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Outtakes of A Walking Mistake
Outtakes of A Walking Mistake chronicles the romantic entanglements of an 'out' gay 16 yr. old boy named Tyler Morris, who auditions for a student film to win the heart of Billy Greske, the school's celebrity thespian. The plan seems promising until Tyler’s bipolar best friend Jenny offers love advice and a local skater takes interest in Tyler as well. Furthering complications, Tyler's estranged mother, a clairvoyant circus clown, returns home to win back the love of her family.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2011
3 people are currently reading
1455 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Paull
8 books100 followersAnthony Paull began his writing career as the syndicated columnist of 'The Dating Diet,' a column which appeared in over 20 alternative newspaper publications. He has published two novels, the NPR Best YA Ever Finalist 'Outtakes of a Walking Mistake' and 'Desperation Lingers.' He has also directed several short films, including 'Air Signs' set for release in 2016. As an entertainment journalist, he has covered Sundance and SXSW. He is presently working on his third novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 17, 2025
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
There's something exceedingly cathartic over how Tyler does in fact triumph over his enemies - i.e. those who wished to deny his existence, or even face the music that this was who he is, and how dare they try to second-rate him. 😤 A feeling of pride just swept over me - of how he refused to back down for anyone - how he crushed the water works to never lose his pride, keep his dignity and not appear pathetic in front of those who wished to squash him out. The final sentence proves how change is possible, even in small steps, it's there, as long as you stand your ground like he did, even when he becomes a puddle of feels, it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. 🏳️🌈
“Being gay is not a curse; it’s a gift.”
I know he's not going to win any admirers, desperate and delusional, who hates himself for how he longs for a boyfriend in my life to feel validated. but gosh, there was something addictive and somehow relatable to his train of thought - the agony of feeling unloved, the inner turmoil that rose to such a crescendo, the unfair cruelty of having this onslaught of emotions and actions cascade upon him, when all he wanted was to hold, to be held — that’s all I desire. 🥺 He was so starved for a chance to be intimate with just a guy - his horny thoughts of always talking about boys, boys, boys, is definitely one for the books. 😅
But, what's wrong with wanting love, searching for a guy who saw and wanted him for who he was as he was. the void left by his mother, the inability to reach a level of understanding with his father who still was hung up on his first love (his mother) and in denial of seeing his son for who he was, the best friend who carried her own bipolar issues, and then the desire to have the affections of two supposedly-straight souls, who may or may not be the best thing to ever happen to him.... 🫂💌
“Love yourself for who you are. God’s no dummy. If He didn’t want you that way, you wouldn’t be that way.”
The writing is crude and a bit crass, at times. He ventures into certain areas that are a bit shady for a teenager, but his voice is so abrasive and direct, but still hurting with want, it's not pathetic. It's not sympathy. It's feeling his pain and desire and anguish of beating down his sexuality, at the fear of being treated lesser than he deserves. 😥 It was an amalgamation of honest to a fault, candid and unfiltered expressiveness that had me either grimacing slightly at the overuse of the word fag (I hate this word) and certain NC-17 instances not quite fitting of YA caliber, or then how it can pull at my heartstrings with this bittersweet sentiment - '...the realization that I’m the boy so overly concerned about someone pulling out my chair, I never considered my heart would be pulled out instead.' 💔🤧
“Maybe this is love – the feeling of being pumped and ready for battle even if you know losing is inevitable.”
Jenny was something. I can't exactly hate her for how she put Tyler through the wringer. considering her own personal crisis that was unfolding before everyone's eyes, but the fear of voicing aloud what cannot be accepted is sometimes more acceptable than the thought of actually confronting the truth head on. 😮💨 My point is, she was a lot. a lot where i was annoyed and angry with her lack of empathy and self-centered flippant attitude, which in a way did mirror Tyler's own. so maybe they were two peas in a pod, that somehow found a way to balance each other's dramatic insanity out.
I've been so jaded by bl manhwa that I'm not quite sure how I feel that what Eric did was overlooked - well, not quite overlooked, but it wasn't touched upon further, nor did Tyler even have the chance to express what had happened to him. 😢 I'm also really conflicted on the laid-back note that Tyler's relationship with his mother ended. maybe i'm just petty, but years of absence is not enough to be forgotten over one time where she happened to arrive at a time where his life was already one whole soap opera. it seems like an unfair advantage of his vulnerability which, well... 🤷🏻♀️
“You don’t know what it feels like to be invisible.”
