5 BISEXUAL Books That Helped Me Come Out!

Happy Pride Month! The month of June has brought many things with it- great weather, more mosquitoes, but most importantly it gave me the courage to finally come out as bisexual to my family and friends. For a long time, whenever I talked about relationships with my friends, I realized that a part of me felt like something was missing. It wasn't until I immersed myself into the world of queer lit, did I begin to feel like I could really understand and accept my own queer identity. Here a list of BEAUTIFUL books with bisexual main characters that inspired me to love myself. I hope I can share some more LGBTQIA+ recs for now and for forever. 

1. Noteworthy by Riley Redgate 

Still one of my favorite books of all time. Noteworthy follows Jordan Sun, who after getting rejected to be cast in her school's musical because of her low voice,  pretends to be a boy to join an all-male identifying acapella group. This book is absolutely hilarious and incredibly endearing as Jordan navigates her sexuality and friendship in this new reality she has created. With a cast of incredibly diverse characters, this book confronts the gender norms that are so often perpetuated in most YA lit. Our main character is coming to terms with her own identity as a bisexual and it's amazing to go through this journey with her. I'd also recommend giving Riley Redgate's Final Draft a read if you enjoy this one. 

2. Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh

YA fantasy is not the first genre you think of when you want to read queer lit. Reign of the Fallen changed my mind on how well queer characters can be written in YA fantasy books since it is own voices and really normalized being queer. In this book, the fantasy elements, and the world-building are merely a background for this amazing story with a bisexual main character. I mean the book literally follows a bisexual necromancer. What else could you possibly ask for? Here is an interesting article that the author wrote for Penguin Teen about bisexual visibility in literature. 

3. The Brightsiders by Jen Wilde

This was the first Jen Wilde book I read when my friend Belinda and I chose it to be our book of the month for Diversify the Verse. The Brightsiders features characters who are bisexual, genderfluid, lesbian and also biracial. The rep is sooooo good. For me, the most important thing that this book taught me is that anyone can face issues of coming to terms with their sexuality, even if you are a famous rockstar in a band who has seemingly the most perfect life. It was a quick read and it was the first time I EVER saw they/them pronouns used in a book. Isn't that crazy? 

4. Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde 

Not only is Jen Wilde a lover of colored hair on her books, but she is also a fantastic YA author of queer lit. I had to recommend another book from her because  I think she excels at writing about fame! Compared to The Brightsiders, I think this one specifically talked a lot about bisexuality through the main character's inner monologues. We heard all of her feelings and thoughts, and it was so great to read. Along with that it confronted stereotypes about bisexuality and biphobia! I absolutely loved this book and whatever Jen Wilde book you end up picking up will literally chnage your life. 

5. Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert 

Props to you if you've made it this far and you get to hear why Little & Lion is one of the best books written in YA Lit. If you'd like to read my full review, I'll leave it here. This book follows a Black, Jewish, Bisexual main character whose brother has bipolar disorder. As I wrote in that review, this book discusses a lot of the social stigmas of bisexuality and mental illness. One of my favorite things about this book was how it didn't necessarily have a set plot, but it felt real and in the moment. And if you enjoy this one, feel free to read ANY other Brandy Colbert book because they are equally as amazing. 

Even though June is on its way out, don't forget to share the love and treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they love. Please leave any recommendations for queer books in the comments, whether it's bisexual rep or any other queer rep! 

ARC Review: What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Title: What If It's Us
Author(s): Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera
Pages: 448 pages
Source: ARC from Bookcon
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT, Romance
Rating: 4.5/5

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?
Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.
Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.
But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?
What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?
What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?
But what if it is?

Pre-order Now!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

What If It's Us definitely lives up to the hype that has been building. Usually, I tend to wait a few months before diving into a book that's super-hyped, unless it's by one of my all-time favorite authors. I was lucky enough to obtain an advance copy of this Albertalli-Silvera masterpiece at Book Expo, and as my first Adam Silvera read, I was certainly not disappointed. 

