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Gay Club!
A landmark comedic novel about a group of queer teens at their worst - and ultimately their best - from one of the UK's leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. Barney's a shoo-in for his school's LGBTQ+ Society President at the club's next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention. How low will the candidates go to win? Buckle up for some serious shade, scandals and sleazy shenanigans . It isn't long before it's National Coming Out Day - for everyone's secrets! But when the group faces an unexpected threat - and a big opportunity - can the club members put politics aside and stand united?
432 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2022
50 people are currently reading
1832 people want to read
About the author
Simon James Green
22 books774 followersSimon James Green grew up in a small town in Lincolnshire that definitely wasn’t the inspiration for Little Fobbing – so no-one from there can be mad with him, OK? He enjoyed a classic British education of assorted humiliations and barbaric PE lessons before reading Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he further embarrassed himself by accidentally joining the rowing team despite having no upper body strength and not being able swim. When it turned out that being a lawyer was nothing like how it looks in Suits or The Good Wife, and buoyed by the success of his late night comedy show that involved an inflatable sheep, he travelled to London to pursue a glamorous career in show business. Within weeks he was working in a call centre, had been mugged, and had racked up thousands of pounds worth of debt. Finding strength and inspiration in the lyrics of "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba, he eventually ended up working on a range of West End shows and UK tours, co-wrote a feature-length rom-com for the BBC and directed Hollyoaks for C4 / Lime Pictures. After trying really, really hard, he also managed to write Noah Can’t Even. If you are interested in stalking him, he still lives in London, where he spends a lot of time telling people that Noah Can’t Even is only partly autobiographical, and his mum has definitely never done a Beyoncé tribute act.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
February 4, 2022
omg this is the most dramatic book i have ever read… put this on your TBRs NOW!
November 5, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“Despite the school’s words about inclusivity and making LGBT students feel safe and welcome, we’re not, it doesn’t matter, because people are still horrible anyway.
People still hate us. And why? What have we ever done to any of them apart from having the audacity to be ourselves?”
I recently read that Simon James Green is considered one of the world's leading authorities on awkward teenage boys, and after reading Gay Club I do find myself agreeing with it. Writing that is as sharp and funny as it is poignantly heartwarming and touching, SJG delivers another heartfelt and emotional story about what it means to find a place for you to belong and the trials and joys that come with being true to who you are.
“They believe in me more than I believe in myself. And I realize that, actually, yes, it is OK, because I’ve got them, and even if things don’t go the way I want, I’ll still have them. I guess that’s what real, genuine friendship is: that feeling that it could be the end of the world, but with them by your side, it doesn’t matter, you’ll face it together, come what may.”
There is a certain charm to SJG's stories that he writes with such an honest and raw feel to it that you can't help getting engrossed in his words. His writing is sharp and witty, but also so very honest and genuinely heart-felt; not so much as funny, but candidly frank as how teenagers can be with each other. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 He gets into the mind of the character and doesn't shy away from making the impossible possible and bringing to life a wide range of characters that are as flawed and imperfect as the situations they find themselves in. Yet, it's always so believable - the hot mess of dramatics and chaotic challenges - like watching a trainwreck spiral into sheer madness, I enjoyed being a part of their story - because it felt so real.
I mean, it's always fun to see how far people will go to win a class election, but when the stakes are even higher to be voted president of the LGBTQ+ club, things are bound to get nasty. And haha, boy, did they ever!? 😅🤭😅 But, can I say how manageable all the chaos that ensued was? They attack, they bite, they fight, they tease and they please, but there is always that hint of being that one to know what it's like for the other - '... maybe we are misfits, but we’re family and we look out for each other, and we know how to have a good time.' The challenges they faced, the losses they experienced, the flair for competitive theatrics - it was with such a fervent passion and zeal for being just so true to who they are - that you couldn't help cheering for them to succeed. And for our protagonist, Barney Brown to be the president he always wanted to be. 😔
Barney Brown was an extremely likeable character - Charlie Brown he may not be, his heart was in the right place. 'Barney cares, he genuinely cares, he’s not in this for himself, he wants to make the world a better place,' and to make a difference. He really believed that being the president of the LGBTQ+ Club was his chance to make people more respectful of their small group - to feel more inclusive and just be worth someone's attention. But, politics is a dirty business - even in high school, especially in high school! And the messy hardships and double-handed scheming was really entertaining to watch; like a soap opera with plot lines that got even more torturous and problematic as the story unfolds, the tension and drama was hilariously written, yet still so heart-warming to see just how passionate they were about their chance at victory. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I know. And I’m sorry. I don’t know how to resolve that – if you want to be part of it, but you don’t want to say you’re LGBT, or you can’t say, for whatever reason. So you have to say you’re straight, else there might be trouble. So what do you do?
It’s why I kind of liked your take, Barney, when you talked about everyone just being in the club? That felt nice. That felt like it didn’t really matter, you could take your time, no pressure, no expectations … as long as your heart’s in the right place.”
