The Higher Education of Matt Griffith

by Jack Chandler

When the guy he’s crushing on almost dies,
Matt has to step up.
He didn’t six years ago — and he’s been haunted by it ever since.
He comes up with a plan — reckless, ridiculous, brilliantly stupid.
He just needs help pulling it off.
So he calls in people he can trust:
One drag queen, two lesbians, and a pack of queer boys.
There’s a guy to save and a score to settle.

This is a love story — but it isn’t a romance.
It’s about the scars we inherit, the ones we inflict, and the ones we finally learn not to obey.
If you’ve ever clawed your way out of shame, you’ll recognize the terrain.

Welcome to G2e Realism — Gay, Gritty, explicitly real.

Genres: M M Romance, Gay, LGBT

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

About the author

Jack Chandler writes G2e Realism—Gay, Gritty, explicitly real fiction that hits back.
He was born gay and left-handed to a right-minded preacher man and his wife.
In Oklahoma—where being different had a price.
His work blends dark humor with bruised truth.
He’s done apologizing—for being a southpaw or for being gay.
The Higher Education of Matt Griffith is rooted in the search for identity, belonging, and the grit to stake a claim to the love we deserve. It draws from Jack’s lived experience. He is currently at work on the sequel, Matt Griffith and the School of Hard Knocks.
Follow him on Facebook and YouTube— "Jack Chandler Writes".

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt too real, and the characters felt so human and relatable. Reading this was fun as much fun as it was heartfelt. It takes the theme of self-discovery and adds such a heartfelt story. The story was refreshing and the characters were well-rounded. The writing was wonderful, and I could have kept reading for so many more pages. The plot twist was written so well, and landed really good. Each plot point was done really well. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy and all opinions are my own.

[Grafton Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, Resonant, and Unapologetically Queer

The Higher Education of Matt Griffith by Jack Chandler hit me in a way I wasn’t prepared for—and I’m so glad it did. This book is powerful, emotional, and often difficult, especially for readers like me who grew up in evangelical environments. Before anything else, please read the content disclosure at the start. There are tough themes here, including trauma, outing, suicidal ideation, and religious abuse. But there’s also so much love, humor, heat, healing, and found family. It’s worth every page.

While the blurb frames this as Matt’s story—and Matt, with his Mark-Paul Gosselaar vibes (who didn’t crush on that boy, let’s be real; and who isn't still crushing on him as a man- woof!), is absolutely central—it’s really an ensemble piece. Chandler’s omniscient narrative gives us a sweeping, bird’s-eye view of a conservative Christian university in Oklahoma and the beautiful, broken, resilient queer students trying to survive within it.

Yes, Chandler says this isn’t an MM romance, and I get that—but as a reader, I felt the romance. Multiple romances, actually. Some healing, some heartbreaking, all deeply human. It’s also a coming-of-age story, a found family narrative, a critique of institutional homophobia, and a celebration of queer resistance. It’s spicy in the best ways and tender when it matters most.

Matt is confident on the outside but carrying secrets that unfold throughout the story. William, our surly diva, is a standout character who brings drama, depth, and heart. Their dynamics with the rest of the “Gay Mafia” (GM)—a secret queer support network—are full of joy, sass, loyalty, and heartbreak. The GM’s rules are both protective and playful, and the group itself felt like the chosen family so many queer people need.

There are plot twists that made me shout “Damn!” out loud. I won’t spoil what happens with Colton, but just know… it lands. Some moments felt sudden (Matt’s final love story, in particular), but it didn’t take away from the impact of the whole. The book is long, but the length is earned—every thread ties into the emotional payoff, and the conclusion is satisfying and well-deserved.

This book made me laugh, cry, reflect, and, above all, feel seen. It’s not just a story—it’s a mirror, a callout, and a love letter to queer kids who are trying to live and love in places that want them to disappear.

I would absolutely watch this as a television series. Chandler, “dahling,” you’ve written something special. Thank you so much for the advance copy to read. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Dane Praed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Chandler’s debut novel, The Higher Education of Matt Griffith took me on a wild ride; one full of wonderfully fleshed out characters, unexpected plot twists and some EXTREMELY sexy coming-togethers. Knowing absolutely nothing about christian colleges, I was intrigued by the setting and I can now say that I have indeed been educated! ("thank you" again for the thousandth time to my godless parents for never having gone down that particular path...phew!)