As a gal who grew up in New York City, my favorite part about this book was definitely being able to instantly recognize the places our cute couple visits in the city. This story cracked me up and knocked me down emotionally, so many times. It's the kind of love story that tugs at all your heartstrings and makes you believe in fate, in the universe, and in love. It's the kind of love story that makes you wish you were in love right now and had someone who would take you to have fun spontaneous dates.

The story begins immediately with a meet-cute and progresses into a whirlwind of adventures. For a story that ultimately takes place over the course of two months spent in the city, it felt as if time simply flew right by. I loved Arthur and Ben like they were my best friends. They're both cute, quirky, hilarious, and also relatable with their flaws. The chemistry between them feels so incredibly real that I could almost imagine seeing them sitting over coffee at a cafe in the Village. The dynamic between ALL of the characters is also real and raw. There were awkward friendships that didn't sugarcoat the reality of relationships. And the story reminds us that it's always important to acknowledge that no relationship-whether romantic, familial, platonic, or other-is ever perfect and it takes obstacles and hurdles to build the foundation of a relationship. It is also okay for friendships to be rocky and unstable.

I also became much more appreciative of New York City after finishing this book. Arthur and Ben's dates make me want to explore this city, while I still have the opportunity and appreciate the beauty and whimsy that simply radiates from it. Sometimes, after living in the same place for all your life, you grow to take it for granted. Throughout these years, I've definitely taken for granted the ease of transportation, the daily endless adventures, and the bustle of the city far too many times that I've forgotten at one point or another, NYC's magic has touched everyone who now call themselves a New Yorker.

What If It's Us comes out on October 9th and I cannot recommend this book enough! Go preorder it so you'll have it in your hands on release day because this is a book that can be read multiple times over for its sensational cuteness and incredible characters. Seriously, this book manages to describe the spirit of an entire city within a 400-page novel. But one more thing... I couldn't help but wonder if Adam and Becky intentionally gave their characters' the same initials as their own...

Author Lee Bantle Talks LGBTQIA+ Today Vs. In the 1970's | Guest Post

Title: David Inside Out
Author: Lee Bantle
Pages: 193 pages
Release Date: September 13th, 2016
Source: Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Young Adult, Glbt, Realistic Fiction

David Dahlgren, a high-school senior, finds solace in running with the track team; he's a fast runner, and he enjoys the camaraderie. But team events become a source of tension when he develops a crush on one of his teammates, Sean. Scared to admit his feelings, David does everything he can to suppress them: he dates a girl, keeps his distance from his best friend who has become openly gay, and snaps a rubber band on his wrist every time he has "inappropriate" urges. Before long, Sean expresses the thoughts David has been trying to hide, and everything changes for the better. Or so it seems.

In this thoughtful yet searing coming-of-age novel, Lee Bantle offers a raw, honest, and incredibly compelling account of a teenager who learns to accept himself for who he is.

Buy it now! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

I'm especially excited to welcome a very special guest to my blog today! It's rare that I ever get the chance to talk to authors and ask some of my burning questions. Now before I let you go to read the post he wrote, I want to disclaim that I haven't read the book myself. I simply asked a question based off of all the reviews I had read. A lot of people mentioned that this book takes place when the GSA did not exist, and I thought that was pretty interesting. Interesting because I couldn't imagine living in a world without the GSA at my school. So I asked Mr. Bantle about what his experiences as a closeted teen in his time and coming out were like

compared to what it would be like to be an LGBTQIA+ teen today. Here was his answer:

Coming Out In the 1970's vs. Coming Out Today  

by Lee Bantle 

            David Inside Out is a contemporary novel about a teenage boy struggling to come to terms with his gay identity.   Am I David?   No.  I was born many decades before David at a time when gays and lesbians were not open or accepted.  Gay/Straight Alliances did not exist.  The many shows with gay characters did not play on television.  The LGBT community was in its infancy.

            Yet, David’s internal struggle was informed by my experiences.  I was terrified at what I thought would be the consequences of being gay:  Social suicide.  Parental condemnation.  A life of loneliness. So, I tried hard to change my orientation.