Lifting his hand to my face, Billy grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I see you now,” he says. “Isn’t that enough?”
It's difficult to say for sure just how sincere Billy really was about Tyler. The awk-weird moments were kinda cute, if not disarming for Tyler, at how he was unsure just how much was enough without overwhelming him. 🥺 His chaotic desires of the mind certainly spoke otherwise! But, he was very much besotted with him, despite the ambivalent way in which Billy even behaved, there was a hint of that affection returned that made it possible for Tyler not to push Billy into being something he wasn't.
Yet the author rewarded us in a way that was both fitting and deserving to show how the Outtakes of a Walking Mistake may have been disastrous, even futile at times, but he more than proved how steadfast he was in staying true to himself - a feeling that made all the slips and rejection worth it just to see that one small step of defiance can make all the difference. 🌈
“I’m a gay high school student, both onscreen and off. That’s my truth. You can cut me from your film but you can’t edit me from these halls. No one can.”
There's something exceedingly cathartic over how Tyler does in fact triumph over his enemies - i.e. those who wished to deny his existence, or even face the music that this was who he is, and how dare they try to second-rate him. 😤 A feeling of pride just swept over me - of how he refused to back down for anyone - how he crushed the water works to never lose his pride, keep his dignity and not appear pathetic in front of those who wished to squash him out. The final sentence proves how change is possible, even in small steps, it's there, as long as you stand your ground like he did, even when he becomes a puddle of feels, it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. 🏳️🌈
“Being gay is not a curse; it’s a gift.”
I know he's not going to win any admirers, desperate and delusional, who hates himself for how he longs for a boyfriend in my life to feel validated. but gosh, there was something addictive and somehow relatable to his train of thought - the agony of feeling unloved, the inner turmoil that rose to such a crescendo, the unfair cruelty of having this onslaught of emotions and actions cascade upon him, when all he wanted was to hold, to be held — that’s all I desire. 🥺 He was so starved for a chance to be intimate with just a guy - his horny thoughts of always talking about boys, boys, boys, is definitely one for the books. 😅
But, what's wrong with wanting love, searching for a guy who saw and wanted him for who he was as he was. the void left by his mother, the inability to reach a level of understanding with his father who still was hung up on his first love (his mother) and in denial of seeing his son for who he was, the best friend who carried her own bipolar issues, and then the desire to have the affections of two supposedly-straight souls, who may or may not be the best thing to ever happen to him.... 🫂💌
“Love yourself for who you are. God’s no dummy. If He didn’t want you that way, you wouldn’t be that way.”
The writing is crude and a bit crass, at times. He ventures into certain areas that are a bit shady for a teenager, but his voice is so abrasive and direct, but still hurting with want, it's not pathetic. It's not sympathy. It's feeling his pain and desire and anguish of beating down his sexuality, at the fear of being treated lesser than he deserves. 😥 It was an amalgamation of honest to a fault, candid and unfiltered expressiveness that had me either grimacing slightly at the overuse of the word fag (I hate this word) and certain NC-17 instances not quite fitting of YA caliber, or then how it can pull at my heartstrings with this bittersweet sentiment - '...the realization that I’m the boy so overly concerned about someone pulling out my chair, I never considered my heart would be pulled out instead.' 💔🤧
“Maybe this is love – the feeling of being pumped and ready for battle even if you know losing is inevitable.”
Jenny was something. I can't exactly hate her for how she put Tyler through the wringer. considering her own personal crisis that was unfolding before everyone's eyes, but the fear of voicing aloud what cannot be accepted is sometimes more acceptable than the thought of actually confronting the truth head on. 😮💨 My point is, she was a lot. a lot where i was annoyed and angry with her lack of empathy and self-centered flippant attitude, which in a way did mirror Tyler's own. so maybe they were two peas in a pod, that somehow found a way to balance each other's dramatic insanity out.
I've been so jaded by bl manhwa that I'm not quite sure how I feel that what Eric did was overlooked - well, not quite overlooked, but it wasn't touched upon further, nor did Tyler even have the chance to express what had happened to him. 😢 I'm also really conflicted on the laid-back note that Tyler's relationship with his mother ended. maybe i'm just petty, but years of absence is not enough to be forgotten over one time where she happened to arrive at a time where his life was already one whole soap opera. it seems like an unfair advantage of his vulnerability which, well... 🤷🏻♀️
“You don’t know what it feels like to be invisible.”
