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Cut Both Ways
Will Caynes never has been good with girls. At seventeen, he’s still waiting for his first kiss. He’s certainly not expecting it to happen in a drunken make-out session with his best friend, Angus. But it does and now Will’s conflicted—he knows he likes girls, but he didn’t exactly hate kissing a guy.
Then Will meets Brandy, a cute and easy-to-talk-to sophomore. He’s totally into her too—which proves, for sure, that he’s not gay. So why does he keep hooking up with Angus on the sly?
Will knows he can’t keep seeing both of them, but besides his new job in a diner, being with Brandy and Angus are the best parts of his whole messed-up life. His divorced parents just complicate everything. His father, after a series of half-baked business ventures and endless house renovations, has started drinking again. And his mom is no help—unless loading him up with a bunch of stuff he doesn’t need plus sticking him with his twin half-sisters counts as parenting. He’s been bouncing between his mom and dad for years, and neither one feels like home.
Deciding who to love, who to choose, where to live—whichever way Will goes, someone will get hurt. Himself probably the most.
Then Will meets Brandy, a cute and easy-to-talk-to sophomore. He’s totally into her too—which proves, for sure, that he’s not gay. So why does he keep hooking up with Angus on the sly?
Will knows he can’t keep seeing both of them, but besides his new job in a diner, being with Brandy and Angus are the best parts of his whole messed-up life. His divorced parents just complicate everything. His father, after a series of half-baked business ventures and endless house renovations, has started drinking again. And his mom is no help—unless loading him up with a bunch of stuff he doesn’t need plus sticking him with his twin half-sisters counts as parenting. He’s been bouncing between his mom and dad for years, and neither one feels like home.
Deciding who to love, who to choose, where to live—whichever way Will goes, someone will get hurt. Himself probably the most.
340 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2015
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November 2, 2015
I was actually hoping to be the black sheep amongst my friends when it came to Cut Both Ways. I wanted to be that lone wolf, singing praises for this book. So it's unfortunate that I have to agree with everyone else and say
this book was terrible
.
I knew going in that this book involved cheating, so I was ready for that. And I'm generally okay with unlikable characters, which is what Will essentially is. But I was really looking forward to seeing how Mesrobian handled sexuality and the boxes society likes to place it: straight, bi, gay, etc. I wanted to see that exploration and see a character struggle to understand himself and how he identified. I also wondered if this was a book that could then challenge my own views on sexuality.
It did none of this.
Cut Both Ways is the classic example of how marketing and publicity has the tendency to sell the public on a certain kind of book, when it's completely NOT that kind of book. Sure, Cut Both Ways does feature a main character, struggling with sexual identity, but it never really goes anywhere. The main conflict of the story isn't even about that or the cheating. It's about Will's broken family: his alcoholic, hoarding dad, his (in his mind) overbearing mom and his ability to run away from any and all problems.
The only sexual exploration in Cut Both Ways is Will feeling guilty about sleeping with Angus when he has a girlfriend or having sex with his girlfriend when he's feeling sorry for himself. There is inner monologue about if Will is gay or not, but it never goes further than that. He never considers that he could like both, that it could be okay to enjoy both. In fact, Will uses sex as a form of escapism from the main plot of the novel: dealing with his dad's issues. For some unknown reason, his father finishing his house remodel project seemed to be the central conflict of the novel, while everything else took a backseat.
The characters were no better, mostly serving as pawns in the story with no real purpose for their existence outside of forcing Will to react. The only character that did seem to be semi-fleshed out was Will himself, but I'd wager he's a hard character to relate to (unless you happen to be the specific reader this book was aimed at, and I really don't know what kind of reader that would be). The way he treats his girlfriend, Brandy, was infuriating, cheating aside, and he showed no signs of wanting to improve it or at least break up with her to let her move on. No, he decided that cheating on her with Angus and having her around to fuck whenever he felt horny or sad was better.
A part of me wasn't sure what to make of Will and Brandy's relationship. It developed shortly after Angus kisses Will, so initially I thought that Will hooking up with Brandy was a way for him to "not feel gay." But then he decides to willingly be her boyfriend and engage in relationship activities despite not really caring about her. And it just killed me that he could not show an ounce of feeling for her whenever she told him she care about him or even when she tells him she loves him. Nothing. He gives her nothing.
Another thing that really bothered me was Will's lack consideration for the trouble he could get Brandy in. I had no issue with Will constantly talking about how horny he was, but when you've already gotten your girlfriend in trouble by her Aunt for having sex under her roof (and she's warned you to be careful because pregnancy is a real thing that happens!) and you proceed to start feeling her up right on the porch in daylight, expecting sex right there, something is wrong with you. But let's not stop there! Because, of course, Will is so horny that he has to have it whenever nature pounds on the door like it's the po-po, so hurried sex outdoors without a condom sounds great. Just awesome. >insert pregnancy scare<
Angus only seemed slightly bothered that Will was cheating on Brandy and was more than wiling to be used for sex. To be honest, we really don't know much about how Angus feels about anything since he barely had any lines in the book and only really shows up conveniently when Will is thinking about sex.
SPOILERS from this point forward because I'm angry and I have to vent a little.
As awful as all that sounds, the Cut Both Ways still had a chance to redeem itself, or so I thought. There was still the ending that could bring at least some of these issues to a resolution. But no, that would have been too much work.
So here's the ending in a nut shell: right on the cusp of a climax, it just ends. Nothing is addressed. And just when I thought the book was finally going to dive into some of the anger-inducing issues, I flip to the next page and it's the Author's Note.
I wanted to scream.
For a book to attempt a heavy issue and then outright refuses to deal with any of it during the book nor at the end, I was shocked and felt cheated. Does Will finally break up with Brandy? Does he decide to instead stop sleeping with Angus? Does Brandy ever find out will is cheating on her? Does Will come to any sort of sexual self-acceptance? What happens now that Will's step-dad has revealed himself as a homophobe? How does his un-intentional coming out affect his relationship with his mother, father and sisters? Does Will ever admit to Angus that he is in love with him? DOES ANYTHING GET DEALT WITH?
The only thing interesting about Cut Both Ways was the author's choice to leave out the word "bi-sexual" in the story to allow the reader to "contemplate what his is and what he might be." While I was reading, it did seem kinda odd that Will never considered the possibility of being bi-sexual. It's just that in this day in age, with more people coming out and being supportive of others, that it wouldn't have not once crossed his mind. I not asking for Will to have identified himself in the story, just that I think it's odd he wouldn't have *thought* about it. And again, all this would have been nice in theory if Will even TRIED to deal with anything or if the ending didn't end right after the climax. GAH.
Just an overall disappointing read that was a complete waste of time.
Finished Copy was received via YA Books Central in exchange for an honest review.
I knew going in that this book involved cheating, so I was ready for that. And I'm generally okay with unlikable characters, which is what Will essentially is. But I was really looking forward to seeing how Mesrobian handled sexuality and the boxes society likes to place it: straight, bi, gay, etc. I wanted to see that exploration and see a character struggle to understand himself and how he identified. I also wondered if this was a book that could then challenge my own views on sexuality.
It did none of this.
Cut Both Ways is the classic example of how marketing and publicity has the tendency to sell the public on a certain kind of book, when it's completely NOT that kind of book. Sure, Cut Both Ways does feature a main character, struggling with sexual identity, but it never really goes anywhere. The main conflict of the story isn't even about that or the cheating. It's about Will's broken family: his alcoholic, hoarding dad, his (in his mind) overbearing mom and his ability to run away from any and all problems.
The only sexual exploration in Cut Both Ways is Will feeling guilty about sleeping with Angus when he has a girlfriend or having sex with his girlfriend when he's feeling sorry for himself. There is inner monologue about if Will is gay or not, but it never goes further than that. He never considers that he could like both, that it could be okay to enjoy both. In fact, Will uses sex as a form of escapism from the main plot of the novel: dealing with his dad's issues. For some unknown reason, his father finishing his house remodel project seemed to be the central conflict of the novel, while everything else took a backseat.
The characters were no better, mostly serving as pawns in the story with no real purpose for their existence outside of forcing Will to react. The only character that did seem to be semi-fleshed out was Will himself, but I'd wager he's a hard character to relate to (unless you happen to be the specific reader this book was aimed at, and I really don't know what kind of reader that would be). The way he treats his girlfriend, Brandy, was infuriating, cheating aside, and he showed no signs of wanting to improve it or at least break up with her to let her move on. No, he decided that cheating on her with Angus and having her around to fuck whenever he felt horny or sad was better.
A part of me wasn't sure what to make of Will and Brandy's relationship. It developed shortly after Angus kisses Will, so initially I thought that Will hooking up with Brandy was a way for him to "not feel gay." But then he decides to willingly be her boyfriend and engage in relationship activities despite not really caring about her. And it just killed me that he could not show an ounce of feeling for her whenever she told him she care about him or even when she tells him she loves him. Nothing. He gives her nothing.
Another thing that really bothered me was Will's lack consideration for the trouble he could get Brandy in. I had no issue with Will constantly talking about how horny he was, but when you've already gotten your girlfriend in trouble by her Aunt for having sex under her roof (and she's warned you to be careful because pregnancy is a real thing that happens!) and you proceed to start feeling her up right on the porch in daylight, expecting sex right there, something is wrong with you. But let's not stop there! Because, of course, Will is so horny that he has to have it whenever nature pounds on the door like it's the po-po, so hurried sex outdoors without a condom sounds great. Just awesome. >insert pregnancy scare<
Angus only seemed slightly bothered that Will was cheating on Brandy and was more than wiling to be used for sex. To be honest, we really don't know much about how Angus feels about anything since he barely had any lines in the book and only really shows up conveniently when Will is thinking about sex.
SPOILERS from this point forward because I'm angry and I have to vent a little.
As awful as all that sounds, the Cut Both Ways still had a chance to redeem itself, or so I thought. There was still the ending that could bring at least some of these issues to a resolution. But no, that would have been too much work.
So here's the ending in a nut shell: right on the cusp of a climax, it just ends. Nothing is addressed. And just when I thought the book was finally going to dive into some of the anger-inducing issues, I flip to the next page and it's the Author's Note.
I wanted to scream.
For a book to attempt a heavy issue and then outright refuses to deal with any of it during the book nor at the end, I was shocked and felt cheated. Does Will finally break up with Brandy? Does he decide to instead stop sleeping with Angus? Does Brandy ever find out will is cheating on her? Does Will come to any sort of sexual self-acceptance? What happens now that Will's step-dad has revealed himself as a homophobe? How does his un-intentional coming out affect his relationship with his mother, father and sisters? Does Will ever admit to Angus that he is in love with him? DOES ANYTHING GET DEALT WITH?
The only thing interesting about Cut Both Ways was the author's choice to leave out the word "bi-sexual" in the story to allow the reader to "contemplate what his is and what he might be." While I was reading, it did seem kinda odd that Will never considered the possibility of being bi-sexual. It's just that in this day in age, with more people coming out and being supportive of others, that it wouldn't have not once crossed his mind. I not asking for Will to have identified himself in the story, just that I think it's odd he wouldn't have *thought* about it. And again, all this would have been nice in theory if Will even TRIED to deal with anything or if the ending didn't end right after the climax. GAH.