            In the book, David snaps a rubber band on his wrist when he feels “inappropriate” urges, reads manly magazines and pursues a relationship with a girl.  When I was his age, I went even further by undergoing weekly “therapy” in order to become straight.  This was my own choice, done in secret.  Of course, it didn’t work.  The only positive outcome was that the failed attempt gave me the freedom to pursue self-acceptance.           

           

            While it’s a much different world today than when I was growing up, for many the internal struggle still exists.  I wanted to write a book that dealt with the deep challenge that coming out and accepting one’s gay identity can be.  The book does not speak for everyone.  Thankfully, these days many teens are comfortable embracing their LGBT identity.  But the book does speak for some.  I know because I have gotten so many letters from readers telling me how much they identified with David, that the book described what they are going through. 

            When David comes out to his mother, he finds unconditional love.  I wanted to show that this was possible and, I think, this is much more the norm these days.  When I came out to my parents (during college), they sent me to the Mayo Clinic to see if I could be changed. (No matter that the earlier therapy had been a bust.)  Fortunately, I saw a great shrink who wrote my parents a letter saying that if they tried to change me they would lose all the things that were special about me.   This put an end to the nonsense about “changing” my sexual orientation.  I have always worn as a badge of pride that I am probably one of the few people in the United States who has been certified as gay by the Mayo Clinic.            

            I did not have a Sean in my life.  He is a composite character with traits drawn from various men I liked who could not handle being gay (and some of whom were comfortable having sex during the act, but freaked out afterward.).  I see Sean as a cautionary tale. Many readers have expressed to me how much they loathed him.  But I have some sympathy for him.  He is making all the wrong choices, and yet I know what he is up against.

             I think the protagonists in most novels are partly the author.  While writing, as we try to imagine what our characters think and feel, we necessarily draw on our own experiences.

            The learning that I hope my readers will draw from the book is to follow their hearts.  If that leads to same sex partners, embrace them.  Massage them. Send them love poems.   Don’t be afraid to be your authentic self.  That is all we’ve got in this world.

Lee Bantle
I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn in a sunny apartment where I do my writing. I set David Inside Out in Minneapolis, Minnesota where I grew up and went to college.

David Inside Out is based in part on my experiences growing up gay in Minnesota before the age of Gay/Straight Alliances, television shows like Will & Grace, and books like the one I have written. My goal in writing this book was to capture the evolving dynamics in play today while giving voice to the complicated feelings that still accompany coming to terms with one's sexual identity. I wrote the book for gay teens who are struggling with their sexual identity, but also for the girls who may date and fall in love with these guys. I also hoped to tell a good coming of age story that would appeal to everyone, no matter what their sexual orientation.

Find him elsewhere!

Goodreads | Website 

MINI REVIEWS #1 | Black History Month, Carnivals, Murders

Recently I've read a few books that I have formed some opinions on, but not enough to write an entire review. Most of these were read pretty recently and so all the thoughts are still swirling around in my head, dying to get out. Maybe in the future, if I have more to write, I'll consider doing full reviews. But for the moment, this is just my attempt at getting my thoughts out. Hope you guys enjoy!

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

I read this with my friend Belinda for our Instagram book club, Diversify the Verse. This book follows a dual POV of Rashad and Quinn, two boys who get tangled up in a historic event. One minute Rashad is buying a bag of chips and the next, he's being being pummeled to the ground all because it looked like he was stealing. And he was a black kid in baggy clothes, so he must have been stealing. Quinn witnesses Rashad being brutalized and someone somewhere happens to film the footage on a phone camera.

AAB is a poignant and powerful story. Our reason for choosing this book as our book of the month is similar to the authors' reason for writing the book- to start a dialogue between young adults and the world about racism and racial profiling. I think this is an incredibly important story that doesn't shy away from the topics of violence, racism and social injustice. It has an incredibly widespread message that will apply to anyone in any situation and the lessons that are taught are unprecedented. I hope you guys will check out our discussion questions on our Instagram book club!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Seeing as this book made almost everyone's top books of the year lists, I'm quite scared to share my thoughts on this one. Unpopular opinion, coming up! 

