Boy Meets Boy: 06/03/13

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan was a debut novel written to be the sort of book Levithan wanted to receive as an editor. It was also designed as a Valentine's day read. It's a high school romance between narrator Paul and new boy, Noah.

The setting is a small town where LGBT youth feel safe enough to be themselves. The high school too seems to be an LGBT utopia where straight kids are the minority. The explanation given for both these things is — it just is.

Paul falls in love with Noah after they meet in a book store. His ex boyfriend Kyle isn't necessarily ready to let him go. Meanwhile, there's a dance to plan. And paintings to paint. And swan boats to rent.

And... it's so saccharine. To make matters worse, I listened to the Full Cast Audio performance. Paul narrates everything — every mundane detail — with the same over flowing sense of awe and amazement that there's no drama or pacing. Everything is just marvelously perfect and beautiful — even when there's an argument or a hint of conflict.

I suspect in book form, this love story would be a nice escape during a weekend of reading. In audio, though, it's unbearable.

Two stars

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