Just an overall disappointing read that was a complete waste of time.
Finished Copy was received via YA Books Central in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2015
2.5 stars :(
I was ready to love this book. From the cover to the premise, I could not WAIT. But it became clear pretty early on that this book and I would not be the best of friends. The writing of this book really put me off. I guess I was expecting it would be more lyrical, a raw portrayal of self-discovery, but the word choice was so crewd and there's so much vulgar language and material. I think this was due to the (female) author trying to emphasize that she's writing from a male point-of-view, which made it seem very fake. There's a lot of unnecessary cursing and a LOT of inappropriate scenes or descriptions of inappropriate things. holy moly it's inundated.
Furthermore, I disliked how Will went about "discovering himself." He has a girlfriend, yet he cheats on her with his best friend. This entire book, Will fluctuates the two and never tells his girlfriend about the cheating. It felt very wrong and I don't support the cheating, and I also think it was a cop-out to never acknowledge by the end of the book that it was wrong to be happening at the same time.
Speaking of the ending of this book, I hated it. There's no real resolution. Everything just kind of crashes and burns and then nothing is solved, and it ends. In the author's note, the author states, "The word 'bisexual' never once appears in this story . . ." and I think that's bullshit. I think in a story that's so rare to come across in YA fiction, especially in this one where the topic is explored so crudely, bisexuality and Will's happenings upon it needs to be explained. This wasn't a self-discovery novel so much as a novel where a horny boy experiments with everyone who's interested in him, and it's sloppy and even uncomfortable to read at times because you can tell he's using people for sex and it's not genuine.
The only reason this didn't get one star is because I liked Will's backstory about having divorced parents. That entire conflict of his family being in turmoil was written very relatably and I genuinely did like Will's hardworking yet passive personality.
However, this book left a really bad taste in my mouth and i'm SUPER disappointed with it and I would not recommend this book if you're looking to read a book on bisexuality. It's a poor, poor example even though it was a quick read (when I finally got time to sit down and read it.)
I was ready to love this book. From the cover to the premise, I could not WAIT. But it became clear pretty early on that this book and I would not be the best of friends. The writing of this book really put me off. I guess I was expecting it would be more lyrical, a raw portrayal of self-discovery, but the word choice was so crewd and there's so much vulgar language and material. I think this was due to the (female) author trying to emphasize that she's writing from a male point-of-view, which made it seem very fake. There's a lot of unnecessary cursing and a LOT of inappropriate scenes or descriptions of inappropriate things. holy moly it's inundated.
Furthermore, I disliked how Will went about "discovering himself." He has a girlfriend, yet he cheats on her with his best friend. This entire book, Will fluctuates the two and never tells his girlfriend about the cheating. It felt very wrong and I don't support the cheating, and I also think it was a cop-out to never acknowledge by the end of the book that it was wrong to be happening at the same time.
Speaking of the ending of this book, I hated it. There's no real resolution. Everything just kind of crashes and burns and then nothing is solved, and it ends. In the author's note, the author states, "The word 'bisexual' never once appears in this story . . ." and I think that's bullshit. I think in a story that's so rare to come across in YA fiction, especially in this one where the topic is explored so crudely, bisexuality and Will's happenings upon it needs to be explained. This wasn't a self-discovery novel so much as a novel where a horny boy experiments with everyone who's interested in him, and it's sloppy and even uncomfortable to read at times because you can tell he's using people for sex and it's not genuine.
The only reason this didn't get one star is because I liked Will's backstory about having divorced parents. That entire conflict of his family being in turmoil was written very relatably and I genuinely did like Will's hardworking yet passive personality.
However, this book left a really bad taste in my mouth and i'm SUPER disappointed with it and I would not recommend this book if you're looking to read a book on bisexuality. It's a poor, poor example even though it was a quick read (when I finally got time to sit down and read it.)
July 27, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
“I can’t change it, the truth that I want both of them. Brandy and Angus.”
This was a YA story about a boy who had a girlfriend, but also cheated on her with his gay best friend.
Will was a bit of an odd character, and while I understood that he didn’t know if he was gay or straight or somewhere in between, kissing someone else whilst you have a girlfriend is still cheating, even if the other person in a guy not a girl.
“No one minds Angus coming over. Angus, who Taylor and Kinney love. Angus, who could be in my bed all night. And doesn’t even need an excuse.”
The storyline in this was about Will hoping back and forth between his girlfriend and his gay best friend, and not really considering how unfair this was to both of them. He seemed to just be of the opinion that if it felt good, and he wanted to do it, then he should just do it, without thought to the consequences, which wasn’t really the noblest of ideas. I also got a bit tired of the number of times Will told us how hard his dick was! I really did not need to know that!
“My dick isn’t even hard. I mean, not entirely. Not even half hard. About halfway to halfway hard.
You’re half gay, then.”
I have to say that the people I felt most sorry for were Will’s girlfriend Brandy, who had no idea that he was getting jiggy with his male best friend, and the male best friend Angus, who clearly had feelings for Will, and had to watch him cosying up to his girlfriend when only hours earlier they had been naked in bed together and doing more than just kissing!
“Half hard. Half gay. Quarter gay. Can Angus tell? Does he know? Can you sense that, when you’re gay? Because you have a dick, too, and you know how dicks act?”
The ending to this was a bit of a disappointment, because it felt like nothing was resolved! Will didn’t make an decisions regarding his sexuality, or who he wanted to be with, or anything really!
6.5 out of 10
“I can’t change it, the truth that I want both of them. Brandy and Angus.”
This was a YA story about a boy who had a girlfriend, but also cheated on her with his gay best friend.
Will was a bit of an odd character, and while I understood that he didn’t know if he was gay or straight or somewhere in between, kissing someone else whilst you have a girlfriend is still cheating, even if the other person in a guy not a girl.
“No one minds Angus coming over. Angus, who Taylor and Kinney love. Angus, who could be in my bed all night. And doesn’t even need an excuse.”
The storyline in this was about Will hoping back and forth between his girlfriend and his gay best friend, and not really considering how unfair this was to both of them. He seemed to just be of the opinion that if it felt good, and he wanted to do it, then he should just do it, without thought to the consequences, which wasn’t really the noblest of ideas. I also got a bit tired of the number of times Will told us how hard his dick was! I really did not need to know that!
“My dick isn’t even hard. I mean, not entirely. Not even half hard. About halfway to halfway hard.
You’re half gay, then.”
I have to say that the people I felt most sorry for were Will’s girlfriend Brandy, who had no idea that he was getting jiggy with his male best friend, and the male best friend Angus, who clearly had feelings for Will, and had to watch him cosying up to his girlfriend when only hours earlier they had been naked in bed together and doing more than just kissing!
“Half hard. Half gay. Quarter gay. Can Angus tell? Does he know? Can you sense that, when you’re gay? Because you have a dick, too, and you know how dicks act?”
The ending to this was a bit of a disappointment, because it felt like nothing was resolved! Will didn’t make an decisions regarding his sexuality, or who he wanted to be with, or anything really!
6.5 out of 10
May 11, 2015
This book sounded so damn good, but it ended up being rather problematic.
1) Will felt so disconnected from everything. There was no emotion at all, even though emotional things happened. It felt like he was in a fog, which just made no sense. It made the book incredibly boring, even when things happened.
2) Where is the plot??? Seriously, what was the point of this book? Books are still supposed to have actual plots, right? Where there's some sort of story, with a climax and a resolution? This book had none of that. There was nothing. Just a jumble of things happening, without any reason. And the end. Ugh, seriously, the end isn't an end. Nothing is resolved. At all. Why did I waste my time when I get nothing at the end?
3) The painfully stereotypical portrayal of bisexuality. I was so excited for this book because there needs to be more discussion of bisexuality. Bis are horribly ignored in the lgbt community and in society at large. I thought this book would help fill that void, not play up existing stereotypes. The stereotype of bisexuals is that they are promiscuous - it's impossible for them to be in a monogamous relationship, because they always want both genders. Btw, while I'm totally cool with polyamory, not all bisexuals are unable to monogamous. This book plays into this stereotype in a damaging way. Will constantly cheats on Brandy with Angus, because he just wants them both so badly. And that's another thing - both relationships seem to have no actual foundation rather than sex. Casual sex is cool and all, but being bi (or gay or straight for that matter), isn't all about sex.
And not a problem for me, but a warning to others: this book is pretty explicit about sex. I personally would not have classified it as young adult.
1) Will felt so disconnected from everything. There was no emotion at all, even though emotional things happened. It felt like he was in a fog, which just made no sense. It made the book incredibly boring, even when things happened.
2) Where is the plot??? Seriously, what was the point of this book? Books are still supposed to have actual plots, right? Where there's some sort of story, with a climax and a resolution? This book had none of that. There was nothing. Just a jumble of things happening, without any reason. And the end. Ugh, seriously, the end isn't an end. Nothing is resolved. At all. Why did I waste my time when I get nothing at the end?
3) The painfully stereotypical portrayal of bisexuality. I was so excited for this book because there needs to be more discussion of bisexuality. Bis are horribly ignored in the lgbt community and in society at large. I thought this book would help fill that void, not play up existing stereotypes. The stereotype of bisexuals is that they are promiscuous - it's impossible for them to be in a monogamous relationship, because they always want both genders. Btw, while I'm totally cool with polyamory, not all bisexuals are unable to monogamous. This book plays into this stereotype in a damaging way. Will constantly cheats on Brandy with Angus, because he just wants them both so badly. And that's another thing - both relationships seem to have no actual foundation rather than sex. Casual sex is cool and all, but being bi (or gay or straight for that matter), isn't all about sex.
And not a problem for me, but a warning to others: this book is pretty explicit about sex. I personally would not have classified it as young adult.
May 10, 2015
Badly written book about an immature brat who makes horrible life choices. I wouldn't judge the book so harshly if it wasn't for the fact that it's so pretentious. It tries too hard to be an Important Book that addresses Important Themes For Confused Teens, and I just... no. Don't read this stupid book, especially if you're a teen. There are better books out there.
And, look, I'm not a prude but there is a lot of sex in this book, and it's not safe sex. If sex is an important part of your YA book, you've got to get it right. The book and the characters make such a big deal about Will and Brandy using condoms to avoid the risk of pregnancy, but nobody ever mentions that you also use condoms to avoid STDs.
Will never says that he uses a condom when he has sex with Angus. (Oral sex counts as sex, kids.) If he has unprotected sex with his boyfriend, and then he has unprotected sex with his girlfriend, and he doesn't even know who else Angus and Brandy might have had sex with... just... no. Everyone freaks out about the stupidest things in this book, but not one single character worries about herpes, and... really, they should.
If you're writing a book aimed at teens, because there's not many books about bisexual kids exploring their sexuality or whatever, you should be aware of what else teens lack: sex ed about gay sex. And yet this book falls in the obvious trap. If you're a straight couple then you should use condoms; if you're a gay couple... eh, who cares. I'm really, really disappointed about how this was handled. And also about the unlikeable characters and the terrible editing and the meandering plot that goes nowhere. But mostly about how immature the whole book felt.
And, look, I'm not a prude but there is a lot of sex in this book, and it's not safe sex. If sex is an important part of your YA book, you've got to get it right. The book and the characters make such a big deal about Will and Brandy using condoms to avoid the risk of pregnancy, but nobody ever mentions that you also use condoms to avoid STDs.
