Openly straight

What I did like about this book - crazy parents of Rafe and the hangouts by Albie, Toby, Rafe and Ben. What I did wonder, as in was-it-necessary, Mr Scarborough's comments on Rafe's writing.. I would have called this book perfect if it was not for the ending..

M/M erotica novels would spell out

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happy endings but usually crapped fake lines and pretentious build-ups to the erotic scenes. Authors like Bill would write better storylines but usually avoid happy endings.

Everything was alright about the book, except the lack of desire of the author to see gays with happy endings.

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The Good Stuff

Loved that every single character felt real, not a stereotype in the bunch
Rafe is such a loveable character even when you want to slap him upside the head
So many wise observations about the evils of labeling
Positive messages and asks some honest questions that would be great for

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discussion
Scenes dealing with sexuality are raw yet sensitively written
Hopeful ending - not neatly wrapped up - just perfect and real
Rafe's parents are a true delight. Odd and fun and well quite frankly - perfect. I loved the scenes with them
Discusses the implications of the words acceptance and tolerance and that we need to celebrate our differences instead of accepting or tolerating differences
Delightfully wry and funny
Fabulous character development

The Not so Good Stuff

Honestly at this point I can't think of anything

Favorite Quotes/Passages



"But even then I wouldn't go on about being straight. I didn't want to lie; I just wanted to not be the guy whose main attribute was liking other guys. Been there, done that."



"It needs to be said that sometimes my mom forgets important details when she talks. Like the time she told us she was considering leather (couches, it turns out), or when I was little and she said, "Here's a napkin to put your balls in" (the Atomic Fireballs that I was eating, she meant)."

"That is good," I said. But I was thinking, Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a world where no one thought being gay was even something to ride someone about."

Who Should/Shouldn't Read

Yeah pretty much anyone over the age of 12 - that really includes you mom, dad, teacher, therapist, Librarian - you get the picture right.

5 Dewey's

I received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review

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All Rafe wanted was to be himself. Except sometimes being himself comes with all these labels and pigeonholes. Which is why this proud gay kid, son of the president of the local PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) president, is going back in the closet.

His best friend Claire

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Olivia and his parents don't know that this is the plan when he moves across the country to attend a New England boarding school, leaving liberal Boulder behind. He isn't going to tell anyone that he's gay. He moves in with his room mate, joins the soccer team, and pretends to be just one of the guys. Except, in Rafe's mind, he is just one of the guys. And for once in his life, he's not "the gay kid." This experiment get difficult, though, when his new best friend turns out to be so, well, hot. And when Rafe and Ben's bromance looks like maybe it could be something more, it's impossible for him to know what to do. His lies have been piling up and he's backed into a corner.

OPENLY STRAIGHT by Bill Konigsberg is as hilarious as it is poignant. The relationships are honest and real, and the struggles Rafe encounters are relatable for not only gay readers, but readers who have ever faced being labelled...which is pretty much everyone. This is a book that I'd like to see in every library, and I'd like to think we'll see a few shiny stickers on it in the near future.

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This book has a great concept and I liked it a lot at first. Rafe, a Boulder teen who has been openly gay for years, decides he would like to move to a boarding school across the country so he can hide his sexuality. He doesn't mind being gay, but he does mind that the gay label seems to define him

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more than anything else. I can understand that thinking. It goes well at first and he becomes part of the jock crowd, which he loves. The problems arise when he falls in love. When his friend, Ben, learns that Rafe was lying about his sexuality he feels manipulated and rejects Rafe.
The end of the book got a little preachy for me -- the basic theme is be true to who you are. It seems to me that the issue can be less black and white than it was presented. And Rafe's parents, who the reader is supposed to believe are absolutely fantastic, are extremely irritating.
Overall, though, a solid book with a thought-provoking twist.

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A book that's both relevant and meaningful in today's society. Openly Straight discusses the very relevant subject of sexuality and coming to terms with one's identity outside of labels and expectations of who should be. It is about dealing with sexuality and learning to deal how others handle the

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subject of sexual preferences.

The main character is a homosexual teenager who chooses to go from being open about his sexuality to not telling anyone.

The main character struggles with the concept of living without a label--or at least, without the label he wants. By choosing not to tell others he's gay, he attempts to become someone new. He wants to see what it's like to live a life where being gay is just one little part of who he is.

I love that this book exists. It is so, so important in a world where kids are bullied for being different and where being gay, or bi, transgender, etc. is feared.

