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Straight Expectations
The brilliant debut novel from author, presenter and LGBTQ+ advocate Calum McSwiggan!
Seventeen-year-old Max has always been out, proud and just a little spoiled. Frustrated by the lack of romantic options in his small-town high school, during an argument with his lifelong best friend Dean, Max lashes out and says he wishes he had never been born gay.
Max gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up to find his wish has come true - not only have his feelings for boys vanished, but so has Dean.
With his school life turned upside down and his relationship with his family in tatters, Max sets out on a journey of rediscovery to find a way back to the life he took for granted, and the romance he thought he'd never have.
Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Sex Education.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2023
62 people are currently reading
1965 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
April 8, 2023
I was kindly gifted an early copy from the publishers (and Calum is a good friend so I’m biased!), but this was such a wholesome, fun story. With a diverse cast of characters and an exploration of what it’s like to be queer, this is a brilliant YA story that will have you falling in love with Max and his pals. It’s not a book I’d typically gravitate towards, but it was thought-provoking and educational, as well as being a great light-hearted read.
“For anyone who’s ever wanted to wish away the thing that makes them different.” 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🫶
“For anyone who’s ever wanted to wish away the thing that makes them different.” 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🫶
July 29, 2023
I have a principle in my reviews: the final taste matters a lot in a book.
This book had me frustrated and a bit disappointed for large parts of it, but the final part was so cute and satisfying!
A problem with a lot of YA romances is that the author doesn't give space for the couple to be together in the end. Calum McSwiggan not only avoided this pitfall but made the final part of the book adorable and swoony!
So the rating is for sweet Oliver Cheng, for his chemistry with Max and for a really strong finale.
Saying that, the execution of what Calum wanted to do is lackluster.
The story revolves around Max, a quite effeminate gay teen who is grumpy about what he doesn't have and unfairly vents to his best friends Dean and Alicia wishing that he was straight.
And whoop, he wakes up in a sort of parallel timeline where he is straight! He has to find a way back and on the way he has to get to know himself better and value what he took for granted (or assumed) for other people. But:
- There's a lot of preaching and telling instead of showing (like racial privilege being mentioned without any storyline) when it comes to the messages, and a very American optic of them despite all the characters being British and the school being in England.
- There is a very stereotypical portrayal of the "feminine gay" (the crop top, the way if walking, the fashion and theater, the girlish nickname, all together is like googling decades old stereotypes for gay people). This was a big wince for me.
- There is a rather confusing message with the parallel timeline that being straight might not be as easy as being gay? I assume the intention was to show that you should always be happy to be yourself and not something else but it wasn't done well.
- Making the main character act like a jerk because he was missing memories of his past in the parallel timeline.
The book was still enjoyable despite these issues, and the romance was super cute!
This book had me frustrated and a bit disappointed for large parts of it, but the final part was so cute and satisfying!
A problem with a lot of YA romances is that the author doesn't give space for the couple to be together in the end. Calum McSwiggan not only avoided this pitfall but made the final part of the book adorable and swoony!
So the rating is for sweet Oliver Cheng, for his chemistry with Max and for a really strong finale.
Saying that, the execution of what Calum wanted to do is lackluster.
The story revolves around Max, a quite effeminate gay teen who is grumpy about what he doesn't have and unfairly vents to his best friends Dean and Alicia wishing that he was straight.
And whoop, he wakes up in a sort of parallel timeline where he is straight! He has to find a way back and on the way he has to get to know himself better and value what he took for granted (or assumed) for other people. But:
- There's a lot of preaching and telling instead of showing (like racial privilege being mentioned without any storyline) when it comes to the messages, and a very American optic of them despite all the characters being British and the school being in England.
- There is a very stereotypical portrayal of the "feminine gay" (the crop top, the way if walking, the fashion and theater, the girlish nickname, all together is like googling decades old stereotypes for gay people). This was a big wince for me.
- There is a rather confusing message with the parallel timeline that being straight might not be as easy as being gay? I assume the intention was to show that you should always be happy to be yourself and not something else but it wasn't done well.
- Making the main character act like a jerk because he was missing memories of his past in the parallel timeline.
The book was still enjoyable despite these issues, and the romance was super cute!
June 11, 2023
Would recommend this to fans of Simon James Green and George Lester!
This was such a fun read! It's super hot today, and I wanted a light book to read in one sitting, and this perfectly delivered.
I've talked about this before, but I have a soft spot for books about time travel and parallel universes and things like that. Most authors go with the Groundhog Day trope, which is very fun, but this was a refreshing alternative! This would make for a super fun YA romcom movie.
I like how this book discusses a lot of things about privilege and community in a really lighthearted and accessible way. I was a little hesitant about changing a character from gay to straight, but I thought this was done well and with a lot of care.
This was such a fun read! It's super hot today, and I wanted a light book to read in one sitting, and this perfectly delivered.
I've talked about this before, but I have a soft spot for books about time travel and parallel universes and things like that. Most authors go with the Groundhog Day trope, which is very fun, but this was a refreshing alternative! This would make for a super fun YA romcom movie.
I like how this book discusses a lot of things about privilege and community in a really lighthearted and accessible way. I was a little hesitant about changing a character from gay to straight, but I thought this was done well and with a lot of care.