I really really wanted to love Caraval. I received an ARC and the only thing that stopped me from reading it early was the hype surrounding the book. No joke, the pre-release hype was insane with so many people already naming it as their favorite. I have a history of not liking books that receive a lot of hype so you could only imagine my fear going into it. But alas, I read it because curiosity got the best of me. 

Don't get me wrong. I didn't hate it or dislike it, I just didn't like it as much as everyone else did. I couldn't stand the writing style, and I though the ending was super anti-climatic. Garber did an excellent job at keeping the reader in the dark until the end for the big reveal. When I got to the end, I was expecting just that- a big reveal. Instead I think it just flopped for me and it was just really disappointing. Also, trigger warnings for physical abuse and attempted suicide. We see physical abuse from the main character's father straight from the beginning of the book, and it was quite unsettling to read. 

I quite enjoyed the sister relationship featured though. I would always recommend this book if you're looking for a prominent and well-written sister relationship.

Nemesis by Brendan Reichs 

I thought I was finally done with reading YA science fiction mystery books that follow the same storyline, that is, until I read this book! Nemesis is a potent combination of Orphan Black, Lord of the Flies, and The Matrix. Keep your eyes peeled for this book on March 21st.

Short synopsis: Every two years on her birthday, Min Wilder is murdered by a strange man in a black suit and silver sunglasses. But hours later, she'll find herself in a clearing just outside her Idaho home. It's been happening ever since she was eight. Meanwhile The Anvil, an enormous asteroid, is threatening all life on earth. Min vows to discover what is happening to Fire Lake and uncovers a lifetime of lies: a vast conspiracy involving the sixty-four students of her sophomore class, one that may be even more sinister than the murders. 

Now I don't want to share too much because I'm going to be apart of the epic blog tour Penguin is planning. Let's just say that if you're tired of the same old science fiction plots in YA, read this book! It has such a unique story, one that incorporates the best of technology and a scary, corrupt government.

When I first read the synopsis, I demanded to know what the mystery behind the protagonists numerous deaths was! Every page unlocks something new and it's your job to put everything together and solve the mystery. This book is one that I'm sure to recommend over and over again to readers who love the thrill of a good mystery with a reveal that'll blow your mind.

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst | Stellar F/F Fantasy Debut

Title: Of Fire and Stars
Author: Audrey Coulthurst
Pages: 389 pages
Release Date: November 22nd, 2016
Source: Hardcover from Novel Tea Club Box
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Rating: 4/5 out of 5 stars

Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine—called Mare—the sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two become closer, Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. And soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other.

Buy it now! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depo 

Saying I was excited for this book would be a vast understatement. I went into this book knowing I was going to love it because lgbt romance in a fantasy novel? Yes please. This is exactly what the Young Adult fantasy genre is missing these days- some diversity!

Princess Dennaleia has always known her fate. Her future is in the kingdom of Mynaria, betrothed to its crown prince. Her arranged marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and Havemont. Denna expects to be pampered and taught the responsibilities of a queen. What she doesn't see coming is a beautiful princess with pale green eyes, Princess Amaranthine, better known as Prince's Thandilimon hot-headed sister. In a kingdom so keen on dispelling its enemies and forbidding magic, one princess must hide her growing powers and her love for the girl she knows she can't have. The other must find her place in the kingdom and a way to go behind everything she's ever been taught to love a girl who is not hers.

"I kissed her slowly, deeply, every feeling I had for her pooling into my lips as I tasted the sweetness of her."

I was absolutely blown away with the direction that the author took with the story's POV. It was told through the eyes of both Princess Dennaleia and Princess Amaranthine. For some reason reading the synopsis, I thought this book was only going to be told through Denna's point of view. I'm usually not a big fan of dual perspectives, as much as I am with multiple perspective books, but I loved the way it was told in this one. Especially because both princesses were such different people who had such different insights in what was good for the kingdom. There wasn't too much overlap, which is something that tends to annoy me.

