2013 Hub Reading Challenge discussion

I am totally in the minority on this book but I really really didn't like it. Oh, the problems I had with this novel! Mainly to do with the character of A who I felt was obsessive, pretentious, demeaning and self-centered. I thought the story was pretty angsty and didactic too...a HUGE disappointment as I have loved Levithan's work in the past.

Hannahlily wrote: "I am totally in the minority on this book but I really really didn't like it. Oh, the problems I had with this novel! Mainly to do with the character of A who I felt was obsessive, pretentious, d..."

I have mixed feelings. I thought there were some really interesting things he did with gender fluidity and life experience, but yes, things like the day in the life of the maid were pretty obvious. Then again, I feel like at least someone put that type of experience into a "mainstream" book that doesn't scream "Read about me because I am about a sad experience that society should recognize!," you know?

I had mixed feelings too. I liked the main story line, but it was a lot of the side stuff that bothered me. Chapters like the maid or the depressed girl felt too "after-school special" and forced, while other parts dragged a little. THe stuff with Reverend Poole seemed sloppy and rushed, why mention there are others like A if you're not going to do anything with it? Obviously, thats not a path A would take, but I don't know I just don't like the way it was added as a side note.