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The Suicidal Peanut
Life's not easy when your mum's nuts, your uncle is becoming your aunt, and one of your crushes could -- and probably would -- break your face if he found out how you felt about him.
That's Tab's life, though, malevolent gods and all. His text-flirting with Demi, the brother of his best friend, is going nowhere: Demi already has a boyfriend and anyway, who dates their best friend's twin? But then, the pining after Nick is going nowhere either, because Nick probably likes gay-bashing on Friday nights for fun. He's gorgeous, but he's dangerous, and Tab knows better than that.
So what's a bit of harmless flirting, when one is taken and the other is straight? It's just a bit of fun.
That is until Demi is suddenly single, and Nick is not looking as straight and scary as he was before.
That's Tab's life, though, malevolent gods and all. His text-flirting with Demi, the brother of his best friend, is going nowhere: Demi already has a boyfriend and anyway, who dates their best friend's twin? But then, the pining after Nick is going nowhere either, because Nick probably likes gay-bashing on Friday nights for fun. He's gorgeous, but he's dangerous, and Tab knows better than that.
So what's a bit of harmless flirting, when one is taken and the other is straight? It's just a bit of fun.
That is until Demi is suddenly single, and Nick is not looking as straight and scary as he was before.
158 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2015
6 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Matthew J. Metzger
34 books350 followersMatthew is an asexual, transgender author from the wet and windy British Isles.
Matt writes LGBT novels, both adult and young adult, and particularly enjoys digging into the weird and wonderful diversity of people all across the sexuality and gender spectrums. When not writing, Matt is usually asleep, or crunching numbers at his day job. Free time is not really a concept here.
He is also owned by an enormous black cat. Approach with caution.
Matt writes LGBT novels, both adult and young adult, and particularly enjoys digging into the weird and wonderful diversity of people all across the sexuality and gender spectrums. When not writing, Matt is usually asleep, or crunching numbers at his day job. Free time is not really a concept here.
He is also owned by an enormous black cat. Approach with caution.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 18, 2019
Well, that was odd. And fun. And cute. And sweet. And pretty much exactly the flavor of light and fluffy YA story that I was looking for. : )
At 17, shy Uni art student Tab hasn't had a very easy life, but he's doing okay, in spite of the unwanted interference by the various (made up) Gods that continue to hold the things that Tab wants just out of his reach.
Enter the God of Inappropriate and Involuntary Erections.
At 18, hot and sexy Nick, with his shaved head, powerful muscles and slightly busted up teeth, is a boxing student at Tab's uncle Eddie's gym and has been the object of Tab's unrequited lust for over a year now.
But as attracted as Tab is to the lust-worthy and lickable boxer, Nick is obviously straight and "could also kill people with his face. Especially gay people who had crushes on him." Tab's words, not mine.
So since the God of Turning People Gay doesn't seem to want to come out and play with Nick's sexuality, Tab tries, fairly unsuccessfully, to put his crush in the land of Keep Dreaming 'Cause It's Never Gonna Happen.
Then Tab's best gal pal from Uni, Maxi, tricks Tab into texting her gay brother, Demi, in an effort to set the pair up. But Demi already has a boyfriend and, although said boyfriend is a complete douche, Demi is still fun and nice to talk to, so Tab continues to text (and mildly flirt) with Demi, while hiding safely behind his phone.
As the story progresses, Tab mentally juggles his two unavailable crushes, but what happens when the God of Are You Fucking Serious makes an appearance and Demi is suddenly single and Nick turns out to be not quite so straight as Tab had originally thought?
Well, for one, the God of Not Looking Like A Prat In Front Of Your Crush has left the building, that's for sure. It's hilarious to watch Tab trip over his own tongue while trying to talk to Nick. A true thing of beauty, that was.
My heart was truly breaking for Demi, who obviously really likes Tab, who he's never met in person yet, but Tab is so dick-mo-tized by Nick's looks that he's incapable of making a decision as to who he wants to pursue. Or even should pursue.
Then tbh tabby, u shud go 4 him.
Tab blinked. Why? he asked eventually.
Bcos lets be honest, if I could win this, I would have by now.
Tab blinked. U fancy this boxer of urs massively, ive not changed that. Kinda suggests u shud go 4 him.
Sometimes having to choose truly sucks.
I enjoyed the twist in this story and thought that the ending was a fluffy delight, so this steam-free, low angst little gem clocks in at around 4 *painfully-shy* stars for me.
------------------------------------------------
This was my own copy of the book and was not provided by the publisher.
September 12, 2016
4.5 stars - one of the things I like most about Metzger as an author is his ability to create authentic-feeling young male character voices. He also has the ability to balance humor and emotion, to give characters deep and meaningful backstories, but not wallow in the resulting angst. This one is light, fun, sweet, and occasionally a little sad. It goes onto my favorite-YA list.
Tab, the hero of this story, is a guy you might meet in the art school of your choice. He's sometimes insensitive, sometimes intolerant, and he has his moments of stupidity, but under it he's a good guy. His thoughts and language feel very authentic to a seventeen-year-old. He's a bit shy, a little awkward, and pretty isolated - his mum had a breakdown and is in residential care. He lives with his Uncle Eddie, and his Aunt JuliKate (who is transitioning from Julian to Kate. I appreciated too that the book's trans character is very human, very imperfect and relatable without being idealized. Just another secondary character in the background of the story.)
Tab has a big crush on Nick, a young boxer who comes into his uncle's gym. Tab wishes that the God of Turning People Gay could work some magic. But he doesn't expect it, especially after seeing Nick with a girl.
He also begins a low key, easy and joking friendship with Demi, his best friend Maxi's brother, over texts. Maxi tricked them into chatting, and it's surprisingly fun. But Demi has a boyfriend, so it's just a bit of passing the time with a mate. Tab's about to turn eighteen with nothing closer to a relationship than banter with a gay friend, and a crush on the straight guy.