There was a lot of great political intrigue quite reminiscent of the aspects I loved in the Winner's Curse trilogy by Marie Rutkoski. Each page requires your full attention as you pay mind to which kingdoms are warring with who and the power that each kingdom holds. However, that also led the book to drag many times in the middle. I found myself often times bored of hearing about the quarrel between the kingdoms.

Prior to starting the book, I was terrified of it becoming too much of a contemporary novel. I'm glad to say that this book held its reputation as a fantasy novel. The story held a great pace and it was hard to see all those plot twists coming! I was blown away by how the author was able to focus so much on the political intrigue of the story, while also maintaining a presence of magic. Coulthurst's writing is easy to get into and takes on its own unique voice. Although the lack of any real world-building is a popular point among many negative reviews, it didn't bother me all that much. It really depends on your preference as a reader. I think what this book lacked in world-building and the development of the magic system, it made up for with brilliant characters and lots of yummy political intrigue.

And if that doesn't convince you, how about this? The side characters were phenomenal; all fully developed with complex personalities and motivations. There is Nils (Princess Amaranthine's best friend), Alisendi (Princess Denna's sister), Prince Thandilimon and Lord Kriantz (a lord from another kingdom). I was blown away by how much I felt invested in not only the main characters but the side characters as well. I cared about all of the characters, including the antagonists!

F/F romances in fantasy novels are rare in YA. Cue my unruly squealing and fangirling. The chemistry between the two princesses was on fire! Every moment they were together, you could feel the sparks flying out from the book. Just seeing their relationship blossom through each chapter brought great joy to my heart. These two characters were a great example of FOIL, where we see their differences bring out the best in each other.

Of Fire and Stars surprised me. A lot of the aspects I normally find in a fantasy novel were absent, but I think that was kind of the point. Truth be told, I think the only thing that made this book a fantasy was its pacing and the presence of magic. Sure, this book read more like a fantasy-contemporary novel.

I would definitely recommend this book! This is Coulthurst's debut novel, and I never imagined liking it as much as I did.

Beast by Brie Spangler | DNF Review

Title: Beast
Author: Brie Spangler
Pages: 305 pages
Release Date: October 11th, 2016
Source: Hardcover from Penguin Teen
Genre: Contemporary, Glbt, Retellings, Young Adult
Rating: N/A

Tall, meaty, muscle-bound, and hairier than most throw rugs, Dylan doesn’t look like your average fifteen-year-old, so, naturally, high school has not been kind to him. To make matters worse, on the day his school bans hats (his preferred camouflage), Dylan goes up on his roof only to fall and wake up in the hospital with a broken leg—and a mandate to attend group therapy for self-harmers.

Dylan vows to say nothing and zones out at therapy—until he meets Jamie. She’s funny, smart, and so stunning, even his womanizing best friend, JP, would be jealous. She’s also the first person to ever call Dylan out on his self-pitying and superficiality. As Jamie’s humanity and wisdom begin to rub off on Dylan, they become more than just friends. But there is something Dylan doesn’t know about Jamie, something she shared with the group the day he wasn’t listening. Something that shouldn’t change a thing. She is who she’s always been—an amazing photographer and devoted friend, who also happens to be transgender. But will Dylan see it that way?

Buy it now!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

** I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This has not affected my review.** 

LGBTQIA+ Beauty and the Beast retelling that's set in high school? Count me in! 

Looking back on other reviews for this book I feel like I'm the only one mentioning this, but the writing is super choppy. Don't get me wrong. I love short and to-the-point sentences just as much as the next person but there were so many periods on every page that I thought I was just going crazy or something. Here's a little excerpt:

"Everyday my hair is the same. Part it down the middle, comb it down so it covers as much of my face as possible, put the hat on. Mom hates my hair. It hangs in my face, she says. Hides my eyes. My hair is my thing." 