Will never says that he uses a condom when he has sex with Angus. (Oral sex counts as sex, kids.) If he has unprotected sex with his boyfriend, and then he has unprotected sex with his girlfriend, and he doesn't even know who else Angus and Brandy might have had sex with... just... no. Everyone freaks out about the stupidest things in this book, but not one single character worries about herpes, and... really, they should.
If you're writing a book aimed at teens, because there's not many books about bisexual kids exploring their sexuality or whatever, you should be aware of what else teens lack: sex ed about gay sex. And yet this book falls in the obvious trap. If you're a straight couple then you should use condoms; if you're a gay couple... eh, who cares. I'm really, really disappointed about how this was handled. And also about the unlikeable characters and the terrible editing and the meandering plot that goes nowhere. But mostly about how immature the whole book felt.
Read
April 20, 2015DNF at 92%
December 21, 2015
It is hard to read a book when, at first, you realize the narrator speaks, thinks, acts, reacts exactly the same as you do. Will Caynes is more than just my spirit animal; Will Caynes is my life. Every frame of this paginated film portrays experiences I've witnessed, felt, or partaken of. Will's mother IS my mother, top to bottom. Tom (Will's dad) and Garrett's friendship reminds me too much of my dad and his closest friends. That pivotal moment with Jay yelling, Tess yelling, Will sometimes yelling but mostly embarrassed into silence = MY LIFE. I lived that moment, over and over and over again. Angus, the boy in love with the wrong boy who happens also to be his best friend, I've been. In many ways, Angus I still am. I'm not sure I know how NOT to be Angus.
Sorry if this review is in no way helpful to you. This book was so personal, it's as if my dearest friend wrote me a love note.
Thank you, Carrie Mesrobian. You can't possibly know or understand how much you've effected my life by writing this book.
Sorry if this review is in no way helpful to you. This book was so personal, it's as if my dearest friend wrote me a love note.
Thank you, Carrie Mesrobian. You can't possibly know or understand how much you've effected my life by writing this book.
June 10, 2015
2.5 stars
For a subject I am passionate about, this book bored me to tears. The writing was so bare and emotionless; it felt like reading a stream of high school boy consciousness rather than any coherent narrative. I felt zero emotion from Will--it was like reading a play by play of events, like he was watching things happen to him rather than experiencing anything. So little introspection. So passive. I wanted to hit pause, sit Will down and ask him how he felt about everything.
And what was that ending? Can you call it an ending if there wasn't any story to begin with?
Very strange choices happening here.
For a subject I am passionate about, this book bored me to tears. The writing was so bare and emotionless; it felt like reading a stream of high school boy consciousness rather than any coherent narrative. I felt zero emotion from Will--it was like reading a play by play of events, like he was watching things happen to him rather than experiencing anything. So little introspection. So passive. I wanted to hit pause, sit Will down and ask him how he felt about everything.
And what was that ending? Can you call it an ending if there wasn't any story to begin with?
Very strange choices happening here.
September 17, 2015
The advance reviews for Cut Both Ways have been less than stellar, but I kept my hopes up since I’d liked Mesrobian’s prior novels and BISEXUAL LOVE TRIANGLE YES YES. Well, sadly, I very much see why the early reviews aren’t that great. I was actually feeling pretty 3 star about it, but the more I’ve been thinking about this book, the less I like it. The ending was horrible and, with the time I’ve had to think about it, I’ve just gotten angrier and angrier about how this book turned out. The following will be a rant with spoilers, if you can even call spoiling this particular ending spoiling.
What Cut Both Ways does very very right is horniness. Mesrobian never shies away from anything, and the horniness of the MC is always right in your face, which personally I love. I mean, I know that I was thinking about sex a lot as a teen, even though I wasn’t having it. Also, there are a lot of sexual acts in this book. A lot a lot. I’m thrilled that there are guy on guy hook ups without any of that fade to black shit too. Will’s bisexuality was what interested me and what made me care; I hurt for this confused boy who doesn’t even know bisexuality is a thing. Everyone else I know who has read this book was bored, but I actually wasn’t and read it pretty quickly, and still it all went to shit.
However, it really annoys me that he never realizes that there isn’t just gay or straight, because what’s the point then? How will this book help kids confused like Will is? Yes, I know that Will is in the phase of questioning. He might not even BE bisexual. It could be that Angus is an exception. The problem is that there’s no discussion of any type of sexuality outside of being straight or gay. Even if you decide a label doesn’t work for you, you’d likely consider it and WHY it didn’t work for you. It’s hugely problematic for a book about a character attracted to people of both genders to not recognize the existence of bisexuality or anything outside of straight or gay.
Outside of his sexuality, though, Will’s lacking in personality. Will doesn’t know what we wants, aside from sex. He mostly doesn’t have opinions and he’s looking for more ways to not have to make choices about things. He doesn’t even know his close friends all that well. In general, he’s disconnected. It’s not even like he’s a particularly nice guy, since he’s cheating on his girlfriend through most of the book, though I actually didn’t mind that as much in this scenario, because they’re teens and obviously Will doesn’t have anything figured out. If you’ve read Mesrobian’s prior novels, Will is a lot like them, only there’s literally nothing to him aside from the horniness.
Worse, though, is that, viewed through the flat character that is Will, everything is flat. He thinks more lovingly of looking for strawberry ice cream at the diner than he ever does about either of his lovers. Brandy comes across as nothing but needy and desperate, despite her sad back story and interest in photography. Will only cares about her because sex. Angus is supposedly his best friend on top of being a fuckbuddy, but I know even less about Angus, I think.
The thing that kills me, though, because I did really find the book interesting even though I didn’t find Will himself remotely interesting, is how much the ending sort of makes all of that pointless. I kept waiting for Will to grow in some way but he doesn’t. There is no character development at all. For anyone. Will doesn’t even finally dump Brandy so that he can admit his love for Angus, nor does he give up Angus or end things with both. An open ending to the romance would have been fine if he reached some sort of resolution with his parents or himself, but there’s really nothing.
The book ends and he’s in the same place he was when it started, except that he now regularly partakes in sexual acts. The only thing that really happened over the course of the book is that he realized he was into Angus and liked working in a diner. Like, one of the last things that happened is he got sort of kicked out of his mom and stepdad’s house for his naked photos of Angus aaaaand we will never know what happens with that. Let’s just close on his stepfather shouting homophobic things, because that sounds like a really great place to leave off with the “gay” storyline. Open endings can work, but this one does not. Like, yes, life IS open-ended, but Will has been through a lot of shit and it would be normal to change and grow through that. It’s not realistic for him to not change in the slightest. SERIOUSLY THERE IS NO RESOLUTION TO ANYTHING AT ALL EVER, NOT WITH HIS FAMILY, NOT WITH HIS ROMANCE, NOT WITH HIS FUTURE, NOT WITHIN HIMSELF.
Plotless books only work if the characters have a lot of personality. I still maintain I would read a book about two people in an empty room talking, so long as there was voice like whoa, and love it, but, if there’s not plot, there needs to be character development. To me, a successful book needs to resolve something or open up your mind about something or tell a good story or just be entertaining, and Cut Both Ways did none of this. I literally do not know what the point of this is, aside from being penis feels literary award bait. But hey, that’s just me. If you like your novels without plot or character development and DO like a lot of details that are pertinent to nothing for 350 pages, by all means have at it.
If Cut Both Ways were a song, it would be Ben Folds’ Rockin’ the Suburbs, but totally unironic, because, you know, it really is hard being male, middle class, and white. Do I recommend Cut Both Ways? The only reason I’d recommend picking this up would be to skim for the sex scenes. But you’re probably better off just not.
What Cut Both Ways does very very right is horniness. Mesrobian never shies away from anything, and the horniness of the MC is always right in your face, which personally I love. I mean, I know that I was thinking about sex a lot as a teen, even though I wasn’t having it. Also, there are a lot of sexual acts in this book. A lot a lot. I’m thrilled that there are guy on guy hook ups without any of that fade to black shit too. Will’s bisexuality was what interested me and what made me care; I hurt for this confused boy who doesn’t even know bisexuality is a thing. Everyone else I know who has read this book was bored, but I actually wasn’t and read it pretty quickly, and still it all went to shit.
However, it really annoys me that he never realizes that there isn’t just gay or straight, because what’s the point then? How will this book help kids confused like Will is? Yes, I know that Will is in the phase of questioning. He might not even BE bisexual. It could be that Angus is an exception. The problem is that there’s no discussion of any type of sexuality outside of being straight or gay. Even if you decide a label doesn’t work for you, you’d likely consider it and WHY it didn’t work for you. It’s hugely problematic for a book about a character attracted to people of both genders to not recognize the existence of bisexuality or anything outside of straight or gay.
Outside of his sexuality, though, Will’s lacking in personality. Will doesn’t know what we wants, aside from sex. He mostly doesn’t have opinions and he’s looking for more ways to not have to make choices about things. He doesn’t even know his close friends all that well. In general, he’s disconnected. It’s not even like he’s a particularly nice guy, since he’s cheating on his girlfriend through most of the book, though I actually didn’t mind that as much in this scenario, because they’re teens and obviously Will doesn’t have anything figured out. If you’ve read Mesrobian’s prior novels, Will is a lot like them, only there’s literally nothing to him aside from the horniness.
Worse, though, is that, viewed through the flat character that is Will, everything is flat. He thinks more lovingly of looking for strawberry ice cream at the diner than he ever does about either of his lovers. Brandy comes across as nothing but needy and desperate, despite her sad back story and interest in photography. Will only cares about her because sex. Angus is supposedly his best friend on top of being a fuckbuddy, but I know even less about Angus, I think.
The thing that kills me, though, because I did really find the book interesting even though I didn’t find Will himself remotely interesting, is how much the ending sort of makes all of that pointless. I kept waiting for Will to grow in some way but he doesn’t. There is no character development at all. For anyone. Will doesn’t even finally dump Brandy so that he can admit his love for Angus, nor does he give up Angus or end things with both. An open ending to the romance would have been fine if he reached some sort of resolution with his parents or himself, but there’s really nothing.
The book ends and he’s in the same place he was when it started, except that he now regularly partakes in sexual acts. The only thing that really happened over the course of the book is that he realized he was into Angus and liked working in a diner. Like, one of the last things that happened is he got sort of kicked out of his mom and stepdad’s house for his naked photos of Angus aaaaand we will never know what happens with that. Let’s just close on his stepfather shouting homophobic things, because that sounds like a really great place to leave off with the “gay” storyline. Open endings can work, but this one does not. Like, yes, life IS open-ended, but Will has been through a lot of shit and it would be normal to change and grow through that. It’s not realistic for him to not change in the slightest. SERIOUSLY THERE IS NO RESOLUTION TO ANYTHING AT ALL EVER, NOT WITH HIS FAMILY, NOT WITH HIS ROMANCE, NOT WITH HIS FUTURE, NOT WITHIN HIMSELF.