Over time, he finds out that Nick isn't as stand-offish as he seems. Then Tab also starts to have more and more flirt in his conversations with Demi. He's torn between the two - do you pursue the hot but probably unattainable crush, or consider the fun but dorky (he's seen Maxi's pictures) friend? His mum is too out of it to ask, his uncle, aunt and best friend give him advice without knowing the whole story. He's not sure how to move forward. What will the God of Are You Fucking Serious have in store for him next?
This was a well-written, funny and warm story. I wondered how the author would resolve the pending conflict and manage to avoid the obvious - would they twist the story, or not? I wasn't stunned by the originality of the answer, but still came away from the book with a smile.
Tab, the hero of this story, is a guy you might meet in the art school of your choice. He's sometimes insensitive, sometimes intolerant, and he has his moments of stupidity, but under it he's a good guy. His thoughts and language feel very authentic to a seventeen-year-old. He's a bit shy, a little awkward, and pretty isolated - his mum had a breakdown and is in residential care. He lives with his Uncle Eddie, and his Aunt JuliKate (who is transitioning from Julian to Kate. I appreciated too that the book's trans character is very human, very imperfect and relatable without being idealized. Just another secondary character in the background of the story.)
Tab has a big crush on Nick, a young boxer who comes into his uncle's gym. Tab wishes that the God of Turning People Gay could work some magic. But he doesn't expect it, especially after seeing Nick with a girl.
He also begins a low key, easy and joking friendship with Demi, his best friend Maxi's brother, over texts. Maxi tricked them into chatting, and it's surprisingly fun. But Demi has a boyfriend, so it's just a bit of passing the time with a mate. Tab's about to turn eighteen with nothing closer to a relationship than banter with a gay friend, and a crush on the straight guy.
Over time, he finds out that Nick isn't as stand-offish as he seems. Then Tab also starts to have more and more flirt in his conversations with Demi. He's torn between the two - do you pursue the hot but probably unattainable crush, or consider the fun but dorky (he's seen Maxi's pictures) friend? His mum is too out of it to ask, his uncle, aunt and best friend give him advice without knowing the whole story. He's not sure how to move forward. What will the God of Are You Fucking Serious have in store for him next?
This was a well-written, funny and warm story. I wondered how the author would resolve the pending conflict and manage to avoid the obvious - would they twist the story, or not? I wasn't stunned by the originality of the answer, but still came away from the book with a smile.
October 9, 2015
4.25 stars
This was an enjoyable, and somewhat quirky, young adult book by a new (to me) author - Matthew Metzger. I found his writing style to be unique and I especially enjoyed how the dialogue and texting seemed really true to the characters (and their ages!).
This is about an art student (Tab) who lives with his uncle and his uncle's partner who is transition from Uncle Julian to Aunt Kate. Tab works part-time at his uncle's boxing studio and is crushing big time on one of the intermediate boxing students (Nick) who seems very straight. Tab is crushing so hard he can barely put two words together with Nick for a good portion of the story (I loved this because it reminds me so much of myself at that age when I would freeze up if a cute guy ever talked to me!).
Meanwhile, Tab is also becoming texting friends with his best friend's twin brother (Demi). Demi's kinda dorky, but he's also nice and he makes Tab laugh. As the text relationship turns from friendship into flirting, Tab realizes he's falling for both Nick and Demi at the same time. It was very cute watching Tab make his way through his feelings for the two of them.
This book definitely had a funny and sweet feel to it. At the same time, though, there was a sad story about Tab's mum that just made me love Tab more and want to give him a big hug.
Recommended if you enjoy your YA somewhat quirky but also sweet.
This was an enjoyable, and somewhat quirky, young adult book by a new (to me) author - Matthew Metzger. I found his writing style to be unique and I especially enjoyed how the dialogue and texting seemed really true to the characters (and their ages!).
This is about an art student (Tab) who lives with his uncle and his uncle's partner who is transition from Uncle Julian to Aunt Kate. Tab works part-time at his uncle's boxing studio and is crushing big time on one of the intermediate boxing students (Nick) who seems very straight. Tab is crushing so hard he can barely put two words together with Nick for a good portion of the story (I loved this because it reminds me so much of myself at that age when I would freeze up if a cute guy ever talked to me!).
Meanwhile, Tab is also becoming texting friends with his best friend's twin brother (Demi). Demi's kinda dorky, but he's also nice and he makes Tab laugh. As the text relationship turns from friendship into flirting, Tab realizes he's falling for both Nick and Demi at the same time. It was very cute watching Tab make his way through his feelings for the two of them.
This book definitely had a funny and sweet feel to it. At the same time, though, there was a sad story about Tab's mum that just made me love Tab more and want to give him a big hug.
Recommended if you enjoy your YA somewhat quirky but also sweet.
May 13, 2019
Sweet and quirky YA tale told with compassion, humor, and heart. Love this author! Highly recommend.
September 6, 2019
**2.5 stars** Rounding up instead of down because it's fairly well-written and sure to appeal to some people -- people who aren't me. I found the voice too over-the-top to ring true. There was too much repetition, especially of Tab's (irrational) assumptions about Nick. The female friend was obnoxious and intrusive beyond belief. (And those were her good qualities.) But while it didn't hit the spot for me, I didn't hate it either. And I love the title.
April 19, 2020
Well, that was a pleasant surprise!
I kind of figured out the plot twist early on...but it was written in such a way as to leave you guessing. I loved that. Also, I'm not an artist and I'm not big on artistic techniques, but how the drawing was incorporated into the story was quite engaging and the bit about how portraits are life-like, but not completely realistic because they can never encompass the entirety of an individual's personality, was a great way to tie into the Demi-or-Nick choice.
