Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Bookworm9

First off, I just want to say that I think this book should be in the 14+ age group, not the 12+. Yes, some 12-year-olds can handle it, but for the most part the language and situations of the book are quite mature. Even the book jacket had it listed as 14+.

Anyway, the story focuses on 16-year-old Claire, a popular cheerleader in a small island town (I believe it's supposed to be in NJ, but I don't think it ever says). Claire had leukemia several years ago, and missed out on middle school, so she's glad that the "in group" pulled her in. Her best friend, Macy, is pretty snarky, but she usually treats Claire well.

Then Claire meets Lani Garver, a new boy at school...or is he a boy? It's kind of hard to tell. Macy actually asks Lani if he's a girl, and he says no. But who exactly is Lani?

Macy doesn't want to find out, but Claire becomes close with him when he helps her out with a medical issue. Claire's still not sure how to label Lani-- who hates being labeled-- but she does know that he's not being accepted on the island, where he's subject to gay-bashing after it's believed he tried to come on to a popular guy. But even after tragedy strikes, Claire is unclear on exactly what happens, and who Lani is.

This was an undeniably powerful book about a topic (homophobia) that definitely needs addressing. I thought the "cool kids" were a little too stereotypical, but it can't be denied that people like that exist. The prologue of the novel was completely schmaltzy and unnecessary, and ruined the ending. I found Claire annoying, and her lack of backbone unbelievable, even considering her situation. And Lani was just too good to be true. I relize that was kind of what the author was going for, but still...

Despite these none-too-small flaws, this was an interesting story with a strong message.