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The Straight Road to Kylie
Life is fabulous for Jonathan Parish.
He's seventeen, out and proud, and ready to party through senior year with his posse of best girlfriends. But the year starts off with the wrong kind of bang when Jonathan -- in an inebriated lapse of judgment -- sleeps with a friend of his... A girlfriend!
When word gets around that hot-but-previously-unavailable Jonathan might be on the market, the school's 'it' girl approaches him with a proposal: pretend to be her boyfriend, and achieve popularity like he's never known. But popularity isn't what Jonathan wants. And suddenly, going back into the closet becomes Jonathan's only way to get what he's after -- a trip to see Kylie Minogue.
He's seventeen, out and proud, and ready to party through senior year with his posse of best girlfriends. But the year starts off with the wrong kind of bang when Jonathan -- in an inebriated lapse of judgment -- sleeps with a friend of his... A girlfriend!
When word gets around that hot-but-previously-unavailable Jonathan might be on the market, the school's 'it' girl approaches him with a proposal: pretend to be her boyfriend, and achieve popularity like he's never known. But popularity isn't what Jonathan wants. And suddenly, going back into the closet becomes Jonathan's only way to get what he's after -- a trip to see Kylie Minogue.
295 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 23, 2009
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did - after all, it does centre on one gay teen's obsession with Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue. Who couldn't relate?
Unfortunately, 80% of the characters, including the protagonist, are so damn unlikeable and shallow that I really couldn't have cared less about any of them or their problems. The second half of the book is better than the first, but they are so damn near repulsive in the first half that you needed a hell of a lot more for them to grow on you. The characters you actually like only flit around in the background at times and deserve far better friends than this lot. At times I felt that if I was driving along and saw them crossing the road I would actually accelerate to mow them down.
Disappointing, really. The book had so much potential.
Unfortunately, 80% of the characters, including the protagonist, are so damn unlikeable and shallow that I really couldn't have cared less about any of them or their problems. The second half of the book is better than the first, but they are so damn near repulsive in the first half that you needed a hell of a lot more for them to grow on you. The characters you actually like only flit around in the background at times and deserve far better friends than this lot. At times I felt that if I was driving along and saw them crossing the road I would actually accelerate to mow them down.
Disappointing, really. The book had so much potential.
December 3, 2007
David Levithan posted a bulletin on MySpace encouraging everyone to read this book. Because I adore Levithan's writing (even if I do find some of his worlds to be a little too far-fetched), I ordered it online and started reading it. Unfortunately, it would appear that I have different reading tastes from Levithan.
The book is okay. I'm not overly fond of the character, and I never really got to the point where I do like him. I think it has a lot to do with his overly-foul mouth. It likely also has a lot to do with his excessive drinking. And I'm bugged by that because at no point does anyone point out that a) underage drinking is not a good idea because it leads to stupid things or that b) if Jonathan hadn't gotten wasted, he would have never gone down this road of having to go back into the closet in order to have his sugarmommy take him to London to see Kylie. Seriously. And it's not as if this is the only time the main character gets wasted. In fact, he's always drinking with his friends. It would be nice if YA authors would stop glamorizing teen drunkeness. (Of course, the author of the book is barely old enough himself to legally drink, so I guess I can see why that point is glossed over.)
So this book, which is supposed to be fluff, seeing as how it was straight-to-paperback, took longer for me to read than it should have. In fact, I interrupted its reading with the delightful Austenland. Sure, there were some memorable scenes (my favorite being when he's "straight" but has somehow convinced three of the guys from the football team that they need makeovers and then they squabble in the dressing room over who's supposed to wear the purple shirt and who should wear the navy because of their skin tone—taking hyper-masculinized football players clothes shopping is actually quite fun, as I learned when I took my trainer shopping for a concert) and there were the touching messages of friendship and being true to yourself blah blah blah, but the book's weaknesses left a bitter aftertaste.
