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Kamikaze Boys
True love is worth fighting for!
My name is Connor Williams and people say I’m crazy. But that’s not who I am. They also think I’m straight, and mean, and dangerous. But that’s not who I am. The stories people tell—all those legends they whisper at school—they don’t mean a thing. Only my mother and younger brother matter to me. Funny then that I find myself wanting to stand up for someone else. David Henry, the cute bookish guy who always keeps to himself, is about to get his ass beat by a bunch of dudes bigger than him. I could look away, let him be one more causality of this cruel world… But that’s not who I am.
Kamikaze Boys , a Lambda Literary award-winning novel, is a story of love triumphant as two young men walk a perilous path in the hopes of saving each other.
My name is Connor Williams and people say I’m crazy. But that’s not who I am. They also think I’m straight, and mean, and dangerous. But that’s not who I am. The stories people tell—all those legends they whisper at school—they don’t mean a thing. Only my mother and younger brother matter to me. Funny then that I find myself wanting to stand up for someone else. David Henry, the cute bookish guy who always keeps to himself, is about to get his ass beat by a bunch of dudes bigger than him. I could look away, let him be one more causality of this cruel world… But that’s not who I am.
Kamikaze Boys , a Lambda Literary award-winning novel, is a story of love triumphant as two young men walk a perilous path in the hopes of saving each other.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2012
264 people are currently reading
2955 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bell
47 books2,214 followersJay Bell is a proud gay man and the award-winning author behind dozens of emotional and yet hopelessly optimistic stories. His best-selling book, Something Like Summer, spawned a series of heart-wrenching novels, a musically driven movie, and a lovingly drawn comic. When not crafting imaginary worlds, he occupies his free time with animals, art, action figures, and—most ardently—his husband Andreas. Jay is always dreaming up new stories about boys in love. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you can get the kettle boiling by visiting www.jaybellbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
March 13, 2012
Wake up, assholes, it's lady boner time!
You know how when you're watching a show that's shitty, so you start looking for something else to watch and you realize that The Big Bang Theory's on one channel and Archer's on another? So you kind of flip back and forth, and it's perfect because when the commercials start on one channel you watch one show, and vice versa, so you never miss a scene, and it's like too much awesome - like if Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt came to your house and they were like "we want to service you sexually at the same time"?
Well, Kamikaze Boys is kinda like that.
Let me explain.
I'm reading this other book that's all "oh, the world ended but we have each other", which is cool but it's hard to relate to because I can still go to the weird gas station down the street and buy some mints. It's mint freedom all up in here so I can't relate to the government being all like "you can only have certain mints" even though some politicians don't want me having gay mints but I'm all like, "If I see a lady mint I like it's totally going in my mouth" and if they don't like it they can just whine like a bitch because I like the mints I like!
So, yeah, Orwellian shiz is great but sometimes it's fun to read something I can really relate to because even though my life gets shitty, it's all mine and I like to party.
Kamikaze Boys is written by Jay Bell, and I don't know what this guy's middle name is, but he should change it to "Fuck yeah, bitch!" because he wrote Something Like Summer, which is a book that made my brain cum. Jay "Fuck yeah, bitch!" Bell's latest book introduces us to Connor and David, two characters that are unique and instantly relatable. You'll root for them so hard
you'll have to call in sick to your shitty job.
David is being tormented by Captain Fuckstick Clyde and Connor (who's like a psycho badass but you immediately like him because he seems fucking awesome and misunderstood) saves the day. Thus begins an interesting relationship and you're dying to see them get together, but they take it slow because this isn't porn.
Life throws these guys curveballs, but they find a connection together that's beautiful and real.
In a lesser author's hands, this is where it would end all happy and bullshitty, with rainbows and rimjobs for everybody*, but "fuck that!" says the author, who throws in plot twists like he's slapping you with his dick. Plus he keeps it coming by making everything believable (dude did his research, unlike SOME OTHER AUTHORS WHO JUST MAKE UP SHIT YOU KNOW WHO YOU FUCKING ARE) and gives you an ending so satisfactory that it's like getting fingered by God.
It'd be like Triple H coming to Rick Santorum's house with a sledgehammer and saying "I'm having your misery for dinner" and they'd broadcast that shit live on TV. Sponsored by boners!
My roommate/bestie Amy Kennedy said she never wanted to go down on a book before, but now she's a believer!
But then again, Amy once called cotton candy "edible asbestos", so there's that.
This book is tits. I got so emotionally invested in it that it almost ruined me. It's kinda like when I started watching Luke and Noah videos on YouTube. Hello hot gay dudes all up in each other's faces! You watch it and you think "If these two don't inevitably hook up I will go to the Chinese store in the mall and buy one of those display swords and end up on the news tonight" but they do but they don't show anything so you're all in the mood for gay hotness so you Google Brent Corrigan for like, 4 hours.
Anyway.
If they make Kamikaze Boys into a movie it should definitely have some Dead Kennedys on the soundtrack and Black Flag (the Rollins version). They're making a movie of Something Like Summer, which made me so happy when I heard it that I freaked out and punched some guy on the bus.
*"Rainbows and Rimjobs" might make for a good title for the upcoming Something Like Summer sequel. Or a short story collection. I don't know, this iced coffee is really fucking good and it's getting hard to type. Shakey McShakes all up in here.
You know how when you're watching a show that's shitty, so you start looking for something else to watch and you realize that The Big Bang Theory's on one channel and Archer's on another? So you kind of flip back and forth, and it's perfect because when the commercials start on one channel you watch one show, and vice versa, so you never miss a scene, and it's like too much awesome - like if Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt came to your house and they were like "we want to service you sexually at the same time"?
Well, Kamikaze Boys is kinda like that.
Let me explain.
I'm reading this other book that's all "oh, the world ended but we have each other", which is cool but it's hard to relate to because I can still go to the weird gas station down the street and buy some mints. It's mint freedom all up in here so I can't relate to the government being all like "you can only have certain mints" even though some politicians don't want me having gay mints but I'm all like, "If I see a lady mint I like it's totally going in my mouth" and if they don't like it they can just whine like a bitch because I like the mints I like!
So, yeah, Orwellian shiz is great but sometimes it's fun to read something I can really relate to because even though my life gets shitty, it's all mine and I like to party.
Kamikaze Boys is written by Jay Bell, and I don't know what this guy's middle name is, but he should change it to "Fuck yeah, bitch!" because he wrote Something Like Summer, which is a book that made my brain cum. Jay "Fuck yeah, bitch!" Bell's latest book introduces us to Connor and David, two characters that are unique and instantly relatable. You'll root for them so hard
you'll have to call in sick to your shitty job.
David is being tormented by Captain Fuckstick Clyde and Connor (who's like a psycho badass but you immediately like him because he seems fucking awesome and misunderstood) saves the day. Thus begins an interesting relationship and you're dying to see them get together, but they take it slow because this isn't porn.
Life throws these guys curveballs, but they find a connection together that's beautiful and real.
In a lesser author's hands, this is where it would end all happy and bullshitty, with rainbows and rimjobs for everybody*, but "fuck that!" says the author, who throws in plot twists like he's slapping you with his dick. Plus he keeps it coming by making everything believable (dude did his research, unlike SOME OTHER AUTHORS WHO JUST MAKE UP SHIT YOU KNOW WHO YOU FUCKING ARE) and gives you an ending so satisfactory that it's like getting fingered by God.
It'd be like Triple H coming to Rick Santorum's house with a sledgehammer and saying "I'm having your misery for dinner" and they'd broadcast that shit live on TV. Sponsored by boners!