I kind of figured out the plot twist early on...but it was written in such a way as to leave you guessing. I loved that. Also, I'm not an artist and I'm not big on artistic techniques, but how the drawing was incorporated into the story was quite engaging and the bit about how portraits are life-like, but not completely realistic because they can never encompass the entirety of an individual's personality, was a great way to tie into the Demi-or-Nick choice.
October 6, 2015
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this story . It was funny and not bogged down in angst. There's a conflict but it's not all consuming. At least it wasn't for me.
The writing was good but the thoughts within thoughts was sometimes exhausting. The Brit-speak was easy to follow and I think I only paused once to work out what the phrase meant.
There was no sexy times (unless you count )but there's talk of sexy times.
I would definitely recommend this one to those who love their YA with a little humor, a little angst and a HFN ending.
I enjoyed this story . It was funny and not bogged down in angst. There's a conflict but it's not all consuming. At least it wasn't for me.
The writing was good but the thoughts within thoughts was sometimes exhausting. The Brit-speak was easy to follow and I think I only paused once to work out what the phrase meant.
There was no sexy times (unless you count )but there's talk of sexy times.
I would definitely recommend this one to those who love their YA with a little humor, a little angst and a HFN ending.
October 17, 2016
The Suicidal Peanut
By Matthew J. Metzger
Queerteen Press, 2015
ISBN: 9781611528091
Cover by Written Ink Designs
Five stars
Smart. Funny. Well-written. Thought-provoking. Touching.
Tab is 17. He’s survived high school in fairly good shape, but for his mother’s downward spiral into madness, which has left him living with his gay Uncle Eddie and Eddie’s trans partner JuliKate. Eddie and his makeshift family live over the store, which in this case is a boxing gymnasium and training center somewhere in an English city. Tab (definitely not a boxer) goes to art school and helps out at the front desk.
It is from this vantage point that he bemoans his virginity and develops a crush on a mysterious young boxing student with broken teeth and cheekbones that could cut glass. Simultaneously, Tab’s schoolmate Maxie pushes him to get to know her gay twin brother, Demi, and thus Tab develops a texting relationship (kids these days) with Demi, whom he has never met.
The central charm in this winsome tale of young romantic frustration is Tab’s character. We see everything through his eyes, and thus see only what he sees, blinded a bit by his own self-doubts and hormone-infused youth. Tab is a profoundly sweet and gentle boy; stronger than he thinks, but compassionate and big-hearted. Raised by a mad mother and his unconventional uncle and aunt, he isn’t quite sure how he should be socially in the world, which sometimes prevents him from seeing what might be right before his eyes.
The most vividly presented second-tier player in Tab’s drama is his friend Maxie, who’s larger than life in every way and is a smart foil to Tab’s own shrinking violet self. The more nebulous figures of Nick (the boxer) and Demi (the twin text friend) are subtly sketched out for us, purposely kept vague because that’s the way Tab sees them.
The overarching motif of the book is a portrait that Tab is making for his college drawing class, to be displayed and critiqued in a class exhibition. The carefully thought out use of Tab’s drawing – how he approaches his subject; the techniques he decides to use to depict his “sitter;” and his own emotional turmoil over the whole project – serve to give us deeper insight into Tab’s own soul. The reader can see that Tab is a naturally gifted artist, even if he doesn’t believe it himself. We struggle alongside Tab to deal with his feelings about Nick (who he sees but doesn’t know) and Demi (who he knows but doesn’t see). The pain Tab feels, and which we share, is mitigated by his sense of humor, and the author’s ability to make us laugh at the foibles of being a teenager without losing any sympathy.
A really wonderful YA book that distinguishes itself by sheer cleverness and understanding of the teenage mind.
By Matthew J. Metzger
Queerteen Press, 2015
ISBN: 9781611528091
Cover by Written Ink Designs
Five stars
Smart. Funny. Well-written. Thought-provoking. Touching.
Tab is 17. He’s survived high school in fairly good shape, but for his mother’s downward spiral into madness, which has left him living with his gay Uncle Eddie and Eddie’s trans partner JuliKate. Eddie and his makeshift family live over the store, which in this case is a boxing gymnasium and training center somewhere in an English city. Tab (definitely not a boxer) goes to art school and helps out at the front desk.
It is from this vantage point that he bemoans his virginity and develops a crush on a mysterious young boxing student with broken teeth and cheekbones that could cut glass. Simultaneously, Tab’s schoolmate Maxie pushes him to get to know her gay twin brother, Demi, and thus Tab develops a texting relationship (kids these days) with Demi, whom he has never met.
The central charm in this winsome tale of young romantic frustration is Tab’s character. We see everything through his eyes, and thus see only what he sees, blinded a bit by his own self-doubts and hormone-infused youth. Tab is a profoundly sweet and gentle boy; stronger than he thinks, but compassionate and big-hearted. Raised by a mad mother and his unconventional uncle and aunt, he isn’t quite sure how he should be socially in the world, which sometimes prevents him from seeing what might be right before his eyes.
The most vividly presented second-tier player in Tab’s drama is his friend Maxie, who’s larger than life in every way and is a smart foil to Tab’s own shrinking violet self. The more nebulous figures of Nick (the boxer) and Demi (the twin text friend) are subtly sketched out for us, purposely kept vague because that’s the way Tab sees them.
The overarching motif of the book is a portrait that Tab is making for his college drawing class, to be displayed and critiqued in a class exhibition. The carefully thought out use of Tab’s drawing – how he approaches his subject; the techniques he decides to use to depict his “sitter;” and his own emotional turmoil over the whole project – serve to give us deeper insight into Tab’s own soul. The reader can see that Tab is a naturally gifted artist, even if he doesn’t believe it himself. We struggle alongside Tab to deal with his feelings about Nick (who he sees but doesn’t know) and Demi (who he knows but doesn’t see). The pain Tab feels, and which we share, is mitigated by his sense of humor, and the author’s ability to make us laugh at the foibles of being a teenager without losing any sympathy.