June 22, 2023
Straight Expectations has a great premise that had me hooked. I mean, Freaky Friday-esq but from gay to straight? Bound to have both funny and profound moments.
There were moments that had me smiling; I liked how the cute romance played out, particularly that rooftop date! Oliver was also the character I liked most besides the librarian Imraan, because of how nice and genuine Oliver was. Towards the end, there's most of the genuinely funny and cute moments. However, most of the story was a little too lacklustre for my taste.
The author clearly aimed for a profound look at identity, privilege, and such themes but the execution failed to deliver. I felt that the structure of the story and writing style made it difficult to establish likable characters, particularly Max the main character, before the change happened. Honestly, most of the characters felt too stereotypical and it hindered the exploration of the themes. Also, the setting felt very generic. The story takes place in a town in England but other than few British words it felt like it could almost be describing an American town. I guess I had hoped for something similar to Alice Oseman, who's brilliant at creating the right atmosphere.
I think many will love this. It is a YA romcom that has a great premise and many will undoubtedly love the cast of characters.
(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)
There were moments that had me smiling; I liked how the cute romance played out, particularly that rooftop date! Oliver was also the character I liked most besides the librarian Imraan, because of how nice and genuine Oliver was. Towards the end, there's most of the genuinely funny and cute moments. However, most of the story was a little too lacklustre for my taste.
The author clearly aimed for a profound look at identity, privilege, and such themes but the execution failed to deliver. I felt that the structure of the story and writing style made it difficult to establish likable characters, particularly Max the main character, before the change happened. Honestly, most of the characters felt too stereotypical and it hindered the exploration of the themes. Also, the setting felt very generic. The story takes place in a town in England but other than few British words it felt like it could almost be describing an American town. I guess I had hoped for something similar to Alice Oseman, who's brilliant at creating the right atmosphere.
I think many will love this. It is a YA romcom that has a great premise and many will undoubtedly love the cast of characters.
(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)
May 1, 2023
The story:
When Max and best friend Dean joke about what they would wish for from a genie, the usual options come up — riches, world peace, and perhaps unlimited handsome men… But when Max’s wish to just blend in like the straight kids comes true overnight, he gets a taste of what he thought he wanted. But not only is he not gay, Dean is no longer in his life. With his home and school life crumbling, Max is forced to look at who he is and what’s really important if he’s going to find his way back to friendship, and possibly romance…
My thoughts:
I was delighted to have the opportunity to take part in the blog tour for “Straight Expectations”, organised by TheWriteReads — the debut novel from author, presenter and LGBTQ+ advocate Calum McSwiggan. I don’t read a huge number of young adult books, but I really enjoyed this fun, sparkling and also thought-provoking book.
Main character 17-year-old Max is in many ways leading a privileged life — he’s queer, proud, has supportive parents, and great friends in Dean (also gay, an amazing performer, and fundamental in supporting Max over the years) and Alicia (straight, a talented artist, and a great ally to the queer community at their school). But at the start of the book he is also struggling with the things he hasn’t got — namely, a romantic relationship, and limited opportunities to find one. He does, however, have a crush, in the form of Oliver Cheng; but after a year of Oliver transferring to Woodside Academy, he’s barely plucked up the courage to speak to him, let alone ask him out.
When Dean and Alicia push him into messaging Oliver, only to be snubbed, Max is triggered into making a wish to have the easy high school experience he sees the straight kids around him having. And that’s where things take a Freaky Friday-esque turn! Max wakes up to find he’s received just what he wished for — he is now straight, dating a girl (Alicia!), and best friend Dean has vanished from his life altogether.
The story is fast-paced, funny and packed with entertainment, but also touching and thought-provoking as Max struggles with his new life and exactly what his identity means. Of course, as Max realises, there is no one right way to express an identity, and although romance might be great, finding friends that support you for who you are, and supporting them back, is so important.
Overall this was an enjoyable and uplifting read and I’d recommend it whether you’re a usual YA reader or not, for its great characters, positivity and touching friendships.
When Max and best friend Dean joke about what they would wish for from a genie, the usual options come up — riches, world peace, and perhaps unlimited handsome men… But when Max’s wish to just blend in like the straight kids comes true overnight, he gets a taste of what he thought he wanted. But not only is he not gay, Dean is no longer in his life. With his home and school life crumbling, Max is forced to look at who he is and what’s really important if he’s going to find his way back to friendship, and possibly romance…
My thoughts:
I was delighted to have the opportunity to take part in the blog tour for “Straight Expectations”, organised by TheWriteReads — the debut novel from author, presenter and LGBTQ+ advocate Calum McSwiggan. I don’t read a huge number of young adult books, but I really enjoyed this fun, sparkling and also thought-provoking book.
Main character 17-year-old Max is in many ways leading a privileged life — he’s queer, proud, has supportive parents, and great friends in Dean (also gay, an amazing performer, and fundamental in supporting Max over the years) and Alicia (straight, a talented artist, and a great ally to the queer community at their school). But at the start of the book he is also struggling with the things he hasn’t got — namely, a romantic relationship, and limited opportunities to find one. He does, however, have a crush, in the form of Oliver Cheng; but after a year of Oliver transferring to Woodside Academy, he’s barely plucked up the courage to speak to him, let alone ask him out.