My roommate/bestie Amy Kennedy said she never wanted to go down on a book before, but now she's a believer!
But then again, Amy once called cotton candy "edible asbestos", so there's that.
This book is tits. I got so emotionally invested in it that it almost ruined me. It's kinda like when I started watching Luke and Noah videos on YouTube. Hello hot gay dudes all up in each other's faces! You watch it and you think "If these two don't inevitably hook up I will go to the Chinese store in the mall and buy one of those display swords and end up on the news tonight" but they do but they don't show anything so you're all in the mood for gay hotness so you Google Brent Corrigan for like, 4 hours.
Anyway.
If they make Kamikaze Boys into a movie it should definitely have some Dead Kennedys on the soundtrack and Black Flag (the Rollins version). They're making a movie of Something Like Summer, which made me so happy when I heard it that I freaked out and punched some guy on the bus.
*"Rainbows and Rimjobs" might make for a good title for the upcoming Something Like Summer sequel. Or a short story collection. I don't know, this iced coffee is really fucking good and it's getting hard to type. Shakey McShakes all up in here.
August 12, 2016
(April) Book of the Month
I will confess: I wouldn't have read this book. I barely read the blurb. I thought to myself, "Boy with cray cray eyes and scars, haven't I read something like this in a MF version?" I kind of did not want to read this book. I dragged my ass with starting until yesterday. And surprise, surprise I ran through it like it owed me money.
I do not dislike YA, it's not my preference at this point in the reading game. I can't gorge myself on it. Used to with MF YA. After awhile I started noticing a lot of the stories covered a lot of the same basic themes. Kamikaze Boys covered two that I like, nerd-with-the-"bad"good-boy and we're-damaged-and-in-love-sort-of-epic-like (You know the books where the couple does stupid shit for one another because they are in twu luv.)
And I can see the appeal for Jay Bell's writing. Even with my gripes with the story, I have to admit when I recognize a good story teller. Kamikaze Boys was a good story, it felt like it was two books bridged together. I'd even recommend it to others to try.
Kamikaze Boys is a love story starring bullied, out teen David. He's being tormented by a bully after high school one day and the rumored crazy, killer teen, Connor comes to David's rescue. Both boys form a friendship at a great pace. They were a little damaged, life was not particularly easy but good kids.
Connor comes the wrong side of the tracks, struggling to make ends meet for his family. David, is a child of divorce living with his father who has really high hopes but doesn't notice his son is being bullied. But their friendship turns to a budding romance, they pulls some pranks, one cuts class...regular high school love crap. The ride is a little bumpy but mostly smooth.
I'm coasting. I'm liking the boys, their relationship. I'm caught up in the smell of teen spirit. I do love the nerd-with-the-"bad"good-boy vibes.
After what I call the sweet spot of 43%, where if the story ended at that point it would have gotten an automatic 4-4.5 stars out of me, it continued.
Around 50%, things aren't looking bad. The boys are in their first love stage and common sense is slowly but surely leaving the building. Common sense ran away, left town without a forwarding address.
The end of the first story happens basically. The second book from WTF-happened-to-the-MCs showed up and it's coming to wreck the joint. Criminal acts happen. Not the boys' fault in the beginning but after the first event...I wondered what happen to the Connor and David from the first bit, then I remember they lost their damn minds. Which brings me to the second theme, the we're-damaged-and-in-love-sort-of-epic-like. This didn't have to happen. But it did because they are young, dumb and in love.
If only one of those themes were chosen...if only.
So the boys get their HEA.
But.
The epilogue...if it ended with the graduation, I'd have let some of my gripes go. But it carried on...just pissing me off at the couple's choices. Ever heard the saying, "you can't live on love alone"?
It's true.
You can't.
Love sure as shit doesn't pay bills.
That fairy tale-esque ending...only for the story books.
Not only would I like to smack both Connor and David upside their head until the common sense that's been hiding finally frigging kicked the fuck in, I'd like to get the parents in on this mega slap. (-1/2 STAR)
I liked the story, some things just didn't sit right with me but it might work for you. I don't hate it. It's just one of those kind of reads where I question even giving it a rating.
Meh...I might come back and change my rating in the future. Right now, I'm swimming in the more than 3 less than 4 STAR range. Let's say, 3.33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 and call it even. ;)
November 16, 2020
Audio 5 Story
Story 4.5 Stars
Story 4.5 Stars
April 7, 2013
3.5 stars
Ahhhh...back to the "safety zone" of YA. :)
...where we rarely argue suspension of belief or hotness of sex scenes.
...where we usually get a nice dose of naivety and sometimes a good opposites-attract storyline.
...where kids are misunderstood but find acceptance with each other.
...where first times and explorations and first loves are the norm.
I enjoyed Kamizake Boys.
It is a "safe" YA book: 2 misunderstood, lonely kids finding solace and love with each other. Connor, the mystery kid w/ the scar, that everyone thinks tried to kill his dad and David, the outed gay kid, bullied around every corner. Theirs is a sweet friendship-turned-relationship that is sprinkled with adventure, some angst, consequences for actions, future-planning, but an all-in-all likable couple.
The epilogue was unnecessary and a bit much, even for me.
But the rest was just right and a nice, enjoyable read. Not unforgettable, but likable nonetheless.
March 29, 2014
2.3 stars.
It was, by no means, a BAD book; it was simply, by all means, NOT my kind of book.
I just don't think I like being in YA-aged characters' heads. It just doesn't...work for me. The realism of their (stupid STUPID!) actions rings true; however, I'm so frustrated by said actions that I end up frustrated by the book as a whole.
In the case of this book in particular, the completely horrible and awful consequences of those actions just took the story to a place that was darker and more...depressing than I cared to visit.
So, yes...lesson learned.
It was, by no means, a BAD book; it was simply, by all means, NOT my kind of book.
I just don't think I like being in YA-aged characters' heads. It just doesn't...work for me. The realism of their (stupid STUPID!) actions rings true; however, I'm so frustrated by said actions that I end up frustrated by the book as a whole.
In the case of this book in particular, the completely horrible and awful consequences of those actions just took the story to a place that was darker and more...depressing than I cared to visit.
So, yes...lesson learned.
December 31, 2013
Jay Bell..man does this guy know how to paint a wonderful scene for you to picture when reading his books.
I find myself turning my nose up at books that are considered YA because I always think I'll miss the sex. Damn I need to stop short changing these authors because even tho the sexin may not be ott, the friendship, the love, the feelings make everything worth it.
The two young men in this story lived very real lives and even when things shitted on them, they held onto hope and their love to pull them thru.
I find myself turning my nose up at books that are considered YA because I always think I'll miss the sex. Damn I need to stop short changing these authors because even tho the sexin may not be ott, the friendship, the love, the feelings make everything worth it.
The two young men in this story lived very real lives and even when things shitted on them, they held onto hope and their love to pull them thru.
July 19, 2016
I’m not really much of a YA reader and I’ve seen this book labeled as such. After reading it I wouldn’t really classify it as YA. It may be about YA characters but I wouldn’t say it’s for YA readers. I think this book can best be appreciated when read as an adult with the perspective of a few years of experience and knowledge. It’s especially poignant if you did dumbshit stuff as a teenager, because the emotions of Connor and David ring true. Granted, theirs was much more intense given the circumstances they were living in, but teen angst is universal, it just comes in different flavors. My adult self wanted to throttle these two for some of the choices they made, but my inner teenager was like, “Fuck yeah, DO IT!” Those two reactions really made me appreciate this story.