As we all know, it's always the characters that make a novel work and this one absolutely works. Chandler's cast are wonderfully well-written ... all unique ... and all playing an imperative part of the story. Romance, humour, seduction, revenge ... it's ALL here! Matt and Adam are great but then there's William who also never disappointed me. I found myself laughing, cringing, getting aroused but most importantly, always SO interested in their stories. The climax was both unexpected and thoroughly satisfying.

Whether you're reading this for the sexy shenanigans of some college guys or Matt's coming of age journey during this first year of college, you will not be disappointed. Can't wait to see what Chandler's next novel. And in the meantime, can we get a movie made of Higher Education please?

[Austin (Book Club For One) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Chandler’s The Higher Education of Matt Griffith is a heartfelt and honest exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. The story follows Matt Griffith as he navigates the complexities of college life, relationships, and coming to terms with who he truly is.
What I appreciated most about this book was how authentically it captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of young adulthood. Chandler’s writing is both sensitive and relatable, with moments of humor and tenderness that bring Matt’s journey to life in a compelling way.
The characters feel real and multi-dimensional, and the themes of acceptance, love, and personal growth are handled with care and nuance. This book is a meaningful read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world or understand themselves better.
Overall, The Higher Education of Matt Griffith is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that resonates with warmth and honesty. I highly recommend it to readers looking for a thoughtful and uplifting narrative about self-discovery and the power of embracing who you are.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Higher Education of Matt Griffith
By Jack Chandler
Published by the author, 2025
Four stars

It’s a romance, but also a dark fantasy. It’s about survival and resilience, but also about revenge. There’s more sex in it than I’m generally inclined to look for in a novel (at my age); yet Jack Chandler handles it well and makes all of the intimacy feel integral and emotionally essential to the unrolling of the plot.

If you’re old enough to remember the hit television series Hogan’s Heroes, you’ll recall that the setting for this situation comedy was a Nazi prisoner camp in wartime Germany. Hardly the setting for comedy. Well, Chandler’s book is set in the mid-1990s in a private Christian college in Oklahoma. It is a most unlikely setting for gay romance—or gay anything, as the book makes clear. The author is drawing on his lived experience as a native Oklahoman raised by evangelical parents. It is a remarkable story that I found very moving, but also very unsettling.

Just by way of contrast, at the exact moment in which Chandler has set this book, my partner of twenty years and I were in the process of adopting two foreign-born babies. Clearly our experience of gay history was the complete opposite of what Matt Griffith and his classmates at Midwest Christian University were going through.

Matt Griffith is a golden boy in the classic m/m trope. He’s a jock, he’s beautiful, he’s smart and big-hearted. This is where the speedbumps come in. He has a very dark backstory, and is largely alienated from his influential fundamentalist parents (he creates a plausible but imaginary evangelical denomination, fCOC). He is also angry and mistrustful, as well he might be. The fact that he is spotted immediately by a sort of gay underground at his homophobic college is what triggers the entire plot.

The complex narrative revolves around seeking justice for gay students brutally mistreated at the hands of a self-hating gay student—who himself is driven by powerful right-wing parents to achieve their social and political goals. I’ll tell you, my only previous experience of Oklahoma is through the lens of the amazing television series, ‘Reservations Dogs.’ That show had a great heart with some very difficult social realities. Chandler’s book, on the other hand, is not a very appealing advertisement for Oklahoma in any way.

I found the sexuality expressed among the various members of the self-style “gay mafia” at Matt’s college to be both plausible and oddly touching. On the other hand, the sexual behavior that crops up in relation to alumni fundraising was upsetting for me.

In the end, the triumphant moment is all about Matt staying at MCU and successfully keeping his sexual identity secret from everyone on campus except his close circle of gay friends. That the idea of facing three more years at this school is presented as a happy outcome is what unsettled me most. As a lifelong churchgoer, nurtured for the last forty years in the loving arms of liberal Episcopalianism, I guess I’ll never quite be able to comprehend the world Chandler has created with great skill and emotional honesty.

This book took me on a journey that I didn’t always enjoy, but I’m glad I made.