When Dean and Alicia push him into messaging Oliver, only to be snubbed, Max is triggered into making a wish to have the easy high school experience he sees the straight kids around him having. And that’s where things take a Freaky Friday-esque turn! Max wakes up to find he’s received just what he wished for — he is now straight, dating a girl (Alicia!), and best friend Dean has vanished from his life altogether.
The story is fast-paced, funny and packed with entertainment, but also touching and thought-provoking as Max struggles with his new life and exactly what his identity means. Of course, as Max realises, there is no one right way to express an identity, and although romance might be great, finding friends that support you for who you are, and supporting them back, is so important.
Overall this was an enjoyable and uplifting read and I’d recommend it whether you’re a usual YA reader or not, for its great characters, positivity and touching friendships.
July 4, 2024
This book is so good! It’s funny and clever, and I was never bored. The characters feel so real and again ITS SO FUNNY! The dialogue is one if not the best parts of this book other than the wacky plot. SO GOOD!
September 14, 2023
This is the most painfully stereotypical representation of LGBTQ+ people I have ever seen: from crop tops to painted nails, these characters have nothing besides their surface-level traits. It was so difficult to feel a connection to any of the characters when they feel like unrealistic and exaggerated archetypes.
This story sets itself up to serve as a discussion about racial prejudice within queer communities, and completely falls flat with this message. The black character quite literally disappears for the vast majority of the book. The discussion around identity and race is completely dismissed after it is very briefly introduced. The whole intersectionality discussion is so poorly done, I struggle to find the words to describe my disappointment.
I feel so disappointed because the premise of the story IS interesting! But it completely fails to live up to its potential. The reason behind my (generous) 2-star rating is that this book was almost so-bad-that-its-good; I couldn't put it down. I just needed to see what outrageously stereotypical turn would be taken next. It was laughably bad at points, and thus, I had a surprisingly good time with this book.
This story sets itself up to serve as a discussion about racial prejudice within queer communities, and completely falls flat with this message. The black character quite literally disappears for the vast majority of the book. The discussion around identity and race is completely dismissed after it is very briefly introduced. The whole intersectionality discussion is so poorly done, I struggle to find the words to describe my disappointment.
I feel so disappointed because the premise of the story IS interesting! But it completely fails to live up to its potential. The reason behind my (generous) 2-star rating is that this book was almost so-bad-that-its-good; I couldn't put it down. I just needed to see what outrageously stereotypical turn would be taken next. It was laughably bad at points, and thus, I had a surprisingly good time with this book.
April 30, 2023
“I really must have caught a bad case of heterosexualitis. A pandemic that has plagued humanity since the very dawn of time and yet for which, shockingly, there’s still no known cure.”
Straight Expectations was an easy to read YA romance where, for most of the book, our main character just can’t fancy his love interest.
I thought it was a really interesting way to examine Max’s white gay privilege. He is surrounded by people who constantly call him out on it, but he doesn’t notice it until it’s not there. It makes him realise what he takes for granted, and also what he can do to support everyone else.
There was a host of really interesting characters in this - I particularly loved the side characters.
Straight Expectations was a fun YA romance, that makes you realise how big an impact just the little actions can have on a community.
Straight Expectations was an easy to read YA romance where, for most of the book, our main character just can’t fancy his love interest.
I thought it was a really interesting way to examine Max’s white gay privilege. He is surrounded by people who constantly call him out on it, but he doesn’t notice it until it’s not there. It makes him realise what he takes for granted, and also what he can do to support everyone else.
There was a host of really interesting characters in this - I particularly loved the side characters.
Straight Expectations was a fun YA romance, that makes you realise how big an impact just the little actions can have on a community.
Read
June 9, 2023i hate this book, 10/10
January 6, 2025
Wat was dit boek? Ik ben hier echt te oud voor. Ongelooflijk stereotypisch en onuitstaanbaar hoofdpersonage. Het probeert maatschappelijke issues naar voren te brengen over ras en seksualiteit maar slaat naar mijn mening de plank mis en blijft oppervlakkig. Oliver en Immy waren nog wel te doen, dus daar is de extra halve ster voor. 1.5⭐️
June 23, 2023
Ein perfektes Buch für alles Fans von Simon James Green!
Anfangs hatte ich so meine Probleme mit Max, aber seine Entwicklung war wirklich gut. Das Buch hat sich einfach wie ein 2000er-Film gelesen und das mochte ich mega gerne. 😍
CW: Homophobie
Anfangs hatte ich so meine Probleme mit Max, aber seine Entwicklung war wirklich gut. Das Buch hat sich einfach wie ein 2000er-Film gelesen und das mochte ich mega gerne. 😍
CW: Homophobie
November 19, 2023
this book changed my view of life i turned straight after reading this i think of this book everynight as i fall asleep -this is for sunday😝
January 11, 2025
How could I have ever been so stupid to want to wish away any of this?
I was surprised by this book in a good way, it took a little while to grab me as I struggled to like characters at first. They came across every stereotypical and very mean girls vibes, but once the switch hits it did get better.
The exploration of stereotypes, privilege and the expectations of things always being greener on the other side. Honestly Max does learn through the tale and I enjoyed seeing him have to face things from another perspective.
Finally starting to understand and create his own journey, figure out what he wants with his future. I adored the focus upon relationships and people in general in this story, all of the different paths & how much can impact one another.
