Boy Meets Boy

October 6, 2003
In this gay love story, debut author Levithan imagines a community where sexuality is not a source of conflict. At the high school his characters attend, a drag queen named Infinite Darlene reigns as "both star quarterback and homecoming queen" and there are Joy Scouts instead of Boy Scouts ("When the Boy Scouts decided gays had no place in their ranks, our Scouts decided the organization had no place in our town"). Narrator Paul is a sophomore who has known he's gay since kindergarten. He has supportive parents and friends, and has had a couple of relationships before he meets Noah, who's new to town. But just as their relationship is taking off, Paul's old boyfriend decides he wants him back, and Paul kisses him. Now Paul has to "show" Noah he's serious about him. The story line takes second place to the elements of the setting. The author creates a real wonderland: the cheerleaders ride Harleys, the school fields a quiz bowling team (its captain "score a strike while listing the complete works of the Brontë sisters") and the students frequent a Veggie D's (vegetarians ran the "usual processed-slaughterhouse fast-food joint" out of business, and now the place serves items like Tofu Veg-Nuggets). Most of these eccentricities work well, although a few seem forced (and some seem dated, e.g., references to the TV show Dallas
and lyrics by The Smiths) and several subplots pall. Those who enter Levithan's sweet new world will find a refreshing, offbeat romance. Ages 12-up.

May 30, 2005
This gay love story imagines a community where sexuality is not a source of conflict. In PW
's words, "Those who enter this debut author's sweet new world will find a refreshing, offbeat romance." Ages 12-up.

July 11, 2005
Levithan's groundbreaking novel—set in an idealized high school where kids are free to express themselves without repercussions or embarrassment—whisks listeners into a unique teen scene via the work of this cast of young actors. Though Robideau sometimes sounds melodramatic, and the brief characterization of "young Paul" in flashback is grating, these performers eventually gel into an effortless give-and-take rhythm. As Paul explores his feelings for new crush Noah, listeners meet a crew of memorable characters both gay and straight, wild and wallflower that include the football team's drag queen quarterback (played to comic effect by Joey Panek). Suffused with humor and heart, this recording is bound to get listeners thinking about what it means to just be yourself and truly embrace tolerance. In a bonus track, three of the actors and artistic director Daniel Bostick compare their own high school experience to the one in the book. Ages 12-up.