[D.J. Ciccarello · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Raw and Powerful Debut – Highly Recommended

Reading Jack Chandler’s debut took me straight back to the awkward, messy, unforgettable chaos of freshman year—the uncertainty, the small rebellions, the desire to belong. While I can’t personally relate to the conservative Christian university experience that frames The Higher Education of Matt Griffith , I could absolutely connect to the emotional terrain: the search for identity, the push and pull of friendship, the risks of vulnerability, and the struggle to do what’s right when starting over.

Set against the backdrop of a hyper-conservative Christian university in mid-1990s Oklahoma, this novel is bold, raw, and fiercely authentic. The author doesn’t flinch from showing the systemic oppression, hypocrisy, and cruelty of MCU’s environment. Matt Griffith’s journey is deeply personal yet universally resonant. He begins as a closeted freshman burdened by shame, trauma, and a father’s misguided attempt to “straighten” him out through religion. What follows is a transformation that is as heartbreaking as it is empowering. Chandler balances the heaviness of Matt’s past with humor, wit, and moments of genuine warmth—reminding us that even in the most hostile environments, sparks of joy and connection can thrive.

What struck me most was the ensemble cast. William Tyler, sharp and dramatic yet layered with real emotion, is a standout. Adam, fragile but hopeful, is both a love interest and a mirror for Matt’s growth. Molly, Debbie, Harley, and others are more than supporting roles—they give the story texture and heart. Even the antagonists feel purposeful, exposing the hypocrisy and cruelty of the institution without becoming one-dimensional villains.

Chandler’s prose is fearless—conversational, often funny, and unafraid to mix camp with gravitas. One moment you’re laughing at a cutting aside, the next you’re sitting with a character’s raw vulnerability. That tonal blend kept me invested throughout, and it gave the novel both immediacy and emotional weight. It’s that balance that makes the heavy themes bearable and the hopeful moments soar.

At its core, The Higher Education of Matt Griffith is a story about scars—how we carry them, how they shape us, and how healing begins when we finally allow ourselves to be seen. I may not have lived Matt’s specific experience, but Chandler’s debut reminded me of the universal struggles of growing up, finding your people, and learning to accept yourself.

Readers should note the content disclosure, as this novel deals frankly with trauma, outing, suicidal ideation, and religious abuse.

Jack Chandler’s debut lingers long after the last page, a powerful reminder that even in the darkest places, community, resilience, and hope endure.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kevin Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Chandler is a gifted and audacious writer. The first page of his debut novel features a posthumous endorsement of his book by none other than Oscar Wilde—via Ouija Board! Then there’s the racy, NSFW, titillating, dedicatory poem to his husband, followed by the most tongue-in-cheek disclaimer statements I’ve ever read. All of this before the story even starts.
Fine. Audaciousness is one thing. But can this guy tell a story? You be the judge. There are 9 characters packing secrets, all of whom create enough plot twists to make Charles Dickens proud. And here’s where Chandler excels: he unwraps these characters slowly, as happens in real life. Take William, for example. First glance: stereotypical queen. Then we learn a little more. And a little more. Suddenly, there’s no “stereotypical” to it. This is a guy whose past is crashing everyone’s present. And Debbie, the single cat lady? She practically hogs the stage!
There’s a love story here, too. Matt and Adam are two very damaged, very broken boys. Their first dance/first kiss (“Ringing in the New Year”) had me blubbering, reaching for a Kleenex! Their phone sex scene (“Staining Grannie’s Afghan”) left me in stitches. Their first sex scene? (“Happy Ending.”) Off the charts!
Chandler’s prose is sometimes lyrical. Almost literary. Not so much, though, that it pulls you out of the story. Personally, I liked the quirky mix of literary with realism. Matt’s first time bottoming? Hilariously literary. The locker room scene? So realistic I could smell the mildew!
The final scene alone is worth the cost of the book. A lip sync in a shower room—au naturelle, all with a winking nod to “The Sound of Music.” (“So Long, Farewell.”)
All I can say is that Oscar Wilde was right. This book will make you laugh and cry. You’ll come to love this story!

