So, I'm really late in the game with this one. When I first looked up the release date of Geography Club, I was shocked. How can this book, a book which feels more relevant than ever, be over twenty years old?
Russel Middlebrook is gay, and alone, despite being in the middle ground of popularity. He's swimming through life, doing okay, though barely keeping his head above the water. Pretending to be something he's not is hard. So, after school, to let go, he visits gay chatrooms, mostly innocent, eager to find someone just like himself.
Kevin Land is a popular baseball player at Russel's school. Never in a million years did Russel think that Kevin would be struggling with the same issues as himself. How could someone as perfect as Kevin also be gay? And why would he be into somebody as ordinary as Russel?
Over the coming days, Russell and Kevin realise they aren't alone. A few other kids, including Russel's best friend Min, know the hardships of having to hide. And they are sick of it, so... ...welcome to the the Geography Club!
Geography Club is more of a look at friendship than romance. It explores rights and wrongs, and how having that one place to belong is crucial to a person's existence. It's a commentary on how hard this can be.
All of the characters in this story are believable, even if a little over the top. They are all people I've met in real life, friends in school who try to be one thing even through there's so much more bubbling under the surface. They are me.
Russel is a great main character, depicting the though balance of self preservation and doing what is right. And Min is the angel on his shoulder, trying to steer him in the right direction. Can she do it?
Kevin Long, just like Russel, is a brilliant example of great character work, especially as a love interest. So often in this kind of book, especially being so short, love interests can feel somewhat one dimensional, but Kevin feels authentic. He's popular, a lad's lad, but he's also got a softer side which is apparent from the start; this isn't just reserved for Russel. I am also fond of the fact he's not really depicted as a bully, even if his friend group isn't the nicest. I believe any mean thing that is said is him just trying to be; he doesn't enjoy being horrid.
Now, the relationship, although I know it's not the main focus of the story, was a little flat. It's to be expected, but this is not a book for those who want to read of romance. I actually didn't realise that Kevin and Russel were dating until it was said. Although I'm glad that this pairing wasn't over shadowing of others, I wish it had been a tad more established; maybe hand holding?
The rest of the Geography Club, although a little stereotypical, are used just enough to make the group feel real, but don't overshine the main characters. Brent Hartinger does a good job of filling a room even when the background characters aren't the focal point.
This is a good book for anyone looking for a quick read that leaves you with a satisfied feeling. Don't go into this thinking you are going to read an epic love story, but instead to spend a little time with a group of people who are just like yourself, because who isn't holding something back?
I could only give this book a three star rating because, as harsh as it might sound, it's a pretty middle of the road book in terms of predictability. Although, yes, it has great characters and great messages, and, yes, it came to a satisfying conclusion, I'm not sure it had the stakes that it needed to make me care about their group; group as in the club rather than the people.
Were they really in their group too often? No. Did they still talk? Yes. We all knew what was going to happen in the end, which I won't spoil for you, and as great as the journey was, it was pretty step by step.
P.S. Don't even glance at the rest of the series.
Writings Of A Queer Mind 