The book is okay. I'm not overly fond of the character, and I never really got to the point where I do like him. I think it has a lot to do with his overly-foul mouth. It likely also has a lot to do with his excessive drinking. And I'm bugged by that because at no point does anyone point out that a) underage drinking is not a good idea because it leads to stupid things or that b) if Jonathan hadn't gotten wasted, he would have never gone down this road of having to go back into the closet in order to have his sugarmommy take him to London to see Kylie. Seriously. And it's not as if this is the only time the main character gets wasted. In fact, he's always drinking with his friends. It would be nice if YA authors would stop glamorizing teen drunkeness. (Of course, the author of the book is barely old enough himself to legally drink, so I guess I can see why that point is glossed over.)
So this book, which is supposed to be fluff, seeing as how it was straight-to-paperback, took longer for me to read than it should have. In fact, I interrupted its reading with the delightful Austenland. Sure, there were some memorable scenes (my favorite being when he's "straight" but has somehow convinced three of the guys from the football team that they need makeovers and then they squabble in the dressing room over who's supposed to wear the purple shirt and who should wear the navy because of their skin tone—taking hyper-masculinized football players clothes shopping is actually quite fun, as I learned when I took my trainer shopping for a concert) and there were the touching messages of friendship and being true to yourself blah blah blah, but the book's weaknesses left a bitter aftertaste.
February 13, 2009
Vapid. Classic stereotyped crap - I wouldn't ever give this to a young adult to read - it is highly sexualized in an extermely cheap manner and lacks any sort of depth to any of the characters.
The author goes on these "I am on a soapbox" rants that I started skipping. The rants are completely trivial concerning shopping at Sisley vs. Express or evil Target customers. Lets hope Medina can write a better book so he doesn't have to work retail anymore - he obviously had enough.
I have hard time not finishing books, movies, TV shows just hoping some thread of worthiness will show itself - definitely not in this case.
The author goes on these "I am on a soapbox" rants that I started skipping. The rants are completely trivial concerning shopping at Sisley vs. Express or evil Target customers. Lets hope Medina can write a better book so he doesn't have to work retail anymore - he obviously had enough.
I have hard time not finishing books, movies, TV shows just hoping some thread of worthiness will show itself - definitely not in this case.
August 26, 2020
Terrible from start to finish writing wise but I’ll give it a 7/10 for out loud reading entertainment. Highly problematic at times. Would not recommend it to anyone especially young people.
September 17, 2021
Not something that I'd knowingly pull off a shelf in a pinch, but here we are.
It wasn't so bad. I guess it was back when gays were gay (not today's ironically angsty gays who).
Nico's opus looks promising, especially the latter ones. Just need to survive a few of these.
It wasn't so bad. I guess it was back when gays were gay (not today's ironically angsty gays who).
Nico's opus looks promising, especially the latter ones. Just need to survive a few of these.
April 11, 2008
Jonathan Parrish is an out and proud high school student who worships Kylie Minogue the way that earlier gay boys have worshipped Barbra, Bette, Cher, and Madonna. Problem is Kylie has no plans to ever perform in the U.S.A. When a unique opportunity arises, Jonathan must decide... Is it worth going back into the closet and pretending to date a rich popular girl at his high school in order to earn a trip to the UK so that he can finally see his idol perform live.
I enjoyed this a lot. The updated sensibility of today's gay youth comes through clearly and the local Orlando Florida references are right on.
This is a quick and none too serious read that would make a good beach book for anyone looking to grab some rays this summer.
I enjoyed this a lot. The updated sensibility of today's gay youth comes through clearly and the local Orlando Florida references are right on.
This is a quick and none too serious read that would make a good beach book for anyone looking to grab some rays this summer.
June 10, 2008
Eh. How to say this in the nicest way?
I can't even be bothered to string sentences together to describe how deeply disappointed I am by this book. But I will say this:
It's:
Unrealistic - to me, anyway.
Awkward - especially the dialogue. It makes me cringe to think that's how people think we teenagers sound like.
Pretentious - again, the dialogue.
Annoying - the characters, especially the protagonist.
Sounds desperate - seriously, the writing does.
But I admire that this author has donated half of his earnings to breast cancer research or something like that.
I can't even be bothered to string sentences together to describe how deeply disappointed I am by this book. But I will say this:
It's:
Unrealistic - to me, anyway.
Awkward - especially the dialogue. It makes me cringe to think that's how people think we teenagers sound like.
Pretentious - again, the dialogue.
Annoying - the characters, especially the protagonist.
Sounds desperate - seriously, the writing does.