- pg. 2, Beast by Brie Spangler 

I tried giving it a few chapters but by the 100th page, I was done trying to force myself to finish the book. Despite not being able to finish it, I do commend the author for the inventive spin on the modern Beauty and the Beast classic. I thought the whole idea was fascinating, and I honestly got as far as I did because I was holding on to that idea. But because this is purely a DNF review, I want to be clear in why I didn't finish it.

• In the book our main character Dylan is sent to a self-harm therapy group because his mom thinks he hurled himself off of a roof on purpose. I only read up to his first meeting with the group but from what I read so far, I was't impressed. Dylan was practically insensitive to everyone there, who actually had self-harmed. Yeah okay Dylan, I get that you're angry at your mom for sending you there but that doesn't mean you get to shit on other people who actually need the support. There was one 'self-harm' joke that was made that really hit me in the gut. It might not have been intended, but as someone who has self-harmed before it really made me sick to the stomach. Not only was the joke said in a mock-like tone, I thought it also validated a stereotype that is assumed with all self-harmers. Not all people that self-harm use razor blades or knives to cut themselves, okaayyyyy?? Self-harm is described as any action that is done to harm the surface of one's own body. 

"I want to laugh. Oh Gabrielle, take it from me. No one gives a flying shit how you really feel. Not your friends, not anyone."  

"'I don't hack myself up with razor blades,' I say"

• I get that this book is supposed to be a stab at bullying and judging people based on appearances. For a book that holds anti-bullying in such high esteem, I would have never expected there to be this entire excerpt of how the main character beat someone up because they owed him money. So Dylan basically finds it unfair how the world judges him on his appearance instead of getting to know him first because he's actually a smart guy, yet he goes around beating people up because they owed his friend, JP, money? And it actually made him feel really superior and good about himself. It kind of disgusted me. 
• Yes, this book includes a transgender female character. That's the most fantastic thing ever! But before I mislead you, I just want to disclaim that I did not make it up to the part where it was revealed to Dylan that Jamie was actually transgender. From reading many (and I mean a whole shit-ton) reviews, I've heard that Dylan doesn't take finding out so well. A specific review states, "When someone points out that she's a trans girl, he flips out. He's cruel to her, smashes up his basement including the trains his father collected for him before he dided of cancer when the protagonist was young. The anger and hurt at being 'lied to' by trans people is SUCH a toxic meme that centering the experience of a cis dude getting angry and violent about a trans person's identity, EVEN THOUGH the book is clearly intending on him learning a 'lesson', is something I can't get behind." That being said, I wasn't looking forward to reading something that is the opposite of the reaction I was hoping from the main character. I didn't want to continue on... 

Maybe this book had a great ending. Maybe Dylan's character learned more about himself than I ever learned about him. Maybe the reviews I read were all wrong. I will never know because I DIDN'T FINISH THE BOOK. So before I get a ton of hate for not appreciating this book for what it is, I want you to know that this entire review is based off of the 124 pages I did, in fact, read. 

Just because I didn't enjoy this book, doesn't mean you won't. I feel like as reviewers, we are pushed to constantly repeat that line like a broken record. Please please please understand that people have different opinions, and I just didn't enjoy this book. 

You Know Me Well by David Levithan & Nina LaCour | THE DREAM TEAM

Title: You Know Me Well
Author: David Levithan & Nina LaCour
Pages: 256 pages
Release Date: June 7th, 2016
Source: ARC from St. Martin's Press
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT
Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Who knows you well? Your best friend? Your boyfriend or girlfriend? A stranger you meet on a crazy night? No one, really?

Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year, but have never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have never crossed.

That is until Kate spots Mark miles away from home, out in the city for a wild, unexpected night. Kate is lost, having just run away from a chance to finally meet the girl she has been in love with from afar. Mark, meanwhile, is in love with his best friend Ryan, who may or may not feel the same way.

When Kate and Mark meet up, little do they know how important they will become to each other -- and how, in a very short time, they will know each other better than any of the people who are supposed to know them more.