I liked that even amidst the drama and theatrics, there was still such a positive growth to his character and a chance for him to experience love for the first time. The way the love interest blossomed into something so much more meaningful - it was so very well done. 🤍🤍 It started off on such an awkward footing, but as the story unfolded, I was inwardly smiling at how soft they were together - that Barney couldn't see what was happening, but it was and when it finally became something more - I was really glad how it all came to light. He had always seen himself as a geeky kid, who gets the grades, but not the guy, the one who's a dork and who never succeeds in life. And just to see him finally be a winner in the eyes of those who matter - 'Charlie Brown may be a ‘good’ man, but Barney Brown is a great one.' 🥹🥹
I'm not a boy - I'm not a teenager and I'm not gay; I always feel odd when I find myself praising the author's portrayal of a character, because I never can say for sure if it's written accurately or not. Yet, it's the fact that his writing viscerally makes you feel the character's torment and pain - the humiliation of the outright aggression shown towards him - that is something that is praiseworthy. And Barney Brown made me experience a range of emotions - simply for what he had to go through to get to the stage that mattered most to him.
That one scene on the football field - 'and why … Why is it me who feels shame? When Nico did this? Why is it me feeling embarrassed?' -this whole scene was so painfully raw - and how he described Barney's emotions - it was brutal - not the hit - his feelings and everything else after. 🥺 And then that other moment that ripped my heart out - the shocking and unexpected reveal that when 'the moment the door closes behind me, I burst into tears. It’s so much. The embarrassment, the hurt... the people I’ve let down, the shame crawling over my skin…' My heart was crying for him, because no one should ever have to feel the humiliation and shame he felt - simply for being who he was - to be mocked and ridiculed just because others could do it so easily. 😟 But, it was with the resilience of his friends, the conviction and drive they had to not back down without a fighting chance - to prove to everyone that they would not be ignored any longer was really a very uplifting and rewarding moment.
“Yes, we’re a bunch of backstabbing, venomous, lying, cheating snakes, but these peeps are also the best, most loyal, passionate, funny and brilliant people you could ever hope to be best friends with. I love them.
And I love you. And at the end of the day, that’s what all this is about. It’s about love.”
🌈 For at the heart of it, this was also a beautiful message for people to learn to be more open, accepting and kind. To not be so judgmental and critical - to be more receptive of others feelings and be more inclusive to them, and just let people live their lives the way that they want to - 'to be who they are, and love who they love.' 🌈
“Despite the school’s words about inclusivity and making LGBT students feel safe and welcome, we’re not, it doesn’t matter, because people are still horrible anyway.
People still hate us. And why? What have we ever done to any of them apart from having the audacity to be ourselves?”
I recently read that Simon James Green is considered one of the world's leading authorities on awkward teenage boys, and after reading Gay Club I do find myself agreeing with it. Writing that is as sharp and funny as it is poignantly heartwarming and touching, SJG delivers another heartfelt and emotional story about what it means to find a place for you to belong and the trials and joys that come with being true to who you are.
“They believe in me more than I believe in myself. And I realize that, actually, yes, it is OK, because I’ve got them, and even if things don’t go the way I want, I’ll still have them. I guess that’s what real, genuine friendship is: that feeling that it could be the end of the world, but with them by your side, it doesn’t matter, you’ll face it together, come what may.”
There is a certain charm to SJG's stories that he writes with such an honest and raw feel to it that you can't help getting engrossed in his words. His writing is sharp and witty, but also so very honest and genuinely heart-felt; not so much as funny, but candidly frank as how teenagers can be with each other. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 He gets into the mind of the character and doesn't shy away from making the impossible possible and bringing to life a wide range of characters that are as flawed and imperfect as the situations they find themselves in. Yet, it's always so believable - the hot mess of dramatics and chaotic challenges - like watching a trainwreck spiral into sheer madness, I enjoyed being a part of their story - because it felt so real.
I mean, it's always fun to see how far people will go to win a class election, but when the stakes are even higher to be voted president of the LGBTQ+ club, things are bound to get nasty. And haha, boy, did they ever!? 😅🤭😅 But, can I say how manageable all the chaos that ensued was? They attack, they bite, they fight, they tease and they please, but there is always that hint of being that one to know what it's like for the other - '... maybe we are misfits, but we’re family and we look out for each other, and we know how to have a good time.' The challenges they faced, the losses they experienced, the flair for competitive theatrics - it was with such a fervent passion and zeal for being just so true to who they are - that you couldn't help cheering for them to succeed. And for our protagonist, Barney Brown to be the president he always wanted to be. 😔
Barney Brown was an extremely likeable character - Charlie Brown he may not be, his heart was in the right place. 'Barney cares, he genuinely cares, he’s not in this for himself, he wants to make the world a better place,' and to make a difference. He really believed that being the president of the LGBTQ+ Club was his chance to make people more respectful of their small group - to feel more inclusive and just be worth someone's attention. But, politics is a dirty business - even in high school, especially in high school! And the messy hardships and double-handed scheming was really entertaining to watch; like a soap opera with plot lines that got even more torturous and problematic as the story unfolds, the tension and drama was hilariously written, yet still so heart-warming to see just how passionate they were about their chance at victory. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I know. And I’m sorry. I don’t know how to resolve that – if you want to be part of it, but you don’t want to say you’re LGBT, or you can’t say, for whatever reason. So you have to say you’re straight, else there might be trouble. So what do you do?
It’s why I kind of liked your take, Barney, when you talked about everyone just being in the club? That felt nice. That felt like it didn’t really matter, you could take your time, no pressure, no expectations … as long as your heart’s in the right place.”