But I admire that this author has donated half of his earnings to breast cancer research or something like that.
June 15, 2015
This was a really good book. When I first started reading it I thought that the pop-star obsession, Kylie, was made up (I know, I know, Johnathan would have killed me) but after a late night round of YouTube-ing I realized my mistake. I think the fact that she's real made the book all the better. This book was also very relatable, I know a guy who would do all of this and more to go to a Bjork concert.
December 4, 2010
OMG it was cute and funny and I loved every second of it.
September 5, 2020
My rating is probably a little skewed BUT... I was debating between 3 or 4 stars but I think I’ll settle with a 3.7/5.
Honestly I totally forgot to write a review for this book back in July BUT I can’t even remember the majority of it tbh. I remember enjoying the story while reading it, but it’s NOT rememberable at all! The characters and plot were a little shallow and I recall thinking that Carrie (who’s a minor presence throughout) is the only redeemable character in this book.
Also I felt like this book was not relatable one bit. I understand that the author came from “Playboys top party high school” but this isn’t what high school is like... AT ALL so I kinda find it hard to relate.
I do remember laughing and smiling at some parts though. It probably would’ve gotten a higher rating if I could actually remember anything about this book SO I’ll leave it at that. Definitely a fun light read!
Honestly I totally forgot to write a review for this book back in July BUT I can’t even remember the majority of it tbh. I remember enjoying the story while reading it, but it’s NOT rememberable at all! The characters and plot were a little shallow and I recall thinking that Carrie (who’s a minor presence throughout) is the only redeemable character in this book.
Also I felt like this book was not relatable one bit. I understand that the author came from “Playboys top party high school” but this isn’t what high school is like... AT ALL so I kinda find it hard to relate.
I do remember laughing and smiling at some parts though. It probably would’ve gotten a higher rating if I could actually remember anything about this book SO I’ll leave it at that. Definitely a fun light read!
August 26, 2020
this book has my name in it. 10/10
August 5, 2023
Changed my life as a child
February 13, 2024
People who hate this don't know how to read for fun, this was the campiest thing I have ever read and I loved every second of it
July 8, 2025
queer teen camp perfection
August 27, 2025
wasn't expecting this to be a Pulitzer winner but was still shocked by truly how bad it was hahahaha
April 16, 2016
I picked this book up way back last year when all the Boarders were closing. It looked funny and cute, so I figured, why not? It wasn't funny and cute, it was hilarious, adorable, and thought-provoking! Totally exceeding my expectations, The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina is a needed addition to your collection!
This sparkly story follows the journey of Jonathan Parish as he works to win tickets to see Kylie Minogue in concert. There's just one catch: he has to go back in the closet, and come out a straight boy! This is a hard task for an out and proud guy like Jonathan, but when the chance of a life time hangs in the balance he'll do anything!
While characters usually capture my attention first in books, this time it was the setting that hooked me in. The story takes place in Orlando, FL, a city only an hour away from where I grew up. I love books that take place in FL, as there aren't many, and especially ones where I know the city personally! Every time a restaurant or street got mentioned I knew exactly where it was. For me, it gave the book so much more life, and I kind of want to do a book road trip to see all the sites!
But characters were still a strong part of the story. I adored Jonathan. He was really funny and really dramatic, so much so that I laughed through the whole book. He reminded me so much of my friend Jayson it was uncanny! His obsession with Kylie Minogue, the hung-over work days at Target, even the crazy cliques of high school, everything about his life Jonathan navigates with pizzazz. My other favorite character was Carrie, one of Jonathan's best friends. She is sassy, smart, and one of the few bisexual characters I've seen in YA fiction. While Jonathan goes through some hard times, Carrie is always there for him. Great friendships like this always make books better for me!
Reading some reviews I saw the terms vapid and shallow, along with unrealistic thrown around. I'm not trying to negate anyone's opinion, but it seems to me that these reviewers never experienced high school the way I did, which was very close to Jonathan's and his friends' experience. Teenagers can be vapid and shallow, but they can also be fiercely loyal and caring, two traits also in the book. Other reviews had issue with the underage drinking, but whether you agree with it or not, that is often a reality of teen life. The fact is they were safe about it, and let's face it, when the parents are away the kids will play. If Medina had tempered his portrayal of this aspect of teen life, or even wrote a huge anti-drinking part, I think the story would have felt less authentic.