Told in alternating points of view by Nina LaCour, the award-winning author of Hold Still and The Disenchantments, and David Levithan, the best-selling author of Every Day and co-author ofNick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (with Rachel Cohn) and Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with John Green), You Know Me Well is a deeply honest story about navigating the joys and heartaches of first love, one truth at a time. 

Pre-order now!

Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon 

**Thanks to the publishers for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book. This has not affected my review.**  

What's better than ice cream on a hot summer day? I'll tell you what is. When two authors decide to team up and write a kickass book! When I saw that the genre for this book was going to be LGBT I said to myself, hell yes this is going to be good. David Levithan and Nina LaCour have experience writing LGBT books so I knew this was going to be well-coordinated and just fantastic. As it is Pride Month, I couldn't think of a better book to read. 

Often times in YA, LGBT books seem to have characters that are confused about their sexual orientation. Too many to name actually- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and Fan Art. They either haven't had their proper coming out moment, or are too afraid to face it. While in this sparkling collaboration, the characters embraced their sexuality!

In an interview with Nina LaCour she said, "The more I spoke to them the more I realized that we need more affirming and happy stories about all kinds of love. But especially stories about girls falling in love and boys falling in love." I assume that this book was her approach to inspiring young adults that love, no matter who it is professed to, is beautiful and wonderful in all its variations. This book did just that.

The strongest point of this book was the friendship dynamic between Mark and Kate. I mean, the whole idea of this book was how they both went from being complete strangers to best friends in seemingly one night, but it's more than that under the surface. Mark is gay. Kate is a lesbian. They both understand each other on a level where their straight friends, or perhaps parents, might not. They both face the same dilemma, which is confessing their love. Mark, who is falling in love with his best friend, and can't face that he might not like him back. And Kate, who has trouble telling a girl she's always dreamed of that she wants to be with her.

You Know Me Well was so well-written (ha, you see what I did there?). There was humor, tragedy and those lovey-dovey romantic moments that made the writing quick and easy to read. I think the technique that was put into writing this book worked well, under the circumstances. If you didn't know, it was a back-and-forth pattern between Nina and David, as they switched off writing each chapter (Yass I did my research). You could just hear their distinct voices come to life in Mark and Kate.

Oh, did I forget to mention that there's slam poetry in this book?? HOLY SHIZ I can't deal with how beautiful the poetry-reading was. The poems were written into the book as if you were reading it out to the audience. The poems broke up the story and held my attention. GAHHHH. Just well done!

** I took off a few stars because the story did get slow for me at times, and I did not agree with some of the side character's motives for doing what they did.

This collaborated-effort was a great example of the books we need to start seeing pop up in the Young Adult genre. An inspiring story of two teens that already know exactly where their hearts lie (lay? Sorry I'm not big on grammar) but just need help getting to the end of the rainbow (another Pride Month reference, ahhh I'm getting too good >_< ). A novel about how the person that knows you well might still be out there, searching for you.

ARC Review: Jerkbait by Mia Siegert | Hard-hitting and Wow...

Title: Jerkbait
Author: Mia Siegert
Pages: 350 pages
Published: May 10th, 2016 by Jolly Fish Press
Source: ARC from JFP
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, LGBT
Rating: 4/5

Even though they're identical, Tristan isn't close to his twin Robbie at all—until Robbie tries to kill himself. 

Forced to share a room to prevent Robbie from hurting himself, the brothers begin to feel the weight of each other's lives on the ice, and off. Tristan starts seeing his twin not as a hockey star whose shadow Tristan can't escape, but a struggling gay teen terrified about coming out in the professional sports world. Robbie's future in the NHL is plagued by anxiety and the mounting pressure from their dad, coach, and scouts, while Tristan desperately fights to create his own future, not as a hockey player but a musical theatre performer. 

As their season progresses and friends turn out to be enemies, Robbie finds solace in an online stranger known only as “Jimmy2416.” Between keeping Robbie's secret and saving him from taking his life, Tristan is given the final call: sacrifice his dream for a brother he barely knows, or pursue his own path. How far is Robbie willing to go—and more importantly, how far is Tristan willing to go to help him?

