This latest novel by author Alex Sanchez tackles one of the thornier issues facing gay teens today: what does it mean to be bisexual and gaining accepThis latest novel by author Alex Sanchez tackles one of the thornier issues facing gay teens today: what does it mean to be bisexual and gaining acceptance for dual sexual orientation? As tumultuous as teen life can already be without the added difficulties of coming out as gay, it is even harder to reveal to friends and love interests that being bisexual isn't indecisiveness or weighing your options, it's who you are. But for Sergio, our central bisexual character in the book, it is not an easy road to navigate.
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SPOILER ALERT!!!!
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I wholeheartedly liked the three other characters central to this story: Lance, who is gay but still a virgin in search of a meaningful and loving relationship with Sergio; Lance's best friend Allie who has a great boyfriend but is sexually confused; and sweet Kimiko, a boyish lesbian who writes love poems, is Sergio's best friend, and pines for her first kiss and love with Allie. What goes on between the girls is a slowly developing friendship that becomes the foundation for something more as they further their friendship through their honest talks with each other. You don't worry too much about them, as they are level-headed and take their time getting to know each other. But Lance and Sergio?
Sergio is nursing a broken from a recent breakup with a girl he loved when he begins to date Lance, which is an instant recipe for disaster. Lance is a novice in all things romantic and sexual and wants to take the old-fashioned route of commitment and love before giving himself to a boy, whereas Sergio just wants to have a good time with no strings attached. Sergio hopped on his soap box just one too many times for me in the name of bisexuality, which I think he used to deflect Lance's desire for a real relationship and put down Lance's wish to wait until his was ready to give up his virginity. But I must applaud the author for giving Lance the courage to stop dating Sergio after his ultimatum of commit or else was met with a defiant no by Sergio. Lance was veering dangerously into caving in to what Sergio wanted just so he could hold on to him, and I'm glad he faced heartache head-on instead of regret later. I was also pleased that Sergio had to reflect on why he was so defensive with Lance in order to know what he had lost and what he had to do to get Lance back.
This is a recommended read for teens fourteen and up, with some sexual references....more
One of my favorite YA books that I read in 2009, and so refreshing that girls and women had a new guy to crush on, the lovable and intelligent bad boyOne of my favorite YA books that I read in 2009, and so refreshing that girls and women had a new guy to crush on, the lovable and intelligent bad boy, Alejandro Fuentes. Simone Elkeles is the new master of teen romance fiction, and her twist on the Romeo and Juliet romance of two different teens from starkly different backgrounds seems realistic in her capable hands. You feel compassion for Alex and Brittany, and you root for them that all will end well, although the bad feeling in your gut tells you that consequences must be meted out and paid before they arrive at happily ever after. This is an excellent novel of interracial relationships, and highly recommended for teens looking for a smart romance and friendship novel....more
Best romantic YA book of 2010! Simone Elkeles delivered again, with another rebellious, gorgeous and intelligent Fuentes brother stealing our hearts.
SBest romantic YA book of 2010! Simone Elkeles delivered again, with another rebellious, gorgeous and intelligent Fuentes brother stealing our hearts.
SPOILER ALERT!!! In this second installment of three in the "Perfect Chemistry" YA series, our favorite struggling couple, Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes and Brittany Ellis are back and are now 20 years old and still attending college in Colorado. A minor character in the first book now takes center stage - middle brother Carlos Fuentes, being sent back to the United States from Mexico by his mother and uncle to give him a chance to escape a life of crime and gangs.
In Fuentes style, Carlos immediately makes it clear to big brother Alex and saintly Brittany that he doesn't need them or their sympathy and help, and that he would rather be in Chicago or back in Mexico than see his complacent, do-gooder brother continue on the path of higher learning and a better life. Of course, Carlos doesn't have a choice in the matter, and begins high school immediately, where he meets Kiara, the daughter of Alex's professor. Kiara is a nature girl who gets high on walking, hiking, jogging and any physical activity that keeps her happy and healthy. Add to this, she has two idealistic and organic parents, and one nifty little brother - enough to make Carlos want to gag. Needless to say, Kiara and Carlos don't hit it off, despite poor Kiara's best efforts to be his school buddy his first week in classes. Carlos is soon lured back into bad habits by the disgustingly beautiful Madison, a girl who is nothing but trouble. No sooner than Carlos decides not to take up Madison's offers of her body, Carlos finds himself framed for possession of drugs at school. Before all else is lost and Carlos is headed for prison, in walks Kiara's family to the rescue, offering to take Carlos into their home and rehabilitate him.
"Rules of Attraction" follows a similar pattern of awkward friendship just like Alex and Brittany, but Kiara and Carlos blaze their own trail on the path to true love. Carlos finds and excellent father figure in Professor Westford, a man with his own shady past who has a beautiful family and a great career in academia. Although Carlos rails against the goodness of a family who don't know him but embrace him anyway, he begins to slowly make personal changes, and takes notice of Kiara. Kiara who is true to herself, has her own problems, namely battling with a stuttering problem, being dumped by her jerk of a boyfriend by text, not having any girlfriends to speak of, never has been to a high school dance, and gets picked on at school by the likes of the snobby Madison.
Kiara and Carlos through witty banter, close-up fights, and moments of closeness begin to understand each other better. The romantic scenes are tastefully done, and Elkeles makes sure the message of safe sex is there without hitting you over the head. Never too far away from Carlos' thoughts are his mother and little brother, and his longing for his country that is rife with the crippling problems of the drug trade. Carlos never dismisses his heritage, and his love for Mexico comes through in his shopping and cooking, sharing his culture with the Westfords through dinner. Carlos never denies his Latino heritage, but there is room in his heart for a girl from a vastly different background and color, and you can't help but root for them to find a way to be together forever, much like Alex and Brittany. I highly recommend this book for teenagers, grades 8 and up, especially for Simone Elkeles fans, and for teens looking for an intelligent romance book with enough humor and drama, and a realistic interracial couple that do get their happy ending. Another smash hit for Simone Elkeles!...more
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