originale.
petit coup de cœur. (:
petit coup de cœur. (:
December 31, 2024
This book is easily 5/5 stars. I loved the idea of writing about the first ten dates. I loved the queerness, their struggles and the fun they had on their journey. It was just the comfy romance I didn’t know I needed, while also being a little different to your average romance book.
September 8, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
This was so sweet.
Refreshing with all the rep and how it was organised.
10 dates between Avery and Ryan but NOT told im order.
This was so sweet.
Refreshing with all the rep and how it was organised.
10 dates between Avery and Ryan but NOT told im order.
April 7, 2025
5 ⭐
my new favourite short book, they have my heart :(
my new favourite short book, they have my heart :(
September 22, 2024
This was so cute I loved it
August 26, 2024
“I saw you standing there and thought it might be a good place to be.”
What a treat it was to read Levithan again. This author was my Genesis for tender, Queer love stories, and Ryan and Avery felt so nostalgic and fresh all at once.
What a treat it was to read Levithan again. This author was my Genesis for tender, Queer love stories, and Ryan and Avery felt so nostalgic and fresh all at once.
March 22, 2025
This book felt like a warm hug, the hurt/comfort was amazingly written. It was such a queer filled book, something lighthearted and comforting but also realistic and the characters going through some things in their life and dealing with a long distance relationship. The love Ryan and Avery have was so strong and they were adorable together.
Also, Ryan’s parents can rot in Hell. His aunt though, was amazing and deserves all the good things in the world.
Read For
✓ Cute Dates
✓ Hurt/Comfort
✓ Strangers to Lovers
✓ Lighthearted Romance
✓ Long Distance Relationship
⚠️ Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Eating disorder, Homophobia, and Alcohol
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
Spice Level: n/a
Sad Level: 💧
Plot: 9/10
Pace: 8/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Enjoyability: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Characters: Ryan and Avery
Favorite Quote: ❝ When you have to fight for your identity and win your identity, there is always a part of you that thinks there has to be a trade-off, that by stepping away from the norm you have been sentenced, you risk stepping away from happiness as well. You feel you will have to fight harder for someone to love you. You feel you will have to bear the risk of more loneliness in order to be who you need to be. ❞
POV: Duel, Third Person
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Release Date: 12, September 2023
Rep/Extras: LGBTQIA+ characters, trans main character, gay main character, nonbinary side character
September 26, 2024
I think my biggest problem was that this book was written entirely in present tense! At first, I couldn't tell what felt off, then I realised it was the tense - I kept waiting for it to change to past like normal but it never did and I'm still not entirely sure why. Maybe it was the whole living in the moment thing or like an attempt to capture them in the present but it just felt weird throughout the entire book. It also felt like the author was trying a bit too hard to be really deep and philosophical about their relationship and lives but it kind of came off a bit cringe instead...
Also, I don't think the drama between Ryan and his parents really made much sense like they got mad at him a couple of times and then all of a sudden he runs away and instead of sorting things out he moves out to live with his aunt? Some of his decisions felt very childish (which to be honest is fair I mean he is only 16 so an actual child and so I'm not sure this is an extremely valid criticism I might just be the wrong person to read this book).
I guess their relationship was kind of cute though? And some moments between them were really embarrassingly sweet. And Avery's parents were little cuties! I thought the non-chronological structure of their first ten dates was pretty cool as well with some of their interactions really being quite adorably wholesome.
I feel really mean for this review but oh well I kind of enjoyed it and read it in literally two days, anyways just would have enjoyed it more if it was written in past tense and the author was a little bit more casual and not attempting to be quite so profound!
Also, I don't think the drama between Ryan and his parents really made much sense like they got mad at him a couple of times and then all of a sudden he runs away and instead of sorting things out he moves out to live with his aunt? Some of his decisions felt very childish (which to be honest is fair I mean he is only 16 so an actual child and so I'm not sure this is an extremely valid criticism I might just be the wrong person to read this book).
I guess their relationship was kind of cute though? And some moments between them were really embarrassingly sweet. And Avery's parents were little cuties! I thought the non-chronological structure of their first ten dates was pretty cool as well with some of their interactions really being quite adorably wholesome.
I feel really mean for this review but oh well I kind of enjoyed it and read it in literally two days, anyways just would have enjoyed it more if it was written in past tense and the author was a little bit more casual and not attempting to be quite so profound!
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