A really wonderful YA book that distinguishes itself by sheer cleverness and understanding of the teenage mind.
September 21, 2015
I loved this book! Funny, fun, sweet, full of totally in your face characters, a tiny bit predictable, but a really good, enjoyable read!
September 26, 2021
Tab, the main character, is a bit of a hard luck, “Billy No Mates.” He’s fay enough to have been bullied in school – when he wasn’t kept home by his hippy dippy mom to work on some loony project. His mom has since been “sectioned” (committed to a long term mental health care facility.) Tab is living with his uncle above his uncle’s boxing gym, where Tab also works the desk.
His only real “mate” is a boisterous gal pal Maxi. She’s attending the same art school that Tab does. Maxi is set on hooking Tab up with her gay twin bother, Demi. But Tab is smitten with Nick, a straight bloke from the gym that he’s been crushing on. Besides, Demi is still stuck on his disinterested boyfriend.
Tab has a charming pantheon of strange gods that he relies on to help him with his daily crises, but apparently gods with a following of exactly one hapless polytheistic loser aren’t all that effective. When it’s revealed partway through the story why Tab came to worship his own assortment of ineffectual minor deities, it’s actually quite sad, but sweet and poignant as well.
Tab is quite gifted in his art, but as with most seventeen year old virginal lads, he’s got no self-confidence. He’s pretty inept at pursuing relationships with either Demi or Nick. But when both start to seem more like real possibilities, Tab is faced with having to choose which to pursue. Something spotty seventeen year-olds are NOT good at.
As an observer it was fascinating to me to see poor Tab on the horns of the dilemma. Go after the sweet (and certainly safer) gay boy, or risk bodily damage and attempt something with most likely straight, but outrageously hot Nick. As both boys became more possible possibilities, the dramatic tension just kept escalating.
The ultimate way that that choice played out was satisfying. Seeing Tab get a happy ending was nice, but it WAS kind of a cheat. Part of me really wished that the author had gone another way after setting up such a great dilemma. Failing that, some additional foreshadowing suggesting the ultimate outcome might have made the ending we did get even more satisfying. That said, there were some indicators, and now that I know where the story heads I want to go back and re-read it.
There are a few additional points I’d like to make:
I’d like to mention this book’s trans character, Aunt JuliKate. No surprise given that the author is trans, but it’s really nice to see a trans character portrayed as just another character. She’s involved in the story and the story is better for her presence but the tale is not about her. In many ways her normalcy (as compared to some the odder characters in the story) is refreshing.
As a YA title, this story contains no graphical sex. In fact, we don’t even get a snog until almost the end of the story.
This story mentions several instances of bullying, but that is almost exclusively off-page and should not be triggering
This was a quick, enjoyable read and surprisingly upbeat overall. Pretty much all of the characters were folks you’ll enjoy spending time with. Also any book that’s sufficiently engaging to immediately go back into the “must read” queue is pretty successful in my estimation. I recommend it.
His only real “mate” is a boisterous gal pal Maxi. She’s attending the same art school that Tab does. Maxi is set on hooking Tab up with her gay twin bother, Demi. But Tab is smitten with Nick, a straight bloke from the gym that he’s been crushing on. Besides, Demi is still stuck on his disinterested boyfriend.
Tab has a charming pantheon of strange gods that he relies on to help him with his daily crises, but apparently gods with a following of exactly one hapless polytheistic loser aren’t all that effective. When it’s revealed partway through the story why Tab came to worship his own assortment of ineffectual minor deities, it’s actually quite sad, but sweet and poignant as well.
Tab is quite gifted in his art, but as with most seventeen year old virginal lads, he’s got no self-confidence. He’s pretty inept at pursuing relationships with either Demi or Nick. But when both start to seem more like real possibilities, Tab is faced with having to choose which to pursue. Something spotty seventeen year-olds are NOT good at.
As an observer it was fascinating to me to see poor Tab on the horns of the dilemma. Go after the sweet (and certainly safer) gay boy, or risk bodily damage and attempt something with most likely straight, but outrageously hot Nick. As both boys became more possible possibilities, the dramatic tension just kept escalating.
The ultimate way that that choice played out was satisfying. Seeing Tab get a happy ending was nice, but it WAS kind of a cheat. Part of me really wished that the author had gone another way after setting up such a great dilemma. Failing that, some additional foreshadowing suggesting the ultimate outcome might have made the ending we did get even more satisfying. That said, there were some indicators, and now that I know where the story heads I want to go back and re-read it.
There are a few additional points I’d like to make:
I’d like to mention this book’s trans character, Aunt JuliKate. No surprise given that the author is trans, but it’s really nice to see a trans character portrayed as just another character. She’s involved in the story and the story is better for her presence but the tale is not about her. In many ways her normalcy (as compared to some the odder characters in the story) is refreshing.
As a YA title, this story contains no graphical sex. In fact, we don’t even get a snog until almost the end of the story.
This story mentions several instances of bullying, but that is almost exclusively off-page and should not be triggering
This was a quick, enjoyable read and surprisingly upbeat overall. Pretty much all of the characters were folks you’ll enjoy spending time with. Also any book that’s sufficiently engaging to immediately go back into the “must read” queue is pretty successful in my estimation. I recommend it.
September 26, 2015
I was drawn by the title and thought why not. A great story, little sex and angst but just young adults making their way in the world. Tab is living with his Uncle Eddie and Eddie's partner Julikate ( a transsexual undergoing treatment). Eddie owns a boxing studio and Tab helps out after college. Tab has a crush on one of the young boxers but is also falling ( through text messages) for Demi the brother of his best friend. What is a boy to do? Does he ask Nic the young boxer and risk his teeth or does he meet up with Demi?