Lifting his hand to my face, Billy grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I see you now,” he says. “Isn’t that enough?”
It's difficult to say for sure just how sincere Billy really was about Tyler. The awk-weird moments were kinda cute, if not disarming for Tyler, at how he was unsure just how much was enough without overwhelming him. 🥺 His chaotic desires of the mind certainly spoke otherwise! But, he was very much besotted with him, despite the ambivalent way in which Billy even behaved, there was a hint of that affection returned that made it possible for Tyler not to push Billy into being something he wasn't.
Yet the author rewarded us in a way that was both fitting and deserving to show how the Outtakes of a Walking Mistake may have been disastrous, even futile at times, but he more than proved how steadfast he was in staying true to himself - a feeling that made all the slips and rejection worth it just to see that one small step of defiance can make all the difference. 🌈
January 26, 2012
4.5 stars. This is a unique book. At times I felt like I needed a seatbelt to read it. It opens as a somewhat wacky almost screw-ball comedy account of the life and times of the young gay narrator, Tyler, as he tries to navigate high school with the less than adequate support of his father who refuses to believe he is gay, ("..."Denial is just the bottom rung on the ladder of acceptance,"... Too bad dad's afraid of heights...",) his melodramatic and emotional best friend Jenny, ("Statements like this have lessened since Jenny was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and began taking a tiny white pill she likes to call 'Ralph'") and a host of supporting characters. There are more quotable lines in this book than any other I have read. ("Thinking about kissing him gives me an icky feeling, like how you'd feel after swallowing a Band-Aid in a public pool.")
But then the book swerves into darker territory. Jenny's emotional instability has causes and consequences. Tyler's long-absent mother turns up. The boys in Tyler's life are dealing with their own issues, and what he hopes they will give him is not what he gets. There have been lies and deceptions in Tyler's past, from people he trusted to be truthful.
Through it all, Tyler battles on with determination, style, blind foolishness, and a hopeful heart. It is fascinating and painful to watch it all unfold. And never, never boring.
But then the book swerves into darker territory. Jenny's emotional instability has causes and consequences. Tyler's long-absent mother turns up. The boys in Tyler's life are dealing with their own issues, and what he hopes they will give him is not what he gets. There have been lies and deceptions in Tyler's past, from people he trusted to be truthful.
Through it all, Tyler battles on with determination, style, blind foolishness, and a hopeful heart. It is fascinating and painful to watch it all unfold. And never, never boring.
March 20, 2012
Most of the time on goodreads I rate books but don't write reviews. When I finished this one, I triumphantly marked it four stars in my stamp of approval before moving on to my next read. Then I kept thinking about it. And thinking. I recommended it to Kristy Z and sung its praises, but still I couldn't stop thinking about it. I read it on the recommendation of a new GR friend (thanks, Ashley!), and thought the synopsis sounded interesting. I was expecting an interesting story of a teen struggling to accept his homosexuality, but what I got was so much more.
In the beginning I'll admit that I thought Tyler's behavior was a little stereotypical. I was bordering on irritated by him being so flamboyant and obvious, but I quickly realized that this was necessary. As a reader I needed to understand Tyler's way of thinking and feeling, because there were times when I didn't necessarily agree with his actions or thoughts. Without that understanding I could have written him off as insensitive or uncaring, but Anthony Paull connects you with him in a way that makes you curious as to how it's going to end. It was refreshing to have a MC who is comfortable with his sexual preference. The true struggle for Tyler is how to assert that preference on those around him (family, friends, neighbors) who are close-minded and less accepting. His internal debate over whether or not being gay makes him worthy of true love or if that even exists for guys like him is at times heartbreaking.
While homosexuality is definitely a main theme in this book, it's not the only one. Paull weaves a story that includes sensitive issues like sexual abuse and assault, abandonment, and drugs & alcohol. For me the overall main theme was love. Love in its many forms or in ANY form. Everyone is driven by it, whether they realize it or not. Many times this desperation or depth of feeling had me on the verge of tears, but only once did I actually cry. LOL
I highly recommend this book even if you're someone who doesn't typically read LGBT literature. It's funny, quirky, snarky and thought provoking at the same time. I hope writing this review will help me move on so I can start my next read, but I have a feeling this one's going to stick with me for a long time.
