A Gay (Happy) Novel

by Samuel Oliver

Eager to start a new chapter of his life during his first year of college, Red sees a new world of opportunities on the horizon. But clouding that view is the challenge of openly accepting himself as a gay man. As he adjusts to campus life and navigates the complexities of self-discovery, Red confronts his fears, explores his sexuality, and ultimately finds the courage to embrace his true identity.Heartfelt and relatable, A Gay (Happy) Novel is a celebration of love and self-acceptance. This coming-of-age tale reminds us that sometimes, the happiest endings come from fully embracing who we really are. Perfect for fans of contemporary YA fiction, this debut is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of finding your place in the world.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not flashy or overly dramatic, but that’s what I liked about it. It’s a coming-of-age story that actually feels like coming of age: messy, funny, awkward, emotional, and sometimes just plain confusing.

[morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Here, with them, I was welcome to live my life as a proud gay man, finding his way in the world.”

[Christopher Dahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut novel is a light and quick read about Red, a young closeted gay kid heading off to college. It's a coming-of-age story that, while sometimes predictable, feels very realistic in its portrayal of self-exploration for a young gay kid. Red's journey is definitely depicted with sincerity.

There are times that may seem cringe or awkward, but it’s appropriate to the time in Red’s life where he is experiencing these things.

Some additional thoughts:
-I’m thankful for the happy ending. Sometimes I do want this without their having to be a twist, cliffhanger, or gut punch.
-it would’ve been neat to witness Red coming out to his parents, but I also understand the story did not need to include it.
-Pearl: Although it’s true that we lose touch with friends after high school and the book even discusses this, I was shocked with the lack of resolution in her character.
-Cameron: Many of us have gone through similar type of situation, but I was hoping Red would get a moment to address with Chandler on what he did to him. It wasn’t necessary, but it would’ve been great.
-Lastly, there were a few things missed in the editing stages of this book. Missing letters or random numbers attached to a word. There wasn’t enough to where it bothered me, just mentioning it.

Enjoyed the read!!!

[Domonique Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel! It grasped my attention the entire time and it was a true coming of age and self story. It’s not too heavy but also not too light where you feel like you just read a whole lot of nothing , it’s great!

[Mafalda Dias · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light but meaningful book.

[Jarrod Fenwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent story. The main character “Red” was pretty clingy and cringe.

[Jessica Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 3