I liked that even amidst the drama and theatrics, there was still such a positive growth to his character and a chance for him to experience love for the first time. The way the love interest blossomed into something so much more meaningful - it was so very well done. 🤍🤍 It started off on such an awkward footing, but as the story unfolded, I was inwardly smiling at how soft they were together - that Barney couldn't see what was happening, but it was and when it finally became something more - I was really glad how it all came to light. He had always seen himself as a geeky kid, who gets the grades, but not the guy, the one who's a dork and who never succeeds in life. And just to see him finally be a winner in the eyes of those who matter - 'Charlie Brown may be a ‘good’ man, but Barney Brown is a great one.' 🥹🥹
I'm not a boy - I'm not a teenager and I'm not gay; I always feel odd when I find myself praising the author's portrayal of a character, because I never can say for sure if it's written accurately or not. Yet, it's the fact that his writing viscerally makes you feel the character's torment and pain - the humiliation of the outright aggression shown towards him - that is something that is praiseworthy. And Barney Brown made me experience a range of emotions - simply for what he had to go through to get to the stage that mattered most to him.
That one scene on the football field - 'and why … Why is it me who feels shame? When Nico did this? Why is it me feeling embarrassed?' -this whole scene was so painfully raw - and how he described Barney's emotions - it was brutal - not the hit - his feelings and everything else after. 🥺 And then that other moment that ripped my heart out - the shocking and unexpected reveal that when 'the moment the door closes behind me, I burst into tears. It’s so much. The embarrassment, the hurt... the people I’ve let down, the shame crawling over my skin…' My heart was crying for him, because no one should ever have to feel the humiliation and shame he felt - simply for being who he was - to be mocked and ridiculed just because others could do it so easily. 😟 But, it was with the resilience of his friends, the conviction and drive they had to not back down without a fighting chance - to prove to everyone that they would not be ignored any longer was really a very uplifting and rewarding moment.
“Yes, we’re a bunch of backstabbing, venomous, lying, cheating snakes, but these peeps are also the best, most loyal, passionate, funny and brilliant people you could ever hope to be best friends with. I love them.
And I love you. And at the end of the day, that’s what all this is about. It’s about love.”
🌈 For at the heart of it, this was also a beautiful message for people to learn to be more open, accepting and kind. To not be so judgmental and critical - to be more receptive of others feelings and be more inclusive to them, and just let people live their lives the way that they want to - 'to be who they are, and love who they love.' 🌈
June 7, 2022
This is probably Simon James Green's best book so far. It's ridiculously funny like all of his other books, but it's also drop dead serious at the same time. It's about a school's LGBT society, it's members and not-members and lot more LGBTQ+ stuff, so be prepared for some serious issues to be tackled. It's never on-the-nose, but also not exactly subtle either. Green really knows how to put it all together in a way it becomes a well-rounded entertaining story. It has you laughing out loud, biting your nails, rolling on the floor laughing and driving up the wall all the time.
I really love the mix of comedy and drama. There's also romance and suspense. Although it's pretty obvious how some of the things will play out, especially romance-wise, some of the events really caught me by surprise. It's a really good mix.
This book is one of the best books I've read this year. It's not only entertaining but also important. I wish more people would read it outside of the queer bubble. Allies, parents, friends, teachers, … you get it.
I really love the mix of comedy and drama. There's also romance and suspense. Although it's pretty obvious how some of the things will play out, especially romance-wise, some of the events really caught me by surprise. It's a really good mix.
This book is one of the best books I've read this year. It's not only entertaining but also important. I wish more people would read it outside of the queer bubble. Allies, parents, friends, teachers, … you get it.
May 19, 2022
Actual rating: 4,5
Guess who cried in public reading the end? 🙋🏻♀️
Guess who cried in public reading the end? 🙋🏻♀️
June 15, 2022
Simon’s books literally always go above and beyond my expectations (and I am not saying that because he is my favourite author). He once again wrote a HILARIOUS (!!!), funny, cute and inclusive book and I swear to god this might be my fave.
The whole story had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t know what Simon puts in his food to come up with the most RIDICULOUS (in a good way) plottwists but geez… this book had me in such a grip its insane.
The characters are all individually amazing! I absolutely love (and relate) with Barney. Danny was also to die for (everyone needs a Danny in their life lets be honest).
Last but not least: the messages throughout the whole story about being part of the LGBTQ+ community and everything that comes with that. I suggest you read the book yourselves to fully understand what I’m saying but you can tell that Simon deeply cares about the well being of the LGBTQ+ youth.
SO YEAH 5 STARS AND VOTE BARNEY
The whole story had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t know what Simon puts in his food to come up with the most RIDICULOUS (in a good way) plottwists but geez… this book had me in such a grip its insane.
The characters are all individually amazing! I absolutely love (and relate) with Barney. Danny was also to die for (everyone needs a Danny in their life lets be honest).
Last but not least: the messages throughout the whole story about being part of the LGBTQ+ community and everything that comes with that. I suggest you read the book yourselves to fully understand what I’m saying but you can tell that Simon deeply cares about the well being of the LGBTQ+ youth.
SO YEAH 5 STARS AND VOTE BARNEY
May 8, 2022
Enjoyable!
I love Simon James Green’s books and I had to read Gay Club! right away. The book was full of backstabbing, self-interest, lies, and fake dating, which I very much enjoyed! I loved Barney and would have loved to have more influence like him when I was growing up! He’s running for President of the LGBTQ+ Society at his school but when his rival throws a wrench into the plan and the voting gets open to the school things don’t go as planned! Can the committee of the Society come together to win a prestigious chance at being ambassadors for LGBTQ+ teens around the world? I enjoyed all of the characters and their drive to make things better for LGBTQ+ students a their school, something we could all use or could have used during school! Like all of Simon James Green’s Orión, Gay Club! is fantastic!
