Book Review: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
When I first picked up Boy Meets Boy, I had a hunch I was diving into something special. David Levithan’s whimsical storytelling had been recommended to me, and I was curious to see how he’d blend humor and heart in a coming-of-age romantic comedy. Little did I know that this vibrant narrative would sweep me off my feet with its refreshingly optimistic view of love and acceptance in a high school setting that feels like a fantasy come to life.
At the center of this delightful tale is Paul, a lovable sophomore navigating the wonderfully bizarre halls of a high school where cheerleaders ride Harleys and Infinite Darlene, a former boy, rules the football field as homecoming queen. From the onset, Levithan crafts a universe teeming with characters that are as quirky as they are relatable. Paul has that rare blend of confidence and vulnerability, making it impossible not to root for him. His earnest quest to reconnect with Noah, the boy who took his breath away, offers a universal theme of youthful love—one that recalls the dizzying feelings of a first crush.
One of the book’s most striking elements is its ability to depict the highs and lows of adolescence with lightheartedness, avoiding the heavy angst typical of many young adult novels. Instead, we’re met with a series of charming mishaps, witty banter, and soul-stirring moments that balance the laughter with genuine poignancy. As Paul grapples with friendships that are shifting and an ever-complex tapestry of relationships, it’s hard not to reflect on one’s own experiences of love and loss.
Levithan’s writing style is both engaging and eloquent. He has a knack for capturing the essence of youth through an effortlessly smooth narrative flow. The pacing is brisk, yet the emotional beats resonate deeply. Notable scenes leap off the page—one particularly touching moment is when Paul supports his friend Tony, who faces challenges from his ultra-religious parents about being gay. It’s moments like these that ground the story, suggesting that while this world feels dreamy, its core reflects the complexities of real life.
As I turned the last few pages, a sense of hope lingered. Levithan beautifully weaves the idea that love can triumph even amidst chaos. “Sometimes, everything needs to fall apart before it can really fit together,” Paul muses at one point, a line that struck at the heart of the message throughout the novel.
Boy Meets Boy is more than just a story about teenagers in love; it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or has been on a journey of self-discovery. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages—whether you’re a teenager looking for a relatable love story or an adult eager to reminisce about the unfiltered joys and pains of young love. In a world that sometimes feels discordant, this book is a reminder of the vibrant possibilities that come with acceptance, kindness, and the courage to chase after love, no matter how many odds you might face.
In the end, what I cherished most was Levithan’s ability to create a vivid world where love isn’t bound by strict categories and everyone can find a place to belong. This book not only made my heart happy; it made me believe that one day, our worlds might reflect such a joyful acceptance too. So, pick it up—indulge in the beauty of levity and love, and let yourself be swept away.
You can find Boy Meets Boy here >>