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 6, 2015
This was a cute story of an awkward art student (Tab) and his two crushes: Demi, the brother of a friend (funny banter over text, similar interests, though they've never met) and Nick, a boxer at the gym where Tab works (hot, seriously hot, often wearing only gloves and boxer's shorts, probably very straight). How to choose? Also, he must submit a portrait. Will he dare ask Nick to be his subject? There were some nice layers in this story, although Tab was almost painfully awkward. Includes a trans* aunt, a crazy mother and a pushy best friend.
September 28, 2017
I went on a total Matthew J. Metzger kick earlier this month, and having reread thru most of the books I already owned, I decided to start picking up a few of the ones from his back catalog I've yet to read.
This is kinda on the YA/NA border, but I didn't mind that so much. I title was a bit odd, I must admit, but it actually makes sense after you read the story. And the story itself was very easy to read. The characters were great, and I'll have no problem adding this to my Must-Reread-Metzger pile.
This is kinda on the YA/NA border, but I didn't mind that so much. I title was a bit odd, I must admit, but it actually makes sense after you read the story. And the story itself was very easy to read. The characters were great, and I'll have no problem adding this to my Must-Reread-Metzger pile.
January 18, 2019
Packed with Peanuts
I loved this story. Poor Tab really need I break. I was so invested in his life. I think you’ll love him too. Give it a go and let the feels wash over you. 4.5 for Gods.
I loved this story. Poor Tab really need I break. I was so invested in his life. I think you’ll love him too. Give it a go and let the feels wash over you. 4.5 for Gods.
December 31, 2015
“Never assume the obvious is true.” ~ William Safire
Tab's life is complicated. He never knew his father. His mother is a free spirit who has completely lost touch with reality and is in a hospital, most likely for life. He lives with his Uncle Eddie who is gay and JuliKate, who used to be Uncle Julius but is now transitioning to Aunt Kate. Tab works at Eddie's boxing club and has a mad crush on Nick, one of the student boxers. Tab is gay, but has never had a boyfriend. He's convinced that Nick is straight, so choses to worship him from afar. Tab doesn't want to admit it and possibly get punched in the face or worse, but it doesn't stop him from dreaming about what would happen if Nick weren't straight.
Tab attends an art college and is currently stressing over his latest art assignment, creating a portraiture of someone. Tab hates drawing people, preferring cartoons instead. His friend, Maxi, latched on to him the first day of school and hasn't let go since. Tab likes Maxi, but she can be a bit overbearing at times. Her latest “project” is to get Tab together with her twin brother, Demi, who just happens to have a boyfriend. Against his better judgment, Tab and Demi start texting and become good friends although they have never met. Tab likes Demi a lot, but even when Demi's “bad boyfriend” breaks up with him, Tab can't make the jump from friends to something more; he's still trying to figure out his feelings for Nick who is oblivious to Tab's feelings.
Tab decides to use Nick as his subject for the portraiture assignment, without his permission. Tab finally has to break down and tell Nick what he is doing because he needs a photograph of him. Tab gets to know Nick better but is still convinced he's straight and continues to keep his feelings to himself. When Nick defends him against another boxer who throws a homophobic slur at Tab, which embarrasses and exhilarates him at the same time, it makes Tab feel a bit better by knowing Nick at least tolerates gays. Tab isn't hiding his crush quite as well as he thinks. Uncle Eddie sees it and encourages Tab to go for it, but telling him that Nick is not going to be able to take hints. He is going to have to tell him directly or Nick won't ever catch on. Tab is shy and is still convinced Nick is straight and his affections would not be welcomed. Tab's feelings for Demi are confusing him although he's always been honest with him. Tab, being the nice guy he is, doesn't want to lead Demi on even though he knows about Tab's feelings for Nick. Demi's understanding makes Tab wonder if he shouldn't try to get over his crush on Nick and go for Demi. When he and Nick become closer, Tab even talks to Nick about having two guys in his life but not being able to make a choice. Nick listens and is sympathetic, but doesn't have an answer for Tab. As far as he sees it, there is no apparent way out of his dilemma.
When I first read the title I was amused, but when I saw that Matthew had written it and that it was a comedy, I knew I wanted to read it. Previously, Matthew's work has been impressive, with great writing skills and his knack for displaying intense emotion, but his books have also been serious and often sad. This book is different, but every bit as good. Matthew has easily bridged the genre gap, displaying his versatility. Matthew's ability to write a story which is hilarious at times, yet also having a serious and emotional side mixed in is exceptional. Tab's running dialogue with himself is often beyond funny and his view of the world, no doubt influenced by his “flower child” mom, is unique and poignant. Tab is a very special character whom I'd love to see again. What about it, Matthew? You've proven how good you are at comedy. Why not write a sequel? Even though technically a Young Adult book, I believe grown-ups will love the delightful, endearing characters and the funny, enlightening, sad, and typically teen attitudes. I highly recommend it for any of you who wish to be thoroughly entertained and amused. Thank you, Matthew, for your talent, cheek, and wit in creating such a gratifying literary experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by Queerteen Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Tab's life is complicated. He never knew his father. His mother is a free spirit who has completely lost touch with reality and is in a hospital, most likely for life. He lives with his Uncle Eddie who is gay and JuliKate, who used to be Uncle Julius but is now transitioning to Aunt Kate. Tab works at Eddie's boxing club and has a mad crush on Nick, one of the student boxers. Tab is gay, but has never had a boyfriend. He's convinced that Nick is straight, so choses to worship him from afar. Tab doesn't want to admit it and possibly get punched in the face or worse, but it doesn't stop him from dreaming about what would happen if Nick weren't straight.