What may seem small to you could be huge for someone else, there is so much great writing here and I loved seeing Max develop through the story. His friendships, family and spark of romance.
I adored Dean & Alicia, the trio are great together and so charming. Plenty of humour and heart, glimpses into their past and how impacted them all. The art, theatre, fashion, coming out, bracelet and names its beautiful to see revealed in the writing. How important a moment can be.
Of course I must mention Oliver Cheng who is the sweetest! I enjoyed him and Max romance, they're both clumsy and cute in their approaches. Also love how they both have great friends pushing them to go for each other, the little missteps along the way.
Getting to know one another, little jokes, their first date was so sweet with the basket and the view. The monster ball costumes, lanterns and finally getting together. Max & Oliver were simply wonderful as a pair.
Honestly I enjoyed this book more then expected from the start and leads to a very fitting happy ending ✨
I was surprised by this book in a good way, it took a little while to grab me as I struggled to like characters at first. They came across every stereotypical and very mean girls vibes, but once the switch hits it did get better.
The exploration of stereotypes, privilege and the expectations of things always being greener on the other side. Honestly Max does learn through the tale and I enjoyed seeing him have to face things from another perspective.
Finally starting to understand and create his own journey, figure out what he wants with his future. I adored the focus upon relationships and people in general in this story, all of the different paths & how much can impact one another.
What may seem small to you could be huge for someone else, there is so much great writing here and I loved seeing Max develop through the story. His friendships, family and spark of romance.
I adored Dean & Alicia, the trio are great together and so charming. Plenty of humour and heart, glimpses into their past and how impacted them all. The art, theatre, fashion, coming out, bracelet and names its beautiful to see revealed in the writing. How important a moment can be.
Of course I must mention Oliver Cheng who is the sweetest! I enjoyed him and Max romance, they're both clumsy and cute in their approaches. Also love how they both have great friends pushing them to go for each other, the little missteps along the way.
Getting to know one another, little jokes, their first date was so sweet with the basket and the view. The monster ball costumes, lanterns and finally getting together. Max & Oliver were simply wonderful as a pair.
Honestly I enjoyed this book more then expected from the start and leads to a very fitting happy ending ✨
May 30, 2024
17 yo Max has always been unapologetically himself. But when you are one of only a few number of queer students in a small British community, sometimes it gets old. All Max wants to do is fall in love and have the quintessential high school experience, like all the hetero couples seems to have. One night, he gets into a fight with his best friend Dean and wishes for the unthinkable - to be straight and to never have been friends with Dean. When he wakes up, Max is straight and Dean doesn't seem to exist. What is Max supposed to do in this straight (strange) new world?
I actually really liked this book, but note that it would probably be rated R for language and mature content. There is a lot of sexual content in the book - so teenagers in the modern world, I guess?
I felt that Max's experience being straight (and how the grass is not always greener on the other side) felt true. I liked seeing him come into his own awareness of self - and recognize the consequences of his actions, and eventually recognize his white privilege. I also liked how Max could see his own impact. He thought everything was different because Dean didn't exist in this reality, which was part of it, but Max also had influence, just by being himself. I keep saying this, but this is why representation matters. Being yourself allows others to be their own authentic selves.
I actually really liked this book, but note that it would probably be rated R for language and mature content. There is a lot of sexual content in the book - so teenagers in the modern world, I guess?
I felt that Max's experience being straight (and how the grass is not always greener on the other side) felt true. I liked seeing him come into his own awareness of self - and recognize the consequences of his actions, and eventually recognize his white privilege. I also liked how Max could see his own impact. He thought everything was different because Dean didn't exist in this reality, which was part of it, but Max also had influence, just by being himself. I keep saying this, but this is why representation matters. Being yourself allows others to be their own authentic selves.
January 7, 2025
maybe 2.5*? i started this literally last year and just could not get myself to continue reading, as i was so incredibly bored. the supposed premise, that's promoted on the back, doesn't get set up until page 80 or so. that first part was very bland. then when it DID happen, so much happened yet nothing happened at all. a lot of drama, felt very childish the way it was written. and it DRAGGED. then the last 60 pages felt very rushed. suddenly everything is back to normal, how that happened is not explained at all??? just randomly BOOM back to normal. very confusing. and then the story rushes to a happy ending. not a fan, at all. very glad i finally finished this. disappointed as well, as i was excited to read this one after reading the premise.
July 22, 2023
A wholesome book about friendship and a bit of romance, with the main message being grateful for who you are, where you are and what you have :3
I cannot imagine my family not knowing who my friends are. When you stop reading for a minute and picture yourself in the main character's situation, it is hard to imagine that your loved ones do not recognize the name(s) of your best friend(s).
Five out of five drooling emojis, ten out of ten chilli peppers and an infinite out of infinite amount of aubergines.
I cannot imagine my family not knowing who my friends are. When you stop reading for a minute and picture yourself in the main character's situation, it is hard to imagine that your loved ones do not recognize the name(s) of your best friend(s).
Five out of five drooling emojis, ten out of ten chilli peppers and an infinite out of infinite amount of aubergines.
May 2, 2023
A very funny, fast paced, wholesome Freaky-Friday-esque story with a wonderful, diverse group of characters!
I really enjoyed this and think young adult readers will love it as it explores gender and sexuality with so much humour .. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did seeing as I'm not the target age group but it made me laugh and the characters were brilliant.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy!
