Anthony Paull

Out, just slightly girly and unashamed, sixteen year old Tyler relates events leading up to the school's Monster Mash dance, and quite a lot happens in that short time. His own fag-hag, the self-centred neurotic Jenny has a breakdown, his long absent mother returns briefly, he almost gets raped, and he manages to attract another fag-hag being just a few, but what he can't achieve is getting the delectable Billy Greske, senior school Thespian and designated future soap opera star, to acknowledge publicly his love for him.

Tyler's account is sweetly touching and very funny. Billy hardly knows he exists so he auditions for the school film project certain that Billy will be playing the lead, and Tyler could not be more delighted with the role that he lands, a role that requires a very intimate moment that awakens Billy's interest. But while he might win Billy's heart it is quite another thing to get Billy even to talk to him openly in school, let alone publicly declare his love; and however much Tyler may desire Billy, he is not going to play secret lover.

There are many hilarious episodes; I especially love the one where Tyler connives to get Billy to give him a lift home and then proceeds to turn everything round so that it is Billy asking him out in a date with the intention of seducing him.

A relatively short read this is a lovely story told by a young boy desperately trying to find love, but on his terms. The subtle ending leaves open a number of possibilities.… (altro)

This book started off amazing. Super funny, witty, charming, and sweet, and then randomly it started to drag on in places. I wish the writing had been tighter from the middle on. There were a lot of tough situations thrown into this book that I frankly didn't really see coming, and some felt a bit forced. However, they were real situations that happen to young adults. I'm just not sure all of them needed to be pushed into this book from the middle on. I have major problems when a book just pushes drama situation after drama situation in a book because it always pushes the line of drama for drama sake. Plus, there were quite a bit of typos that took me out of the story at times.

However, I fell in love with Tyler. He makes no apologies for who he is and acccepts nothing but the best for himself. I wish others, including myself, could have his bravery at times. He's whiplash smart and deep down has the best heart. He has a troubled friend, but they both need each other so much.

I'm a sucker for a "complete" ending, and the reader didn't really get that. Not sure if there is a plan for a sequel or not.

Overall though, Tyler is an amazing character and there were numerous laugh out loud moments. Great read.… (altro)

I read a review on Outtakes of a Walking Mistake, quoting it to be engaging. I agreed with that. It was a book difficult to put down. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not entirely crazy about the main characters. In fact, none of the characters were perfect. They were either self-centered, confused, lost or different.

There was Tyler, who cared for no one else, except for his own love life, and lust life, which did not really take off. He did care for one, Jenny, his girl best friend, who interestingly was also portrayed as self-centered semi-diva. Her character got me curious, although I did not want to care much, because I was trying to read about a gay teenager's struggle and not a lost girl. Tyler's father was still much hoping for Tyler's mom to return. Tyler's mom did return and talked to ocean. Billy - lost between staying safe in his quiet zone or befriending Tyler and be exposed. Eric - wanted no labels for his sexual preference and led a much screwed-up life.

There were things I did not understand. Maybe because I was bias. Why would a manly Billy want to hang out with a guy who talked and walked like a girl, according to a kid who observed Tyler? Thank goodness the book did not remind me much of that feature, and so I proceeded not being turned off by that factor. Why would Tyler imagine all the guys, whom he suspected to be straight, to be eager to hold his hand, open the door for him or to buy him flowers? Why he would want eagerly to be near such guys and yet demanded for things like these which would keep insecure guys away? Well, thank goodness the guys in the story were pictured as someone who did not hesitate long to react not-negatively to Tyler's daring teases...

The characters in the book were likable. It kept me going through the book in a matter of hours. I was made to be interested to know what would happen next. Not much was spent on the chemistry between Billy and Tyler, but still, I found myself rooting for the two. I wished for more moments between them, and less diva-emotional Tyler. I liked that the author was able to make Tyler stand out, irritating or not.… (altro)