Tab attends an art college and is currently stressing over his latest art assignment, creating a portraiture of someone. Tab hates drawing people, preferring cartoons instead. His friend, Maxi, latched on to him the first day of school and hasn't let go since. Tab likes Maxi, but she can be a bit overbearing at times. Her latest “project” is to get Tab together with her twin brother, Demi, who just happens to have a boyfriend. Against his better judgment, Tab and Demi start texting and become good friends although they have never met. Tab likes Demi a lot, but even when Demi's “bad boyfriend” breaks up with him, Tab can't make the jump from friends to something more; he's still trying to figure out his feelings for Nick who is oblivious to Tab's feelings.
Tab decides to use Nick as his subject for the portraiture assignment, without his permission. Tab finally has to break down and tell Nick what he is doing because he needs a photograph of him. Tab gets to know Nick better but is still convinced he's straight and continues to keep his feelings to himself. When Nick defends him against another boxer who throws a homophobic slur at Tab, which embarrasses and exhilarates him at the same time, it makes Tab feel a bit better by knowing Nick at least tolerates gays. Tab isn't hiding his crush quite as well as he thinks. Uncle Eddie sees it and encourages Tab to go for it, but telling him that Nick is not going to be able to take hints. He is going to have to tell him directly or Nick won't ever catch on. Tab is shy and is still convinced Nick is straight and his affections would not be welcomed. Tab's feelings for Demi are confusing him although he's always been honest with him. Tab, being the nice guy he is, doesn't want to lead Demi on even though he knows about Tab's feelings for Nick. Demi's understanding makes Tab wonder if he shouldn't try to get over his crush on Nick and go for Demi. When he and Nick become closer, Tab even talks to Nick about having two guys in his life but not being able to make a choice. Nick listens and is sympathetic, but doesn't have an answer for Tab. As far as he sees it, there is no apparent way out of his dilemma.
When I first read the title I was amused, but when I saw that Matthew had written it and that it was a comedy, I knew I wanted to read it. Previously, Matthew's work has been impressive, with great writing skills and his knack for displaying intense emotion, but his books have also been serious and often sad. This book is different, but every bit as good. Matthew has easily bridged the genre gap, displaying his versatility. Matthew's ability to write a story which is hilarious at times, yet also having a serious and emotional side mixed in is exceptional. Tab's running dialogue with himself is often beyond funny and his view of the world, no doubt influenced by his “flower child” mom, is unique and poignant. Tab is a very special character whom I'd love to see again. What about it, Matthew? You've proven how good you are at comedy. Why not write a sequel? Even though technically a Young Adult book, I believe grown-ups will love the delightful, endearing characters and the funny, enlightening, sad, and typically teen attitudes. I highly recommend it for any of you who wish to be thoroughly entertained and amused. Thank you, Matthew, for your talent, cheek, and wit in creating such a gratifying literary experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by Queerteen Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 1, 2016
I'm so glad I gave this a chance! SO MUCH FUN!
- I was so so sad when it ended -
Honest, it was one of the most charming and amusing stories I ever read.
Quirky. Unique. Adorable.
Why did it have to end? *insert very very sad face here*
I'm very particular when it comes to humor, my own is very dark and I can laugh about the nasties things, really. There seems only to be a handful of humorous books though I find enjoyable and while The Suicidal Peanut isn't really humorous I guess, maybe, but it was Tab's humor that instantly had won me over - such a charming boy.
Without a doubt, this will stay one of my top favorites.
Sure, it had no sexy times whatsoever, and ended rather abrupt and with a big HFN, but hey, they're teenagers after all, it's not like they're gonna get married soon. Still, I would love a follow up.
No.
I REALLY WANT A FOLLOW UP.
So yeah, considering the things it "lacked" you might think it's even more surprising I enjoyed it so much. Well what can I say? I just had a grand time *shrugs*
- I was so so sad when it ended -
Honest, it was one of the most charming and amusing stories I ever read.
Quirky. Unique. Adorable.
Why did it have to end? *insert very very sad face here*
I'm very particular when it comes to humor, my own is very dark and I can laugh about the nasties things, really. There seems only to be a handful of humorous books though I find enjoyable and while The Suicidal Peanut isn't really humorous I guess, maybe, but it was Tab's humor that instantly had won me over - such a charming boy.
Without a doubt, this will stay one of my top favorites.
Sure, it had no sexy times whatsoever, and ended rather abrupt and with a big HFN, but hey, they're teenagers after all, it's not like they're gonna get married soon. Still, I would love a follow up.
No.
I REALLY WANT A FOLLOW UP.
So yeah, considering the things it "lacked" you might think it's even more surprising I enjoyed it so much. Well what can I say? I just had a grand time *shrugs*
November 5, 2015
Funny, sometimes sad but overall quirky and fun! Tab was so adorable in all his unsure, geeky, awkward, indecisive and polytheist ways, and Demi was funny, adorable and dorky, and Nick was just so different, in a tough yet somewhat withdrawn way and standing up for Tab the way he did.
Writing wise it was pretty alright, pacing was pretty good, and the Brit-speak can be a little baffling at times but thankfully I do indulge in a little British TV now and then so I managed to sort out a few. Sometimes though, I felt that the writing had a frenetic, schizophrenic quality to it, like ideas bursting all over the place, which is why I had to dial a star down. But once I got used to the author's style, it became an enjoyable read.
Writing wise it was pretty alright, pacing was pretty good, and the Brit-speak can be a little baffling at times but thankfully I do indulge in a little British TV now and then so I managed to sort out a few. Sometimes though, I felt that the writing had a frenetic, schizophrenic quality to it, like ideas bursting all over the place, which is why I had to dial a star down. But once I got used to the author's style, it became an enjoyable read.
