"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

"The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

I first heard of The Maze Runner when the film started getting some publicity last year. Getting on the hype plane I purchased the book and started reading it, however because of my load of work and school abandoned the read shortly after. The movie came out, and I had some basic knowledge, but didn't get any book "spoilers" because, well, I fell asleep and basically missed the whole thing.

So a couple of days ago I had a reading gap so decided to restart this book. The concept is not new, again we are introduced to a futuristic dystopian society that has a group of young adults go through a series of trials and tribulations that will make or break them. The device in this case is The Maze, and in the middle of it is The Glade, where our characters live.

From the beginning, the pieces of the puzzle are scattered. The characters themselves don't know much about their purpose, and the reader is left to start filling in the blanks as Thomas is introduced to this way of life. This character development is what lowered my rating for the book. While I understood the behavior of many of the characters, I failed to make a connection with them. Even the ones that are meant to be likable, like Thomas' tour guide Chuck, seem forced and fake.

What saves this book is the mystery of what exactly is the maze, which its plagued with annoying critters knowns as grievers. All it took is one description of this mechanical/organic hybrid to make me feel disgusted, but at the same time the mere description of how they were supposed to be made it real hard to suspend disbelief. But regardless, these creatures are the main antagonist in the search for answers.

As a series of events unfold, everyone of the kids in The Glade must face their fears and are forced to forge the path to their own salvation. The end, with its own plot twist, is not a big shocker.

While not as good as The Hunger Games, or even Divergent, The Maze Runner provides some good entertainment if you can get pass the dialect that the characters insert into their conversations. I will continue reading the series and watching the movies. Many questions are still in need of answers.

Finished on: August 23, 2015
Days reading: 3
My Rating: 3/5

The Lost Girl by R.L. Stine

I could not pass on the opportunity to read a R.L. Stine book, after all I can't count how many of his earlier works I read while in school. I was not familiar with the Fear Street novel series, so this served as my introduction to it. And let me tell you that I was not disappointed.

Without giving too much away, this story takes places in two different times, the modern day and the year 1950. As we turn the pages we come to realize how events that span half a century get connected, and how a young man named Michael will never be the same.

Full of suspense and plot twists, this story is in part about the consequences that come as a result of our actions, and how friendships are tested during extremely challenging situations. R.L. Stine proves that he can create vivid scenarios that are terrifying, but at the same time so realistic that you may feel that I can happen to you.

Finished on: August 13, 2015

Days reading: 3

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.