I really enjoyed the book! There were a couple of issues with dialogue tags that would throw me, but nothing that ruined the story. Ultimately, The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina is a fun, fast read with great GLBT characters! Orlando gave a great background to the story, and each character added flavor. I recommend you add this to your summer TBR list!
This sparkly story follows the journey of Jonathan Parish as he works to win tickets to see Kylie Minogue in concert. There's just one catch: he has to go back in the closet, and come out a straight boy! This is a hard task for an out and proud guy like Jonathan, but when the chance of a life time hangs in the balance he'll do anything!
While characters usually capture my attention first in books, this time it was the setting that hooked me in. The story takes place in Orlando, FL, a city only an hour away from where I grew up. I love books that take place in FL, as there aren't many, and especially ones where I know the city personally! Every time a restaurant or street got mentioned I knew exactly where it was. For me, it gave the book so much more life, and I kind of want to do a book road trip to see all the sites!
But characters were still a strong part of the story. I adored Jonathan. He was really funny and really dramatic, so much so that I laughed through the whole book. He reminded me so much of my friend Jayson it was uncanny! His obsession with Kylie Minogue, the hung-over work days at Target, even the crazy cliques of high school, everything about his life Jonathan navigates with pizzazz. My other favorite character was Carrie, one of Jonathan's best friends. She is sassy, smart, and one of the few bisexual characters I've seen in YA fiction. While Jonathan goes through some hard times, Carrie is always there for him. Great friendships like this always make books better for me!
Reading some reviews I saw the terms vapid and shallow, along with unrealistic thrown around. I'm not trying to negate anyone's opinion, but it seems to me that these reviewers never experienced high school the way I did, which was very close to Jonathan's and his friends' experience. Teenagers can be vapid and shallow, but they can also be fiercely loyal and caring, two traits also in the book. Other reviews had issue with the underage drinking, but whether you agree with it or not, that is often a reality of teen life. The fact is they were safe about it, and let's face it, when the parents are away the kids will play. If Medina had tempered his portrayal of this aspect of teen life, or even wrote a huge anti-drinking part, I think the story would have felt less authentic.
I really enjoyed the book! There were a couple of issues with dialogue tags that would throw me, but nothing that ruined the story. Ultimately, The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina is a fun, fast read with great GLBT characters! Orlando gave a great background to the story, and each character added flavor. I recommend you add this to your summer TBR list!
November 17, 2012
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Jonathan Parish, the ALL OUT Kylie Minogue lover, has done the unexpected. He slept with a girl. Okay, that may seem normal to most of us, but not for Jonathan--since he is gay and everyone knows it. This wouldn't have happened if Joanna's mother hadn't canceled their plans, then Jonathan and Joanna wouldn't have had to come up with a birthday party, which meant that they wouldn't have had to invite their friends, including Alex (not as in Alexander but as in Alexandra), which wouldn't have led to Jonathan sleeping with Alex. Of course, Jonathan had a choice to say no to Alex, but he was just too drunk and Alex just persuaded him in the right way.
After "that night" happened, Jonathan believed that the whole ordeal was over, that is until he discovered that the whole school found out about it. Now all the girls seem to be looking at Jonathan in a new light. Everyone, including the richest and the most popular girl in school, and also his math buddy, Laura Schulberg. But Laura has bigger plans for the both of them; if Jonathan becomes Laura's boyfriend, not only would she keep her own social status but Jonathan would become popular, too. At first Jonathan isn't buying it, until Laura bribes him with tickets to go see Kylie Minogue. How can he say no to that?
Before he knows it, Jonathan finds himself back in the closet, trying to keep up the charade as being Laura's boyfriend. Which isn't so hard, until Jonathan's friends begin to turn their back on him and he then finds the guy of his dreams. Can Jonathan survive being straight just to see his idol?
THE STRAIGHT ROAD TO KYLIE is NOT funny but is HILARIOUS. The journey that Nico Medina writes is one of a high school kid, trying to find out who he really is, and that is what makes THE STRAIGHT ROAD TO KYLIE one of the greatest books that I have ever read. The obstacles that Jonathan faces will make you laugh out loud. Not only that, but the problems that he faces shows us all how the lives of teens are so hectic and full of so much drama. Lets just hope that Jonathan's adventures don't end here, and that the road continues.