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** Thanks to the publishing house for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review. All quotes have been taking from an uncorrected advanced proof.**

Contrary to popular belief, being a twin isn't fun nor is it easy. That's a common misconception. This book ultimately interested me because of the fact that it's about twins. As most of you know, I'm drawn towards books that follow a set of twins because it's easy for me to relate to the characters and even compare the relationship with my own life experiences. 

Rather than highlight the best parts of being a twin, I think this book did a pretty damn good job of showing people that being a twin isn't all fun and dandy. Although it may have its perks, having a twin is not at all perfect. The reality is that behind two identical faces, there is jealousy and competition. People who are totally oblivious of how hard it is to be a twin get a glimpse into the true hardships of being one, whether it be identical or fraternal. 

"I'd be reborn into a world without our biased parents. And most importantly, without being the shadow of Robbie."

So our story follows the voice of Tristan, who I'd like to call the "bastard son". Not actually a bastard son, in the strictest sense of the word, but more like the son who isn't good enough compared to his identical twin brother. When you're a twin, you'll inevitably be compared at one point in time. Tristan has been compared to his brother, Robbie, his whole life. His parents want Tristan and Robbie to be star hockey player and while Robbie has the skills and talent to do so, Tristan wants to pursue his lifelong dream of being a performer on Broadway. Two brothers who are seemingly the same, have such different aspirations and personalities. One day when Robbie attempts to commit suicide, the lives of him and his brother change forever.

"Identical twins were supposed to share so much, but we might as well have not been related. Sure, we came from the same split egg , but we were water and oil. We looked the same under a rolling boil, but we didn't mix."

Jerkbait tackles sensitive and raw topics in the YA community. It's a mix of everything you could ever want out of a raw and emotional story. Some of these topics include suicide, sexual orientation, betrayal, bullying, trying to stand out among your siblings, figuring out how to pursue your dreams, and even the dangers of talking to strangers online. It really surprises me how the author was able to fit all that in one book without it being too overwhelming for the reader. The story made since with all the topics and it was clear that she wasn't just trying to throw them in to preach.

Not to say that this inspiring novel didn't come without its flaws. You are aware that Tristan's and Robbie's parents wanted them to be the ideal all-star hockey players in the NHL but you don't know how extreme they were in making sure their boys didn't have any detours. I felt that the parent and child relationship was weak and it was almost an easy giveaway in the end that let the parents off the hook too easily because they were, in fact, terrible parents. They were completely unfazed by the fact that their son had just attempted to commit suicide and refused to send him to get help in fear that it might screw up his hockey career.

Plus some of the characters in the book were so unnecessary. Like Heather... oh my freaking god Heather, Tristan's best friend. She was so out of wack and constantly annoyed me throughout the book. *clenches fist* Ughh soo annoying.

On the flip side, the connection between Tristan and Robbie was more than I could ever ask for. Being a twin myself, this book hit so close to home. I get jealous of my sister, I fight with her all the time, we are compared in certain situations but we are always there for each as best friends. You could tell that no one understood Tristan better than Robbie and vise versa. I liked how the author didn't just write about them kissing (not really kissing, I mean metaphorically) and making up but there was this long and gradual change in their connection with each other.

The characters are all heavily flawed and because of that, it made this book 10x more enjoyable. Just reading about the characters screwing up and making terrible choices was, indeed, cringe worthy but sensible and understandable. They were human and weren't what some authors would portray their characters as this "perfect specimen".

I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about the conclusion of this novel. It was suspenseful and unexpected. But there is no doubt in my mind that Jerkbait has already claimed a spot in one of my top favorite books of 2016. From page to page, there is a delivery of raw and emotional feelings, sensitive topics that are so well done. I basically loved it enough to know that I'm going to buy it in hardcover when it releases (RIP my wallet). Other than some annoying characters and undeveloped relationships, this book is a solid 4-star read. It's a story that demands to be read and could possibly inspire readers. 

Stay tuned for an author interview with Mia Siegert about her debut novel, Jerkbait!