I just finished reading, Boyfriends With Girlfriends, a new novel by Alex Sanchez. This was a really thoughtful read. I know Alex always takes great care with creating characters that are complex, but there was such a sweetness and and innocence -- and "rough around the edges" to the characters in BWG that I really appreciated.
I don't mean "rough" as in they were uncouth or obnoxious (although I did find Sergio's bravo a bit obnoxious at times), but "rough" as in 'unfinished' or 'still evolving.' Clearly this was the major theme in the novel. The teens were still exploring their own identities -- sexual identities, gender identities, family-role identities. The fundamental human issue of wanting to "fit" wanting to belong -- and not getting hurt was heavy on every page and yet the book isn't a heavy read.
I laughed right along with Allie when Lance worked himself into a tizzy about Sergio.
I held my breathe with Kimiko when she read the poem aloud about Allie.
I empathized with Sergio's mom's confusion as she struggled between loving her son and wanting him to be happy.
In all of these moments, Alex once again, helps the reader to explore the additional levels of questions, confusion, and need for communication and acceptance that GLBT teens (and adults) deserve.
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