I love Simon James Green’s books and I had to read Gay Club! right away. The book was full of backstabbing, self-interest, lies, and fake dating, which I very much enjoyed! I loved Barney and would have loved to have more influence like him when I was growing up! He’s running for President of the LGBTQ+ Society at his school but when his rival throws a wrench into the plan and the voting gets open to the school things don’t go as planned! Can the committee of the Society come together to win a prestigious chance at being ambassadors for LGBTQ+ teens around the world? I enjoyed all of the characters and their drive to make things better for LGBTQ+ students a their school, something we could all use or could have used during school! Like all of Simon James Green’s Orión, Gay Club! is fantastic!
December 30, 2024
Another wonderful, hilarious and witty book by Simon James Green!
Gay Club is a bit different than Simon's previous YA novels. While books like Alex in Wonderland and Noah Can't Even have the main character's fluffy relationship front and center, in Gay Club , Barney's romantic interests are not the main drive of the story.
The story is about the road so far and the road ahead for LGBT people in schools, presented through the unexpected "opening" of Barney's school LGBT Society election to the entire student body.
Simon's trademark humor, sarcasm and hilarious teen shennanigans meet more serious topics like passive-agressive homophobia, schools catering to the screams of homophobic parents, invasion of privacy and virtue signalling.
The school election was hilarious, with all the petty backstabbings, intricate plans and grand gestures. The book perfectly captures the reality of politics, and not just school politics: it's all about controlling the narrative, spinning the story, affecting what the voters are feeling. Actual policies and plans take a backseat.
I loved the surprise cameo of a character from Noah Can't Even , and I cackled at Simon's subtle dig at "American gay teens on TV are fit and look 20", he couldn't have timed it better (the also British adaptation of Heartstopper is praised for avoiding this pitfall).
The story had its twists, and although it touched heavier topics than we're used to from Simon James Green books, it never became dark or sad; instead the characters use the obstacles to punch back harder, and fight with even more determination.
If you like gay rom-coms and dramas, you're gonna love Gay Club and all of Simon's books!
Reread: Did I mention the hilarious overdramatic elections and conference? Teen chaos!
Gay Club is a bit different than Simon's previous YA novels. While books like Alex in Wonderland and Noah Can't Even have the main character's fluffy relationship front and center, in Gay Club , Barney's romantic interests are not the main drive of the story.
The story is about the road so far and the road ahead for LGBT people in schools, presented through the unexpected "opening" of Barney's school LGBT Society election to the entire student body.
Simon's trademark humor, sarcasm and hilarious teen shennanigans meet more serious topics like passive-agressive homophobia, schools catering to the screams of homophobic parents, invasion of privacy and virtue signalling.
The school election was hilarious, with all the petty backstabbings, intricate plans and grand gestures. The book perfectly captures the reality of politics, and not just school politics: it's all about controlling the narrative, spinning the story, affecting what the voters are feeling. Actual policies and plans take a backseat.
I loved the surprise cameo of a character from Noah Can't Even , and I cackled at Simon's subtle dig at "American gay teens on TV are fit and look 20", he couldn't have timed it better (the also British adaptation of Heartstopper is praised for avoiding this pitfall).
The story had its twists, and although it touched heavier topics than we're used to from Simon James Green books, it never became dark or sad; instead the characters use the obstacles to punch back harder, and fight with even more determination.
If you like gay rom-coms and dramas, you're gonna love Gay Club and all of Simon's books!
Reread: Did I mention the hilarious overdramatic elections and conference? Teen chaos!
May 23, 2022
"Hoy gay do I need to be..."
.
I have to be very honest, this book blew me away and yes it was because I underestimated. I was wrong, I apologise. I thought it was gonna just be queer kids trying to be president of a LGBTQ+ Society which has just four members but it was a lot more than that.
We follow Barney who really wants to be the president of the society because he believes that he can bring about changes to the society. Just when he thinks he has two of the society members on his side, Bronte decides to run for president too. Only now, the voting is opened up to the whole school!
Bronte's dad is rich, she is popular and she is willing to pull any trick to win. Barney is going to have to step up and be visible if he wants to win. There is a bit of fake dating, online bullying and political manipulations. But even with all that, it might seem the school is going to pull a joke on the society.
I am trying not to spoil it. Just know that, there is a sex scandal, national embarrassment, betrayal, homophobia and most importantly solidarity.
One part stayed with me, and it is the part where Danny confronted Barney asking about how gay one needs to be to be a part of the society. Can't everyone just be in the society? Same way we assume everyone is straight, let's just assume everyone is queer. That way people don't need to force themselves to come out so as to join the club.
I really loved this book a lot.
.
I have to be very honest, this book blew me away and yes it was because I underestimated. I was wrong, I apologise. I thought it was gonna just be queer kids trying to be president of a LGBTQ+ Society which has just four members but it was a lot more than that.
We follow Barney who really wants to be the president of the society because he believes that he can bring about changes to the society. Just when he thinks he has two of the society members on his side, Bronte decides to run for president too. Only now, the voting is opened up to the whole school!
Bronte's dad is rich, she is popular and she is willing to pull any trick to win. Barney is going to have to step up and be visible if he wants to win. There is a bit of fake dating, online bullying and political manipulations. But even with all that, it might seem the school is going to pull a joke on the society.
I am trying not to spoil it. Just know that, there is a sex scandal, national embarrassment, betrayal, homophobia and most importantly solidarity.