In the beginning I'll admit that I thought Tyler's behavior was a little stereotypical. I was bordering on irritated by him being so flamboyant and obvious, but I quickly realized that this was necessary. As a reader I needed to understand Tyler's way of thinking and feeling, because there were times when I didn't necessarily agree with his actions or thoughts. Without that understanding I could have written him off as insensitive or uncaring, but Anthony Paull connects you with him in a way that makes you curious as to how it's going to end. It was refreshing to have a MC who is comfortable with his sexual preference. The true struggle for Tyler is how to assert that preference on those around him (family, friends, neighbors) who are close-minded and less accepting. His internal debate over whether or not being gay makes him worthy of true love or if that even exists for guys like him is at times heartbreaking.
While homosexuality is definitely a main theme in this book, it's not the only one. Paull weaves a story that includes sensitive issues like sexual abuse and assault, abandonment, and drugs & alcohol. For me the overall main theme was love. Love in its many forms or in ANY form. Everyone is driven by it, whether they realize it or not. Many times this desperation or depth of feeling had me on the verge of tears, but only once did I actually cry. LOL
I highly recommend this book even if you're someone who doesn't typically read LGBT literature. It's funny, quirky, snarky and thought provoking at the same time. I hope writing this review will help me move on so I can start my next read, but I have a feeling this one's going to stick with me for a long time.
May 24, 2012
2.5 stars -- and I think that has more to do with my inability to relate to the story. Not the gay bit...just the characters personalities were so far removed from what I experienced in childhood that it didn't jibe for me. Half the time I was left waiting for the real Tyler to emerge...but that's who Tyler was. I'm just an anti-attention seeker that I couldn't understand his thoughts and motivations (half the time I wondered if he was delusional, and then that made me wonder if I was missing something). I kept waiting for more dimensions...like him saying he should feel like a better friend, and I agreed with him (not that I didn't understand him wanting someone to care about him, but that shouldn't preclude him from being there for Jenny). Yeah. I don't know. Was it me? Was it the book? It just left me feeling cold and sad and unfulfilled in the end. It was upped to 2.5 from 2 b/c I would catch glimmers of more to Tyler, I guess I just wanted more. From all the characters. *shrugs*
December 3, 2011
Tyler is amazing young man. With great sense of humor and sharp tongue. His witty comments made me laugh and his hard earned experience made me teary eyed. I'd like to hope that his story will continue in another book...
December 5, 2011
High school hell is the main setting for this very funny, sometimes sweet, many times heart-wrenching story by Anthony Paull. The main character, Tyler, is the unknown LGBTQ kid I pray for every single day. My "Mom" switch was in the "on" position during the whole book.
The characters in this story are all incredibly real and believable. Yes, Tyler's mother ran away with the circus but you know what they say, life is stranger than fiction. The author did an exceptional job of creating a 16 year old young gay man, showing us readers the conflicts and pain in his life, but also his ability to make (mostly) the right decisions with hardly any support from anyone in his life.
Tyler is out at home and at school, which is incredibly brave of him. He's "okay with the gay", but his Dad is having a leisurely swim in that well-known river in Egypt. Mom left when Ty was a little kid. Jenny, Ty's best friend, is a psychologically unstable girl trying to survive horrendous circumstances at home. Meanwhile, Ty is hopelessly in love with Billy, the school heart-throb, who also happens to be a good kid. And Ty's not letting anything stand in his way to happiness, even the fact that Billy seems to be straight and is totally unaware that he's Tyler's boyfriend. To complicate things further, Eric, the neighborhood misfit, takes an interest (not necessarily a healthy one) in Tyler.
The story is told as a series of scenes in Tyler's life, which he imagines as a movie. This is mirrored in his real life when he gets a part in the film the high school drama teacher is putting together. Ty grabs on with both hands, because this is his great chance at spending more time with Billy, who landed the starring role in the film.
In summary, this story suffered a bit from some editing issues but overall, it was a fabulous read. It clearly illustrates the challenges and vulnerability of adolescence, the war of hormones and responsibility, conscience and feelings, the conflict between wanting to grow up and not knowing how. Remembering back to my 16 year old self, and my daughter at that age, I wish both her and I had the opportunity to know about Tyler and his razor-sharp wit, considerable courage, and irrepressible optimism.
The characters in this story are all incredibly real and believable. Yes, Tyler's mother ran away with the circus but you know what they say, life is stranger than fiction. The author did an exceptional job of creating a 16 year old young gay man, showing us readers the conflicts and pain in his life, but also his ability to make (mostly) the right decisions with hardly any support from anyone in his life.