[Jim Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would really be hard to place this book in one category:
MM romance
gay awakening
gay erotica
Hardy Boys and the Drag Queen
found family
rom/com

The main character grows from a closeted angry person to finding peace. He champions the cause of people who are mistreated in a "Christian College." With great aplomb he masterminds the take down of a homophobic student.

His emotional scars run deep. He does face them and comes out better in the end.

He "relationship" with Adam seem a little contrived. Falls into infatuation at the mention of a person's name and then after meeting, it is love at first sight.

His expertise at gay sex is a bit outstanding. Rarely does one know all the ins out outs immediately. I think a more natural reaction would have been wide eyed wonder at what he was learning, seeing, and doing. Instead, it was total acceptance and dive in with both feet.

William is the character I disliked the most. His Tallulah Bankhead persona is way over done. The wimpy, limp wristed gay boy is a shtick.

Debby is a wonderful, caring character. She should have had a better ending... maybe romance from another cat lover?

I understand that all the parents are members of a strict denomination, but could there not be a single one with a caring bone in their body?

The plot of gay young people hiding and pretending to be straight was well written. I have experienced that so often in my life.

Jack Chandler's knowledge of Oklahoma and its little towns and geography was spot on.

I really liked that it was not full of profanity! I don't recall a single swear word.

I would highly recommend this book for the gay romance coming of age lover. It was so good, I binge read it!

[Lucy Prough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started, I had a hard time putting this book down. It had me hooked from the first page, with the likeable but flawed main character Matt Griffith and the vastly entertaining cast of diverse characters. Everyone can, to some extent, relate to the experience of starting somewhere new, realizing that this is your opportunity to present a new version of yourself. For Matt, this is his chance to finally stop hiding and living in shame. He may not be able to fully come out (this is Oklahoma in the 90s, after all), but he can finally stop denying and regretting who he is.

This book truly has everything. It had me emotional at times, wanting to reach through the book and hug some of the characters, but it also had me laughing aloud, cracking up at some of the ridiculous situations that comes with a bunch of 18 year olds navigating life on their own for the first time. The first chapter we get with our lovable drag queen remains my favorite (almost topped by the hilarious bathroom scene at the end of the book, but not quite), and I love that this book constantly had me in all my feelings. Though it is a love story, it is by no means just that. Many of the characters have traumatic pasts (and presents), and a major focus of the novel is how they maneuver and work to heal those through community and found family.

As someone who has lived in the South/Midwest and seen firsthand the hate that spews from so many claiming to be spreading love and mercy, I appreciate that the author faces and calls out that hypocrisy head on. This book is charming, heartfelt, and real, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

[Zarlina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. Some parts were a bit over the top, and some felt like they were telling more than showing, but apart from that I found it easy to read and a nice way to pass my time through a long night shift at work.

Now I don't mean easy as in the story is easy, because it isn't. It's got a lot of heavy topics and if you have any triggers I suggest checking out the content warnings before reading. What I mean is that the language is easy on the eyes and the story isn't hard to follow. It's the kind of book that you start and suddenly you've read half of it and you're not even sure how because it feels like you just started. That kind of easy.

The characters have depth, they have their own struggles that despite being heavy still felt realistic, and while I skimmed the spicy scenes (because I'm a bit too ace for those) they still felt like they fit the story.

I'm tired and rambling and having a hard time to find the correct words, but what I want to get to is that I enjoyed this book and it was a really nice (though heavy) company that made time at work pass a lot faster than normal.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Drakoulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peculiar blend of campy, erotic and rightful vengenace!

Jack Chandler's debut is a little bit of everything: it's tense and dark, because our main character's origin story is the darkness, stigma and cover-up of sexual assault in the paranoid world of American Christianity. It's campy and funny, with its cast of characters ranging from the flamboyant William, the nerdy Paul, the no-bullshit Molly and the sweet Debbie. It's erotic and horny, how can it not be with a bunch of gay teenagers discovering themselves and bonding in multiple ways. It tackles the issues of justice and forgiveness in multple shades of grey, and will leave you very satisfied with the outcome. It is also old-school romantic, Matt and Adam's relationship stands out in this book's setting.

How different is Oklahoma now from then? Probably not that different in the small-town areas, USA is still unbelievable backwards in so many places, with the stranglehold of religion still unusually strong for a Western nation.