One part stayed with me, and it is the part where Danny confronted Barney asking about how gay one needs to be to be a part of the society. Can't everyone just be in the society? Same way we assume everyone is straight, let's just assume everyone is queer. That way people don't need to force themselves to come out so as to join the club.
I really loved this book a lot.
November 18, 2022
Brilliant - like Veep with queer teenagers. It has a lot of great messages but also made me laugh out loud multiple times. My favourite SJG book so far!
June 21, 2023
Did I just read a gay harem manga, in light novel format?
I really did ask myself something along those lines, at a few points in the book. Seriously. (And remember, friends who are not lovers can be part of the harem.) The bosom buddy, George. The fake date, Paxton. The rival school's boy, Kyle. The jock, Danny Orlando.
Yeah, it could be pitched as that - except, unlike in harem manga/anime comedies, there's actually an outcome. (GASP!)
And the comedy was fun at times, too. The politics are an absolutely wild ride, complete with a few twists.
The part I *did not* like was the "translation" from British to American. For pity's sake, it's just insulting. The parents of the teens reading this probably grew up reading a certain series about a British wizard boy; kids can handle forms rather than grades, and the like. And for all things holy, I'm pretty sure kids would get it if the sport was left as football with just one clarification that it's meant as what the rest of the world knows it, rather than changing it to soccer. Completely threw me out of believing these kids were British. And then a few things aren't changed, like Danny being old enough to drink, which just ... grr. Let the British be British, and quit insulting American students' intelligence.
Translation aside, good book. It dragged a couple times, but it was solid overall.
I really did ask myself something along those lines, at a few points in the book. Seriously. (And remember, friends who are not lovers can be part of the harem.) The bosom buddy, George. The fake date, Paxton. The rival school's boy, Kyle. The jock, Danny Orlando.
Yeah, it could be pitched as that - except, unlike in harem manga/anime comedies, there's actually an outcome. (GASP!)
And the comedy was fun at times, too. The politics are an absolutely wild ride, complete with a few twists.
The part I *did not* like was the "translation" from British to American. For pity's sake, it's just insulting. The parents of the teens reading this probably grew up reading a certain series about a British wizard boy; kids can handle forms rather than grades, and the like. And for all things holy, I'm pretty sure kids would get it if the sport was left as football with just one clarification that it's meant as what the rest of the world knows it, rather than changing it to soccer. Completely threw me out of believing these kids were British. And then a few things aren't changed, like Danny being old enough to drink, which just ... grr. Let the British be British, and quit insulting American students' intelligence.
Translation aside, good book. It dragged a couple times, but it was solid overall.
February 18, 2023
4,5*
Simon James Green wird immer mehr zu einem neuen Lieblingsautor. Seine Bücher haben so viel Herz und Witz, und zaubern mir jedes Mal ein breites Grinsen ins Gesicht.
"Gay Club!" ist voller Intrigen und Plot Twists, die ich nicht habe kommen sehen. Und auch die Liebesgeschichte kam für mich komplett unerwartet, aber ich fand es von vorne bis hinten toll.
CW: Homophobie, Mobbing
Simon James Green wird immer mehr zu einem neuen Lieblingsautor. Seine Bücher haben so viel Herz und Witz, und zaubern mir jedes Mal ein breites Grinsen ins Gesicht.
"Gay Club!" ist voller Intrigen und Plot Twists, die ich nicht habe kommen sehen. Und auch die Liebesgeschichte kam für mich komplett unerwartet, aber ich fand es von vorne bis hinten toll.
CW: Homophobie, Mobbing
November 14, 2022
This was my first read of Simon James Green--and boy, did it not disappoint! Hands down, this book is a solid 5* for me. Packed with humour that was vaguely reminiscent of TJ Klune, GAY CLUB! is real, witty, political, and a big "fuck you" to bigots.
The first part of this book follows Barney--an intense planner who never ventures out of his chinos and button-downs and social isolation beyond his small friend group--and Bronte--a self-assured, involved-with-every-club opponent who brings modernism to the LGBT Society, as they battle out to be the new president of the club. After the election spins into disaster, Danny Orlando becomes involved--with the club, with Barney himself, and the whole scandal about to unfold.
I adore political books. This is set in Britain, and so it was even more relatable. (However, where are these own-clothes Sixth Forms where the colour code isn't strictly black and white combos business-casual???) First off, my high school didn't have an LGBT Society--if so, as a gay, trans teen growing up in an all-girls' school, I'd have LOVED it. I loved watching how this society provided a home for the kids who didn't have one for their sexuality. As Barney and Bronte fought for inclusivity and issue after issue was raised on-page, I knew who I rooted for. Honestly, it was just the right thing. For survival, for living loudly and unapologetically.
From found family, to fake dating, to open and honest sex talks, to the coercion and manipulation of election campaigns, this book has it all. It's packed full of plot twists and beautiful prose. It has heartfelt side characters with their own narratives, not just two-dimensional background pieces. With a messy and awkward MC in Barney, GAY CLUB! is the home we all needed as teenagers. I love the combination of LGBTQ+ issues mingled in with a school election--and then broadened to bigger lengths. The book is full of heart, big questions and talking points, and should be a massive point for teens everywhere growing up lost, questioning, unsure of where they fit in when they feel a flutter in their chest at someone of the same gender as them when its new and terrifying. Sure enough, Barney and his crew has settled in my heart. They all deserve the world.