Plotless books only work if the characters have a lot of personality. I still maintain I would read a book about two people in an empty room talking, so long as there was voice like whoa, and love it, but, if there’s not plot, there needs to be character development. To me, a successful book needs to resolve something or open up your mind about something or tell a good story or just be entertaining, and Cut Both Ways did none of this. I literally do not know what the point of this is, aside from being penis feels literary award bait. But hey, that’s just me. If you like your novels without plot or character development and DO like a lot of details that are pertinent to nothing for 350 pages, by all means have at it.
If Cut Both Ways were a song, it would be Ben Folds’ Rockin’ the Suburbs, but totally unironic, because, you know, it really is hard being male, middle class, and white. Do I recommend Cut Both Ways? The only reason I’d recommend picking this up would be to skim for the sex scenes. But you’re probably better off just not.
March 30, 2016
SPOILER WARNING: This "review" is nothing but spoilers. They're behind a cut on Goodreads, but out in the open elsewhere.
If you're looking for closure, you won't find it here. The story kind of trails off, and might bother some readers. It works fine for me, though,
If you're looking for closure, you won't find it here. The story kind of trails off, and might bother some readers. It works fine for me, though,
January 11, 2019
Rep: male bi mc, gay li
i'm so disappointed by this book. i was looking forward to it so much but it's literally like the author just goes "ah bisexuality -> cheating" and there's not much else to it. neither is there really a conclusion to anything and it's so frustrating. there are no stakes () and so nothing gets resolved. not to mention the mc is a dickhead and a creep who is continually lusting over girls' bodies, like every time a female character is introduced, there's a whole description of how hot they look, i mean o_O (he's 18 by the end of the book, and his girlfriend is only 16...........). and there is so much sex i can't believe. (also, i get that it's "realistic" to have no conclusion, but we aren't talking real life here, we're talking fiction and i at least would like some satisfactory conclusion to what i read. //rant over.)
the only reason this book gets 1.5 stars instead of just 1, is because the bits where it wasn't the mc going on about angus and brandy were pretty interesting. i'd have liked the emphasis to have been on the family relationships tbh, and also more warning .
what a shame really because i was so excited about this book, and really the best thing about it is its cover.
(p.s. here are some quotes too: "half hard. half gay. quarter gay", "what?" i ask, rearranging her so i can feel her boobs better on my chest", "i feel lazy. strange. like a king, and she's my servant". if i ever meet a guy who thinks/talks like this, i'm running as fast as i can in the opposite direction.)
(p.p.s. i don't know why but will gave me the vibes of one of those guys you hear about on the news, who are "nice guys" and think women owe them sex...)
i'm so disappointed by this book. i was looking forward to it so much but it's literally like the author just goes "ah bisexuality -> cheating" and there's not much else to it. neither is there really a conclusion to anything and it's so frustrating. there are no stakes () and so nothing gets resolved. not to mention the mc is a dickhead and a creep who is continually lusting over girls' bodies, like every time a female character is introduced, there's a whole description of how hot they look, i mean o_O (he's 18 by the end of the book, and his girlfriend is only 16...........). and there is so much sex i can't believe. (also, i get that it's "realistic" to have no conclusion, but we aren't talking real life here, we're talking fiction and i at least would like some satisfactory conclusion to what i read. //rant over.)
the only reason this book gets 1.5 stars instead of just 1, is because the bits where it wasn't the mc going on about angus and brandy were pretty interesting. i'd have liked the emphasis to have been on the family relationships tbh, and also more warning .
what a shame really because i was so excited about this book, and really the best thing about it is its cover.
(p.s. here are some quotes too: "half hard. half gay. quarter gay", "what?" i ask, rearranging her so i can feel her boobs better on my chest", "i feel lazy. strange. like a king, and she's my servant". if i ever meet a guy who thinks/talks like this, i'm running as fast as i can in the opposite direction.)
(p.p.s. i don't know why but will gave me the vibes of one of those guys you hear about on the news, who are "nice guys" and think women owe them sex...)
March 21, 2016
A copy of this novel was provided by HarperCollins for review via Edelweiss.
When I finished Cut Both Ways I was shaking. Shaking in fucking anger, I tell you. And then I thought to myself: what did I just read? Followed closely by: why did I just read this?
For some reason, I thought, shortly thereafter: I shall rate this book Two Stars.
Now, I’m thinking: what? Why two stars when it had me shaking in fury. When it had absolutely no point. When the main character was an absolute asshole. I don’t know what past-Chiara was thinking, but I’ll go with the two stars because I stick to my ratings (even if they’re incomprehensible).
What I liked about Cut Both Ways:
- Will. I did. I quite liked him. The way he looked at things was quite funny, and I found myself attractively laugh-snorting at a few of his quips. But that is where the liking ends. Although I'll get to that in a bit.
- Angus. Cute as shit gay musician that owns a piece of my heart for being so god damn adorable.
- The sex. I was proud of the author and publisher for not erasing both hetero and m/m sex in this book. It was lovely.
That’s it.
What I disliked about Cut Both Ways:
- Will. He was an insufferable asshole most of the time. He had absolutely no concern for anyone but himself. I’m almost certain that under the definition of ‘selfish’, Cut Both Ways is sitting there in all its awful Will glory. Asshat.
-The plot. In way of which there was no plot. I got to read about house renovations that I could not give TWO SHITS ABOUT. I got to read about Will cutting tomatoes and frying potatoes that I could not give TWO SHITS ABOUT. I got to read about some guy who went to Sweden and got it off with cousins or some crap that I could not give TWO SHITS ABOUT. There was just so much pointless crap in this novel it was actually painful.
- The bisexual representation. If you’re bi, that does not mean you want both a girlfriend and a boyfriend. It does not mean you therefore cheat on both a girl and a guy because “you want both of them but not together – forever”. It means you’re sexually attracted to both males and females. Simple, if you ask me. Sure, everyone can be attracted to more than one person, but you don’t need to be completely screwing with their emotions by being with both of them at the same time. And I just feel like Cut Both Ways is giving out the completely wrong message about what being bisexual actually means. It’s not about having both a guy and a girl to have sex with. This pissed me off to no end.
- The lack of bisexual representation. Yes, Will is bi. No, the word ‘bisexual’ is never used in this book. The author said that this was to give an example of bisexual erasure (which is a thing, by god is it a thing). But really? You don’t think it’s worth letting Will come to terms with the fact that he’s not hetero with Brandy and he’s not gay with Angus? That he’s simply bisexual with both of them? You don’t think it’s worth HELPING TO ERADICATE the bisexual erasure that we’re confronted with on a daily basis? Yeah, I am so not fucking appreciative of this.
- Homophobia/biphobia (I don't differentiate here, even though they are different because it wasn't made clear which aspect of Will's relationship with Angus was the catalyst for the reaction). Now, this is a bit odd to include because parents and step-parents are homophobic/biphobic so it’s not a gripe I had with the book, per se, more with the characters. At least it made me feel something, I suppose. After I finished the book, I went onto Goodreads and raged a whole bunch (and swore a lot) about how I feel about homophobia and biphobia in relation to parents. Which is basically: if you have a kid, you can’t expect them to pop out conforming to our society’s norms of heterosexuality and cisgenderism. Just no, okay? If you cannot accept your child no matter who they are then you’re not fit to have a child at all.
All in all I was really freaking disappointed in Cut Both Ways because I thought we’d finally have a great pro-bisexual book for the YA genre – from a guy’s perspective. But nope. We got a shit storm of crap instead. Joy of joys.
© 2015, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
When I finished Cut Both Ways I was shaking. Shaking in fucking anger, I tell you. And then I thought to myself: what did I just read? Followed closely by: why did I just read this?
For some reason, I thought, shortly thereafter: I shall rate this book Two Stars.
Now, I’m thinking: what? Why two stars when it had me shaking in fury. When it had absolutely no point. When the main character was an absolute asshole. I don’t know what past-Chiara was thinking, but I’ll go with the two stars because I stick to my ratings (even if they’re incomprehensible).
What I liked about Cut Both Ways:
- Will. I did. I quite liked him. The way he looked at things was quite funny, and I found myself attractively laugh-snorting at a few of his quips. But that is where the liking ends. Although I'll get to that in a bit.
- Angus. Cute as shit gay musician that owns a piece of my heart for being so god damn adorable.
- The sex. I was proud of the author and publisher for not erasing both hetero and m/m sex in this book. It was lovely.
That’s it.
What I disliked about Cut Both Ways:
- Will. He was an insufferable asshole most of the time. He had absolutely no concern for anyone but himself. I’m almost certain that under the definition of ‘selfish’, Cut Both Ways is sitting there in all its awful Will glory. Asshat.
-The plot. In way of which there was no plot. I got to read about house renovations that I could not give TWO SHITS ABOUT. I got to read about Will cutting tomatoes and frying potatoes that I could not give TWO SHITS ABOUT. I got to read about some guy who went to Sweden and got it off with cousins or some crap that I could not give TWO SHITS ABOUT. There was just so much pointless crap in this novel it was actually painful.
- The bisexual representation. If you’re bi, that does not mean you want both a girlfriend and a boyfriend. It does not mean you therefore cheat on both a girl and a guy because “you want both of them but not together – forever”. It means you’re sexually attracted to both males and females. Simple, if you ask me. Sure, everyone can be attracted to more than one person, but you don’t need to be completely screwing with their emotions by being with both of them at the same time. And I just feel like Cut Both Ways is giving out the completely wrong message about what being bisexual actually means. It’s not about having both a guy and a girl to have sex with. This pissed me off to no end.
- The lack of bisexual representation. Yes, Will is bi. No, the word ‘bisexual’ is never used in this book. The author said that this was to give an example of bisexual erasure (which is a thing, by god is it a thing). But really? You don’t think it’s worth letting Will come to terms with the fact that he’s not hetero with Brandy and he’s not gay with Angus? That he’s simply bisexual with both of them? You don’t think it’s worth HELPING TO ERADICATE the bisexual erasure that we’re confronted with on a daily basis? Yeah, I am so not fucking appreciative of this.
- Homophobia/biphobia (I don't differentiate here, even though they are different because it wasn't made clear which aspect of Will's relationship with Angus was the catalyst for the reaction). Now, this is a bit odd to include because parents and step-parents are homophobic/biphobic so it’s not a gripe I had with the book, per se, more with the characters. At least it made me feel something, I suppose. After I finished the book, I went onto Goodreads and raged a whole bunch (and swore a lot) about how I feel about homophobia and biphobia in relation to parents. Which is basically: if you have a kid, you can’t expect them to pop out conforming to our society’s norms of heterosexuality and cisgenderism. Just no, okay? If you cannot accept your child no matter who they are then you’re not fit to have a child at all.
All in all I was really freaking disappointed in Cut Both Ways because I thought we’d finally have a great pro-bisexual book for the YA genre – from a guy’s perspective. But nope. We got a shit storm of crap instead. Joy of joys.
© 2015, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
November 5, 2015
I can't believe I'm about to complain about a YA book not focusing enough on the love triangle.
I'd heard about this book floating around ever since it was announced and I read the blurb on goodreads. I sort of have a soft spot for LGBT YA, I mean I know i'm not it's target audience anymore and the stories are usually overly cliche and tend to end on the cheesy side, but I can't help it, once I start one, I get involved. This one interested me from the start because it tells the story of Will, a guy who drunkenly kisses his gay best friend, and then kisses a girl called Brandy, he then decides he loves them both, and proceeds to string them both along. The idea of a bisexual love triangle was, at least to me, a new and interesting idea, but you find it's only a small part of the novel.
