I don't consciously shy away from LGBT books but I did notice that I've only read a few and in those books, the romance isn't the central theme. But LGBT books do intimidate me a little, or at least makes me hesitant. Not that I have anything against LGBTs. I know a lot of gay people but no one that I'm actually close to so you can say I don't fully understand how they think or act or feel.
That said, it was surprisingly easy to go into this book once I psyched myself into thinking that it was just like any YA romance novel I've read -- except the characters are gays. So I read it... and I enjoyed it.
Both Craig and Lio are confused. I think being gay doesn't have much to do with that. Being a teenager has a LOT to do with that. Lio's confusion, I can understand. I mean, he's in love and has a dead brother and a mother who left her family. But Craig, ugh, I felt frustrated with him several times. He talks too much and thinks even more! His thoughts are a jumble. A few times I felt like he overcomplicates things. He has this need to protect Cody and Lio and I thought it's unhealthy. Lio was the one taking therapy but it felt like Craig should be the one doing it.
But see how affected I sound right now? Yeah, that's because Hannah Moskowitz is a good writer. Writing alternate POVs is not an easy task but she made it seem so seamless. You'd easily know whether it was Craig talking or Lio, just by how they *sound*. The voices, the characterization, were very distinct. I was slightly miffed at Craig, and felt more connected to Lio because he sounded more normal, in a way.
And then there were the 9/11 and sniper shootings. Total BUZZKILL. But writing that couldn't have been easy, especially since those things actually happened. So props to Hannah Moskowitz for being able to put into words how scary that time had been.
When it comes to the pacing, I'd say it was good enough, although there were some slow parts. You can read this in one seating, if you're not easily bored (or annoyed by Craig's drama). During the latter part of the book, I was just hurrying up to get it over with and see who Craig ends up with.
Overall, Gone, Gone, Gone is a good and enjoyable book.
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Today is my lucky day. My boss is not around and i don't have much pending works. I just love blogwalking on books. hehe.. Glad to know you're already finished with GGG. I also think Hannah is very good. Writing a non-LGBT novel takes a lot of talent. Lalong-lalo na siguro kung LGBT. Although the book focused more on Craig, I think Lio is the best character. :)
ReplyDeleteOh to be young and confuse and in love....what a thoughtful review :) thanks for getting into my reading challenge, despite the "electricity" challenge there in ur place hehehe. Much appreciated :)
ReplyDeleteKudos for you for being able to read LGBT lit, I personally can't do it. I don't mind having a gay character in a book but I can't do gay romance..it's a personal thing. I don't have anything against the people as I have several gay family members..I just can't read about it.
ReplyDeleteSame here. I was able to connect more with Lio because Craig is cray-cray!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Laila! It was an enlightening experience. I'm glad I did it and I've gained new insights. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Stormi! I think no one should feel obligated to read stuff that they think is not for them. I've skipped lots of books for so many reasons and I think that's ok. Reading is a personal experience and more than anything, it should be enjoyable. Gone, Gone, Gone is a romance novel but kissing is as far as it gets. So while I have read and enjoyed it, I can't say that I'll like any LGBT book that has sex in it. I don't think I can get that far, at least not yet.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your thoughts. :)