That being said, I found the narrative to be a little dry. The writing wasn't very gripping, and I think it was largely because the YA genre kept the story from reading too dark for the audience. This book would have likely been more effective written for an older audience.

My other problem with the book was for a story that gently nudges the reader into becoming a more understanding and accepting person, I was a little offended to see that word "retard" still made it into the text. If the use of word was important to the text or the development of the characters in some way, it would be one thing. However, the word was brandied about in casual conversation by one of the characters and posed no relevance to the surrounding text. It just seemed a little hypocritical and I think it's just as offensive as calling someone a "fag." The editor REALLY couldn't sub this word out? Really?

It's not the most gripping read, but it wasn't bad. A little dry at times and I wish the protagonist let the reader in a little sooner in the novel. The ending is more powerfully written and was a much better read.

Hopefully young readers can take something away from this book. Kids need to realize that their words hurt. That words like "gay" and "fag" can cut like a knife. These words are unacceptable. Get a thesaurus, world. This is 2013.

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I love contemporary YA, and a book doesn’t require a “high concept” premise to catch my attention. That said, I was immediately drawn to the premise of Openly Straight. What happens when an openly gay teenager decides to move to boarding school and not tell anyone he’s gay? And why would he

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want to?

The answer comes in the first couple of pages, when Rafe says he’s tired of everyone seeing him as “the openly gay kid who had it all figured out.” Rafe’s motivation makes sense, as does his desire to explore certain types of male relationships without his sexuality creating a barrier. His attempt to fit in with the “jocks” at Natick was realistic, especially in the first part of the book, where he seems to second-guess every word and action to try and figure out what kind of impression he’s making. And of course I enjoyed the complications that arise when he develops a crush on another boy and is torn between wanting to keep his secret and wanting to push things to another level in that relationship.

I do wish that Rafe’s parents and best friend Claire Olivia had more dimension to them, and that the author had found a way to reveal Rafe’s past other than the “History of Rafe” sections. Those pulled me out of the narrative and I didn’t think Mr. Scarborough’s comments added much to the story other than reinforcing the theme of Rafe keeping parts of his life hidden, even from himself.

However, this was still an excellent read. I particularly loved Toby and Albie, who were quirky but genuinely nice guys who grew on me just as they grew on Rafe. And I really loved Ben and his evolving relationship with Rafe.

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Openly Straight is a witty and thought-provoking read about identity and the labels that define us. Can you hide an important part of yourself from the world and still be you?

Rafe Goldberg is a high school junior and unapologetically gay. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his supportive, slightly

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embarrassing parents (Think the parents in Easy A). He came out to his parents when he was in 8th grade, and they took it really well, even throwing a Coming Out party for him complete with balloons and party hats (The party hats said Yay! Rafe is Gay!). He was not bullied at school, and in fact gave talks to other schools about his overall positive experiences. But, he feels like the fact that he’s gay is all people notice about him. He sees himself as more than a gay advocate; he’s into soccer and writing but thinks the gay label is what stands out.

Rafe gets the idea to start over at a new school out of the area. He goes to an all-boys boarding school in Massachusetts. Right away he’s part of the athlete clique at school and loves that they think of him as a jock. Rafe decides that he’s going to keep his sexuality under wraps, and enjoy this new anonymity. One of his teachers, and faculty advisor of the GSA, is in on the secret, though, and encourages Rafe to journal about the experience as a writing exercise.

Things get complicated in Rafe’s social experiment when he falls for his teammate Ben. Ben is smart, sensitive, articulate, and totally dreamy, but he’s straight. Or is he? Their friendship transcends labels, but is it all a lie if Rafe can’t tell Ben the truth?

I really savored this book and loved reading about Rafe’s experiences. Rafe is such an endearing character, and I also really fell for Ben. Their friendship is just too sweet. And yay for Rafe’s wonderfully supportive parents! Even though they and his best friend from Boulder aren’t on board with the going back into the closet plan, they do their best to support him.

This book gave me a lot to think about regarding identity and labels, and it was just so funny and refreshing too. I’m a new fan of Bill Konigsberg, and hope he revisits these characters in a follow-up book.

I think Openly Straight is a must for high school libraries, and anyone who struggles with their own label, whether they are gay or straight, will identify with Rafe.

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Interesting exploration of the importance of indentity and it's construction.

On one hand, this was a great book. It addressed something I've been thinking about a lot lately - the difference between tolerance, acceptance, and celebration. On the other hand, there was a lot of stuff it didn't need, such as some of the bathroom scenes. So didn't need to read about that, and

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it didn't comtribute anything to the storyline.