The novel primarily deals with and focuses on Will's home life, specifically the state of his parent's relationship after their divorce, and while interesting at first, it soon turns to the melodramatic and overly angsty side of things and I found myself skimming entire sections because a lot of drama just gets repeated. It feels like you're reading the same argument over and over again, or the same proclamation of how much his father drinks, yes it's sad, but the author fails to engage us in an interesting way and it feels like a background story that gets given way to much page time.
The more interesting aspect of the novel is the bisexual love triangle, but even this is not without it's faults. The novel almost starts with a literal bang as Will and his gay friend Angus get high in a park and Will ends up engaging in his first kiss with a guy he's never really thought about sexually before. I thought the beginning of the novel was well done and dealt with Will's confusion in a realistic manner. Even after Will begins to date a girl Brandy, it feels realistic and Brandy as a whole is a fleshed out character. The problem however (and there are a few spoilers here) is that Will decides pretty early on that he's actually in love with Angus and you can tell that's where he will eventually end up...but Brandy ends up being more of a prominent character, meaning that we don't quite understand the love Will has. It also makes us disassociate from Will emotionally as he openly admits to being a cheater and not wanting to make a decision between the two. I feel like after Will decided who he wanted, the rest of the novel truly dragged to it's conclusion, there was too much emotional drama (potential teenage pregnancy? The awkward coming out?) that wasn't particularly needed for the story.
Then there's the ending. I was thinking of giving this book 2.5 stars or maybe even a three as I really did enjoy the writing style, and hell, I read it in one sitting, but the ending seems to me to be the biggest non-ending in all of the books I've read this year. The story is about a LOVE TRIANGLE. It NEEDS a conclusion. In the end, it just felt like a glimpse into these characters lives that was too long/not long enough. It needed more resolution and if it had that, my score maybe higher. As it is though, two stars is as good as it's getting for this one.
I'd heard about this book floating around ever since it was announced and I read the blurb on goodreads. I sort of have a soft spot for LGBT YA, I mean I know i'm not it's target audience anymore and the stories are usually overly cliche and tend to end on the cheesy side, but I can't help it, once I start one, I get involved. This one interested me from the start because it tells the story of Will, a guy who drunkenly kisses his gay best friend, and then kisses a girl called Brandy, he then decides he loves them both, and proceeds to string them both along. The idea of a bisexual love triangle was, at least to me, a new and interesting idea, but you find it's only a small part of the novel.
The novel primarily deals with and focuses on Will's home life, specifically the state of his parent's relationship after their divorce, and while interesting at first, it soon turns to the melodramatic and overly angsty side of things and I found myself skimming entire sections because a lot of drama just gets repeated. It feels like you're reading the same argument over and over again, or the same proclamation of how much his father drinks, yes it's sad, but the author fails to engage us in an interesting way and it feels like a background story that gets given way to much page time.
The more interesting aspect of the novel is the bisexual love triangle, but even this is not without it's faults. The novel almost starts with a literal bang as Will and his gay friend Angus get high in a park and Will ends up engaging in his first kiss with a guy he's never really thought about sexually before. I thought the beginning of the novel was well done and dealt with Will's confusion in a realistic manner. Even after Will begins to date a girl Brandy, it feels realistic and Brandy as a whole is a fleshed out character. The problem however (and there are a few spoilers here) is that Will decides pretty early on that he's actually in love with Angus and you can tell that's where he will eventually end up...but Brandy ends up being more of a prominent character, meaning that we don't quite understand the love Will has. It also makes us disassociate from Will emotionally as he openly admits to being a cheater and not wanting to make a decision between the two. I feel like after Will decided who he wanted, the rest of the novel truly dragged to it's conclusion, there was too much emotional drama (potential teenage pregnancy? The awkward coming out?) that wasn't particularly needed for the story.
Then there's the ending. I was thinking of giving this book 2.5 stars or maybe even a three as I really did enjoy the writing style, and hell, I read it in one sitting, but the ending seems to me to be the biggest non-ending in all of the books I've read this year. The story is about a LOVE TRIANGLE. It NEEDS a conclusion. In the end, it just felt like a glimpse into these characters lives that was too long/not long enough. It needed more resolution and if it had that, my score maybe higher. As it is though, two stars is as good as it's getting for this one.
June 13, 2021
So this was bad, VERY BAD.
In the book, we follow Mr. Jerk: Will Caynes. Or as I like to call him, the biggest douchebag in the entire universe. Will is that kid who sees a woman and the first thing that comes to his mind is the woman's body or as said in the book, 'tits.'
Basically, Will is a big cheater, cheating on his girlfriend to be with his gay best friend, and that is kind of where the plot is. So after finishing the book and completely hating it, I thought, well maybe books about cheating are not for me. But no! I took a view at the overall ratings and they were what you could expect: an overall rating of 2.92 stars.
Anyways, let me continue on my ranting about Will.
Will is the kind of guy that cares only about sex and himself, at least he admits it in the book, but how in the name of baby jesus did the author think he would be a likeable character?!
Then we have Angus, the gay 'friend.' Angus is okay. I do not love him or hate him. All we get to know about him is that he plays in a band, his parents are rich, and he is in love with Will.
Brandy is also okay. Don't love her, don't hate her. She has messed up parents, apparently loves Target and is also in love with Will. Oh boy.
Then we have the awful mess of writing, HOW DID THIS GET PUBLISHED?! The writing is so horrible and cringe, just take a look at these sentences:
Can you sense that, when you're gay? Because you have a dick too, and you know how dicks act?
I've got the shouting in my head again. FUCK. WANT TO. FUCK
Who writes that?
Anyways, I really think this book puts all bisexuals in a very bad spot. And please avoid this trash. PLEASEEEEEEEEE.
August 10, 2015
WARNING: Mature content in this book and likewise talked about in this review. Recommended age 17+
*Full review @ The Story Goes...
**An advance copy of this book was provided via Edelweiss for review**
This book follows 17-year-old Will or The Supreme Douchebag. Will's never kissed anyone and he definitely wasn't expecting his first kiss to be with his best friend Angus, who is gay. Will doesn't think he's gay, but he does like kissing Angus. Angus is not a supreme douchebag, but his character is as well developed as a blank piece of paper, ditto to Brandy, Will's first girlfriend. See Will act like a douche, see Will sleep around, see Will get moody, don't see Will grow as a character.
I had high hopes for this book, because the premise? Amazing. I actually did enjoying reading this, being snarky in my own head, leaving myself all kinds of notes for the book, it was loads of fun. Now, I get that teenage guys think about sex but that doesn't mean a male characters whole personality has to revolve around it. Seriously, Will's personality begins and ends with wanting it.
Overall this book is about Will having sex and the few things that happen in between him sleeping with his girlfriend and his best friend. It's not horribly written but nothing outstanding. There's no character development for Will or anyone else. Will is the supreme douchebag. I don't know what the moral of this story was supposed to be but I obviously missed it, along with the plot.
Would I Recommend This? Nope.
*Full review @ The Story Goes...
*Full review @ The Story Goes...
**An advance copy of this book was provided via Edelweiss for review**
This book follows 17-year-old Will or The Supreme Douchebag. Will's never kissed anyone and he definitely wasn't expecting his first kiss to be with his best friend Angus, who is gay. Will doesn't think he's gay, but he does like kissing Angus. Angus is not a supreme douchebag, but his character is as well developed as a blank piece of paper, ditto to Brandy, Will's first girlfriend. See Will act like a douche, see Will sleep around, see Will get moody, don't see Will grow as a character.
I had high hopes for this book, because the premise? Amazing. I actually did enjoying reading this, being snarky in my own head, leaving myself all kinds of notes for the book, it was loads of fun. Now, I get that teenage guys think about sex but that doesn't mean a male characters whole personality has to revolve around it. Seriously, Will's personality begins and ends with wanting it.
Overall this book is about Will having sex and the few things that happen in between him sleeping with his girlfriend and his best friend. It's not horribly written but nothing outstanding. There's no character development for Will or anyone else. Will is the supreme douchebag. I don't know what the moral of this story was supposed to be but I obviously missed it, along with the plot.
Would I Recommend This? Nope.
*Full review @ The Story Goes...
September 1, 2015
I really was pulling for this book. Even when I started seeing negative reviews of CUT BOTH WAYS coming in, I still had hope. But unfortunately all I got was justification for all the 1 and 2 star reviews.
Will is a jerk. There's no other way to say it - well, there is, but I'm gonna try to keep the cursing and swearing down to a minimum in case there are children around.
If this was a book about Will struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and how it affects his family friends and relationships, I could respect it and encourage others to read it. But this is the book about a boy who is confused, but instead of trying to really work it out, he keeps screwing around on his girlfriend with his best friend and vice versa.
Will never holds himself accountable. Poor Will - everything happens to him and he's simply defenseless to stop it.
No, Will, grow up. The lack of character growth is what destroyed this for me. Will is a self-involved, narcissistic main character who only cares about Will.
I'm frankly a little insulted on behalf of the male community because this book basically says sexuality is fluid depending on which gender is going down on you, because that's all Will seemed to care about. He was straight when his girlfriend wanted to fool around and he was gay when he wanted to get down with Angus.
Pass. Hard pass.
Will is a jerk. There's no other way to say it - well, there is, but I'm gonna try to keep the cursing and swearing down to a minimum in case there are children around.
If this was a book about Will struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and how it affects his family friends and relationships, I could respect it and encourage others to read it. But this is the book about a boy who is confused, but instead of trying to really work it out, he keeps screwing around on his girlfriend with his best friend and vice versa.
Will never holds himself accountable. Poor Will - everything happens to him and he's simply defenseless to stop it.
No, Will, grow up. The lack of character growth is what destroyed this for me. Will is a self-involved, narcissistic main character who only cares about Will.
I'm frankly a little insulted on behalf of the male community because this book basically says sexuality is fluid depending on which gender is going down on you, because that's all Will seemed to care about. He was straight when his girlfriend wanted to fool around and he was gay when he wanted to get down with Angus.
Pass. Hard pass.
October 3, 2015
just skimmed in the end. didn't grab at me. the mc was too TMI.. too much 'need sex' and 'jerking off'. i get that he's a teenage boy but i didn't like being in this horny boy's mind. plus he cheats on his girlfriend the whole time and never gets a serious consequence from her or Angus- i mean yeah, his parents kick him out but he stays with both of them, with Brandy having no idea about Angus.
I'm pretty sure. i did skim. not the book for me, but props for having a male bisexual character. there are a few guy povs in YA, a handful of gay male povs, and rarely a bisexual guy. good on you for that, but did not like this book.
I'm pretty sure. i did skim. not the book for me, but props for having a male bisexual character. there are a few guy povs in YA, a handful of gay male povs, and rarely a bisexual guy. good on you for that, but did not like this book.
Read
May 26, 2016Mesrobian is a strong writer. There are no false notes in this book about a teen with divorced parents splitting his time between two very different homes. All the kids talk like kids, think like kids, carry on relationships like a kid would.
But I definitely got a little depressed reading this one. It was like a really long, warm hike in the hills with the sun trained on the back of your neck throughout. There were beautiful moments -- Will and Brandy's courtship, Will's newfound pride in himself after thriving in his job at the diner. But for me Cut Both Ways just kind of wallowed in its gloom too much.
