TIPS ON HAVING A GAY (EX) BOYFRIEND by Carrie Jones.

"Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend," is a humorous book on how a teenage girl named Belle has to deal with the fact that her boyfriend broke up with her because he was gay. Also, the book covers the abuse that some people face because they are gay.

I have gained from this book the inspiration to stand up to those who are being abused both emotionally and physically because they are gay, or homosexual.

This book was an easy, humorous read that I found both entertaining and inspiring.

Recommended for all teens.


CS in Town of Esopus

THE VAST FIELDS OF ORDINARY by Nick Burd

Dade Hamilton is about to go off to college, but before he escapes his small town, he has to endure the hardest summer of his life. It's hard enough keeping his sexuality secret from his parents (he's a closeted homosexual), but his "boyfriend" treats him like dirt, he has a crappy job at his local super market, and a girl from his town has recently gone missing. It's not all bad though. Throughout the summer, Dade makes friends with Lucy, a girl from Cali who is fun, friendly, and an out-of-the-closet lesbian. And let's not forget Dade's new crush, the handsome Alex Kincaid, who helps Dade get through his summer (far from unscathed, though).

If anything, this book is about finding who you are and accepting that person. The lesson to be learned is to accept yourself as well as others. If you don't, life can crush you.

Despite some grammatical errors, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.

Recommended for grades 9-12.


HS in NE-Millerton

WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON by John Green and David Levithan

Will Grayson, Will Grayson follows two teenage boys, both named Will Grayson, struggling with relationships in different ways. Their lives intertwine as they relate to their mutual friend, Tiny Cooper, and deal with sexual identity, friendship, and heartbreak.

This book was written in an interesting style, with the two Will's narrating alternating chapters in unique voices. I enjoyed the story and felt for the characters, until the ending, which was a tad cheesy.

The dual authorship of this book makes it an interesting read, although readers may be unsatisfied with the ending.

Recommended for Grades 11 - 12.



RVK in Esopus

LAST EXIT TO NORMAL by Michael Harmon

Ben's life is confusing, his father announces he is gay and moves out to a farm in Montana. Now, Ben is trying to learn about country life, woo the town sweetie and get a hold on his home life.

Kids who deal with gay parents face a lot of discrimination that they don't deserve. Ben is just an average, messed up teen who has a few unique problems thrown in.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

I'd recommend this book: it's a great book with a really good message. It's important to be proud of who you are and where you come from.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

Ben, a troubled boy with two gay fathers, is moved to the country where he learns the value of hard work and respect.

This was a good, entertaining read that shows that sometimes the meanest people in the world have reasons for doing what they do.

Outstanding.
Joe in Esopus