Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on September 12, 2017
Pages: 416
Genres: LGBTQ, New Adult, Romance
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Fangirl meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this “sensitive and complex” (BCCB) coming-of-age novel from New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren about two boys who fall in love in a writing class—one from a progressive family and the other from a conservative religious community.
Three years ago, Tanner Scott’s family relocated from California to Utah, a move that nudged the bisexual teen temporarily back into the closet. Now, with one semester of high school to go, and no obstacles between him and out-of-state college freedom, Tanner plans to coast through his remaining classes and clear out of Utah.
But when his best friend Autumn dares him to take Provo High’s prestigious Seminar—where honor roll students diligently toil to draft a book in a semester—Tanner can’t resist going against his better judgment and having a go, if only to prove to Autumn how silly the whole thing is. Writing a book in four months sounds simple. Four months is an eternity.
It turns out, Tanner is only partly right: four months is a long time. After all, it takes only one second for him to notice Sebastian Brother, the Mormon prodigy who sold his own Seminar novel the year before and who now mentors the class. And it takes less than a month for Tanner to fall completely in love with him.
Autoboyography is a compulsively readable Young Adult triumph. Maybe I’m just old and jaded, but I tend to shy away from most Young Adult fiction because teen drama frequently seems inconsequential or manufactured to me. This story, however, addresses contemporary concerns that feel genuine in every way.
A bisexual half-Jewish high school student moves to a Mormon town. It almost sounds like the beginning of a joke but for Tanner, being forced back into the closet is an unfortunate reality. He could easily be a bitter, self-destructive character, but he adapts while maintaining his naturally friendly nature.
A model student and son of a bishop, Sebastian is the small town’s golden boy. He is generous with his time, devout in his faith, and always eager to do the right thing. He willingly carries the weight of his parents’ high expectations, but my heart continually ached for him. Whereas Tanner proudly came to terms with his sexual orientation long ago, Sebastian grapples to define his sexual identity. The struggle is equally painful for them both.
Tanner’s progressive parents are a joy. They shower him with acceptance, but also exhibit concern. I’m pretty sure I developed a soft spot in my heart for Tanner’s mom from the moment she enters the scene with her inspirational bumper stickers and gay pride pajamas. Tanner’s dad is a huge teddy bear, and he offers a nonjudgmental ear and sound advice. I also enjoyed the complexity of Tanner’s relationship with his best friend Autumn.
I appreciated the way the story explores the tenants of the Mormon faith in an open and honest way, and it debunks many preconceptions. It doesn’t demonize those who believe homosexuality is a sin; however, it doesn’t sugarcoat their opinions and behavior, either.
Tanner and Sebastian’s tender journey hit me with all the feels. I didn’t expect it to be so profoundly moving. I am infinitely glad this book exists in a world where so many LGBTQ teens feel confused, scared, alone, or ostracized. Maybe this fictional story will bring them real comfort.
Recommended for fans of:
LGBTQ issues
Young Adult stories
Small towns
High school
Buy Autoboyography
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Great review! I agree with your thoughts on it not demonizing but giving info in a way that was thoughtful.