But I definitely got a little depressed reading this one. It was like a really long, warm hike in the hills with the sun trained on the back of your neck throughout. There were beautiful moments -- Will and Brandy's courtship, Will's newfound pride in himself after thriving in his job at the diner. But for me Cut Both Ways just kind of wallowed in its gloom too much.
August 6, 2016
Ugh...I got to page 36 and I was done. I only got 11 percent of the way through. I heard this book involves cheating, and I am NOT up for that. At all. There is no excuse for cheating in any format, in any way. Also, this boy. Ugh. While I get that Will is a teenager, I don't appreciate how he basically views girls as sex objects. When Brandy is first introduced in the story, he talks about her as a younger, sexy girl. But he just stares at her the whole time in a disgusting way. Says nothing about her personality, just her body. "I'm looking at her tits." "Her boobs push together in her bikini."
Yo I'm sorry but I did not sign up for this misogynist bullshit aight? Aight.
Yo I'm sorry but I did not sign up for this misogynist bullshit aight? Aight.
August 31, 2015
Review also appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a copy via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Ah, this book.
Going into Cut Both Ways by Carrie Mesrobian, I was intrigued. I knew that this story was going to offer a different kind of story, especially because of the interesting synopsis. The synopsis pulled me in and the slow pacing and immature and blunt writing made me want it to end. But what does one do with a book that had so much potential before we were introduced to the first chapter? You continue reading it because you hope that it somehow becomes the best book you've ever read.
Will, the protagonist, is introduced as a character with a major dilemma: He may or may not have liked the fact that his best friend, Angus, kissed him while they were both drunk and high. He can't decide if he's gay or not and when he starts dating Brandy, his confusion only grows. Not once is the idea that Will could be bisexual introduced--which is just fantastic for readers who are looking for a protagonist that might make them feel more comfortable about their own confusing situations . This book, of all the buckets of potential it had, could have been a great go-to read for people struggling with similarly confused feelings, but the execution was so weak that it left me very confused and unamused by the conclusion.
Contrary to what might or might have been introduced in this book, you can be more than whatever labels may or may not exist in society. Labels, sometimes, just leave a sticky residue on your life that you're constantly reminded of when you think about it. If you don't want to be labeled, then that's you're choice and no one else's.
The prose in this book had me feeling frustrated. Cut Both Ways is a very mature read that veered into potentially uncomfortable territory, so having such a straightforward and at times immature narrater made it all feel a little messy. For me, I wasn't too phased because I love new adult (and that can get rather raunchy), but it made me uncomfortable when I remembered that these overly sexualized scenes occurred with underaged characters. Also, I get that there are older young adult books out there that straddle the line, but this book took about a couple steps beyond what would be considered an older YA read. I'm not naive enough to think that teens aren't having sex, but I feel like this might be a stretch of a book to put on the shelves in the YA section. I normally don't have a huge issue with overly sexualized books, but it is the way sex was brought up in this book that bugged me.
Here are the things that Will thought about for most of the book: Sex, his sexuality, his family & friends, sex.
The issue of sex becomes such a large fixture in this book, that it almost overshadows the idea of Will struggling with his sexuality. I know this book is probably meant to be something that teens (and adults) can go to as a future resource, but sadly, I think it fell just short of that. Figuring out who you're attracted to is about more than just sex, just like a character is allowed to have heavier thoughts than who will get you off next.
Other than his apparent nymphomaniac-habits (which causes him to cheat--what the hell, right?), Will is also dealing with an alcoholic father (with good intentions, deep down) and a mother who's trying to get answers out of her son. The thing about Will is that he alludes to all of this anger that he carries and all of these issues with mistrust and abandonment, yet NONE of it comes to a head near the end. It's like, "Hey, here, have some issues, but who cares if we never discuss it further than random narrative clips in your mind? Why does a story need a climax, anyway?" Also, along with the unhealthy interpretation of sex and relationships found in this book, it is a bit unhealthy how Will deals with his problems and how they are never fully explored in this book. Just another missed opportunity to act as a guide for readers.
Which leads me to the conclusion of the novel. What the actual hell did I read in that conclusion? It was like there was an attempt at a confrontation, but a half-assed one that ended midway through. The book ended before anything real could be discussed. Some major things happen near the end that feel like they were just placed there for show, like the author thought we needed an attempt at closure. Basically, when the story ended, it felt like I'd spent all my time reading a book that eventually led me nowhere. The "argument" at the end was like a blip in the story. Yes, maybe this was meant to signify that real life isn't always easily solved, but with books that deal with sexual/familial/mental/addiction issues, it might be a good idea to not just leave it hanging like that. The conclusion basically read like a cliffhanger for a sequel.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. The beginning intrigued me, even if the writing immediately proved to be lacking, especially for such a heavy topic. This was one of those books that was so hard to put down because I kept hoping for an improvement, even if it wasn't all that great. It's sad to say, but this one was such a disappointment.
Happy reading!
I received a copy via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Ah, this book.
Going into Cut Both Ways by Carrie Mesrobian, I was intrigued. I knew that this story was going to offer a different kind of story, especially because of the interesting synopsis. The synopsis pulled me in and the slow pacing and immature and blunt writing made me want it to end. But what does one do with a book that had so much potential before we were introduced to the first chapter? You continue reading it because you hope that it somehow becomes the best book you've ever read.
Will, the protagonist, is introduced as a character with a major dilemma: He may or may not have liked the fact that his best friend, Angus, kissed him while they were both drunk and high. He can't decide if he's gay or not and when he starts dating Brandy, his confusion only grows. Not once is the idea that Will could be bisexual introduced--which is just fantastic for readers who are looking for a protagonist that might make them feel more comfortable about their own confusing situations . This book, of all the buckets of potential it had, could have been a great go-to read for people struggling with similarly confused feelings, but the execution was so weak that it left me very confused and unamused by the conclusion.
Contrary to what might or might have been introduced in this book, you can be more than whatever labels may or may not exist in society. Labels, sometimes, just leave a sticky residue on your life that you're constantly reminded of when you think about it. If you don't want to be labeled, then that's you're choice and no one else's.
The prose in this book had me feeling frustrated. Cut Both Ways is a very mature read that veered into potentially uncomfortable territory, so having such a straightforward and at times immature narrater made it all feel a little messy. For me, I wasn't too phased because I love new adult (and that can get rather raunchy), but it made me uncomfortable when I remembered that these overly sexualized scenes occurred with underaged characters. Also, I get that there are older young adult books out there that straddle the line, but this book took about a couple steps beyond what would be considered an older YA read. I'm not naive enough to think that teens aren't having sex, but I feel like this might be a stretch of a book to put on the shelves in the YA section. I normally don't have a huge issue with overly sexualized books, but it is the way sex was brought up in this book that bugged me.
Here are the things that Will thought about for most of the book: Sex, his sexuality, his family & friends, sex.
The issue of sex becomes such a large fixture in this book, that it almost overshadows the idea of Will struggling with his sexuality. I know this book is probably meant to be something that teens (and adults) can go to as a future resource, but sadly, I think it fell just short of that. Figuring out who you're attracted to is about more than just sex, just like a character is allowed to have heavier thoughts than who will get you off next.
Other than his apparent nymphomaniac-habits (which causes him to cheat--what the hell, right?), Will is also dealing with an alcoholic father (with good intentions, deep down) and a mother who's trying to get answers out of her son. The thing about Will is that he alludes to all of this anger that he carries and all of these issues with mistrust and abandonment, yet NONE of it comes to a head near the end. It's like, "Hey, here, have some issues, but who cares if we never discuss it further than random narrative clips in your mind? Why does a story need a climax, anyway?" Also, along with the unhealthy interpretation of sex and relationships found in this book, it is a bit unhealthy how Will deals with his problems and how they are never fully explored in this book. Just another missed opportunity to act as a guide for readers.
Which leads me to the conclusion of the novel. What the actual hell did I read in that conclusion? It was like there was an attempt at a confrontation, but a half-assed one that ended midway through. The book ended before anything real could be discussed. Some major things happen near the end that feel like they were just placed there for show, like the author thought we needed an attempt at closure. Basically, when the story ended, it felt like I'd spent all my time reading a book that eventually led me nowhere. The "argument" at the end was like a blip in the story. Yes, maybe this was meant to signify that real life isn't always easily solved, but with books that deal with sexual/familial/mental/addiction issues, it might be a good idea to not just leave it hanging like that. The conclusion basically read like a cliffhanger for a sequel.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. The beginning intrigued me, even if the writing immediately proved to be lacking, especially for such a heavy topic. This was one of those books that was so hard to put down because I kept hoping for an improvement, even if it wasn't all that great. It's sad to say, but this one was such a disappointment.
Happy reading!
June 7, 2019
Angry Straight People Reviewing This Book: OMG THIS IS THE WORST BI REP EVER WRITTEN!!!!!!!
Me, an Actual Bi™: Wow I relate to this so much it actually allowed me to come to terms with my own bisexuality & start to come out. I love the main character and his struggle, I don't forgive him for cheating but I get why he did it, and the open ending doesn't bother me at all. This is some of the best, most realistic bi rep I've read so far.
SO, YEAH. Do with that what you will. I thought this was fantastic.
All I will say is that, while it's marketed as being about Will & his sexuality, the main plot focuses much more on his struggles coming from a broken household, with a mentally ill father & a lot of complicated baggage. It's more the story of a young man trying to deal with his family & being overwhelmed than it is about bisexuality, though that is still a major, major theme in the book.
I also have a problem with people claiming that the book features bi-erasure because Will never calls himself bisexual. The back of my book literally included a long note from the author explaining what biphobia and bi erasure are. Every copy includes that note. A book with that note ALL ABOUT BISEXUALITY at the end of it is a book that is, by nature, INCAPABLE of bi erasure. Y'all really need to just think before you speak sometimes, you know? The entire book is a commentary on bi erasure and why so many bi people feel lost and without a space for ourselves, or an understanding of our experiences, and I think it was done superbly.
If you're a reader who wants cliche, predictable plots and an ending with a little bow on it? This isn't for you. If you're a self-superior snob who hasn't deconstructed morality yet and can't deal with a main character who acts like a fallible human? This isn't for you.
If, however, you actually LIKE originality in a novel and are okay with open-endings and characters who act like humans instead of shiny, idealized imitations of us? THIS IS FOR YOU. FIND A COPY RIGHT, RIGHT NOW!
Me, an Actual Bi™: Wow I relate to this so much it actually allowed me to come to terms with my own bisexuality & start to come out. I love the main character and his struggle, I don't forgive him for cheating but I get why he did it, and the open ending doesn't bother me at all. This is some of the best, most realistic bi rep I've read so far.
SO, YEAH. Do with that what you will. I thought this was fantastic.
All I will say is that, while it's marketed as being about Will & his sexuality, the main plot focuses much more on his struggles coming from a broken household, with a mentally ill father & a lot of complicated baggage. It's more the story of a young man trying to deal with his family & being overwhelmed than it is about bisexuality, though that is still a major, major theme in the book.
