Oh my God. Where do I start with this book? It was honestly one of the best books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Never before have I cried so much while simultaneously grinning like a mad man. A perfectly relatable story for any member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kevin Van Whye successfully balances themes of anxiety, excitement, religion and homophobia to tell an authentic story of two boys falling in love. A piece of fiction that stays true to the real-world experiences that gay people face on a daily basis. I love the way this book deals with homophobia, using both subtle and blatant examples of the injustices towards gay people to show just how ingrained in society it really is. Hatred isn’t portrayed as a great evil that can be defeated, rather a way of life that the LGBTQIA+ community must face as prejudice is so deeply rooted in society that many people don’t even notice it.
Starting with a dare, Kai and Bryson end up in a relationship. With writing so compelling and honest I felt myself sinking into words and actions shared between the two. Bryson learns about the LGBTQIA+ community and how truly cruel the world is to those who are different, while Kai must fight for acceptance through many obstacles that stand in his way, such as religion and ignorance. Both journeys feel real, an understanding between the two that love is love.
Differing from other books of the same genre, which tend to either be complete tragedies or unrealistically happy, Date Me Bryson Keller finds a happy medium that shows a reader the authentically bittersweet experience of what it means to be in a gay relationship.
I would recommend this book to any member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or those that love an authentic love story.
*SPOILERS*
Likes:
- The honest reaction of a coming out experience. Sometimes parents aren’t going to be completely happy, but they aren’t going to throw you out either. I like the representation of a parent in shock. A parent battling against everything that they think they knew to get used to this new norm.
- The way in which Bryson’s sexuality is represented. I love that he isn’t really at any point described as gay, rather as just falling in love. It shows a much more fluid side of sexuality which loads of people seem to dismiss.
Dislikes:
- The way in which we don’t get closure on the script that is being written by Kai. It seemed like an important part of the story at first, and then to not hear about it again seemed rather jarring.
- I want more of Bryson’s mother but that could just be me being greedy!
My favourite line: Everyone just assumed that this was limited to girls. It was simply the first person. I’ve been thinking about the reason that this wouldn’t be allowed and that reason is kind of shitty…I really do believe love is love.
Rating: 4.5/5
Writings Of A Queer Mind 