Jonathan Parish, the ALL OUT Kylie Minogue lover, has done the unexpected. He slept with a girl. Okay, that may seem normal to most of us, but not for Jonathan--since he is gay and everyone knows it. This wouldn't have happened if Joanna's mother hadn't canceled their plans, then Jonathan and Joanna wouldn't have had to come up with a birthday party, which meant that they wouldn't have had to invite their friends, including Alex (not as in Alexander but as in Alexandra), which wouldn't have led to Jonathan sleeping with Alex. Of course, Jonathan had a choice to say no to Alex, but he was just too drunk and Alex just persuaded him in the right way.
After "that night" happened, Jonathan believed that the whole ordeal was over, that is until he discovered that the whole school found out about it. Now all the girls seem to be looking at Jonathan in a new light. Everyone, including the richest and the most popular girl in school, and also his math buddy, Laura Schulberg. But Laura has bigger plans for the both of them; if Jonathan becomes Laura's boyfriend, not only would she keep her own social status but Jonathan would become popular, too. At first Jonathan isn't buying it, until Laura bribes him with tickets to go see Kylie Minogue. How can he say no to that?
Before he knows it, Jonathan finds himself back in the closet, trying to keep up the charade as being Laura's boyfriend. Which isn't so hard, until Jonathan's friends begin to turn their back on him and he then finds the guy of his dreams. Can Jonathan survive being straight just to see his idol?
THE STRAIGHT ROAD TO KYLIE is NOT funny but is HILARIOUS. The journey that Nico Medina writes is one of a high school kid, trying to find out who he really is, and that is what makes THE STRAIGHT ROAD TO KYLIE one of the greatest books that I have ever read. The obstacles that Jonathan faces will make you laugh out loud. Not only that, but the problems that he faces shows us all how the lives of teens are so hectic and full of so much drama. Lets just hope that Jonathan's adventures don't end here, and that the road continues.
March 13, 2013
Got this book as a Xmas gift and looking forward to reading it. To meet and to get to know Jonathan, to take a ride on his journey... Well I finally got to "live" through Jonathan's final school year. It was enjoyable to experience his life because unlike all the usual gay books where there is bulling and abuse involved this was pleasant to "attend" the school where the characters are independent and socially excepted. Where the only major conflict was between friends/classmates... I definitely can and still do relate to his musical tastes. I loved Ms. Minogue since1988 and still continuing today to follow her GlitterPath... Must say though that some of the side characters "acted" much older then high school kids, very mature in their actions, their words. There was certain place where I wanted to shut his girlfriends up and other times when I wanted to tell Jonathan that his friends are selfish and almost forgot about his feelings and desires... Goodness their was times that I felt like grabbing him by his hair, pull him closer and kiss him full on the lips just so that his girlfriends can see and for his experience... But in anyway at the end all works out, he meets a gorgeous man, meets some more gay friends, wins the fight, strengthen old friendships, a "twist" is then revealed (say no more).... And still gets to see Kylie.... LaLaLa
May 15, 2008
My review of the book Straight Road To Kylie. The author of the book is Nico Medina. The genre of the book is fiction. The main character of the story is Jonathon Parish. He is an All out Gay seventeen year old. Everyone knows him as the gay boy. Until one day at this out of control party, drunken Jonathon sleeps with Alex...a girl. When word gets around at school, Jonathon becomes the new "It" Boy. Every girl is after him. The most famous "it" girl, Laura Schulberg, and Jonathons math buddy, makes her way into Jonathons life. She persuades Jonathon to make her his girlfriend. Even though Jonathon is Gay as can be. Laura persuades Jonathon with two tickets to paradise.( a Kylie Minogue concert), Jonathons favorite singer of all time.In order to see Kylie,Jonathon must confide as being straight for Laura. Laura uses Jonathon. He becomes her Boy Toy.Jonathon then slowly drifts away from his best girl friends. Then Jonathon has had enough of being used by laura. He wants to be gay again. what will happen now?
will jonathon be able to see Kylie Minogue or not?
read this book. this book is absolutely amazing.