I also have a problem with people claiming that the book features bi-erasure because Will never calls himself bisexual. The back of my book literally included a long note from the author explaining what biphobia and bi erasure are. Every copy includes that note. A book with that note ALL ABOUT BISEXUALITY at the end of it is a book that is, by nature, INCAPABLE of bi erasure. Y'all really need to just think before you speak sometimes, you know? The entire book is a commentary on bi erasure and why so many bi people feel lost and without a space for ourselves, or an understanding of our experiences, and I think it was done superbly.
If you're a reader who wants cliche, predictable plots and an ending with a little bow on it? This isn't for you. If you're a self-superior snob who hasn't deconstructed morality yet and can't deal with a main character who acts like a fallible human? This isn't for you.
If, however, you actually LIKE originality in a novel and are okay with open-endings and characters who act like humans instead of shiny, idealized imitations of us? THIS IS FOR YOU. FIND A COPY RIGHT, RIGHT NOW!
September 7, 2015
This book is the realest representation of high school romance & LUST I have ever read. And I love that on top of that fact it included a plotline where the character is likely bisexual.
I personally loved reading the author's note after where Carrie writes, "I don't know what Will's identity is. Even if I did know, I think it's more interesting for a reader to contemplate what he is and what he might be than for me to label him with certainty. What I do know is that we need to work for a world where it is easier for kids like him."
I also want to point out that although there is definitely a focus on sex and relationships in high school, there is also a very important, crucial, and amazingly written plot line of Will's divorced family unit and everything that comes along with having divorced parents. I loved that part of this book just as much as I loved the (hot hot hot) sex scenes in it.
**this book definitely has mature content. If that's not your thing don't read it. But let's be clear: that doesn't make it a bad book.
(I WILL BE DOING A SPOILER FREE REVIEW ON MY CHANNEL SOON)
I personally loved reading the author's note after where Carrie writes, "I don't know what Will's identity is. Even if I did know, I think it's more interesting for a reader to contemplate what he is and what he might be than for me to label him with certainty. What I do know is that we need to work for a world where it is easier for kids like him."
I also want to point out that although there is definitely a focus on sex and relationships in high school, there is also a very important, crucial, and amazingly written plot line of Will's divorced family unit and everything that comes along with having divorced parents. I loved that part of this book just as much as I loved the (hot hot hot) sex scenes in it.
**this book definitely has mature content. If that's not your thing don't read it. But let's be clear: that doesn't make it a bad book.
(I WILL BE DOING A SPOILER FREE REVIEW ON MY CHANNEL SOON)
August 13, 2015
But actually...what even is the point of this novel? Because I've had a few weeks to think about it and....nothing. I seriously don't know.
October 15, 2015
Will is your typical teenager stuck between two divorced parents. Two very different environments as well. His father is on the poorer side. Since he works in construction, he decides to redo his house. When Will stays with his father, he is staying in a house that’s in shambles. He sleeps in the attic. And he’s most often alone, since his father is always out, usually secretly drinking and hiding it from Will and the family. Will’s mother has remarried and now has twin girls. Though Will of course loves his sisters, they really get on his nerves. Staying with his mother he’s basically living in a mansion, yet is constantly annoyed by his sisters, doesn’t have a great relationship with his stepfather, Jay, and is more often than not annoyed with his mother and her over-protectiveness. Going back and forth between the two houses, Will can’t seem to find a place that feels right. He settles on staying with his father, since there he has more freedom to hang out with his new girlfriend, Brandy. He’s also able to hang out with his friends too, basically whenever he chooses.
A major part of this story does center around Will’s attraction to two people, and how those two people happen to be different sexes. Will is extremely confused about his sexual preference, since he’s attracted to both his girlfriend, Brandy, and his best friend, Angus. One male, one female. But I have to say there’s a lot more to this story than that. This story is also about family, which was the part that affected me a lot more strongly.
One thing I do want to mention is the cheating.
Overall an interesting take on a topic that I haven’t seen done too often. There have been quite a few books about gay males and females, but I’ve never read a book about what this author refers to as “bisexual erasure.” There’s also a nice author’s note at the end of the book that I think added quite a bit to the author’s state of mind regarding this story. I think this is one of those books that’s quite interesting, mainly because of its uniqueness. I’m eager to see what Carrie Mesrobian will come out with next.
(Thanks to Harper Teen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
I get like this. Always wanting so much. Feeling greedy. Desperate. I hate it.
A major part of this story does center around Will’s attraction to two people, and how those two people happen to be different sexes. Will is extremely confused about his sexual preference, since he’s attracted to both his girlfriend, Brandy, and his best friend, Angus. One male, one female. But I have to say there’s a lot more to this story than that. This story is also about family, which was the part that affected me a lot more strongly.
But neither of them is the one. I want all of it. Both. Together. Apart. I don’t want to choose.
One thing I do want to mention is the cheating.
Overall an interesting take on a topic that I haven’t seen done too often. There have been quite a few books about gay males and females, but I’ve never read a book about what this author refers to as “bisexual erasure.” There’s also a nice author’s note at the end of the book that I think added quite a bit to the author’s state of mind regarding this story. I think this is one of those books that’s quite interesting, mainly because of its uniqueness. I’m eager to see what Carrie Mesrobian will come out with next.
(Thanks to Harper Teen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
January 24, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A contemporary story about exploration, acceptance, and teenage angst.
Opening Sentence: You get used to it, divorce.
The Review:
I am absolutely pleased that the young adult book world has begun to publish diverse stories. And I’m not talking about ethnicity. I’m talking about love in all the places. Carrie Mesrobian’s Cut Both Ways was an anticipated read for me. I was excited to read about a story about exploration and acceptance. There was a good amount of social buzz around Cut Both Ways. I wanted to give Mesrobian and Will’s story the chance it deserved.
Will is a young man at seventeen. He’s never been kissed, and is beginning to explore who he is, sexually. A drunken night has changed his world, with a drunken night and a kiss. A choice reveals itself between Angus, a best friend who reveals his feelings, and a girlfriend
Personally, I did not connect to Will nor this story. I felt that Will did not have an appealing personality. His arrogance made it hard for me to connect with the character and take his actions seriously. I couldn’t put myself in his shoes and relate to his concerns. And because of that, I wasn’t able to understand him.
What I originally thought was a story about exploration and questioning wasn’t it at all. I appreciated where Mesrobian was going with the basic plot, and the bedrock of each character. There were a few things that I was uncomfortable with, and I didn’t appreciate.
I do applaud what Mesrobian set out to do. The premise that a young man examines his life, questions between two options, and explores his sexuality. It’s a topic that is relevant towards today’s youth, and it’s something that I appreciate.
Notable Scene:
Her fingers skate underneath my arms, along my collarbone. All I can think is the kind of insane I WANT TO FUCK shouting-feeling.
I realize I need to act like someone who cares about what she’s saying. Respond. I clear my throat a little.
“Why’s your aunt in Lakeville?”
“She’s got a guy friend out there. They’re canning peaches.”
“What?”
She laughs. “I’m serious. Her boyfriend is kind of into that. If he’s actually her boyfriend now. I’m not sure about that.” Her nails slip and scratch around my collarbone. I breathe. Control myself. I’m worried she can sense it, all of my I WANT TO FUCK feelings.
“Take your shirt off,” she says, her mouth at my neck. I freeze.
I do exactly what she says. She laughs.
And I think I might die of it, the happy. Her here. This bed finally feeling comfortable. Her skin touching my skin. Even the shouting feeling is okay. All of it.
FTC Advisory: Harper Collins provided me with a copy of Cut Both Ways. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A contemporary story about exploration, acceptance, and teenage angst.
Opening Sentence: You get used to it, divorce.
The Review:
I am absolutely pleased that the young adult book world has begun to publish diverse stories. And I’m not talking about ethnicity. I’m talking about love in all the places. Carrie Mesrobian’s Cut Both Ways was an anticipated read for me. I was excited to read about a story about exploration and acceptance. There was a good amount of social buzz around Cut Both Ways. I wanted to give Mesrobian and Will’s story the chance it deserved.
Will is a young man at seventeen. He’s never been kissed, and is beginning to explore who he is, sexually. A drunken night has changed his world, with a drunken night and a kiss. A choice reveals itself between Angus, a best friend who reveals his feelings, and a girlfriend
Personally, I did not connect to Will nor this story. I felt that Will did not have an appealing personality. His arrogance made it hard for me to connect with the character and take his actions seriously. I couldn’t put myself in his shoes and relate to his concerns. And because of that, I wasn’t able to understand him.
What I originally thought was a story about exploration and questioning wasn’t it at all. I appreciated where Mesrobian was going with the basic plot, and the bedrock of each character. There were a few things that I was uncomfortable with, and I didn’t appreciate.
I do applaud what Mesrobian set out to do. The premise that a young man examines his life, questions between two options, and explores his sexuality. It’s a topic that is relevant towards today’s youth, and it’s something that I appreciate.
Notable Scene:
Her fingers skate underneath my arms, along my collarbone. All I can think is the kind of insane I WANT TO FUCK shouting-feeling.
I realize I need to act like someone who cares about what she’s saying. Respond. I clear my throat a little.
“Why’s your aunt in Lakeville?”
“She’s got a guy friend out there. They’re canning peaches.”
“What?”
She laughs. “I’m serious. Her boyfriend is kind of into that. If he’s actually her boyfriend now. I’m not sure about that.” Her nails slip and scratch around my collarbone. I breathe. Control myself. I’m worried she can sense it, all of my I WANT TO FUCK feelings.
“Take your shirt off,” she says, her mouth at my neck. I freeze.
I do exactly what she says. She laughs.
And I think I might die of it, the happy. Her here. This bed finally feeling comfortable. Her skin touching my skin. Even the shouting feeling is okay. All of it.
FTC Advisory: Harper Collins provided me with a copy of Cut Both Ways. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 30, 2015
Cut Both Ways is one of those books that captures your heart right from the beginning. Yes it is a story that may not be for some but every one should give it a try.
You have a straight guy who has a gay friend. They hang out together and every thing is normal between them until one day the lines are crossed for them and one is more confused than the other. For Will he is straight in his mind and heart but when it comes to Angus Will is not sure how he feels about him and what he wants from him.
As the summer wraps up and the new school year starts Will decides that he will get a girlfriend and prove to himself that he is not gay. This does not work because he is living a lie because he cares for Angus and he cares for his girlfriend. So what is Will to do? He is not sure why he loves both Angus and his girlfriend but he knows he is cut both ways and there is nothing he can do about it.
You have a straight guy who has a gay friend. They hang out together and every thing is normal between them until one day the lines are crossed for them and one is more confused than the other. For Will he is straight in his mind and heart but when it comes to Angus Will is not sure how he feels about him and what he wants from him.
As the summer wraps up and the new school year starts Will decides that he will get a girlfriend and prove to himself that he is not gay. This does not work because he is living a lie because he cares for Angus and he cares for his girlfriend. So what is Will to do? He is not sure why he loves both Angus and his girlfriend but he knows he is cut both ways and there is nothing he can do about it.
December 13, 2015
This is probably my 1st book that I read about bisexual main character and theme. I'm very interested to read anything that related with sexuality and how they deal with their own identity/ feelings and how they deal it with other people as well.