The first part of this book follows Barney--an intense planner who never ventures out of his chinos and button-downs and social isolation beyond his small friend group--and Bronte--a self-assured, involved-with-every-club opponent who brings modernism to the LGBT Society, as they battle out to be the new president of the club. After the election spins into disaster, Danny Orlando becomes involved--with the club, with Barney himself, and the whole scandal about to unfold.
I adore political books. This is set in Britain, and so it was even more relatable. (However, where are these own-clothes Sixth Forms where the colour code isn't strictly black and white combos business-casual???) First off, my high school didn't have an LGBT Society--if so, as a gay, trans teen growing up in an all-girls' school, I'd have LOVED it. I loved watching how this society provided a home for the kids who didn't have one for their sexuality. As Barney and Bronte fought for inclusivity and issue after issue was raised on-page, I knew who I rooted for. Honestly, it was just the right thing. For survival, for living loudly and unapologetically.
From found family, to fake dating, to open and honest sex talks, to the coercion and manipulation of election campaigns, this book has it all. It's packed full of plot twists and beautiful prose. It has heartfelt side characters with their own narratives, not just two-dimensional background pieces. With a messy and awkward MC in Barney, GAY CLUB! is the home we all needed as teenagers. I love the combination of LGBTQ+ issues mingled in with a school election--and then broadened to bigger lengths. The book is full of heart, big questions and talking points, and should be a massive point for teens everywhere growing up lost, questioning, unsure of where they fit in when they feel a flutter in their chest at someone of the same gender as them when its new and terrifying. Sure enough, Barney and his crew has settled in my heart. They all deserve the world.
December 21, 2023
5- Stars
If you're looking for a wonderful, heartfelt dramedy, Simon James Green's Gay Club! is the book for you. While it's billed as a YA novel, it's a great read for any age!
A completely different genre from Green's emotion-filled Boy Like Me, back-to-back these two books clearly illustrate the remarkable range of the author's talent.
BTW, if the price point of this novel is out of reach, your public library may well have copies of the eBook available.
If you're looking for a wonderful, heartfelt dramedy, Simon James Green's Gay Club! is the book for you. While it's billed as a YA novel, it's a great read for any age!
A completely different genre from Green's emotion-filled Boy Like Me, back-to-back these two books clearly illustrate the remarkable range of the author's talent.
BTW, if the price point of this novel is out of reach, your public library may well have copies of the eBook available.
May 10, 2022
I haven’t read anything by Simon James Green before, and I haven’t heard of this even until it popped up as free in my library. What absolute fun! This book is melodramatic, backstabbing, heartfelt, inspiring, and oh so gay 🤪
It’s really refreshing to read a YA book set firmly in Britain, and it feels pretty British. The first part is a ridiculous parody of British manipulative politics in electing the next president of the queer society at an average British school. The second part deals with the LGBTQQIAA+ competition that has been set up between schools to see whose society is the best.
It’s all highly unlikely, the teachers are remarkably unaware as to what is really going on, and with a lot of hiccups along the way, we do get an HEA 🥰
I was really annoyed about the blurb because it told you something that happened 43% of the way in; in case you haven’t read the blurb I advise not doing so. Blurbs that give away the book are so irritating, but I still really enjoyed it.
There is great representation: Barney is our gay main character; George is trans; Maya is a rather stereotypical angry lesbian; and Danny was a very interesting character who is a straight ally and part of the society. There were points I wasn’t really sure whether The unlikely odds were too annoying, or perhaps too convenient, but it is still a great read.
I’m so excited to have found another young adult writer writing queer books set in Britain! Let’s hope for more <3
It’s really refreshing to read a YA book set firmly in Britain, and it feels pretty British. The first part is a ridiculous parody of British manipulative politics in electing the next president of the queer society at an average British school. The second part deals with the LGBTQQIAA+ competition that has been set up between schools to see whose society is the best.
It’s all highly unlikely, the teachers are remarkably unaware as to what is really going on, and with a lot of hiccups along the way, we do get an HEA 🥰
I was really annoyed about the blurb because it told you something that happened 43% of the way in; in case you haven’t read the blurb I advise not doing so. Blurbs that give away the book are so irritating, but I still really enjoyed it.
There is great representation: Barney is our gay main character; George is trans; Maya is a rather stereotypical angry lesbian; and Danny was a very interesting character who is a straight ally and part of the society. There were points I wasn’t really sure whether The unlikely odds were too annoying, or perhaps too convenient, but it is still a great read.
I’m so excited to have found another young adult writer writing queer books set in Britain! Let’s hope for more <3
April 10, 2023
my friend bought this for my birthday because he thought it would be funny lmao. read it because i’m never one to say no to the bit. it actually exceeded my expectations
July 3, 2022
Over the top!
That’s basically the draw here, the fun in the crazy plot twists and turns, and the down fall keeping it from being amazing. I love Simon’s books and how he creates deep characters full of quirks and lovable traits. This world is populated with a bunch of them.
I loved the election drama because it made me so angry and like I wanted to shout for them. That’s good writing. I almost put the book down when I saw who won since I don’t for a second believe it would have happened the way it did. That pulled me out.
As I kept on, I enjoyed the global competition, the obvious duplicities that these teens missed, and the trope of a friends to lovers plot. Even though that is such a trope!
It was fun and exactly what was advertised. Drama on a soap opera level full of villains and heroes and positive messages scrounged from ridiculousness.