Connor and David are perfect for each other and each fills in the others gaps with more than just teen love and lust but also the gaps that their messed up families have created. As messed up as Connor’s family was, there was no doubt he was loved, life and stupid decisions by his father created the dysfunction that was their home life. The one that really broke my heart was David. The subtlety and total lack of crisis that made up his home dynamic was so sad. Having both parents able bodied, employed and available and to still be so distant is just wrong. I should say, they could have been available but just chose not to be because of their own selfishness.
This was where the book lost me a little. I really didn’t need the added drama to get the impact of these characters and their lives. David’s dad’s reaction was over the top to me and there is NO way I would have forgiven him so soon.
The ending wrapped up pretty quickly with a neat bow, but I always take any teenage HEA with a grain of salt. My cynical adult self still has that perspective that can’t be helped. I like to think these two made it a forever and always and with their new cobbled together family though. They deserved it given the crap they went through to get where they ended up. All in all, I really liked it, could have done with a little less drama and Jay Bell’s writing is just SO good. The writing is so good that I would have been able to get the emotions of these two without the above spoilered thingy.
Group read with the unicorns - that always makes everything even better :D
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Connor and David are perfect for each other and each fills in the others gaps with more than just teen love and lust but also the gaps that their messed up families have created. As messed up as Connor’s family was, there was no doubt he was loved, life and stupid decisions by his father created the dysfunction that was their home life. The one that really broke my heart was David. The subtlety and total lack of crisis that made up his home dynamic was so sad. Having both parents able bodied, employed and available and to still be so distant is just wrong. I should say, they could have been available but just chose not to be because of their own selfishness.
This was where the book lost me a little. I really didn’t need the added drama to get the impact of these characters and their lives. David’s dad’s reaction was over the top to me and there is NO way I would have forgiven him so soon.
The ending wrapped up pretty quickly with a neat bow, but I always take any teenage HEA with a grain of salt. My cynical adult self still has that perspective that can’t be helped. I like to think these two made it a forever and always and with their new cobbled together family though. They deserved it given the crap they went through to get where they ended up. All in all, I really liked it, could have done with a little less drama and Jay Bell’s writing is just SO good. The writing is so good that I would have been able to get the emotions of these two without the above spoilered thingy.
Group read with the unicorns - that always makes everything even better :D
April 13, 2013
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the first half of this book, with the two boys getting together and forming a relationship. I enjoy high school m/m romances, and the characters in this one were interesting and likable. I particularly liked Connor's 'misunderstood pscyho' reputation and Connor's family issues.
The second part of the book, with the prison and mental ward were a bit too much for me. I'm fine with a little angst in my romance, but I get frustrated when it feels like an author is continually hitting the characters over the head just to create drama.
Despite the heavy serving of angst, I did enjoy most of the book and the writing was very good. I thought the depiction of the mind-set of characters of this age was spot on and that can be hard to achieve. I will check out more of the author's work.
The second part of the book, with the prison and mental ward were a bit too much for me. I'm fine with a little angst in my romance, but I get frustrated when it feels like an author is continually hitting the characters over the head just to create drama.
Despite the heavy serving of angst, I did enjoy most of the book and the writing was very good. I thought the depiction of the mind-set of characters of this age was spot on and that can be hard to achieve. I will check out more of the author's work.
March 11, 2012
Damn, I love you Jay Bell. I really, really do.
Kamikaze Boys is the story of two very different boys (that just happen to be perfect for each other) who take on the world hand in hand. David is the high school nobody who gets picked on and called a faggot daily by the typical bully. The fact that David actually is gay and is not afraid to hide it adds layers to the depth of character that he is, but does nothing to improve his standing in the drama filled world that is public school. One day Connor, the dude with a scar and crazy eyes, who is preceded by rumors that he tried to kill his father, comes to David's rescue. David isn't sure that this guy is any better than the asshole Chuck that tortures him regularly, but not having many escape options, decides to give Connor the benefit of the doubt. From this moment on, the boys know that they are gonna be ok as long as they have each other. As we will learn, though, sometimes life gets in the way of love. The boys have a wonderful honeymoon period where they enjoy lots of sweet moments, great sex and grandiose plans to escape to a together forever life in Florida (with a big 'Fuck You' to all the people who have caused them problems) all before David graduates high school. Obviously things are gonna happen to derail this happiness.
I love the fact that Jay describes David and Connor on his website as kinda the anti-Ben and Tim from Something Like Summer. It is totally fitting. There is no angst between David and Connor. They know they love each other, and would go to the ends of the earth to prove it. It's just the rest of the world that gets in their way. But don't think it's going to be the usual family drama. Both boys' families are actually fine with them being gay and in love. While both boys have had family issues along the way to growing up, there is no homophobia amongst those issues. The boys' families are actually very accepting of one one another. The thing that gets in the way for these two? PASSION. Yep, the boys passion for one another leads them to do a few stupid, juvenile things, which while they may be justified in the eyes of love, not so much in the eyes of the law.
This is the point where the mom in me wanted to go to blows with the young passionate thing that still lives in me and remembers what it was like to be young and in love. This is the issue I always have with YA books or books about kids in high school or college. I was the girl who always wore my heart on my sleeve. I fell in and out of love like a whirlwind and each time I thought the most recent boy was the love of my life, never realizing that wasn't true until I met the ACTUAL love of my life. I remember the way it felt when it was new, and the adult me would never want to discount those feelings that the young me had. But now I am older and maybe a little wiser. I know how hard it is to get through those toughest parts of a relationship that you think is meant to be forever, and how amazing it can be to look back at the journey. So, often I am apprehensive to be too optimistic about the chances of forever for high school sweethearts. This was not the case with David and Connor though.
The girl in me was cheering for them the entire time. I was so upset by the injustice of
There are so many good supporting characters in this book too. From the boys' families and neighbors to the unlikely friends that they meet along their journey, each one of them added depth to the story and the characters lives. I loved how it showed that enough good people really can outweigh the bad in life. And there were some really bad apples as well.
I have no doubt that David and Connor are gonna make it. They just have that 'something' that gives me a whole lotta faith. It won't always be easy. Yet the whole point of Kamikaze Boys is that even though the journey might sometimes be uphill, it's worth it when you get to hold the hand of the one you love along the way.
Oh, and the back cover? I love it. I can totally see the view from the 18-wheeler as it makes its way all over the country. Perfect!
November 19, 2014
This book will make you think about hell -- both living in it, and deciding who should go. 4.5 stars.
David is a smart, quiet kid, but his teenage classmates have figured out that he is gay. As a result, he is targeted for regular bouts of casual abuse. The worst student -- Chuck -- terrorizes David with the threat of violence. David knows that it is only a matter of time before Chuck and his buddies catch up with him and make the threat real, but on the day when he thinks it will finally occur, Connor -- a fellow outcast -- rescues him. In a very short time, they fall in love as intensely as a couple of teenagers should.
As we watch their story develop, we see that both of them are the targets of miserable, immature, or miserably immature people, and because they are still kids, they don't respond very well. They become the kamikaze boys of the title -- they take on the world in destructive ways that might ultimately destroy their futures.
What is so interesting about this novel is the honesty in the way that Bell deals with the bullying phenomenon. He examines the wrongs committed by bullies, the rightness and wrongness of victim responses, the failure of adults who are in a position to help, and the way in which responsibility can attach to all who are involved. This book is smart and kind, but also critical and unsparing. As a result, we feel rage toward the bullies, but we also understand why the problems were resolved in the way that they were. By looking at the issue through the prism of bigotry, class privilege, adult confusion, and official negligence, Bell exposes many of the forces that undermine our ability to protect and guide the kids who need assistance. . The book is sometimes hard to read, but it is also pretty riveting.
