YA LGBT Books discussion

I've enjoyed several of Metzger's YA books so I thought I'd try this one. If anyone is interested, I'm thinking about starting in a week or so.

*Link: The Suicidal Peanut by Matthew J. Metzger

*About the book:
Life's not easy when your mum's nuts, your uncle is becoming your aunt, and one of your crushes could -- and probably would -- break your face if he found out how you felt about him.

That's Tab's life, though, malevolent gods and all. His text-flirting with Demi, the brother of his best friend, is going nowhere: Demi already has a boyfriend and anyway, who dates their best friend's twin? But then, the pining after Nick is going nowhere either, because Nick probably likes gay-bashing on Friday nights for fun. He's gorgeous, but he's dangerous, and Tab knows better than that.

So what's a bit of harmless flirting, when one is taken and the other is straight? It's just a bit of fun.

That is until Demi is suddenly single, and Nick is not looking as straight and scary as he was before.

*Cautions:

Proposed start date:
Proposed end/full discussion date:

Participating readers:
Kaje

Since there's not added interest in this one, I'm just starting to read it. I'll post here, if anyone tries it later and wants to comment. No pressure on anyone - the point of buddy reads is to have wider choices.

So far, I'm really enjoying this. The MC, a 17 year old gay art student, is crushing on a guy at his uncle's gym, and living with his uncle and M2F transitioning aunt. The characters feel real - a strength of Metzger's. The MC makes some intolerant comments - he's a teen guy, not a model of empathy. The trans aunt is also annoying and a bit pushy, not some perfect, misunderstood heroine. I do like that!

I'll keep an eye out for your thoughts. After Spy Stuff I fell in love with Matt's writing. Eager to try Vivalidi in the Dark, I have that one slated to read in October.

Vivaldi in the Dark is on my to-read list too. So is The Suicidal Peanut, but I am already juggling three books to read before the end of the month, plus I need to work on my dissertation.... sigh... it's not fair.

I would love to read this. Hope I can make time.

Too many good books - too little time; I particularly feel for you Darren, remembering grad school (and I really am supposed to be writing now too... but all the books...!!) I'll keep you guys posted.

Haha, Kaje, I feel for you too!!

I bought this one on eBook so I'd join you in a buddy read if my phone (and only eReader device) was not dead-dead; and it'll be another two weeks before I can replace it.

Rez wrote: "I bought this one on eBook so I'd join you in a buddy read if my phone (and only eReader device) was not dead-dead; and it'll be another two weeks before I can replace it."

Oh no! And at a terrible time for you to be without a phone?!

I think you'll like it when you do get to it. We'll buddy read something else I'm sure.

This ended up at 4.5 stars for me, rounded up - funny, warm, with a realistic, sometimes-imperfect 17-year-old MC, and a decent if low key plot. My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Seems intriguing, I will definitely find a copy!

It's funny, and fun. A writing voice that really appeals to me. Not ground-breaking in plot or content, but definitely one that I enjoyed.