4.5 starsI really, really, really loved this book (subtracted by) I’m really, really mad at this book. Leaves the total of I really loved this book. Openly Straight is witty and clever and made me do the laugh-that-turns-into-a-chuckle-that-becomes-a-chortle-whiddled-down-to-a-smile-back-up-to-a-giggle-and-then-ends-with-a-sigh on more than one occasion! The writing is current and engaging and the story a new’ish take on the YA tale. The normal nerdy gay kid and the closeted jock were written in a refreshing way.Rafe has been growing up gay and out. He’s fully supported by his parents and his community. He’s an advocate for gay youth. But, he’s tired of the labels and decides to go start his junior year of high school at an all-boys boarding school…he also decides not to tell anyone he’s gay. He meets a variety of friends at school…all of whom play a role in your classic YA story, but again, in such a fun and creative way. And he falls in love with Ben, an is-he-straight-is-he-gay-is-he-bi-or-is-he-terrified jock…oh and one who loves philosophy and uses the word “perchance” in regular conversation (love this kid).Their friendship and their exploration of their feelings for one another were AWESOME. True, I’ve never met, and doubt I ever will meet, 2 more well-adjusted teenaged boys…EVER. But, I can suspend reality in order to be a part of their interactions and conversations that I adored. My anger towards this book is simply because of this: THAT’S THE END? REALLY????? I felt a little robbed. I get it…not all books need to be stamped with “The End”. I just prefer it. I want…I need to know what happens next. Grrrr…If you read and enjoyed [b:Almost Like Being in Love|239092|Almost Like Being in Love|Steve Kluger|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348413499s/239092.jpg|231609], the quirky humor of Openly Straight has a similar feel. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and highly reco this book…