June 29, 2019
**3.5 stars**
Originally, I was going to round this down to a solid three stars, but it is marketed towards a young adult audience and for that, I thought the book did a good job of having a general cheesy romance between some guys.
The "plot twist" was cute and I should have seen it coming, but I really thought that Tab wouldn't have struggled so hard on deciding. Then again, this is something that teenagers would also do so I couldn't fault him.
His friend on the other hand was just ugh. I couldn't stand her and the fact that she would rat out her brother like that at the end was just ridiculous. I couldn't believe that they would be so close otherwise - that she would be so invested in his personal relationships, but just blow the whistle on something he obviously was passionate about... And then she kept calling Demi stupid and thick... just didn't feel like a close sibling relationship. Unless it was meant to and I just read it wrong -- then my bad...
Overall, I thought it was cute and introduced topics about mental illness and disabilities adding to story.
Originally, I was going to round this down to a solid three stars, but it is marketed towards a young adult audience and for that, I thought the book did a good job of having a general cheesy romance between some guys.
The "plot twist" was cute and I should have seen it coming, but I really thought that Tab wouldn't have struggled so hard on deciding. Then again, this is something that teenagers would also do so I couldn't fault him.
His friend on the other hand was just ugh. I couldn't stand her and the fact that she would rat out her brother like that at the end was just ridiculous. I couldn't believe that they would be so close otherwise - that she would be so invested in his personal relationships, but just blow the whistle on something he obviously was passionate about... And then she kept calling Demi stupid and thick... just didn't feel like a close sibling relationship. Unless it was meant to and I just read it wrong -- then my bad...
Overall, I thought it was cute and introduced topics about mental illness and disabilities adding to story.
October 29, 2016
4.5 stars
This was actually my first book by this author. I have meant to read on of his books for like a year. So when I saw this new release I decided I had out if off long enough.
As a fan of YA, I enjoyed the lack of "steam" on this one. In fact, camouflaged NA as YA is one of my pet peeves. But this was a great story and the author does a great job with the twist at the end. He played on my assumptions and fooled me entirely.
This was actually my first book by this author. I have meant to read on of his books for like a year. So when I saw this new release I decided I had out if off long enough.
As a fan of YA, I enjoyed the lack of "steam" on this one. In fact, camouflaged NA as YA is one of my pet peeves. But this was a great story and the author does a great job with the twist at the end. He played on my assumptions and fooled me entirely.
September 27, 2021
My heart was breaking for poor Demi, geeky, scrawny, so funny and cute. And for Tab, to be honest, who was dealing with so much with his mum. But the overall tone is so sweet and the humor isn't mean spirited, I started reading and then missed an appointment because I kept reading. This is now my favorite Matthew Metzger book.
March 19, 2022
3.75 stars
November 6, 2020
very enjoyable, fun, odd and emotional
July 6, 2016
My second book of this author and not my last one.
Matthew J. Metzger writes cute, funny, quirky and actually realistic.
Real life with real problems and hang-ups, these are present in this book but never overshadowing or distracting from the fun. This book was fun to read and felt positive and light without ignoring that life isn't always easy.
The characters act according their age (which also means you should be able to read text messages).
They are sweet, cute and amusing. The story is entertaining and keeps you reading.
So - I'll go and get another book from this author. I recommend him if you look for lighthearted and funny without becoming to cheesy and unrealistic. Good YA-book.
Matthew J. Metzger writes cute, funny, quirky and actually realistic.
Real life with real problems and hang-ups, these are present in this book but never overshadowing or distracting from the fun. This book was fun to read and felt positive and light without ignoring that life isn't always easy.
The characters act according their age (which also means you should be able to read text messages).
They are sweet, cute and amusing. The story is entertaining and keeps you reading.
So - I'll go and get another book from this author. I recommend him if you look for lighthearted and funny without becoming to cheesy and unrealistic. Good YA-book.
September 11, 2018
A cute and feel-good YA story set in UK. Dunno if it's because of the British setting or the British author, but although the MC's best friend was a girl and his aunt was formerly his uncle, it didn't feel obnoxious and in-your-face. I could do with less teenager infatuation and insecurity, but well, this was a YA story after all, and the happy, positive sentiment of this story was already a plus point over those gloomy and depressing YA books.
October 9, 2015
uh-uh... nope... not feeling it at all
June 29, 2016
3.75*
very British! Quirky, sweet, touching. Recommend
very British! Quirky, sweet, touching. Recommend
November 21, 2021
I was planning on giving this story 4 stars, but last two chapters (if not the very ending) made me lower the rating to 3 stars. Honestly, how can you be mad at somebody for not telling you the truth when you were the one who started avoiding them the moment they wanted to talk to you and admit said truth.
Tab was supposedly such an over thinker but there wasn't a single moment when the thought about him being partially to blame had crossed his mind. Instead of being happy with the truth because it was literally the answer to his problems he decided to get mad about it and dither some more about it instead. I mean seriously? Give me a freaking break, Tab! I am honestly getting so mad even thinking about it that I am considering lowering the rating to 2 stars.
Which would not be fair, because after some time getting used to writing and Tab's weird inner monologue and multiple deities in the beginning, I actually started to enjoy the story and the teenage turmoil of having a crush on a boy or possibly two crushes on two very different boys. Honestly, I saw the twist from the beginning, but I have to admit the author did a good job of making me suspicious if my own hunch was just wishful thinking on my part.
Both Demi and Nick's characters were lovely and I enjoyed the moments of Tab and Nick getting to know each other and Tab discovering there were actual layers to Nick and starting to see Nick as a person beyond his initial crush on a hot boxer from his uncle's gym. I didn't even mind Maxi that much, because her meddling was limited to the first few chapters and then she was missing from most of the book. Tab was quirky and shy and while I empathized with him for the most part I did find his behavior annoying at times too.