That’s basically the draw here, the fun in the crazy plot twists and turns, and the down fall keeping it from being amazing. I love Simon’s books and how he creates deep characters full of quirks and lovable traits. This world is populated with a bunch of them.
I loved the election drama because it made me so angry and like I wanted to shout for them. That’s good writing. I almost put the book down when I saw who won since I don’t for a second believe it would have happened the way it did. That pulled me out.
As I kept on, I enjoyed the global competition, the obvious duplicities that these teens missed, and the trope of a friends to lovers plot. Even though that is such a trope!
It was fun and exactly what was advertised. Drama on a soap opera level full of villains and heroes and positive messages scrounged from ridiculousness.
January 10, 2023
This was my first Simon James Green book, and let me just say, oh my god. So full of power, and love, and conflict, and your basic queer subjects. I really felt this book, when the characters felt angry, so did I, when they felt empowered, so did I. I just CAN'T WAIT to read more books written by Simon.
"Students hand-in-hand in front of us.
And behind us.
Like those who came before us.
And those who will come after.
We won't ever stop.
We just want to live.
We just want to be who we are.
We won't play by your outdated rules or live by your outdated ideals.
It starts, and ends, with love, that's all.
We're heroes.
We're legion.
And we're going to change the world.
Join us."
"Students hand-in-hand in front of us.
And behind us.
Like those who came before us.
And those who will come after.
We won't ever stop.
We just want to live.
We just want to be who we are.
We won't play by your outdated rules or live by your outdated ideals.
It starts, and ends, with love, that's all.
We're heroes.
We're legion.
And we're going to change the world.
Join us."
May 4, 2023
Utter madness. I needed to be hospitalized at least four times during reading because of numerous heart attacks.
Mr. Simon James Green, you be crazy. And I love you. We are kindred spirits, very gay and very kindred.
(A big gay hot tub.)
Mr. Simon James Green, you be crazy. And I love you. We are kindred spirits, very gay and very kindred.
(A big gay hot tub.)
May 24, 2022
4.5 Stars
I wasn't ready for how funny this book was! Just an absolute joy. Woven in it brings up LGBTQIA+ issues especially in a school setting.
I wasn't ready for how funny this book was! Just an absolute joy. Woven in it brings up LGBTQIA+ issues especially in a school setting.
June 10, 2022
This book is so darn pretty. All the rainbows and sparkles and shiny goodness you could ask for.
This is like all Simon James Green's books, full of hilariously awkward and mortifying ridiculous scenes that can make reading in public dangerous when you're laughing way too loud to something no one else can see.
It centres around a high school LGBTQI+ club that needs to elect a new president, but due to a last minute change up the whole school is allowed to vote. Which is where all the scheming begins.
There's a lot of issues touched on in this one too, and not just the obvious ones. Some of it was pretty awful for the characters, but for the most part it's more comedy than anything else.
#votebarney!
This is like all Simon James Green's books, full of hilariously awkward and mortifying ridiculous scenes that can make reading in public dangerous when you're laughing way too loud to something no one else can see.
It centres around a high school LGBTQI+ club that needs to elect a new president, but due to a last minute change up the whole school is allowed to vote. Which is where all the scheming begins.
There's a lot of issues touched on in this one too, and not just the obvious ones. Some of it was pretty awful for the characters, but for the most part it's more comedy than anything else.
#votebarney!
June 13, 2024
Minus one star for slightly excessive cringe and a deadbeat line about asexuality (yes, I did take it personally) - but other than that, this was a LOT of excellent gay (sorry, Bronte, LGBTQQIAAP+) drama and I enjoyed every second of it
November 13, 2023
4,,25⭐️
Bardzo subtelna, lekka w odbiorze, ale zarazem przenikliwa w różne dywagacje i ich sposób przetwarzania powieść
Bardzo subtelna, lekka w odbiorze, ale zarazem przenikliwa w różne dywagacje i ich sposób przetwarzania powieść
April 25, 2025
this was so many layers of wonderful - much like a blooming onion. five stars!! also someone put this on tv pls
January 14, 2024
Just Phenomenal. Crazy rollercoaster full of plot twists. What a great start to the year. Really enjoyed this one.
June 8, 2022
My first Simon James Green novel, Gay Club! easily secures its place as one of my favourite reads of 2022! Absolutely chaotic, hilarious, touching, so well structured with a wonderful cast of rich characters, telling an important, compelling and highly enjoyable story. What more could you want?
With the support of his best friends, Barney is quietly confident he's going to become president of his school's small LGBTQ+ Society. But when his backstabbing rival finds a way to open up the vote to the entire student body in the name of inclusivity, an apparently joke candidate steals Barney's thunder. On the road to winning a prestigious prize, can the 'Gay Club' pull together and stand united in the face of cut-throat politics, fake dating, and one hesitantly Questioning member of the soc?
Even with moments of sadness and realism, Gay Club! is an utterly joyful read. Very British in tone and feel, which I adored. Sixth Formers, so perfect for a mid-to-upper YA audience. Barney Brown has to be one of my favourite protagonists ever, he's so adorable and good-natured, he really is a sweetheart to read. I loved Barney's friends, who make up the whole of the LGBTQ+ Society, and are a good mix of rep and personalities who rub each other up the wrong way and play off each other's ridiculous antics beautifully. Full of chaos and disasters, but with an enormous heart, Gay Club! had me laughing out loud and then breaking down in tears. I feel very satisfied at having called one particular character's journey, and... yes. The dream team.
