GENRE: Fiction - GLBT themes
HONORS: none
REVIEW: As one of the first novels about homosexuality, the story is contemporary and interestingly relevant to the exploration of one's sexuality. Jim and Bob are attractive high school athletes who are popular with the women. One night Jim's fantasies come true when Bob and Jim spend their last night of summer in a cabin retreat, which leads to much aggressive affection. Jim is the character who never comes out as being 'gay', although he can never sleep with a woman and his passion only shows for his best friend Bob. The story is about Jim's travels and experiences in an undercover gay community, and his endearing love for his best friend. This book is notable because these scenes were hidden from public view during that time, and the book was widely banned across America.
OPINION: Although GLBT literature has evolved dramatically, the subtle portrayal of emotions and indifference towards a different sex is one that would appeal to teens that are questioning their sexuality or are just in the frame of experimenting with the feelings of it. Jim is a character who never admits to being gay, but this may be repressed because it was a reflection of the period.
IDEAS: Used for banned books week and notable classic GLBT themed literature, which can be noted in categorization.
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