At the core of this exploration of bullying, though, is a deeply romantic story. It has a "love against all odds" feel to it that characterizes Jay Bell's work. He seems to be enthralled with the idea that teenagers can get it right on their first real try, even if they FUBAR everything for the simple reason that they are young. (I'm looking at you, Tim -- Something Like Winter!) David and Connor make mistakes, but they are not insurmountable; they are simply hard to watch, hard to fix, and require a form of growth that teenagers rarely display.
This book isn't perfect, but it is really darned good. I would urge everyone to give it a try.
David is a smart, quiet kid, but his teenage classmates have figured out that he is gay. As a result, he is targeted for regular bouts of casual abuse. The worst student -- Chuck -- terrorizes David with the threat of violence. David knows that it is only a matter of time before Chuck and his buddies catch up with him and make the threat real, but on the day when he thinks it will finally occur, Connor -- a fellow outcast -- rescues him. In a very short time, they fall in love as intensely as a couple of teenagers should.
As we watch their story develop, we see that both of them are the targets of miserable, immature, or miserably immature people, and because they are still kids, they don't respond very well. They become the kamikaze boys of the title -- they take on the world in destructive ways that might ultimately destroy their futures.
What is so interesting about this novel is the honesty in the way that Bell deals with the bullying phenomenon. He examines the wrongs committed by bullies, the rightness and wrongness of victim responses, the failure of adults who are in a position to help, and the way in which responsibility can attach to all who are involved. This book is smart and kind, but also critical and unsparing. As a result, we feel rage toward the bullies, but we also understand why the problems were resolved in the way that they were. By looking at the issue through the prism of bigotry, class privilege, adult confusion, and official negligence, Bell exposes many of the forces that undermine our ability to protect and guide the kids who need assistance. . The book is sometimes hard to read, but it is also pretty riveting.
At the core of this exploration of bullying, though, is a deeply romantic story. It has a "love against all odds" feel to it that characterizes Jay Bell's work. He seems to be enthralled with the idea that teenagers can get it right on their first real try, even if they FUBAR everything for the simple reason that they are young. (I'm looking at you, Tim -- Something Like Winter!) David and Connor make mistakes, but they are not insurmountable; they are simply hard to watch, hard to fix, and require a form of growth that teenagers rarely display.
This book isn't perfect, but it is really darned good. I would urge everyone to give it a try.
August 6, 2016
2.5 rounded up
This was originally a dnf for me, but I promised some unicorns I would try it one more time. So I did, and this time, I finished it!
Warning: Major spoilers are hidden under the tags.
Basically, it's a sweet story buried under a lot of depressing crap. I was so angry about the bullying and general unfairness/injustice in the story. It was too much. And then! Then the awful choice to have the father It was an over the top reaction that didn't make sense and it wasn't necessary for the story. Yes,
If the author had chosen one of those other scenarios, this could have been a 3.5 rounded to 4 stars story for me. As it was, I just felt like I was being manipulated over and over and that added to my anger. I did like the MCs, though, and the sweet parts were good.
Side notes:
The special sauce was disgusting and I hated that the author added it to the story.
After all that angst, the ending and epilogue felt too much like a Disney fairytale.
This was originally a dnf for me, but I promised some unicorns I would try it one more time. So I did, and this time, I finished it!
Warning: Major spoilers are hidden under the tags.
Basically, it's a sweet story buried under a lot of depressing crap. I was so angry about the bullying and general unfairness/injustice in the story. It was too much. And then! Then the awful choice to have the father It was an over the top reaction that didn't make sense and it wasn't necessary for the story. Yes,
If the author had chosen one of those other scenarios, this could have been a 3.5 rounded to 4 stars story for me. As it was, I just felt like I was being manipulated over and over and that added to my anger. I did like the MCs, though, and the sweet parts were good.
Side notes:
The special sauce was disgusting and I hated that the author added it to the story.
After all that angst, the ending and epilogue felt too much like a Disney fairytale.
September 5, 2015
I usually like YA but this one was not for me. It was definitely more a coming of age than romance in my eyes, and I think that is the reason.
It also took such a strange turn.
It also took such a strange turn.
April 15, 2012
Connor and David were two boys that you couldn't help but root for. Nothing is sweeter than two kids who fall in love and stay together without a lot of problems in their relationship. Even though they had to deal with outside forces that caused them issues, they were able to overcome those obstacles.
I loved the epilogue and how they rode of into the sunset.
I loved the epilogue and how they rode of into the sunset.
October 18, 2012
I am simply overwhelmed. This book, Kamikaze Boys, is perhaps one of the finest Young Adult novels ever written. Author Jay Bell, wows us once again with his consummate storytelling, his impeccable characterization and his superior ability to weave a remarkably sweet and lyrical love story. Honestly, there are simply not enough superlatives to give this story its due. But, dear reader, I shall endeavor to give this novel its well-earned accolades.
“Being brave is just doing whatever the hell you want, no matter how bad it scares you.”
Words of wisdom from the supposedly violent and crazy Connor Williams a 19-year old senior at a nondescript high school in Olathe, Kansas. The boy he’s speaking to is David, a 16-year old junior who he has just rescued from a group of bullies led by his arch-nemesis Chuck Bryl. Both boys are gay—and very proud of the fact. They wander into each other’s world and take up residence there—eventually falling in love and enduring horrific consequences for doing so.
While popular rumor has Connor killing his father and serving time in jail, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, Connor’s father was drunk and driving the two of them across town when he lost control and changed their lives forever. Now his father is a shell of a man and addicted to multiple painkillers. Connor, after having lost several months to recovering from the accident, repeats his senior year and lives life on the outside—saving for the day he can move out and live on his own terms. He loves his family but feels that he is drowning slowly, until he meets David.
David’s parents are divorced and he lives with his driven, professorial father whose main goal in life is to see his son in the best university possible—come hell or high water. David lives a life in fear—constantly lurking in the shadows, trying to avoid bullies and spending most every day with his homeschooled friend, Gordon where they disappear into role-playing games for hours each day. While David loves his father, they never really communicate with each other and are more like two ships passing in the night. David lives a half-life—dancing alone in his room, to beat back the pain and loneliness, until he meets Connor.
The two boys will discover each other, a deep well of love and support and live through prison, forced hospitalization and the bigotry of modern psychology in order to realize their dream of being together on their terms, living a life they desire.
This novel was absolutely stunning. I could not put it down. Jay Bell weaves an incredibly tender love story into a tale of endurance and a fearless stand against bigotry and hate. He gives us a window into the life of gay teens that dare to say that their love is valid, their needs are important and their choice to live, as they desire is not only right but theirs to decide.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters. I watched in horror as their lives were manipulated by the very people who should have been shouldering their cause and fighting for their rights. I cried as they were forced apart and wept for joy at their reunion. And through it all I was entertained by the magical musings of the genius that is Jay Bell.
I simply cannot say enough about Kamikaze Boys by Jay Bell. This is a 5+ star novel and an absolute must read!
“Being brave is just doing whatever the hell you want, no matter how bad it scares you.”
Words of wisdom from the supposedly violent and crazy Connor Williams a 19-year old senior at a nondescript high school in Olathe, Kansas. The boy he’s speaking to is David, a 16-year old junior who he has just rescued from a group of bullies led by his arch-nemesis Chuck Bryl. Both boys are gay—and very proud of the fact. They wander into each other’s world and take up residence there—eventually falling in love and enduring horrific consequences for doing so.