I really enjoyed this and think young adult readers will love it as it explores gender and sexuality with so much humour .. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did seeing as I'm not the target age group but it made me laugh and the characters were brilliant.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy!
June 6, 2023
Such a fun read! It was so cute and sweet, quirky, encouraging and dorky, I had a really great time reading it! It felt like a rom-com movie translated into a book. Loved it 🥰
July 22, 2023
the way I thought this was going to serve best friends to lovers excellence and I was deeply mistaken
September 27, 2023
Au secours
Read
August 31, 2024idk co sądzić, straight expectations jest raczej z typu głupich młodzieżówek do których się nie podchodzi mając jakiekolwiek nadzieje, a książka nadal o dziwo załamuje nas trochę bardziej niz przewidzieliśmy, ale jest tak głupia, że albo zabije poziomem cringe'u albo będzie bujać
May 11, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for an arc! I enjoyed this book a lot and the messages and themes it was conveying. The story is pretty face paced as we get thrown right into the heart of the story. Some of the jokes didn't hit hard for me and were a bit cliche, but I did love how the characters do feel young and well connected. Looking forward to more from this author!
May 9, 2023
This is a modern and gay version of Big with our protagonist Max wishing away his gayness in a fit of frustration and being transported into what his life would have been like if he was straight. The absolute horror! (There is a Freaky Friday reference made in the book but I chose Big because the switch here only directly affects the one person).
The switch does take a little time to happen but I think it’s important for the plot that we spend time with the characters in their present reality first. We also get a slightly extended resolution which, for me, allowed more time for everything to be wrapped up leaving this as a very satisfying stand alone read - not that I’d be against reading more books featuring these characters.
I think fans of Simon James Green and Heartstopper will eat this up both because of the humour and in that it features a whole diverse cast and I loved how intersectionality was addressed too with Max being forced to face up to his white gay privilege.
I really appreciated how all the side characters were explored as individuals in their own right and not just in terms of how they fit into Max’s life. And gosh this is the second YA book I’ve read in a row that features the parents!
Fans of musicals will also be in luck reading this and I don’t think I’ll be alone in desperately wanting to see the drag versions of Mean Girls and Little Shop of Horrors become a real thing.
Thanks to The Write Reads and the publisher for access to the gifted eARC. Opinions are my own. Do check out the tour to see other people’s views.
The switch does take a little time to happen but I think it’s important for the plot that we spend time with the characters in their present reality first. We also get a slightly extended resolution which, for me, allowed more time for everything to be wrapped up leaving this as a very satisfying stand alone read - not that I’d be against reading more books featuring these characters.
I think fans of Simon James Green and Heartstopper will eat this up both because of the humour and in that it features a whole diverse cast and I loved how intersectionality was addressed too with Max being forced to face up to his white gay privilege.
I really appreciated how all the side characters were explored as individuals in their own right and not just in terms of how they fit into Max’s life. And gosh this is the second YA book I’ve read in a row that features the parents!
Fans of musicals will also be in luck reading this and I don’t think I’ll be alone in desperately wanting to see the drag versions of Mean Girls and Little Shop of Horrors become a real thing.
Thanks to The Write Reads and the publisher for access to the gifted eARC. Opinions are my own. Do check out the tour to see other people’s views.
May 9, 2023
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I know we’re not meant to judge a book by its cover (though I don’t know who in their right mind would come up with a rule like that). But when you see a cover as fabulous as the one for Straight Expectations, you necessarily throw all caution to the wind and pick it up anyway. Because have you seen the cover?! It’s colorful and wholesome and so freaking cute.
Straight Expectations is an adorable queer romance wrapped in a “be careful what you wish for” package that is filled with self-acceptance, strong friendships, coming of age, and an incredibly positive message.
I went into this book not really knowing much about it, though a little leery because, pffft, romance, am I right? Who wants wholesome goodness? As it turns out, I do . . . sometimes. Because the will they/won’t they sort of romance in this book was so freaking cute and relatable. Not only for me as a 30-something-year-old, but inner teen me who remembers these feelings all too well. Despite some rocky moments (because what’s a book without conflict), the overall story is so wholesome and queer positive that by the time I closed the book, I was left with a warm, bubbly feeling that I rather enjoyed.
My Thoughts
- Meet Max, who is only really sure about two things in his life: he’s gay and his best friend is Dean. Everything else (including what he wants to do with his life) is a rather confusing haze of uncertainty and hormones. And if that doesn’t just sum up the teen experience in general, I don’t know what does. The first thing that struck me about Max is how freaking relatable he is, even though our stories and backgrounds are quite different. Max is struggling to decide what he wants to do after school (a daunting task if ever there was one), trying to get along with his mother’s boyfriend (who isn’t a bad person, per se, but annoying all the same), and pining endlessly over a boy. In fact, I had terrible flashbacks to my own teen years during Max’s pining episodes. I’m fairly certain my friends even said to me some of the things his friends say to him, which . . . yikes. (Don’t worry, my story also has a happy ending. The boy I was pining over and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary in July, so hey, pining isn’t always bad, okay?!)
