YA LGBT Books discussion

I'm wondering if there are folks in the group who would be interested in reading/discussing Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell ?

Since this is a sequel to Carry On, it's not really eligible for a book of the month read, but I'm seeing some great reviews from a few friends, and less so from a couple of others. The first book was very popular as a book of the month read here, and while I was only moderately fond of it, I admit to being curious where the author went with the story and characters.

>The story is supposed to be over.

Simon Snow did everything he was supposed to do. He beat the villain. He won the war. He even fell in love. Now comes the good part, right? Now comes the happily ever after…

So why can’t Simon Snow get off the couch?

What he needs, according to his best friend, is a change of scenery. He just needs to see himself in a new light…

That’s how Simon and Penny and Baz end up in a vintage convertible, tearing across the American West.

They find trouble, of course. (Dragons, vampires, skunk-headed things with shotguns.) And they get lost. They get so lost, they start to wonder whether they ever knew where they were headed in the first place…

With Wayward Son, Rainbow Rowell has written a book for everyone who ever wondered what happened to the Chosen One after he saved the day. And a book for everyone who was ever more curious about the second kiss than the first. It’s another helping of sour cherry scones with an absolutely decadent amount of butter.

Come on, Simon Snow. Your hero’s journey might be over – but your life has just begun.

trigger warnings - unknown (beyond some magical violence.)

We can either sign up and plan a start date, or if people have already read it and want to discuss, we can open up for that right away. Any interest?



** If you want to tell us what you thought, having already read it, you can use spoiler quotes for bits you think might be spoilers. Just put <*spoiler> without the * ahead of the bit you want to hide, and <*/spoiler> without the * at the end of the section. (view spoiler)[And it will be hidden unless someone chooses to read it. (hide spoiler)]

I’ve already read it (:

I had to return my library copy but, if others are reading it when I happen to get it back again, I'll join.

Sarina wrote: "I’ve already read it (:"

What did you think? We're interested in comments too. You can use spoiler quotes (see the first comment) if you think that might be a problem.

I've already read it but would be happy to reread. The book definitely wasn't what I expected but I like the direction she took the story better.

Abigail wrote: "I've already read it but would be happy to reread. The book definitely wasn't what I expected but I like the direction she took the story better."

We haven't had a big enthusiasm for a group read, but if no one else chimes in soon, I'd be interested in what you thought of it. I'm debating picking it up - I liked but didn't love the first book.

Personally, I loved the first book and found this one very disappointing.

I need to read CARRY ON first then. I have heard of this author and series for being a great LGBT author. It is on my list.

I got nervous after reading the early reviews and just downloaded the sample. The Simon/Baz dynamic was very frustrating and I got the impression from the reviews that (view spoiler)[it stays that way for most of the book. (hide spoiler)] Is that accurate?? Because that would absolutely drive me insane! I’ve pretty much decided I’m ok thinking of the first one as a standalone :)

Yeah, very much accurate. (view spoiler)[Their relationship is incredibly toxic through the whole book, the characters feel like caricatures of themselves, and the main plot is just a load of filler. (hide spoiler)] Since I've now read it, I'll wait to see if Any Way the Wind Blows improves on it, or if I just have to consider Carry On a standalone. If I have one positive thing to say, it's that the magic system is developed really well.

Grrr, yes. Check, check, check. That’s exactly what I feared after reading the sample :(

Kaje wrote: "Abigail wrote: "I've already read it but would be happy to reread. The book definitely wasn't what I expected but I like the direction she took the story better."

"We haven't had a big enthusiasm for a group read, but if no one else chimes in soon, I'd be interested in what you thought of it. I'm debating picking it up - I liked but didn't love the first book."

I personally liked the romance part of the book more than the plot but it was still a five-star read for me

(view spoiler)[But the romance is incredibly toxic and the book ends with Simon deciding to break up with Baz? I don't understand how that could be enjoyable. (hide spoiler)]

Isaac wrote: "[spoilers removed]"
I was talking about carry on

Oh

Oh fuck, I love Carry On so much. I just reread it before I am going to start the sequel today. But after reading this and the review I am honestly afraid the sequel will ruin that gread feeling the first book gives me...

I just bought the book from amazon. It was so cheap and I have been waiting for this book to be released. Glad there are a lot people who enjoy this series :)

Yeah I started it today. I try not to read it all at once. So far, I like it...

It always fascinates me to see the range of opinions on a book, even on the same elements of a book.

I figure that's a good thing though - if everyone was looking for the same kind of content, there'd be about three hugely successful authors and then all the rest of us.

I wasn't a huge fan of the first one, so I may sit this one out unless I can get it from the library (currently wait-listed) but I'll be interested in your comments and discussion.

I hope the third one is a winner - anyone know when the release is expected?

Kaje wrote: "It always fascinates me to see the range of opinions on a book, even on the same elements of a book.

I figure that's a good thing though - if everyone was looking for the same kind of content, the..."

Me too. FASCINATING. And so unpredictable

I am not not NOT a fan of cliffhangers. Once I found out that Book #9 in Jordan's Wheel of Time series was a cliffhanger, I stopped reading and just went on buying the hardcovers until #13 came out some 10 years later. Of course, with 13 books and 97 trillion words, I haven't gone back yet and read the whole series as intended. *le sigh*

Anyway, my long-winded point being that thanks to the spoiler somewhere above (much appreciated!!) I'm not about to read these two and then sit around waiting for #3 to come out and hopefully resolve things.

I'll wait for #3, find out if it does in fact resolve everything in a positive manner...I have absolutely no inclination to read something that's going to wind up depressing me...I'll buy and read all 3. These, at least, will read faster...not being of the million words per book variety. *g*

Just my USD .02.

Eric

Eric wrote: "I am not not NOT a fan of cliffhangers. Once I found out that Book #9 in Jordan's Wheel of Time series was a cliffhanger, I stopped reading and just went on buying the hardcovers until #13 came out..."

You should wait!!!

I finished it yesterday and it still kinda makes me angry and sad really. I try not to spoil anything, but this story is missing so many of the moments that made Carry On special to me. I hope the third book will fix that somehow. Right now, I would love to unread it and start when the third one comes out.

:( That's sad - sounds like middle-book-itis; hopefully the third one will be stronger for you.

I really enjoyed this book but I agree, it wasn't romance-heavy. It was basically a slighter gayer version of Harry Potter mixed in with vampires. I eagerly await the third installment to see where the story goes.

To some extent, I really like when a YA book with a gay MC isn't too romance-focused. When they can just be the MC who's not straight, and carry on like any other MC. (Although I admit, I read mostly romance, because I do like it. I just thing there need to also be books for LGBTQ folk who don't.)