While popular rumor has Connor killing his father and serving time in jail, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, Connor’s father was drunk and driving the two of them across town when he lost control and changed their lives forever. Now his father is a shell of a man and addicted to multiple painkillers. Connor, after having lost several months to recovering from the accident, repeats his senior year and lives life on the outside—saving for the day he can move out and live on his own terms. He loves his family but feels that he is drowning slowly, until he meets David.
David’s parents are divorced and he lives with his driven, professorial father whose main goal in life is to see his son in the best university possible—come hell or high water. David lives a life in fear—constantly lurking in the shadows, trying to avoid bullies and spending most every day with his homeschooled friend, Gordon where they disappear into role-playing games for hours each day. While David loves his father, they never really communicate with each other and are more like two ships passing in the night. David lives a half-life—dancing alone in his room, to beat back the pain and loneliness, until he meets Connor.
The two boys will discover each other, a deep well of love and support and live through prison, forced hospitalization and the bigotry of modern psychology in order to realize their dream of being together on their terms, living a life they desire.
This novel was absolutely stunning. I could not put it down. Jay Bell weaves an incredibly tender love story into a tale of endurance and a fearless stand against bigotry and hate. He gives us a window into the life of gay teens that dare to say that their love is valid, their needs are important and their choice to live, as they desire is not only right but theirs to decide.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters. I watched in horror as their lives were manipulated by the very people who should have been shouldering their cause and fighting for their rights. I cried as they were forced apart and wept for joy at their reunion. And through it all I was entertained by the magical musings of the genius that is Jay Bell.
I simply cannot say enough about Kamikaze Boys by Jay Bell. This is a 5+ star novel and an absolute must read!
June 5, 2013
“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” is a quote by author Sam Keen. This could easily be applied to David and Conner in 'Kamikaze Boys' by Jay Bell. To the rest of the world, David and Conner are misfits, worthy only of scorn, but to each other, they couldn't be more beautiful. They are soul mates; their love is invincible. Even when things get rough in the outside world, David and Conner's love remains steadfast, neither doubting what they feel for each other.
David is a bright, perceptive, loving young man; he's able to see people for who they truly are. He's not ashamed of being gay, but he hates being bullied because of it, yet has no idea how to make it stop. David tries to avoid it, but like any other problem, this approach only makes things worse. Conner tries to protect him, but when David is alone, he's just as vulnerable as ever. David finally learns to drop his victim persona and come to terms with the problem; he's able to acknowledging that no matter how hard he tries, bullies will always exist and, even if he wanted to, there's no way he can eliminate them.
Conner is a great guy. He's very nurturing and is a great brother, son, lover and friend. He's always trying to protect the people he loves. He means well, but hasn't learned that sometimes it's best to step back from that role. He often takes on too much responsibility for others and not enough for himself. Conner perpetuates the myth that he is dangerous because it protects him from being harassed. He doesn't have to threaten the bullies; all Connor has to do is stand tall, act tough, and watch while the bullies cringe with fear about what he might do to them.
This is a coming of age story in which David and Conner show a great deal of character growth as they maneuver their paths toward adulthood. One thing is certain, as young as they are, Conner and David love and respect each other immensely. They are a winning combination; whatever life throws at them, they will handle it together. As usual with Jay's stories, it's well written with lighthearted humor in some parts, and heartbreaking reality in others, and always with a depth of feeling which is tangible. Even though I felt a great amount of angst at times, I appreciated the way Jay laid out all the possibilities in each situation then proceeded to twist and turn things in delightful and unexpected ways. 'The Kamikaze Boys' is an excellent love story, probing subjects such as bullying, drug abuse, taking responsibility for one's actions, learning to deal efficiently with other people’s feelings, and learning to love with your whole heart. If you'd like a feel-good, romantic love story with lots of angst and reality thrown in as well, then look no further. This story has all of that and more. Thank you, Jay, for such a wonderful reading experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
David is a bright, perceptive, loving young man; he's able to see people for who they truly are. He's not ashamed of being gay, but he hates being bullied because of it, yet has no idea how to make it stop. David tries to avoid it, but like any other problem, this approach only makes things worse. Conner tries to protect him, but when David is alone, he's just as vulnerable as ever. David finally learns to drop his victim persona and come to terms with the problem; he's able to acknowledging that no matter how hard he tries, bullies will always exist and, even if he wanted to, there's no way he can eliminate them.
Conner is a great guy. He's very nurturing and is a great brother, son, lover and friend. He's always trying to protect the people he loves. He means well, but hasn't learned that sometimes it's best to step back from that role. He often takes on too much responsibility for others and not enough for himself. Conner perpetuates the myth that he is dangerous because it protects him from being harassed. He doesn't have to threaten the bullies; all Connor has to do is stand tall, act tough, and watch while the bullies cringe with fear about what he might do to them.
This is a coming of age story in which David and Conner show a great deal of character growth as they maneuver their paths toward adulthood. One thing is certain, as young as they are, Conner and David love and respect each other immensely. They are a winning combination; whatever life throws at them, they will handle it together. As usual with Jay's stories, it's well written with lighthearted humor in some parts, and heartbreaking reality in others, and always with a depth of feeling which is tangible. Even though I felt a great amount of angst at times, I appreciated the way Jay laid out all the possibilities in each situation then proceeded to twist and turn things in delightful and unexpected ways. 'The Kamikaze Boys' is an excellent love story, probing subjects such as bullying, drug abuse, taking responsibility for one's actions, learning to deal efficiently with other people’s feelings, and learning to love with your whole heart. If you'd like a feel-good, romantic love story with lots of angst and reality thrown in as well, then look no further. This story has all of that and more. Thank you, Jay, for such a wonderful reading experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 31, 2014
Okay - so BotM here at BMBR is Kamikaze Boys by Jay Bell. I was a kinda reluctant reader in the fact that I've read Something Like Summer by this author and ended up a blubbering mess. That story was brilliant but it didn't just break my heart it stomped all over it, so I was apprehensive in case this did the same.
I shouldn't have feared - although this was a rollercoaster of a ride and (check out my reading updates) had me swearing, laughing and nearly in tears as I read, it didn't quite break my heart. At times I hated some of the characters, a lot of the times I hated the actions of the characters - yet I was still able to empathise with their decisions. Many of the unicorns found that as adults they wanted to scream at the silly decisions the teens made, but if they put themselves in their mindsets as teens they would totally get why they did what they did. Now I was a superboring good teenager and would probably have made 'the right' choices even then - that doesn't mean I can't understand why David and Connor didn't.
These two boys were hurting bad, both were being neglected at home, though neither had 'bad' parents, just totally pre-occupied ones. They found each other and basically did whatever they could to protect each other - especially Connor to David. I am very lucky that I haven't been the victim of bullying so I can only ever theoretically put myself in their position. I can imagine what it feels like, but I don't know. To me as an adult - to me as a teen even - their actions may be deemed irresponsible, but who really knows how you'll react in a situation until you're in it. Their whole lives became so wrapped up in each other and that I found totally believable, at that age love is intense, those new feelings, wow, hormones raging - it can be all consuming.I can only imagine this is more intense if you are gay because there is a minority of others feeling the same way as you. It certainly felt to me that the author had lived what he was writing - not the actions, I'm not saying he went around beating up bullies, but the emotions of falling in love. They felt real, not made up.
So basically, while I'm still Jay Bell shy, it's not because I don't enjoy his writing, it's because I know it is going to ring me dry emotionally, I couldn't go into a JB novel lightly. That doesn't mean I'm not going to read more of them though, I'll just remember the boy scout motto and be prepared before I start.