I feel like the heart of Max’s struggle, the attempt to find and understand one’s self, is something that anyone (especially teenagers) is likely to relate to. Sure, Max messes up and makes mistakes along the way (and don’t we all), but he’s genuinely a good kid who’s just a bit lost and trying to find his way.
- Despite being confused about who he is, Max has no confusion at all surrounding his friends, who he sees as ridiculously talented, unlike him, and actually going places. Which terrifies him. It’s hard when you have a friend group and you feel like the only one without any talent or promise. I get it. I think many people can relate to that. Max’s best friend, Dean, is amazingly talented at theater, and Max assumes it’s a given that he’ll get into acting school and go on to be famous. His other friend, Alicia, is an astounding artist, and of course she’ll get into art school. In Max’s mind, these are a given, even though his friends have doubts.
I really appreciated the way Max and his friends are so supportive of each other. It’s obviously a tight-knit friends group, and very wholesome. However, it does raise some really good discussion about the fact that Max takes things for granted and doesn’t always listen to his friends. Especially when they’re voicing legitimate concerns about their futures, whether Max considers them to be or not.
- The basic premise of this story is similar to 13 Going On 30 or Freaky Friday, where a wish is granted to offer a new perspective. Because, you know, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Being queer is hard. I do not speak from experience in that, but I’ve known enough queer people and have seen enough things to know that’s true. Max doesn’t necessarily regret his queerness, but he does think it’d be easier if he were just straight, like everyone else. Like “normal” kids. So in a fight with his friends, he makes a wish he doesn’t really mean, and wakes up the next morning straight. Seems almost like a dream come true, right? Except that being straight doesn’t magically fundamentally change who Max is (surprise!), and being a straight teenager is still freaking hard. This is such a fun premise, though, and one I enjoy thoroughly.
- Despite instances of homophobia, this book is by and large extremely queer-positive, with Max having a large support net of LGBTQ+ friends and allies. I absolutely love seeing any sort of strong support group, especially in young adult books. This is such a formative time for this age group that they need to know there are people out there that will support them, even if they take them for granted. Like parents! Max definitely takes his parents for granted, but they support him no matter what’s going on, and that doesn’t change.
Perhaps the most eye-opening and startling realization is the way things can change if there isn’t the support network, as Straight Max is quick to find out. When there isn’t a supportive atmosphere where people can be themselves, they tend not to be themselves. Which is not only heartbreaking, when you know they just don’t feel comfortable or safe being authentically themselves, but it’s such a toxic atmosphere. It reminds readers why it’s so important to build a space where people can just be who they are, without fear of repercussions!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I know we’re not meant to judge a book by its cover (though I don’t know who in their right mind would come up with a rule like that). But when you see a cover as fabulous as the one for Straight Expectations, you necessarily throw all caution to the wind and pick it up anyway. Because have you seen the cover?! It’s colorful and wholesome and so freaking cute.
Straight Expectations is an adorable queer romance wrapped in a “be careful what you wish for” package that is filled with self-acceptance, strong friendships, coming of age, and an incredibly positive message.
I went into this book not really knowing much about it, though a little leery because, pffft, romance, am I right? Who wants wholesome goodness? As it turns out, I do . . . sometimes. Because the will they/won’t they sort of romance in this book was so freaking cute and relatable. Not only for me as a 30-something-year-old, but inner teen me who remembers these feelings all too well. Despite some rocky moments (because what’s a book without conflict), the overall story is so wholesome and queer positive that by the time I closed the book, I was left with a warm, bubbly feeling that I rather enjoyed.
My Thoughts
- Meet Max, who is only really sure about two things in his life: he’s gay and his best friend is Dean. Everything else (including what he wants to do with his life) is a rather confusing haze of uncertainty and hormones. And if that doesn’t just sum up the teen experience in general, I don’t know what does. The first thing that struck me about Max is how freaking relatable he is, even though our stories and backgrounds are quite different. Max is struggling to decide what he wants to do after school (a daunting task if ever there was one), trying to get along with his mother’s boyfriend (who isn’t a bad person, per se, but annoying all the same), and pining endlessly over a boy. In fact, I had terrible flashbacks to my own teen years during Max’s pining episodes. I’m fairly certain my friends even said to me some of the things his friends say to him, which . . . yikes. (Don’t worry, my story also has a happy ending. The boy I was pining over and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary in July, so hey, pining isn’t always bad, okay?!)
I feel like the heart of Max’s struggle, the attempt to find and understand one’s self, is something that anyone (especially teenagers) is likely to relate to. Sure, Max messes up and makes mistakes along the way (and don’t we all), but he’s genuinely a good kid who’s just a bit lost and trying to find his way.
- Despite being confused about who he is, Max has no confusion at all surrounding his friends, who he sees as ridiculously talented, unlike him, and actually going places. Which terrifies him. It’s hard when you have a friend group and you feel like the only one without any talent or promise. I get it. I think many people can relate to that. Max’s best friend, Dean, is amazingly talented at theater, and Max assumes it’s a given that he’ll get into acting school and go on to be famous. His other friend, Alicia, is an astounding artist, and of course she’ll get into art school. In Max’s mind, these are a given, even though his friends have doubts.
I really appreciated the way Max and his friends are so supportive of each other. It’s obviously a tight-knit friends group, and very wholesome. However, it does raise some really good discussion about the fact that Max takes things for granted and doesn’t always listen to his friends. Especially when they’re voicing legitimate concerns about their futures, whether Max considers them to be or not.
