The Big Ask is a book about being unapologetically yourself, and not having to answer questions. And, like always, Simon James Green is an expert of getting his message across.
Alfie Parker is not popular, in any sense of the word. He's a loner, average, with one friend to call his own. So, why would the most popular boy at school, Harvey, accept his prom-posal?
Well, he does.
Fresh from his break up with his manipulative ex-girlfriend, Harvey wastes no time in accepting Alfie's invitation. But will everything go smoothly?
One thing I really loved about this book is its commitment to not having to explain one's self. Harvey wants to go to prom with Alife, so he says yes. Why does it matter what anyone else says? We don't need to know his sexuality, all we need is his commitment to Alfie. Some in the LGBTQIA+ community may say this reluctance to give himself a title might be counterproductive, but I feel it brings a really strong message about it not mattering. It's not about being gay or straight, it's about prom.
Now, sure, in other ways, especially with the almost one-dimensional homophobia, this book can come off almost like a PSA. But with such a short word count, it was never going to be some multi-layered plot. Do some characters come off as cartoonish because of this? Sure. But is this too the detriment of the book over all? I don't think so.
Now, if there was one thing I'd change, it's Summer's whole speech at the end. Sure, have her tell Harvey that she didn't give the quotes, but her fake-ness didn't have to be so on the nose. We already know she's fake, a moment of honesty might have brought her story to a more ambiguous end? But, this is just a personal choice; other's may love this ending.
Altogether, for what it is, this story was a nice short read. I love the message of not having to explain yourself to people who aren't affected.
Love Simon James Green.
Writings Of A Queer Mind 