I shouldn't have feared - although this was a rollercoaster of a ride and (check out my reading updates) had me swearing, laughing and nearly in tears as I read, it didn't quite break my heart. At times I hated some of the characters, a lot of the times I hated the actions of the characters - yet I was still able to empathise with their decisions. Many of the unicorns found that as adults they wanted to scream at the silly decisions the teens made, but if they put themselves in their mindsets as teens they would totally get why they did what they did. Now I was a super
These two boys were hurting bad, both were being neglected at home, though neither had 'bad' parents, just totally pre-occupied ones. They found each other and basically did whatever they could to protect each other - especially Connor to David. I am very lucky that I haven't been the victim of bullying so I can only ever theoretically put myself in their position. I can imagine what it feels like, but I don't know. To me as an adult - to me as a teen even - their actions may be deemed irresponsible, but who really knows how you'll react in a situation until you're in it. Their whole lives became so wrapped up in each other and that I found totally believable, at that age love is intense, those new feelings, wow, hormones raging - it can be all consuming.I can only imagine this is more intense if you are gay because there is a minority of others feeling the same way as you. It certainly felt to me that the author had lived what he was writing - not the actions, I'm not saying he went around beating up bullies, but the emotions of falling in love. They felt real, not made up.
So basically, while I'm still Jay Bell shy, it's not because I don't enjoy his writing, it's because I know it is going to ring me dry emotionally, I couldn't go into a JB novel lightly. That doesn't mean I'm not going to read more of them though, I'll just remember the boy scout motto and be prepared before I start.
February 4, 2013
I enjoyed this book a lot, and had a hard time putting it aside to sleep, since I'd reached a point where the MCs are separated. I liked and believed in both David and Connor, and the best friend and little brother were fun. This book has some nice secondary characters. Both of the boys who are main characters make some mistakes, both have issues to deal with, but in this book the warm emotions are more salient that the dark ones. I appreciated that the parents here were for the most part real people, not monsters and not super-supportive, but people with their own viewpoints and problems.
This book is good older YA (there is on-page sex of a reasonable, more sweet/excited and less erotic tone.) Connor is a great character, the guy you wish every gay boy would meet in high-school (despite his mild issues with rules and authority.) The book reads quickly and smoothly. Recommended for 15+ (and that more for some behaviors that I wince to see modeled, even though I think they fit teen boys well. An absence of condoms being one of them.)
This book is good older YA (there is on-page sex of a reasonable, more sweet/excited and less erotic tone.) Connor is a great character, the guy you wish every gay boy would meet in high-school (despite his mild issues with rules and authority.) The book reads quickly and smoothly. Recommended for 15+ (and that more for some behaviors that I wince to see modeled, even though I think they fit teen boys well. An absence of condoms being one of them.)
July 23, 2016
This is a typical Jay Bell book. What do I mean by that, you say? First, Jay has a way of bringing his characters to life so that you feel like you're getting to know someone you just met. After you really get to know these lovely characters things start getting thrown at these wonderful people. Real life things that can and do happen to people. That is where Jay Bell takes it to the next level with the feelz. Oh my can this man write the feelz. I had several Steel Magnolias moments while reading Kamikaze Boys. You know the scene where Sally Fields is screaming "WHY, WHY, WHY?.....I JUST WANT TO HIT SOMETHING AND I WANT TO HIT IT HARD". That was me. Oh the injustice painted into these pages had my blood boiling. And then finally Jay Bell exceeds at taking those pieces that he shattered you into and putting them back together in a way that by all outward appearances you are the same, but on the inside you are better for having read his story.
This was my second time reading Kamikaze Boys and I loved it just as much this time as I did the first time.
Jay Bell is a 'Master Storyteller'. If you haven't read one of his books you are missing out.
Highly recommend this book.
This was my second time reading Kamikaze Boys and I loved it just as much this time as I did the first time.
Jay Bell is a 'Master Storyteller'. If you haven't read one of his books you are missing out.
Highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Kamikaze Boys – has there ever been a more apt title? These boys are on a figurative suicide mission from the start, with one poor decision after another. I love the young adult sub-genre of MM romance, but I swear, it’s going to make me die young(er). When I read this novel, I had an impending sense of doom and anxiety from the beginning. Maybe it’s because YA books so often have a BIG BAD THING happen that tears the teenage couple apart. Sometimes, it’s because they’re minors, so their parents have control over then. Other times, it’s the circumstances of growing up with different goals for after high school graduation. In Kamikaze Boys, the ugly occurrences are big and bad, cover the last forty percent of the book, and create a great deal of tension. Complicating the situation is a truly irrational decision made by David’s father. It’s so improbable, it took a half star off my rating.
Read Valerie’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Kamikaze Boys – has there ever been a more apt title? These boys are on a figurative suicide mission from the start, with one poor decision after another. I love the young adult sub-genre of MM romance, but I swear, it’s going to make me die young(er). When I read this novel, I had an impending sense of doom and anxiety from the beginning. Maybe it’s because YA books so often have a BIG BAD THING happen that tears the teenage couple apart. Sometimes, it’s because they’re minors, so their parents have control over then. Other times, it’s the circumstances of growing up with different goals for after high school graduation. In Kamikaze Boys, the ugly occurrences are big and bad, cover the last forty percent of the book, and create a great deal of tension. Complicating the situation is a truly irrational decision made by David’s father. It’s so improbable, it took a half star off my rating.
Read Valerie’s review in its entirety here.
Want to read
January 24, 2014I'M GONNA READ THIS WITH SOME UNICORN FRIENDS AND SUCH. Woooohoooo!
October 17, 2017
Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment for me. There were so many reasons Kamikaze Boys didn’t work for me but I’m going to try to keep this short; I just want to be done with it.
My main problem was that the premise, though decent, went in way too many directions and ended up feeling scattered and disjointed. Even though I enjoyed the main characters and their families and friends, as well as individual elements of the plot, altogether, it felt like a hot mess to me. My thoughts echo many of the other 1 and 2 star reviews, but I want to add something that I don’t see anyone else having mentioned...
The following is the biggest reason for my 1 star rating.
***Spoilers ahead***
I get that teens make stupid choices and dumb mistakes but early on there is some really disappointing and disgusting behavior that never gets called out. Conner works at a fast food joint and dislikes his boss. The boss is somewhat of a jerk but there is never a good reason to spit into someone’s food. And Connor does this every single time he makes a burger for his boss. Which is a lot.
His boss finds out and fires him for it. As it should be! Now the boss also wipes Connor’s time card clean and refuses to pay him for his final week of work. Yeah, that’s wrong, but Connor, David and Gordon are angry and want revenge. They decide to break and enter and massively vandalize the fast food joint and basically destroy the entire inventory. This is criminal activity yet they never get caught. They never get punished. They never learn any lesson or are told this is wrong or unacceptable or illegal.
And their foolish, violent behavior continues throughout the book. They make other poor choices and engage in more criminal behavior that is inspired by and in response to being bullied by a classmate. Pushed to their breaking points by acts of violence against David, they resort to vigilante violence. Even after getting caught and punished, they continue to say and do things that seem to suggest that they STILL don’t believe that they’ve done wrong. Because they feel like they were wronged first, they seem to think their criminal retaliation is justified. Even their parents seem to brush off their violent behavior to some extent.
Connor is a great big brother and a supportive, loving son. David is a great student and good friend. It’s like the author wants those things to negate their really stupid, thoughtless, violent, criminal behavior. I don’t know, it feels super toxic and there is no way I’d recommend this to teens, especially teen boys.