- The basic premise of this story is similar to 13 Going On 30 or Freaky Friday, where a wish is granted to offer a new perspective. Because, you know, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Being queer is hard. I do not speak from experience in that, but I’ve known enough queer people and have seen enough things to know that’s true. Max doesn’t necessarily regret his queerness, but he does think it’d be easier if he were just straight, like everyone else. Like “normal” kids. So in a fight with his friends, he makes a wish he doesn’t really mean, and wakes up the next morning straight. Seems almost like a dream come true, right? Except that being straight doesn’t magically fundamentally change who Max is (surprise!), and being a straight teenager is still freaking hard. This is such a fun premise, though, and one I enjoy thoroughly.
- Despite instances of homophobia, this book is by and large extremely queer-positive, with Max having a large support net of LGBTQ+ friends and allies. I absolutely love seeing any sort of strong support group, especially in young adult books. This is such a formative time for this age group that they need to know there are people out there that will support them, even if they take them for granted. Like parents! Max definitely takes his parents for granted, but they support him no matter what’s going on, and that doesn’t change.
Perhaps the most eye-opening and startling realization is the way things can change if there isn’t the support network, as Straight Max is quick to find out. When there isn’t a supportive atmosphere where people can be themselves, they tend not to be themselves. Which is not only heartbreaking, when you know they just don’t feel comfortable or safe being authentically themselves, but it’s such a toxic atmosphere. It reminds readers why it’s so important to build a space where people can just be who they are, without fear of repercussions!
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September 19, 2023
Thank you so much to Union Square & Co. for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have spent literal weeks wondering what to say. Straight Expectations just didn’t make a lasting impression.
The writing took me back to high school but in a good way. It was youthful and wild but never read as immature. Max and his friends were funny and fun to read about.
However…
The “be careful what you wish for” trope is predictable. There wasn’t enough to hold my interest. Every time I put this down, I struggled to pick it back up.
Bottom line: Just not the book for me.
⸻ᥫ᭡
my blog!
I have spent literal weeks wondering what to say. Straight Expectations just didn’t make a lasting impression.
The writing took me back to high school but in a good way. It was youthful and wild but never read as immature. Max and his friends were funny and fun to read about.
However…
The “be careful what you wish for” trope is predictable. There wasn’t enough to hold my interest. Every time I put this down, I struggled to pick it back up.
Bottom line: Just not the book for me.
⸻ᥫ᭡
my blog!
December 16, 2023
this kid turned straight because he removed his nail polish
May 16, 2023
In Straight Expectations by Callum McSwiggan, Max is one of a handful of LGBT+ students at Woodside Academy. The dating pool for the high school’s LGBT+ community leaves a lot to be desired. Max is also pretty sure that his crush, Oliver Cheng, doesn’t know that he exists.
One day Max and his best friend, Dean, had a fight in which Max wished that he wasn’t gay. Everywhere he looked there were straight couples in love. It looked so easy for them. Why was finding love so difficult for Max?
The next morning Max wakes up and feels different. He soon realizes that he might be straight and also has a girlfriend. Everything should be great now, right? Max got what he wanted but it isn’t what he imagined. He has a girlfriend but the whole relationship feels weird. Dean, the one person that he misses, cannot be found. Dean seems like the most talented, awesome friend that anyone could have. We all need a Dean in our lives.
How many times have we wished to have a different life? Max spends some time reflecting on how he got to this upside down world. He wants to get back to his other life with some necessary changes. He’s sure that he doesn’t want a girlfriend. He is still sure that he’s actually and factually gay.
Most of the characters were likable, except for the one horrible teacher that mistreats the LGBT+ students. There was a student that bullied Max when he was younger. Now the kid is trying to make amends. It takes a while for Max to see that he should give the kid a second chance at friendship. I was glad that he was finally willing to forgive the kid.
Max does get to know Oliver Cheng while in the alternate universe. There could be a chance for love between them if only Max could return to his other life and make amends with Dean.
If you are a fan of LGBT+ romances that are reminiscent of Freaky Friday, then you will probably enjoy Straight Expectations. If you are a cruel gym teacher or a relentless bully, then I would suggest reading some anti-bullying books before reading this book.
Thank you to The Write Reads and NetGalley for letting me participate in this book tour. All opinions are my own. Obviously.
One day Max and his best friend, Dean, had a fight in which Max wished that he wasn’t gay. Everywhere he looked there were straight couples in love. It looked so easy for them. Why was finding love so difficult for Max?
The next morning Max wakes up and feels different. He soon realizes that he might be straight and also has a girlfriend. Everything should be great now, right? Max got what he wanted but it isn’t what he imagined. He has a girlfriend but the whole relationship feels weird. Dean, the one person that he misses, cannot be found. Dean seems like the most talented, awesome friend that anyone could have. We all need a Dean in our lives.
How many times have we wished to have a different life? Max spends some time reflecting on how he got to this upside down world. He wants to get back to his other life with some necessary changes. He’s sure that he doesn’t want a girlfriend. He is still sure that he’s actually and factually gay.
Most of the characters were likable, except for the one horrible teacher that mistreats the LGBT+ students. There was a student that bullied Max when he was younger. Now the kid is trying to make amends. It takes a while for Max to see that he should give the kid a second chance at friendship. I was glad that he was finally willing to forgive the kid.