I rated this book all stars because it is an eye catching story. I couldnt put the book down!
This book is a must.
will jonathon be able to see Kylie Minogue or not?
read this book. this book is absolutely amazing.
I rated this book all stars because it is an eye catching story. I couldnt put the book down!
This book is a must.
December 21, 2013
Wow! I loved this book. The Straight Road To Kylie stars Jonathan Parish. Now, Jonathan is an out and proud senior at Winter Park High. What is his obsession? The amazing and incredibly beautiful Kylie Minogue. And trust me; he would do anything to meet her, even turned straight.
I loved Jonathan Parish. His obsession for Kylie reminded me so much of my obsession for Nelly Furtado. It’s just so cute and funny! Kylie means the world to him like Nelly means the world to me. I loved Jonathan's friends. They seemed so cool and down to earth. Yes, they had their little flaws, but everyone does. I really liked Laura. Some readers won't like her, but I fell for her. She was a really cool bitch.
All in all, I loved this novel. The plot was solid, the characters seemed real and the Kylie Minogue references reminded me so much of her music. I love her! She may not be my favorite artist of all time, but her music is fun and I must agree with the author. It is so sad that Kylie's music has not reach every single soul on earth. She is just fantastic.
I recommend this novel to all the Kylie fans out there and to any who wants to read something new and fresh. Trust me; you won't get this book out of your head.
I loved Jonathan Parish. His obsession for Kylie reminded me so much of my obsession for Nelly Furtado. It’s just so cute and funny! Kylie means the world to him like Nelly means the world to me. I loved Jonathan's friends. They seemed so cool and down to earth. Yes, they had their little flaws, but everyone does. I really liked Laura. Some readers won't like her, but I fell for her. She was a really cool bitch.
All in all, I loved this novel. The plot was solid, the characters seemed real and the Kylie Minogue references reminded me so much of her music. I love her! She may not be my favorite artist of all time, but her music is fun and I must agree with the author. It is so sad that Kylie's music has not reach every single soul on earth. She is just fantastic.
I recommend this novel to all the Kylie fans out there and to any who wants to read something new and fresh. Trust me; you won't get this book out of your head.
April 24, 2009
I thought this book was a fun, frothy exploration of the gay main character's attempts to act as a straight "beard" for a popular girl and be part of her crowd in exchange for tickets to a Kylie Minogue concert at the end of the school year. I laughed, I smiled, and I enjoyed the various plot twists, interludes about customer service at Target, etc.
In browsing the other reviews, I noted that at least one took umbrage with the characters' portrayals, regarding them as not typical of how modern gay teenagers would behave. I realize that in a previous review of a book about a math genius, I was rather persnickety regarding its treatment of certain technical details. I do not have the expertise to weigh in on whether this book's treatment of its particular details is more authentic. However, I can say that the bubbly enthusiasm of the main character's obsession with Kylie, and the lengths he was willing to go to achieve his dream, was infectious, and I enjoyed following his journey.
In browsing the other reviews, I noted that at least one took umbrage with the characters' portrayals, regarding them as not typical of how modern gay teenagers would behave. I realize that in a previous review of a book about a math genius, I was rather persnickety regarding its treatment of certain technical details. I do not have the expertise to weigh in on whether this book's treatment of its particular details is more authentic. However, I can say that the bubbly enthusiasm of the main character's obsession with Kylie, and the lengths he was willing to go to achieve his dream, was infectious, and I enjoyed following his journey.
November 27, 2012
Oh the tangled webs weaved by both Jonathan and Laura in this book. Laura uses Jonathan to pull the wool over the eyes of her public (and her parents) and Jonathan is bribed with tickets and a trip to London to see Kylie Minogue. It felt like everyone was using everyone else right?
Lessons are learned all around, about respecting one's self (something Jonathan should have known from the beginning - his Volvo is named Aretha after Aretha "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" Franklin!), telling the truth to each other and maintaining/making new friendships. One of the things these kids don't seem to learn [there are no real adults who seem aware of the problem either] is that drinking is not only bad for one's health but also for making sensible choices. The shear amount of underage drinking in this book is amazing and sad. (Yes, I have a soapbox and I will stand on it on occasion.)