It was far from perfect story but it was charming in its own way.
Tab was supposedly such an over thinker but there wasn't a single moment when the thought about him being partially to blame had crossed his mind. Instead of being happy with the truth because it was literally the answer to his problems he decided to get mad about it and dither some more about it instead. I mean seriously? Give me a freaking break, Tab! I am honestly getting so mad even thinking about it that I am considering lowering the rating to 2 stars.
Which would not be fair, because after some time getting used to writing and Tab's weird inner monologue and multiple deities in the beginning, I actually started to enjoy the story and the teenage turmoil of having a crush on a boy or possibly two crushes on two very different boys. Honestly, I saw the twist from the beginning, but I have to admit the author did a good job of making me suspicious if my own hunch was just wishful thinking on my part.
Both Demi and Nick's characters were lovely and I enjoyed the moments of Tab and Nick getting to know each other and Tab discovering there were actual layers to Nick and starting to see Nick as a person beyond his initial crush on a hot boxer from his uncle's gym. I didn't even mind Maxi that much, because her meddling was limited to the first few chapters and then she was missing from most of the book. Tab was quirky and shy and while I empathized with him for the most part I did find his behavior annoying at times too.
It was far from perfect story but it was charming in its own way.
January 6, 2021
This was such a great read!
We follow Tab, who is at art college and has an assignment to create a portrait. He's shy, nervous and a little bit scared of the hot boxer guy at the gym he works at, but he just knows that this guy is who he wants to draw.
First of all, I really like the art side of this book, I haven't read many books where art and drawing is one of the main focuses, so this was really enjoyable in that respect.
Tab is pining after boxer guy Nick, but he also strikes up a bit of a flirty text convo with his best friend's twin brother. I thought the flirty text messages were cute and silly, and actually felt like a 17 / 18 year old convo, rather than a full grown adult trying to imagine what younger guys would say (which is how most books tackle text messages!)
I loved the diversity of characters in here, while it not feeling shoe-horned in. We of course had Tab who is openly gay, but also his gay Uncle who is in a relationship with Aunt Kate, who is a trans woman (the author is also trans and ace, so understands the importance of representation) Maxi - Tab's best friend - talks openly about her disabled younger sister, and Tab himself is living and working at the gym because his mother is in an inpatient facility.
Tab is conflicted about his feelings for Nick - the probably straight, probably will beat the crap out of him boxer, and Demi - the shy, awkward nerdy twin brother of his best friend. I really liked the story, the characters and the focus on arty things. Also love that the gay Uncle / trans Aunt own and work in a boxing gym, and neither of them ever get any stick about that.
We follow Tab, who is at art college and has an assignment to create a portrait. He's shy, nervous and a little bit scared of the hot boxer guy at the gym he works at, but he just knows that this guy is who he wants to draw.
First of all, I really like the art side of this book, I haven't read many books where art and drawing is one of the main focuses, so this was really enjoyable in that respect.
Tab is pining after boxer guy Nick, but he also strikes up a bit of a flirty text convo with his best friend's twin brother. I thought the flirty text messages were cute and silly, and actually felt like a 17 / 18 year old convo, rather than a full grown adult trying to imagine what younger guys would say (which is how most books tackle text messages!)
I loved the diversity of characters in here, while it not feeling shoe-horned in. We of course had Tab who is openly gay, but also his gay Uncle who is in a relationship with Aunt Kate, who is a trans woman (the author is also trans and ace, so understands the importance of representation) Maxi - Tab's best friend - talks openly about her disabled younger sister, and Tab himself is living and working at the gym because his mother is in an inpatient facility.
Tab is conflicted about his feelings for Nick - the probably straight, probably will beat the crap out of him boxer, and Demi - the shy, awkward nerdy twin brother of his best friend. I really liked the story, the characters and the focus on arty things. Also love that the gay Uncle / trans Aunt own and work in a boxing gym, and neither of them ever get any stick about that.
April 8, 2020
Would probably give this a 3.5, but rounding up because at the end of the day it's a cute, quick read that delivers pretty much what you want and expect.
Tab is a kind of nerdy, awkward art student and Nick is a rough around the edges boxer. Opposites attract and whatnot. The second half of the novel and the twists add a bit more depth to Nick's character, but Tab is pretty much what you see is what you get. I had a hard time finding him very likeable, but I did root for him throughout, simply because I liked Nick so much.
The way some topics were handled, namely Kate's transition and Tab's mother's mental health, made me pretty uncomfortable as they come off rather insensitive. That's mostly an issue with Tab's character and voice, but it did take away from the experience as a whole for me. After the first half or so, when I knew what Tab was like and how he would act around certain things, I was better prepared and didn't mind it so much. So mostly just a matter of being ready for it.
Overall, it was a quick read and pretty cute. Enjoyable for what it is, though I probably won't read it again and it won't be at the top of my recommendations.
Tab is a kind of nerdy, awkward art student and Nick is a rough around the edges boxer. Opposites attract and whatnot. The second half of the novel and the twists add a bit more depth to Nick's character, but Tab is pretty much what you see is what you get. I had a hard time finding him very likeable, but I did root for him throughout, simply because I liked Nick so much.
The way some topics were handled, namely Kate's transition and Tab's mother's mental health, made me pretty uncomfortable as they come off rather insensitive. That's mostly an issue with Tab's character and voice, but it did take away from the experience as a whole for me. After the first half or so, when I knew what Tab was like and how he would act around certain things, I was better prepared and didn't mind it so much. So mostly just a matter of being ready for it.
Overall, it was a quick read and pretty cute. Enjoyable for what it is, though I probably won't read it again and it won't be at the top of my recommendations.
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