There are so many reasons that I loved this book.

Firstly, David Levithan’s writing style is absolutely gorgeous. I loved it. It reminded me a bit of John Green’s style, but it was still very unique and beautiful.

Secondly, it deals with the issues of homophobia in our current society! Of course it is set in America, but it still counts.

The book is narrated by one or more… I suppose ghosts? They are gay men themselves who have died before their time through either disease or suicide. They watch over a few youths around America who are also gay, and they are telling their stories and how they intertwine. Firstly, the main couple: Craig and Harry who are trying to break the world record for the longest kiss. Secondly: Peter and Neil, who have been dating for around a year. Thirdly: Avery and Ryan who have just met, and finally, Cooper who is alone in the world.

At first it’s a bit complicated. It’s difficult trying to piece together which of the 7 characters are together and remembering each of their stories. But after the first maybe 50 pages, it just falls together and the story runs like clockwork. It’s a very easy read once you get into it and it has some very important messages.

True, it does bring up some of the homophobia and hate that the community have to deal with. I’m not going to lie, I cried with frustration. There isn’t a lot that makes me angrier than homophobia or any other form of prejudice. But David handled it so beautifully and made you feel so much for the characters and it just worked so well.

If nothing else, I took this from the book:
“There are all these moments you don’t think you will survive. And then you survive.”