It's a very enjoyable read - the only part I wasn't that thrilled about were some rather...kinky elements the author inserted in the various interactions of Matt. I am definitely keeping my eyes open for Jack's next books!

Thank you NetGalley and Satyr Books for the ARC!

[James Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Higher Education of Matt Griffin
Jack Chandler
M/M Romance

I had the privilege of reading this book. I really enjoyed the story. I will give it a 5/5. This book is about finding yourself and doing what is right. The book takes place at a conservative Christian college in Oklahoma in the mid 90’s. Matt is the name of the main character. Matt’s father is a pastor and he gets sent to this college. Matt is a rape survivor and his father is ashamed of him for not being more manly. Matt soon meets William who is the very unofficial greeter for the gay group on campus. Eventually Matt is offered the chance to join and he does. Matt quickly becomes a star player for the soccer team which helps put to rest any gay rumors about him. Matt is a good person and gets involved with the SGA. He fights very quietly for gay students and underdogs. This lands him in the crosshairs of the SGA president who is a mean man. Matt and his friends must outsmart the administration and SGA to bring about change to the school. On a personal level Matt must do this and be true to himself. That is not easy.

[James Weems · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your gay romance served with a dash of comeuppance for religious bigotry against the LGBTQ+ community, you’ll love this book. If a jock type with a heart is your ideal leading character, you need to read The Higher Education of Matt Griffith. Beginning with high praise from Oscar Wilde (dictated by Ouija Board, we’re informed) and lasting until the final moments of a shower sing-along, the book is full of college hijinks, humor, conflicts, and open-door romance. It’s a hefty book, but it reads fast. The book had me laughing more often than not, though there were a few tears and a few scenes where I worried if everything would work out. The characters all ring true. There are a few triggers to be aware of – an attempted suicide figures into the story, as well as overt homophobia and conservative religious teachings, plus typical language for college students outside of classes. I noticed a few minor problems with the punctuation, which did not harm the overall flow of the story for me.
I received a free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chandler delivers a messy, funny, and often painful look at what it means to come of age as a queer kid in a place built to shame you, and the book lands harder than I expected. The ensemble is the real strength here, with characters who feel lived-in and a found family that gives the heavier moments some needed lift. The story can be a bit much at times, swinging between camp and trauma faster than it needs to, but the emotional beats still hit. Matt and Adam’s relationship grows in a way that feels honest, and the friendship arcs carry just as much weight. I walked away moved, entertained, and glad the author let these characters be complicated and fully human.

Thanks to Satyr Books and NetGalley for providing access to the ARC.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt, not by choice but due to his upbringing is closeted & basically forced into a religious college by his parents. He joins a "private" fraternity with like minded students. On his first day in "chapel" he hears about a student who was "outed" & forced to leave the school. Even though he doesn't know the student, Matt is incensed over this & vows revenge on this & other events. Romance, angst, & revenge highlight this coming of age book . I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anthea P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could gush for paragraphs about this book but still not give it the credit it is due.  Put quite simply, it is brilliantly witty writing with a darkly addictive plot and a cast of characters you will not want to say goodbye to. Kind of like a younger, (much) gayer Thursday Murder Club.

A special shoutout to William (Dahling!) and Bobby Fisher.  May you both get your own books in due course. 

[Tom]

Thanks, NetGalley, for providing an e-copy of this book. I've been a fan of Dustin Thao's novels and was thrilled I was able to get an advance copy before the publishing date.

You can read my review over at Storygraph

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of promise but dragged a bit and got overcomplicated. It's always difficult to stay with a novel that starts well but then takes turns that seem less interesting than where the reader guessed it was going. Author's choice of course, but disappointing.

2.5 rounded up.

[Victor Poe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very insightful book from the viewpoint of a boy put into a very hostile environment. I really liked seeing how the group of young gay men survived in a community that was wholly against them. At times, it was funny, heartfelt, and a painful experience. But I really like how the author wrote through the time period and Matt's thoughts.

Thank you, book sirens, for the arc!

[Brandan Radford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly better than I thought a smutty book could be. There was some major character development, lots of depth to the story line. So much fun, so much darkness, and so much hot s*x!
I love that it was based in Oklahoma, some towns I’ve even visited. The chosen family part of the GM was really great, too!