I thought his parents were awesomely done - just enough quirky to be fun but not so off the wall to be unbelievable. I loved that he could talk to his mom about EVERYTHING.

Overall, a fun read, but not for everyone.

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I thought this was an interesting premise. I'd be interested to find out what happens to Ben in the end. It seemed like the last third/fourth of the book was just missing. It also felt like the author was trying to be David Levithan and not quite getting there. It's good, and I'll probably buy it

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for my library, but I don't know that I'll be gushing about it to everyone I meet.

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I liked this book.

It's a story about Seamus Rafael Goldberg, who leaves his hippie home in Boulder, Colorado, and goes to an all-boys boarding school in Massachusetts. A large reason he does this is to try and be someone else: In Colorado he was the out gay boy, and he wants to try and not be

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that. Not being out is easy for him at first, and he wants things to be easy. Then it becomes more complicated, and he slowly comes to deal with it.

I liked the struggle, Rafe wanting to be just a kid rather than the gay kid.
I liked the falling in love.
I liked Ben, it felt like he was a whole person all the way through. He doesn't suddenly grow a personality, Rafe just slowly discovers more of his personality as they get to know each other better.

I liked Rafe's friend, Claire Olivia. She feels like a real person, too, and I liked Rafe's realising he was not paying enough attention to her, and he was being unfair to her.

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This is a really good book about a gay guy who goes back into the closet when he changes schools. He learns a big lesson about wwho he is.

A deep dive into the idea of labels and how they define us! I remember coming out in high school in a small town, and being the only out gay kid in my entire school. I remember what it was like to have this one part of me define me. Suddenly I wasn't me, I was the gay kid.
It's such a hard topic to

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grapple and Bill Konigsberg does it so wonderfully in this YA novel.
There is so much humor, truth and surprisingly heart in this book that sucks you in and doesn't let you go until after you've closed the back cover.
It makes us ask ourselves can we truly be ourselves if we are holding back one aspect of who we are to avoid being labeled.
Its a question worth asking.

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Meh. Pretty forgettable. The History of Rafe was probably the best part of it, but the teacher's comments (basically lauding or critiquing Konigsberg's own writing) was infuriating.

Great book about what "coming out" can feel like. How the world still "accepts" gays but defines them by their gender role when it is not the "norm". How those who are not straight are treated differently. honestly a great read for insight into yourself or in to the lives of others around you.

This and other reviews can be found on Reading Between Classes

Cover Impressions: This cover is ADORABLE. I love the choice of tiffany blue for the background and the emoticon choices. I think this one will stand out on a shelf and is unique enough to intrigue potential readers.

The Gist: Rafe's

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entire life has been colored by the fact that he is gay. He is comfortable with who he is, and is proud of what he is accomplished, but he really wants a chance to see what life would be like without the label. He gets his opportunity when he transfers to an all-boy boarding school in New England. Suddenly he is able to fit in with the popular jocks and experience a side of life he never realized he was missing. As Rafe begins to fall in love with one of his newfound friends he must face the predicament in which he has put himself - a lie allowed him to develop a beautiful relationship and the truth may destroy his love and his friendship.

Review:
Openly Straight featured a unique perspective. Rafe is "out" and in the public eye. His parents support him, he is an equal rights advocate at his school and even speaks to other youth on what it is like to be a gay teen. But, he often feels that this label places a barrier between him and his peers. He plays sports, but doesn't feel like part of the team. Other students and teachers constantly turn to him to provide "the gay point of view" and, despite his being out and available, he still doesn't have a boyfriend. With his entry to a new school, he finally has a chance to get rid of the label and remove the barriers - but it means leaving a big part of himself behind. I loved getting a chance to see the challenges that can be faced by a teen even if he is supported by his family and is part of a (fairly) liberal school.

This novel featured a lot of fun and unique characters. Rafe and his friends are smart and witty and their comments and conversations often left me smiling, if not laughing. These are the types of characters that could easily carry a novel of their own and I often found myself wondering what they were doing when they were not with Rafe. My absolute favorite scenes were those with his parents. they were fun and quirky and wonderful examples of supportive parents - which is refreshing in a genre where absentee parents have almost become a cliche. I was also quite pleased that Openly Straight showed (if not featured) several gay characters and did a great job of breaking stereotypes.