My main problem was that the premise, though decent, went in way too many directions and ended up feeling scattered and disjointed. Even though I enjoyed the main characters and their families and friends, as well as individual elements of the plot, altogether, it felt like a hot mess to me. My thoughts echo many of the other 1 and 2 star reviews, but I want to add something that I don’t see anyone else having mentioned...
The following is the biggest reason for my 1 star rating.
***Spoilers ahead***
I get that teens make stupid choices and dumb mistakes but early on there is some really disappointing and disgusting behavior that never gets called out. Conner works at a fast food joint and dislikes his boss. The boss is somewhat of a jerk but there is never a good reason to spit into someone’s food. And Connor does this every single time he makes a burger for his boss. Which is a lot.
His boss finds out and fires him for it. As it should be! Now the boss also wipes Connor’s time card clean and refuses to pay him for his final week of work. Yeah, that’s wrong, but Connor, David and Gordon are angry and want revenge. They decide to break and enter and massively vandalize the fast food joint and basically destroy the entire inventory. This is criminal activity yet they never get caught. They never get punished. They never learn any lesson or are told this is wrong or unacceptable or illegal.
And their foolish, violent behavior continues throughout the book. They make other poor choices and engage in more criminal behavior that is inspired by and in response to being bullied by a classmate. Pushed to their breaking points by acts of violence against David, they resort to vigilante violence. Even after getting caught and punished, they continue to say and do things that seem to suggest that they STILL don’t believe that they’ve done wrong. Because they feel like they were wronged first, they seem to think their criminal retaliation is justified. Even their parents seem to brush off their violent behavior to some extent.
Connor is a great big brother and a supportive, loving son. David is a great student and good friend. It’s like the author wants those things to negate their really stupid, thoughtless, violent, criminal behavior. I don’t know, it feels super toxic and there is no way I’d recommend this to teens, especially teen boys.
August 22, 2013
I loved this book. It's YA and one of the ones that didn't make me mad. I love the genre, don't get me wrong. But sometimes YA has more than one of my pet peeves, and so it's hard for me to find books I really like. While this one may have been over-dramatic, it was perfection for me. Perfection. I fell in love with this book from the first page and I fell in love with the characters almost straight away. And I am really happy I read this book after Something Like Summer by the same author.
Connor and David are what I love about YA. They were young, cute, and just lovable. They were kinda dumb, but that is what being young is about. They did some stupid things, but I laughed, I found them funny. But not everyone will, and I understand why. But there wasn't any cheating or major relationship issues, so it wasn't anything I found unlikable.
Jay Bell did a wonderful job with this book. He wrote two amazing characters and a book that has stayed with me a long time. It has also remained on my favourites list since I read it. I had a thing for Connon, which is funny, but there was just something about him... It pulled me in and made me want to know more about him. Maybe part of it was because he was so misunderstood. And that he ended up being such a caring guy. Whatever it was, it made me smile whenever he was in a scene.
The few arguments the characters had weren't really major. And they weren't silly little things either, it added to the story that they faced real issues. The family issues were real and things that kids face everyday. They weren't spectacular, but they weren't silly either. Things like that felt real, with just the right amount of stupidity on the MC's part to make me happy.
I would strongly recommend this book to fans of YA m/m romance or just YA in general. Jay Bell fans will love this one, too.
Connor and David are what I love about YA. They were young, cute, and just lovable. They were kinda dumb, but that is what being young is about. They did some stupid things, but I laughed, I found them funny. But not everyone will, and I understand why. But there wasn't any cheating or major relationship issues, so it wasn't anything I found unlikable.
Jay Bell did a wonderful job with this book. He wrote two amazing characters and a book that has stayed with me a long time. It has also remained on my favourites list since I read it. I had a thing for Connon, which is funny, but there was just something about him... It pulled me in and made me want to know more about him. Maybe part of it was because he was so misunderstood. And that he ended up being such a caring guy. Whatever it was, it made me smile whenever he was in a scene.
The few arguments the characters had weren't really major. And they weren't silly little things either, it added to the story that they faced real issues. The family issues were real and things that kids face everyday. They weren't spectacular, but they weren't silly either. Things like that felt real, with just the right amount of stupidity on the MC's part to make me happy.
I would strongly recommend this book to fans of YA m/m romance or just YA in general. Jay Bell fans will love this one, too.
May 2, 2012
Yes, we make our It Gets Better videos. Yes, we hold our heads up high when we walk through the halls. Yes, we patiently plan our escapes into new lives because these are the right things to do. But man, sometimes we want to take a bat to that damn bully's car. And sometimes we want to knock out a few of his teeth. Jay Bell's wonderful KAMIKAZE BOYS delivers on that revenge fantasy, and it's oh so satisfying when the glass starts to break and the lips start to swell. It's a love story too, of course -- one that shows how far two young men in love will go to protect one another from an unkind world.... And it's honest about the consequences.
This novel was described to me early on as a teenage Bonnie & Clyde / Thelma & Louise, and if you've heard that same thing you should know going in that those comparisons aren't accurate. This will keep you from being disappointed when a car-chase doesn't happen or a gunfight doesn't break out, like I sometimes was. So if you're hoping to see our teenage heroes holding hands as they drive over a cliff, this isn't your book. Nothing outlandish like that happens. The drama Jay Bell is going for in KAMIKAZE BOYS -- and succeeds in delivering -- is all the more gut-wrenching because it's so realistic. These are trials and tribulations that every gay person has faced, and that too many of us don't make it through. They test our heroes' love for each other again and again. Never mind gunfights -- can their love survive high school, and separation, and bureaucracy, and loneliness?
That's the real question. And Jay Bell gives us a beautiful answer. KAMIKAZE BOYS is not to be missed!
This novel was described to me early on as a teenage Bonnie & Clyde / Thelma & Louise, and if you've heard that same thing you should know going in that those comparisons aren't accurate. This will keep you from being disappointed when a car-chase doesn't happen or a gunfight doesn't break out, like I sometimes was. So if you're hoping to see our teenage heroes holding hands as they drive over a cliff, this isn't your book. Nothing outlandish like that happens. The drama Jay Bell is going for in KAMIKAZE BOYS -- and succeeds in delivering -- is all the more gut-wrenching because it's so realistic. These are trials and tribulations that every gay person has faced, and that too many of us don't make it through. They test our heroes' love for each other again and again. Never mind gunfights -- can their love survive high school, and separation, and bureaucracy, and loneliness?
That's the real question. And Jay Bell gives us a beautiful answer. KAMIKAZE BOYS is not to be missed!
September 19, 2023
Kansas is a great place to grow up together.
Most of the population of the US tries to avoid Kansas City as a fly over place or a spot to get gas driving across the plains while going to the coast, or back again.
But those of us born and raised there can easily understand the importance of the lessons learned and the relationships developed there. Most are great, but there are plenty of bullies and rich families to offset the poorer population just to stir up trouble to avoid boredom.
Conner has struggled with his life and family issues and has been forced to work to support his family while in school. Yet he managed to graduate high school with help from his friends even while helping his friends overcome life issues of their own. He is an unrecognized hero, especially to his boyfriend who motivates him to do what is best, at least most of the time.
While families and enemies may make it difficult to be gay lovers, the obvious attraction and love managed to solve legal and life problems so that the adventures can keep rolling along the long highways across the country to visit places and sights that will soon become real memories instead of dreams. Wave at the boys as they pass you by.
Most of the population of the US tries to avoid Kansas City as a fly over place or a spot to get gas driving across the plains while going to the coast, or back again.