On a more serious note, Gay Club! is a book that belongs in as many school libraries as possible. There are so many teens who need this story, and more like it. Between a cast of LGBTQ+ characters (INCLUDING QUESTIONING! CENTRAL QUESTIONING CHARACTER! FULLY DEVELOPED!) this is a truly important book. Books like this give me hope that school life for future secondary school kids will be better, but if that's to be the case, then adults also need to advocate for these teens and encourage books like Gay Club!, which never shies away from nuanced and sensitive, thoughtful discussion about inclusivity, equality, and celebrating everyone for who they are.
Content warnings: homophobic language and bullying, offset by solidarity and friendship.
With the support of his best friends, Barney is quietly confident he's going to become president of his school's small LGBTQ+ Society. But when his backstabbing rival finds a way to open up the vote to the entire student body in the name of inclusivity, an apparently joke candidate steals Barney's thunder. On the road to winning a prestigious prize, can the 'Gay Club' pull together and stand united in the face of cut-throat politics, fake dating, and one hesitantly Questioning member of the soc?
Even with moments of sadness and realism, Gay Club! is an utterly joyful read. Very British in tone and feel, which I adored. Sixth Formers, so perfect for a mid-to-upper YA audience. Barney Brown has to be one of my favourite protagonists ever, he's so adorable and good-natured, he really is a sweetheart to read. I loved Barney's friends, who make up the whole of the LGBTQ+ Society, and are a good mix of rep and personalities who rub each other up the wrong way and play off each other's ridiculous antics beautifully. Full of chaos and disasters, but with an enormous heart, Gay Club! had me laughing out loud and then breaking down in tears. I feel very satisfied at having called one particular character's journey, and... yes. The dream team.
On a more serious note, Gay Club! is a book that belongs in as many school libraries as possible. There are so many teens who need this story, and more like it. Between a cast of LGBTQ+ characters (INCLUDING QUESTIONING! CENTRAL QUESTIONING CHARACTER! FULLY DEVELOPED!) this is a truly important book. Books like this give me hope that school life for future secondary school kids will be better, but if that's to be the case, then adults also need to advocate for these teens and encourage books like Gay Club!, which never shies away from nuanced and sensitive, thoughtful discussion about inclusivity, equality, and celebrating everyone for who they are.
Content warnings: homophobic language and bullying, offset by solidarity and friendship.
May 2, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book all past, present and future generations need. It's for every person that has ever felt they couldn't be who they wanted to be. For every person shamed for who they loved, and for every person that loved them anyway. Love is fucking love.
Gay Club! Is literally a LGBTQ+ Bible for the YA book worms. I hope this book features in every secondary school library, and encourages and supports their very own Gay Clubs to show teenagers today - you're never alone, and it is perfectly okay to be gay (or trans or pan or anything you bloody well want).
It features some important and present issues such as non inclusive and abysmal sex eduction, generational homophobia and the unwritten pressure to come out rather then just be. It reads so easily, it is lighthearted and funny about a subject which is far from it, in my eyes it takes talent to make a reader laugh about something ordinarily that would make them cry.
The book all past, present and future generations need. It's for every person that has ever felt they couldn't be who they wanted to be. For every person shamed for who they loved, and for every person that loved them anyway. Love is fucking love.
Gay Club! Is literally a LGBTQ+ Bible for the YA book worms. I hope this book features in every secondary school library, and encourages and supports their very own Gay Clubs to show teenagers today - you're never alone, and it is perfectly okay to be gay (or trans or pan or anything you bloody well want).
It features some important and present issues such as non inclusive and abysmal sex eduction, generational homophobia and the unwritten pressure to come out rather then just be. It reads so easily, it is lighthearted and funny about a subject which is far from it, in my eyes it takes talent to make a reader laugh about something ordinarily that would make them cry.
March 23, 2025
This review should be titled, “Grandpa Learns About The Youths.” As a 45-year-old gay man, picking up an unapologetically queer YA novel, I’m presented with a review/rating conundrum. While this book may not cater to my current appetite as a reader, I also find myself really glad that it exists. At its best, this story is like a mashup of Election and Heartstopper, simultaneously exploring the cutthroat determination and emotional vulnerability of teen life. The feelings, fights, breakups, and stakes are all BIG - and this book gets that tone exactly right. Our characters each feel one- or two-note, and the plot turns sometimes seem inevitable, but that may be my YA inexperience talking. Ultimately, this is a book that would have likely blown my mind as a high school reader. And for that audience, it’s hitting all the right notes and landing on the most important and enduring messages: inclusion, acceptance, activism, and love. Even this grandpa can get behind that. 3.5/5
October 16, 2023
An excellent book about a high school GSA. But what makes it excellent is that it really just is about high schoolers. It normalizes the high school experience of LGBTQIAP+ youth without marginalizing the unique challenges faced. It skillfully shows how the hatred is misplaced, illogical and just plain wrong. Throughout the book you get to know these flawed, normal, frustrated, affirming and enjoyable characters. You cannot help but to love them, root for them, cherish them.
Appropriate for middle school and up.
Appropriate for middle school and up.
May 1, 2022
I’ve devoured this book in one day and bloody loved it. Funny, witty, heartbreaking and hopeful. I’m so very glad that books like #GayClub! exist.
My full review to follow on My Endless Shelf very soon.
My full review to follow on My Endless Shelf very soon.
June 5, 2022
I love this book. The character development is absolutely lovely and the plot twists were GOOD! Even though one thing I definitely saw coming, but I won’t spoil anything.
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