"Two Boys Kissing" by David Levithan

I don't remember how I found out about this book, but somehow it landed on my radar. The premise looked simple enough, the story of two boys looking to break the world record of a continuous kiss. But this book is so much more than that, and I was delighted to discover all the layers exposed with each page turned.

As I started reading, the narrative style was not connecting with me. I was afraid that after all I was not going to enjoy the read. But once the characters were introduced, and I better understood where the narrators were coming from, it sort of clicked. And then, what a book.

This book was written two years ago, and in such a short time things have moved forward a lot. But this book does not necessarily deals with the rights of gay people, rather the struggles of youth trying to discover themselves and being accepted by those around them.

In a certain way it puts into perspective many of the feelings that are felt when coming out to non-accepting parents, the self-doubt of transgenders, the promiscuity of a teenager that uses dating apps, the hazing by same-age peers, and the downward spiral that some of these problems lead to. At the same time we find hope, the happiness of finding love, or even rediscovering love. And above all this, the voices of past generations serve as a sort of color-commentator that add depth and a different perspective.

One of my favorite lines in the book was: "This is what we don't admit about first kisses: One of the most gratifying things about them os that they are proof, actual proof, that the other person wants to kiss us." If that does not give you goosebumps, you should really find a new love and experience the joy of a first kiss.

Hopefully this story can reach the eyes of young men that are feeling alone in their struggles. We have come really far as a society in the fight for equality. There's still a long road ahead, but just like the kissing boys, it will take a lot of courage and sacrifice to walk it.

The only reason I did not give this book a five-star rating was because of the awkwardness created by some of the comments from the "disembodied" narrators. I will still highly recommend this publication.

Finished on: September 28, 2015
Days reading: 4
My rating: 4/5

"Like Jesus" by Jamie Snyder

My first impressions of the book, considering the cover and the tag line, were that this was going to be a book that was going to mix the historical Jesus with the biblical Jesus, and the various interpretations by all the modern-day Christian books out there. This is not the case, as it is indeed a book written for Christians. That being said, I am not a religious person my self. I was raised Catholic, so I have my basic knowledge of religion, even though nowadays I might not really be a believer.

With those disclaimers out of the way, let's talk a little about the book itself. One thing I admired about the way it is written is that it truly sends a message for Christians to take a deep look at their behaviors and try to act more like Jesus would have. The old phrase  "What Would Jesus Do" comes to mind as I write this.

Jamie Snyder goes to great lengths in describing several ways that some Christian groups have made Jesus into a comfort image that feeds their wants. The "American Jesus"  and "Political Jesus" were my favorites, as I can see the influence of those Jesus in many people around places around social media.

One big thing the author does not do is make the reader feel bad. Religiously speaking, yeah we are all sinners and such, but this book is not about condemnation but rather a path toward love. And even though I'm not converted, I truly enjoyed reading about it. At times I feel like some Christians forget that message of love, and finding a book that places love back in the priority list makes me feel good. If more people pick up this book and feel compelled to love, instead of judging, then the world will instantly become a better place.

Finished on: August 17, 2015

Days reading: 5

My rating: 2/5

** I received a free copy of this book as an ARC by the author/publisher in exchange of a honest review.

"Prisoner of the Queen" by E. Knight

I'm a sucker for anything related to the Tudor dynasty. When "The Tudors" TV show landed on Netflix I sat down for hours everyday religiously watching it from beginning to end. Not to leave out the multiple films and books I have the pleasure of enjoying throughout my life. So, when the chance came to read a book with the subtitle "Tales from the Tudor Court" I jumped at it. Just by reading the title I felt a degree of curiosity: "Prisoner of the Queen." Knowing the instability of the Tudors, I was curious to read which prisoner this referred to.

Enter the story of Katherine Grey, an innocent victim to the evils of greed, power, and lust. As a "princess of the blood" she shortly discover one thing: she has no control of her life. Kat's childhood is spent in an unstable kingdom. King Henry VIII left a weak heir, with no issue, bringing up the question of succession. Due to their linage, Katherine and her sisters are intertwined in these talks. So are Henry VIII's daughters Mary and Elizabeth, hastily added to the line of succession by their own father before his death. This creates the divide between the Tudor sisters and the Grey sisters, an unspoken battle for who will wear the crown. But, are they the ones in control or just simply pawns in a higher political/religious struggle?

Katherine herself does not want to mix herself with these political turmoils. She saw firsthand, inside her own family, what consequences coveting power could have. Instead she tries to focus her time on learning how to use medicinal plants and charity. But there is one thing she did not count on: falling in love. And it is this love that brings both her greatest joy, and her largest sorrow. 

Prisoner of the Queen is a multi-dimensional story, in which topics like love, family, faith, and revenge are carefully weaved into an engaging narrative. Knight did a fabulous job in describing how Katherine felt as her life spiraled from a happy princess to being a "prisoner." As I read, I could not help but keep turning the pages to walk along Kat the struggles of being on the wrong side of the royal family.

If you like historical fiction, the Tudor dynasty, and a good love story, I highly recommend this book. 

Finished on: July 8th 2015

Days reading: 4

My rating: 4/5

** I received a free copy of this book as an ARC by the author/publisher in exchange of a honest review.