Unfortunately, i didn't came across a lot with these points in this book. All I can see is that Will is a character who made lots of mistakes and sleep around. I really wished that this book delved much deeper into the 'confusion state' of the character sexuality and really tackled on that particular subject. Yes, at the beginning I can see that Will was questioning his sexuality on whether he is gay for his bestfriend, Angus or straight for Brandy but later on its just died down. Will slept a lot with both of the characters and there were not lots of 'feelings' exploration to it.
To be honest, I kind of disconnected with Will by his personality and it makes me hate him. / I still enjoyed reading this.
Unfortunately, i didn't came across a lot with these points in this book. All I can see is that Will is a character who made lots of mistakes and sleep around. I really wished that this book delved much deeper into the 'confusion state' of the character sexuality and really tackled on that particular subject. Yes, at the beginning I can see that Will was questioning his sexuality on whether he is gay for his bestfriend, Angus or straight for Brandy but later on its just died down. Will slept a lot with both of the characters and there were not lots of 'feelings' exploration to it.
To be honest, I kind of disconnected with Will by his personality and it makes me hate him. / I still enjoyed reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2018
hello horrible writing, even worse main character and basically a book about a super horny teen guy that blames everything in his life on his sex drive without having any reason at all to do so other than being a horrendous human being!
the only positive thing i can say about this book is that at least the main character is not a real human!
i wanted to love this book especially after seeing the rating of this book, i wanted to be one person that could come on here and say: but look there are those moments in the book!
no can do!
this book is horrible!
and without any reason at all!
i got this because it was marketed as a bisexual romance about a guy trying to figure out his sexuality.
sounds great! there is a need for those types of books!
but where the heck was that on this book?
there is no figuring out of anything!
there is over excessive sexual behavior with no reason, lots and lots and lots of cheating, horrendous behavior toward other human beings by the main character, lots of drug usage for no reason other than... yeah no i have no idea why that was in this book at all other than fitting in with everything else that made absolutely no sense at all!
the writing... oh god that is a tragedy train wreck all on its own!
the author clearly tries way, way to hard to show that she can put herself into a male mindset and ended up written the kind of guy that deserves to be beaten over the head a good amount of times to see if there is anything but stupidity and air in that skull!
clearly i am not recommending this book!
one of the worst ones i read for a good long while and so not at all what it promises to be which makes it all even more disappointing!
the only positive thing i can say about this book is that at least the main character is not a real human!
i wanted to love this book especially after seeing the rating of this book, i wanted to be one person that could come on here and say: but look there are those moments in the book!
no can do!
this book is horrible!
and without any reason at all!
i got this because it was marketed as a bisexual romance about a guy trying to figure out his sexuality.
sounds great! there is a need for those types of books!
but where the heck was that on this book?
there is no figuring out of anything!
there is over excessive sexual behavior with no reason, lots and lots and lots of cheating, horrendous behavior toward other human beings by the main character, lots of drug usage for no reason other than... yeah no i have no idea why that was in this book at all other than fitting in with everything else that made absolutely no sense at all!
the writing... oh god that is a tragedy train wreck all on its own!
the author clearly tries way, way to hard to show that she can put herself into a male mindset and ended up written the kind of guy that deserves to be beaten over the head a good amount of times to see if there is anything but stupidity and air in that skull!
clearly i am not recommending this book!
one of the worst ones i read for a good long while and so not at all what it promises to be which makes it all even more disappointing!
September 26, 2015
4 stars
I’ve read my fair share of LGBTQ+ novels this year and had pretty good luck with them so far. I’ve been loving the YA trend of diversity, so I knew I had to pick up Cut Both Ways by Carrie Mesrobian, despite its extremely low ratings on Goodreads. While I usually stray away from books that are lower than 3.50 on Goodreads, I’m grateful that I decided to pick up Cut Both Ways because of the raw, humane way Mesrobian tells the story.
1. MESROBIAN DOESN’T HOLD BACK
Even though I personally haven’t seen many reviews from other readers on Cut Both Ways, I think the reason why the ratings are so low is because people are uncomfortable with the content itself. Our main character Will Caynes starts a relationship with Brandy, but Will finds himself also in a relationship with his best friend Angus. Will engages in sexual relationships with both Brandy and Angus, which is pretty much cheating – although Will isn’t sure if he’s bisexual, homosexual or heterosexual.
Typically, I wouldn’t like or relate to characters who cheat on their partners, but if they acknowledge that what they’re doing is wrong and for a decent reason, I can understand. The way Mesrobian creates Will as a very confused teen is genuinely realistic. Will’s stuck in the middle and is trying to understand who he is by being with both Brandy and Angus.
2. WELL-WRITTEN PLOT
Besides Will trying to figure out his sexual orientation as a high-schooler, he also deals with:
+ divorced parents. His dad is becoming an alcoholic and his mother is a wee bit uptight. Will has to drive back and forth both houses, and there’s always conflict between the two parents.
+ getting a job. I love that Mesrobian includes the struggle that probably most people experience: that working a job is easier than finishing higher education.
+ balancing life activities. Will is a normal teenager. He has to balance not one but two romantic relationships, work, school, and family. I really enjoyed the way Mesrobian executed Will’s life.
3. NOT FOR THE LIGHT-HEARTED<
Cut Both Ways is not for the light-hearted. The sexual content is pretty explicit and detailed, but it may also make readers uncomfortable in that there is cheating. However, I think Cut Both Ways is entirely worth the read because of the raw and realistic way Mesrobian wrote Will’s story. While Mesrobian doesn’t explicitly say the word “bisexual” in the Cut Both Ways, I think the story comes close to telling the situation of one that is similar to it.
Check out this review and more at Books and Other Happy Ever Afters
I’ve read my fair share of LGBTQ+ novels this year and had pretty good luck with them so far. I’ve been loving the YA trend of diversity, so I knew I had to pick up Cut Both Ways by Carrie Mesrobian, despite its extremely low ratings on Goodreads. While I usually stray away from books that are lower than 3.50 on Goodreads, I’m grateful that I decided to pick up Cut Both Ways because of the raw, humane way Mesrobian tells the story.
1. MESROBIAN DOESN’T HOLD BACK
Even though I personally haven’t seen many reviews from other readers on Cut Both Ways, I think the reason why the ratings are so low is because people are uncomfortable with the content itself. Our main character Will Caynes starts a relationship with Brandy, but Will finds himself also in a relationship with his best friend Angus. Will engages in sexual relationships with both Brandy and Angus, which is pretty much cheating – although Will isn’t sure if he’s bisexual, homosexual or heterosexual.
Typically, I wouldn’t like or relate to characters who cheat on their partners, but if they acknowledge that what they’re doing is wrong and for a decent reason, I can understand. The way Mesrobian creates Will as a very confused teen is genuinely realistic. Will’s stuck in the middle and is trying to understand who he is by being with both Brandy and Angus.
2. WELL-WRITTEN PLOT
Besides Will trying to figure out his sexual orientation as a high-schooler, he also deals with:
+ divorced parents. His dad is becoming an alcoholic and his mother is a wee bit uptight. Will has to drive back and forth both houses, and there’s always conflict between the two parents.
+ getting a job. I love that Mesrobian includes the struggle that probably most people experience: that working a job is easier than finishing higher education.
+ balancing life activities. Will is a normal teenager. He has to balance not one but two romantic relationships, work, school, and family. I really enjoyed the way Mesrobian executed Will’s life.
3. NOT FOR THE LIGHT-HEARTED<
Cut Both Ways is not for the light-hearted. The sexual content is pretty explicit and detailed, but it may also make readers uncomfortable in that there is cheating. However, I think Cut Both Ways is entirely worth the read because of the raw and realistic way Mesrobian wrote Will’s story. While Mesrobian doesn’t explicitly say the word “bisexual” in the Cut Both Ways, I think the story comes close to telling the situation of one that is similar to it.
Check out this review and more at Books and Other Happy Ever Afters
Read
August 21, 2015DNF at 26%.
This is a story of a sexually confused, perpetually horny teenager. Literally all there is to this story is sexual encounters with both girls and boys, house renos, and working in a kitchen.
I disliked the writing in the 26% of the book that I read. There is wayyyy too much discussion about how a restaurant kitchen works. Way too often, Will notices exactly what Brandy, Angus, and other women are wearing, and describes it down to the last detail while wondering why he likes it.
And then he jerks off. Or gets someone else to do it.
Will is insensitive. He knows his father, who I assume to be an (recovering?) alcoholic, has started drinking again. Does nothing about it. Knows that his best friend Angus has more-than-friends-feelings for him. Does nothing about it. Knows that Brandy, a sweet and sexually adventurous younger girl also has more-than-friends feelings for him. "Cheats" on her with Angus.
Look, I get it. Will is confused. He is sexually frustrated. He doesn't know if he likes boys or girls. At first, I was a little confused as well. I mean, it seems today that lgbtqia stuff is an issue that is very contemporary and it is talked about a lot. I'm not trying to belittle anyone who went through this type of confusion, but how does Will not know about bisexuality? Honestly, I think if these feelings had happened to me at his age in 2015, that would have been my first thought. But no, he confuses himself even more by calling himself gay and then trying to figure out why he gets hard around women. I don't know...I thought this could have been done a lot better.
Overall, this was a disappointment. Judging from Aly's Review it would have continued to be. It's too bad - there was a lot of potential here, but all I saw was a constantly horny boy who jerks off all the time and treats the people around him poorly. If you want to read a LGBTQIA books with real issues, fantastic writing, and interesting characters, I recommend checking out Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda if you want to read about a gay boy coming out, and Black Iris if you're interested in bisexuality with slight preferences for one sex over the other.
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
This is a story of a sexually confused, perpetually horny teenager. Literally all there is to this story is sexual encounters with both girls and boys, house renos, and working in a kitchen.
I disliked the writing in the 26% of the book that I read. There is wayyyy too much discussion about how a restaurant kitchen works. Way too often, Will notices exactly what Brandy, Angus, and other women are wearing, and describes it down to the last detail while wondering why he likes it.
And then he jerks off. Or gets someone else to do it.
Will is insensitive. He knows his father, who I assume to be an (recovering?) alcoholic, has started drinking again. Does nothing about it. Knows that his best friend Angus has more-than-friends-feelings for him. Does nothing about it. Knows that Brandy, a sweet and sexually adventurous younger girl also has more-than-friends feelings for him. "Cheats" on her with Angus.
Look, I get it. Will is confused. He is sexually frustrated. He doesn't know if he likes boys or girls. At first, I was a little confused as well. I mean, it seems today that lgbtqia stuff is an issue that is very contemporary and it is talked about a lot. I'm not trying to belittle anyone who went through this type of confusion, but how does Will not know about bisexuality? Honestly, I think if these feelings had happened to me at his age in 2015, that would have been my first thought. But no, he confuses himself even more by calling himself gay and then trying to figure out why he gets hard around women. I don't know...I thought this could have been done a lot better.
Overall, this was a disappointment. Judging from Aly's Review it would have continued to be. It's too bad - there was a lot of potential here, but all I saw was a constantly horny boy who jerks off all the time and treats the people around him poorly. If you want to read a LGBTQIA books with real issues, fantastic writing, and interesting characters, I recommend checking out Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda if you want to read about a gay boy coming out, and Black Iris if you're interested in bisexuality with slight preferences for one sex over the other.
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
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