Openly Straight is not a book with a particularly strong plot. It follows a "will they, won't they" love story that was often sweet and romantic. Rafe did have a tendency to live in his own head and the introspection slowed the story considerably. This was really noticeable in the last 1/3rd of the book and resulted in an ending that was much more of a whimper than a bang. I also wish that it didn't contain quite as much swearing and sexual behavior as this limits me in which students I can recommend the book to. However, I really enjoyed the unique perspective that this novel provided and I was entertained by the fun cast of characters.

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 16 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: Kissing, Masturbation, Sex between Teenagers
Violence: None
Inappropriate Language: Lots and Often: ass, shit, dick, shit, faggot, piss, bitch, fuck, retard, whore, slut, prick, cock
Substance Use/Abuse: Underage Drinking

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S we all know I am not one for Realistic Fiction, but this book kept coming up on my feed. o didn't buy it, rather I did the Audible purchase and let me tell you. . . this is one.ofnthe beat pieces of fiction I have ever read. The protagonist reply spoke to me and I could ideally see my life in his

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story of self reflection and coming to understand himself by understanding others. This is an extremely liberating book in the means that it takes all those "gay" anxieties ang gives a very simple solution, so as to not be riddled with the fear and hate that accompanies those moments I cried in my car during rush hour traffic

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This is a wonderful book, rich in feeling and understanding and strong in developing empathy and compassion for the book’s characters and the struggles they face.
Konigsberg makes readers feel the pain, frustration, angst, desperation and love that main character Rafe feels and struggles to

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express.
Konigsberg understands that in today’s world, the small minded judgment and condemnation of homosexuality that characterized past decades has mercifully led to a new era of compassion and acceptance. He also knows, however, that quick and easy sweeping labels can be applied to people totally obliterating all of the other characteristics of the actual person.
As it would be in real life, so it is for the book’s main character, Rafe. Because he has come out as gay, he is treated differently, perceived differently and in many ways restricted from the fullness of his capacity to just be himself. Yet when he tries to hide the label, to escape its limitations, the result is disaster, as living a lie almost always is.
I have been reluctant to read either YA or LGBT books in the past and I believe I am all the poorer for that reluctance. A couple of years ago, I read a noted author who claimed that much of today’s best writing is Young Adult fiction. The snob in me shrugged and went on NOT reading YA books until I happened to read one thatI did not know was YA until I had read it. And then, another. Both lacked some of the depth I would have found in writing targeting more mature readers, yet both were quite wonderful in other ways. In fact, both did a far better job of character development than I often experienced in other books.
After making this discovery, I happened across James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room”: tremendous in its character development, marvelous in its capacity to build empathy and sympathy from readers and wonderful in its overall portrayal of the pain and desperation of socially unapproved love. It is still among the top 10 or 15 books I have ever read. Of course, it deals with the whole realm of what being gay must be.
I later read “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” a YA book dealing with the same issue Baldwin’s novel had confronted.
After those experiences, I was hooked on YA books and far more open and even interested in reading LGBT focused materials. It is amazing what an open mind can do to improve your life.
Read this book. It’s worth it!

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There were some things I liked a lot about this book - interesting characters and relationships, good dialogue, snappy narration - but the central conceit made me irritated with the main character and less sympathetic to his problems. The central conceit also seemed like a new twist on an old story

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- it's not too different from the plot of Mean Girls, for example.

The end of the book seemed really pat and cutesy to me - like the sort of thing Rafe's writing teacher would have pushed him to reconsider.

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Wow. Opened this pretty much by accident and just couldn't put it down. It's taken me about four hours to read through it and I still want more.

Although this is absolutely howl worthingly hilarious, OS is also surprisingly deep for a teen novel with a young narrator who is just figuring out the

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basics of his life and identity (Alex Sanchez is mentioned, for example, and compared to that, this is philosophy). In fact, a lot of philosophical discussion takes place in a perfectly logical context.

Rafe's decision to reenter the closet because he wants to pull down the barrier his identity represents for straight guys is at once both perfectly logical (as proven by how it WORKS) and completely suicidal, for making up a lie to get closer to people makes zero sense.

It's particularly painful to see Rafe tiptoeing around his new "friends" to make sure he fits in and doesn't give the game away, not just in terms of his sexuality but also regarding his previous participation in sports or his scholastic interests.

Fascinating story, thigh writing. I really enjoyed the angst and the internal reflections Rafe goes through in his own writing pieces inside the story, as assigned by his writing tutor. If you want something a little deeper and more complicated than the usual romance and coming out story, with plenty of relationships, with parents, friends, acquaintances, unavoidable roommates, I highly recommend "Openly Straight". Gotta go look for more books by Mr Konigsberg. Perhaps a sequel...?

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