Max does get to know Oliver Cheng while in the alternate universe. There could be a chance for love between them if only Max could return to his other life and make amends with Dean.
If you are a fan of LGBT+ romances that are reminiscent of Freaky Friday, then you will probably enjoy Straight Expectations. If you are a cruel gym teacher or a relentless bully, then I would suggest reading some anti-bullying books before reading this book.
Thank you to The Write Reads and NetGalley for letting me participate in this book tour. All opinions are my own. Obviously.
May 14, 2023
I am taking part in the Straight Expectations book tour and received a free e-book copy of this book.
Straight Expectations follows Max, a gay teen who is out and proud and surrounded by supportive friends and family. He appears to have everything he could ever want but something seems to be holding him back from being truly happy. All his friends have their futures planned out in front of him but Max cannot seem to find his place in the world. He declares being gay is what hinders his life, he wishes "to be normal" like his straight peers. He believes they have it easy. After a fight with his two best friends Dean and Alicia, Max wakes up to the realisation his wish has become a reality and he is now a hetrosexual male. He must dictate his way through this new life but with the knowledge of who his was before. Having this knowledge, Max is torn between what he had, and what he has.
Straight Expectations had really cute aspects and I really enjoyed the "Freaky Friday" esk storyline. At the beginning of the book the main Character Max was a really unlikeable character and he just irritated me. The whole thing almost read like a straight person wrote it with all the stereotypical tropes of a gay person. It was too much all of the time and I thought this would take away from the book but by the end of the book my opinion had changed and I felt that it was an important part of the overall story.
It was a really easy read and if you're looking for some fun and lighthearted reading it would tick the boxes. The majority of characters are really likeable. Even when their lives are flipped upside down it is done well and the relationships are blended nicely. It's very cleverly done and I enjoyed the concept. This book explores a lot of different but important topics that people face everyday. There is a lot of self-exploration involved in the overall story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Straight Expectations follows Max, a gay teen who is out and proud and surrounded by supportive friends and family. He appears to have everything he could ever want but something seems to be holding him back from being truly happy. All his friends have their futures planned out in front of him but Max cannot seem to find his place in the world. He declares being gay is what hinders his life, he wishes "to be normal" like his straight peers. He believes they have it easy. After a fight with his two best friends Dean and Alicia, Max wakes up to the realisation his wish has become a reality and he is now a hetrosexual male. He must dictate his way through this new life but with the knowledge of who his was before. Having this knowledge, Max is torn between what he had, and what he has.
Straight Expectations had really cute aspects and I really enjoyed the "Freaky Friday" esk storyline. At the beginning of the book the main Character Max was a really unlikeable character and he just irritated me. The whole thing almost read like a straight person wrote it with all the stereotypical tropes of a gay person. It was too much all of the time and I thought this would take away from the book but by the end of the book my opinion had changed and I felt that it was an important part of the overall story.
It was a really easy read and if you're looking for some fun and lighthearted reading it would tick the boxes. The majority of characters are really likeable. Even when their lives are flipped upside down it is done well and the relationships are blended nicely. It's very cleverly done and I enjoyed the concept. This book explores a lot of different but important topics that people face everyday. There is a lot of self-exploration involved in the overall story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
May 14, 2023
This book was wonderful. I enjoyed it. It did take a while to get into it but once I did I had a fun time with this read. The characters were written wonderfully and I found joy in them. I think that the characters had to be one of my favorite parts of this book. Because as a reader, I found myself laughing because of the small things like the inside jokes that they had.
I enjoyed how Max got his wish. Because I think that he needed to see what it was like to not only have a straight relationship but what it was like to not have Dean in his life. It kind of reminded me of the movie Freaky Friday with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. I don't know if the author took inspiration from that movie for this book but I think that it worked with how this book was written.
Before Max got his wish of being straight, I wasn't the biggest fan of how Max was constantly bringing up his crush every moment that he got. But I did enjoy the fact that once Max got his wish he could see that his crush was just a normal teen guy and there was no reason why he couldn't talk to him before. It’s not that I minded it was just a little annoying but I understand that I am not the target audience for this book.
There was one thing I wasn't a fan of when it came to writing. I enjoyed the writing, I just wasn't a fan of the clutch word of said. It was like every time someone spoke it was “Max said” Even when Max asked a question it will sometimes be followed up with “Max said” even though Max asked a question.
I enjoyed how Max got his wish. Because I think that he needed to see what it was like to not only have a straight relationship but what it was like to not have Dean in his life. It kind of reminded me of the movie Freaky Friday with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. I don't know if the author took inspiration from that movie for this book but I think that it worked with how this book was written.
Before Max got his wish of being straight, I wasn't the biggest fan of how Max was constantly bringing up his crush every moment that he got. But I did enjoy the fact that once Max got his wish he could see that his crush was just a normal teen guy and there was no reason why he couldn't talk to him before. It’s not that I minded it was just a little annoying but I understand that I am not the target audience for this book.
There was one thing I wasn't a fan of when it came to writing. I enjoyed the writing, I just wasn't a fan of the clutch word of said. It was like every time someone spoke it was “Max said” Even when Max asked a question it will sometimes be followed up with “Max said” even though Max asked a question.
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