But those of us born and raised there can easily understand the importance of the lessons learned and the relationships developed there. Most are great, but there are plenty of bullies and rich families to offset the poorer population just to stir up trouble to avoid boredom.
Conner has struggled with his life and family issues and has been forced to work to support his family while in school. Yet he managed to graduate high school with help from his friends even while helping his friends overcome life issues of their own. He is an unrecognized hero, especially to his boyfriend who motivates him to do what is best, at least most of the time.
While families and enemies may make it difficult to be gay lovers, the obvious attraction and love managed to solve legal and life problems so that the adventures can keep rolling along the long highways across the country to visit places and sights that will soon become real memories instead of dreams. Wave at the boys as they pass you by.
September 4, 2012
I can't stop smiling!
This has to be the sweetest story I've read in a while. Not sappy sweet, but adorable-first-loves-make-me-smile sweet. It was the ultimate escape for me, even though it wasn't crazy exciting; I was too wrapped up in David and Connor to care or notice. I was hooked from chapter one and couldn't put it down. I was absolutely useless until I read the final page. I loved all the other characters (especially Gordon and Tommy), the humor, the sweetness, and even the angst. This wasn't all about closets and hiding homosexuality, but about standing up the bullies of the world and defending who you are and those you love.
I was very scared that this wouldn't work out to be a HEA because it turned into an angsty train wreck in the last half of the book, but somehow the author pulled it off. I felt it was pretty realistic compared to real teenage angst and parental actions. It was a perfect ending to a perfectly titled story.
I could totally read another adventure with David and Connor. Or maybe see what Chuck is up to these days.
I need to read more from Jay Bell ASAP!
This has to be the sweetest story I've read in a while. Not sappy sweet, but adorable-first-loves-make-me-smile sweet. It was the ultimate escape for me, even though it wasn't crazy exciting; I was too wrapped up in David and Connor to care or notice. I was hooked from chapter one and couldn't put it down. I was absolutely useless until I read the final page. I loved all the other characters (especially Gordon and Tommy), the humor, the sweetness, and even the angst. This wasn't all about closets and hiding homosexuality, but about standing up the bullies of the world and defending who you are and those you love.
I was very scared that this wouldn't work out to be a HEA because it turned into an angsty train wreck in the last half of the book, but somehow the author pulled it off. I felt it was pretty realistic compared to real teenage angst and parental actions. It was a perfect ending to a perfectly titled story.
I could totally read another adventure with David and Connor. Or maybe see what Chuck is up to these days.
I need to read more from Jay Bell ASAP!
October 23, 2014
It was such a sweetheart romance,left me with a smile on my face. To tell the truth I am bit sceptic when it comes to YA romance novel.Being a cynical person myself and having all the experience to look back on I really can't make myself believe that romance in teenage really is forever kind.Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those teenage years and I am completely in awe with the person who found their first and forever kind in high school.
So to believe in a relationship of two high schoolers like the MC in this story Connar, the one with the crazy eyes and creepy scar, tried to kill his old man and David, the gay guy who always eats lunch alone would have been difficult if not for the authors fine writing.
It was a great story of two teenage from entirely different situation standing as one and surviving through the brutal circumstances endured by teens and some more....The twist and separation between David and Connar broke my heart and I was really on the edge when Connar was not able to contact David....
So if you are curious to know what really happened read the book;)
So to believe in a relationship of two high schoolers like the MC in this story Connar, the one with the crazy eyes and creepy scar, tried to kill his old man and David, the gay guy who always eats lunch alone would have been difficult if not for the authors fine writing.
It was a great story of two teenage from entirely different situation standing as one and surviving through the brutal circumstances endured by teens and some more....The twist and separation between David and Connar broke my heart and I was really on the edge when Connar was not able to contact David....
So if you are curious to know what really happened read the book;)
March 10, 2012
This was such a hard book to rate, I went back and forth from 2 stars to 3.5 stars.
I'll start by saying I love Connor and David together, they make me happy, bring a true smile to my face and I just want nothing but sunshine and rainbows for them since they first appear on page. They are great characters! The storyline moves along and keeps me interested even though some of the actions taken leave me going "huh" throughout the book. What kept me from enjoying this book more was the sudden change in pace and story for the last 30% of the book, it was like a different story and potentially too dramatic to keep me interested (was it the same book kept going through my head).
I love Jay Bell's stories and like any other author, I know I won't always love everything they write :) I liked Connor and David, just took a bit of effort to keep moving through the story.
I'll start by saying I love Connor and David together, they make me happy, bring a true smile to my face and I just want nothing but sunshine and rainbows for them since they first appear on page. They are great characters! The storyline moves along and keeps me interested even though some of the actions taken leave me going "huh" throughout the book. What kept me from enjoying this book more was the sudden change in pace and story for the last 30% of the book, it was like a different story and potentially too dramatic to keep me interested (was it the same book kept going through my head).
I love Jay Bell's stories and like any other author, I know I won't always love everything they write :) I liked Connor and David, just took a bit of effort to keep moving through the story.
October 6, 2014
YA is not my preferred reading but every now and then one comes along that engages me.
I've heard nothing but great things about Jay Bell and after finally knuckling down and reading this one I must fall into the same category.
This was such a sweet and at times exciting read, but never was it over the top or unbelievable.
Connor and David will have you enthralled from the very beginning. Connor is not what he appears to be and David is just a typical kid trying to get through school. Watching them fall in love and cope with the trials life throws at them had me eager to turn the next page.
The journey they undertake is filled with adventure both good and bad. But through out there is a closeness that shines through.
Gordon is another kid that just pulls you into his life, although at times I felt he was much younger than his 15/16 years, and Tommy was adorable.
David's dad caused me to react pretty strongly at one point. Not sure I could have been as forgiving as David.
I was sad when I got to the end as I wanted to continue on their journey with them.
Recommended to anyone looking for a story about love and lifes adventures
I've heard nothing but great things about Jay Bell and after finally knuckling down and reading this one I must fall into the same category.
This was such a sweet and at times exciting read, but never was it over the top or unbelievable.
Connor and David will have you enthralled from the very beginning. Connor is not what he appears to be and David is just a typical kid trying to get through school. Watching them fall in love and cope with the trials life throws at them had me eager to turn the next page.
The journey they undertake is filled with adventure both good and bad. But through out there is a closeness that shines through.
Gordon is another kid that just pulls you into his life, although at times I felt he was much younger than his 15/16 years, and Tommy was adorable.
David's dad caused me to react pretty strongly at one point. Not sure I could have been as forgiving as David.
I was sad when I got to the end as I wanted to continue on their journey with them.
Recommended to anyone looking for a story about love and lifes adventures
July 10, 2017
3.5 Stars.
This was my first full-length Jay Bell story and I truly enjoyed it--especially the first half of the book. Although this was a bit of insta-love, I cared for both MCs as they struggled to stay together and overcome external pressures that worked to keep the apart. Without giving away a significant plot point, I was blindsided at David's father's behavior in the latter half of the book. This plot point pushed the rating down for me--it simply made no sense to take such extreme measures.
At any rate, I enjoyed this YA, coming of age in Kansas book and was surprised that it was a bit more graphic than many books of this type.
This was my first full-length Jay Bell story and I truly enjoyed it--especially the first half of the book. Although this was a bit of insta-love, I cared for both MCs as they struggled to stay together and overcome external pressures that worked to keep the apart. Without giving away a significant plot point, I was blindsided at David's father's behavior in the latter half of the book. This plot point pushed the rating down for me--it simply made no sense to take such extreme measures.
At any rate, I enjoyed this YA, coming of age in Kansas book and was surprised that it was a bit more graphic than many books of this type.
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