Lessons are learned all around, about respecting one's self (something Jonathan should have known from the beginning - his Volvo is named Aretha after Aretha "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" Franklin!), telling the truth to each other and maintaining/making new friendships. One of the things these kids don't seem to learn [there are no real adults who seem aware of the problem either] is that drinking is not only bad for one's health but also for making sensible choices. The shear amount of underage drinking in this book is amazing and sad. (Yes, I have a soapbox and I will stand on it on occasion.)
October 10, 2007
Man, I thought I'd forgotten how to read books! Apparently not. This was a sweet, sad, ultimately hopeful story about an out-and-proud gay teenager who gets drunk and sleeps with a female classmate, tossing him into the middle of drama with his friends, with the popular girl who wants him to pretend that he's her boyfriend (offering in return a trip to London, all-expenses-paid, to see the narrator's idol, Kylie Minogue, in concert), with the straight football playing friends he suddenly acquires when he agrees to the boyfriend-for-Kylie plot. This had a great pace, Jonathan is a whip-smart, sympathetic narrator, and the ending totally took me by surprise in the best possible way.
January 26, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. But then I'm gay and I'm going to enjoy any book with a strong gay male character. I can relate to the main character, Jonathan. He's 18 and all of his friends are straight females. One drunken night the sight of so many boy/girl coupling at a party leads to Jonathan sleeping with (and by sleeping with I mean having sex) with a girl. This leads to him being sorta forced into becoming the boyfriend of the popular girl. Jonathan is forced back into the closet but once you're out, you can never go back in.
February 13, 2008
This book was not really my favorite. But even though this book didnt really catch my attention, it still tought me a really vauable lesson. Which is that people usually make fun of someone else usually have something hiding inside and just think the way to make that go away is to make fun of someone else. But in the story, while one girl just uses Johnathan for popularity and trying to turn him straight again, it turns out shes the same way.
June 11, 2008
In a drunken state at his best friend Joanna's birthday party, Kylie agrees to have sex with (Alex)andra after she convinces him she wants her first time to be with someone nice, and promises that that will be the end of it. Of course it's all over school within a day or two, and Kylie is suddenly getting all sorts of attention from girls.
He is bribed by a popular girl to be her "beard" with the
He is bribed by a popular girl to be her "beard" with the
October 23, 2012
A great, fluffy, vapid, "kill-an-afternoon" type read. It made me laugh, it made me cringe, and everything worked out for the best. That's not a spoiler. You know it's gonna have a happy ending. But while I had high hopes that this would be stereotype-blasting romp, I still found some disheartening ones (like the promiscuous bisexual girl, the "virgins-just-don't-understand" attitudes, and the fat kid who just needs a makeover and someone to tell them to eat egg whites and celery).
February 7, 2013
I always have trouble writing reviews for books that I really enjoyed but can't pinpoint exactly why. There's not much for me to really say about this book - it was just fluffy, cute, fun and downright entertaining.
I really loved reading this book, and Jonathan absolutely cracked me up. I loved his relationships with his girl friends, especially Carrie.
I see the author has written one more book, and I will be reading that soon.
I really loved reading this book, and Jonathan absolutely cracked me up. I loved his relationships with his girl friends, especially Carrie.
I see the author has written one more book, and I will be reading that soon.
July 2, 2013
I've been meaning to read this book for ages (ever since I read the first chapter somewhere as a preview) and when I spotted it at the bargain book sale at the library I quickly snapped it up.
I really enjoyed this book as a light, quick read that made me giggle. It's one of those books I imagine I would have adored even more in high school but can still appreciate in my twenties.
Jonathan's love of making CDs and lists reminded me of my mixtape making days in high school.
I really enjoyed this book as a light, quick read that made me giggle. It's one of those books I imagine I would have adored even more in high school but can still appreciate in my twenties.
Jonathan's love of making CDs and lists reminded me of my mixtape making days in high school.
July 26, 2011
Fun sort of backwards coming-out-of-the-closet story. Jonathan (who, by the way, is such a fun character -- I think I know him, actually) heads back INTO the closet in order to score a trip to see his favorite singer, Kylie Minogue. How? By pretending to date the richest girl in school, who has secrets of her own.
I think I learned some new words, though....
I think I learned some new words, though....
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