Tyler is out at home and at school, which is incredibly brave of him. He's "okay with the gay", but his Dad is having a leisurely swim in that well-known river in Egypt. Mom left when Ty was a little kid. Jenny, Ty's best friend, is a psychologically unstable girl trying to survive horrendous circumstances at home. Meanwhile, Ty is hopelessly in love with Billy, the school heart-throb, who also happens to be a good kid. And Ty's not letting anything stand in his way to happiness, even the fact that Billy seems to be straight and is totally unaware that he's Tyler's boyfriend. To complicate things further, Eric, the neighborhood misfit, takes an interest (not necessarily a healthy one) in Tyler.
The story is told as a series of scenes in Tyler's life, which he imagines as a movie. This is mirrored in his real life when he gets a part in the film the high school drama teacher is putting together. Ty grabs on with both hands, because this is his great chance at spending more time with Billy, who landed the starring role in the film.
In summary, this story suffered a bit from some editing issues but overall, it was a fabulous read. It clearly illustrates the challenges and vulnerability of adolescence, the war of hormones and responsibility, conscience and feelings, the conflict between wanting to grow up and not knowing how. Remembering back to my 16 year old self, and my daughter at that age, I wish both her and I had the opportunity to know about Tyler and his razor-sharp wit, considerable courage, and irrepressible optimism.
July 16, 2012
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Outstanding, amazing and seriously funny! Outtakes of a Walking Mistake by Anthony Paull is fresh, new and exciting. The story revolves around Tyler Morris an ‘out’, gay, 16-year-old who is in love with Billy Greske, the heart-throb of his high school. In order for him to win Billy’s love (even though Tyler is not sure if Billy is gay, but does he cares? No.), he auditions for a student film. And so begins the story of Tyler and Billy as they begin to accept who they are.
I absolutely loved Tyler! He is interesting, outgoing and seriously funny. He reminded me a lot of Lola from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. He had that little spark that got me laughing from page one. Billy was the bomb! He was the type of guy that anyone would want to have as their boyfriend, because he had a very generous and kind heart. The secondary cast was amazingly good as well. I loved Tyler’s dad, even though he did not approve of his son being gay. What I loved about him was the way he protected Tyler, because at the end of the day, it was his son. Jenny, Tyler’s best friend, was surprisingly real. She brought the element of realness to the story, since her life was tragic and sad. However, the girl was fun to have around especially when she was high on meds. I know I should have hated Tyler’s mom, but I absolutely loved her! She was a very surprising character and I instantly fell for her free-spirited personality. My heart broke whenever Tyler rejected her. I know he had his reasons, but the woman was amazing to me. Eric was a very peculiar character. He was the bad boy that everyone should stay away from, but can’t keep their hands off! He was a complete d-bag, but I found him to be hot, interesting and luring. The one thing that I didn’t like was the ending. I still don’t know who grabbed Tyler’s hand! It all indicates that it was Billy, but it left me with doubts. This novel needs a sequel and fast!
I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants a fun read or have a very random sense of humor. You will laugh, cry and laugh some more.
Outstanding, amazing and seriously funny! Outtakes of a Walking Mistake by Anthony Paull is fresh, new and exciting. The story revolves around Tyler Morris an ‘out’, gay, 16-year-old who is in love with Billy Greske, the heart-throb of his high school. In order for him to win Billy’s love (even though Tyler is not sure if Billy is gay, but does he cares? No.), he auditions for a student film. And so begins the story of Tyler and Billy as they begin to accept who they are.
I absolutely loved Tyler! He is interesting, outgoing and seriously funny. He reminded me a lot of Lola from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. He had that little spark that got me laughing from page one. Billy was the bomb! He was the type of guy that anyone would want to have as their boyfriend, because he had a very generous and kind heart. The secondary cast was amazingly good as well. I loved Tyler’s dad, even though he did not approve of his son being gay. What I loved about him was the way he protected Tyler, because at the end of the day, it was his son. Jenny, Tyler’s best friend, was surprisingly real. She brought the element of realness to the story, since her life was tragic and sad. However, the girl was fun to have around especially when she was high on meds. I know I should have hated Tyler’s mom, but I absolutely loved her! She was a very surprising character and I instantly fell for her free-spirited personality. My heart broke whenever Tyler rejected her. I know he had his reasons, but the woman was amazing to me. Eric was a very peculiar character. He was the bad boy that everyone should stay away from, but can’t keep their hands off! He was a complete d-bag, but I found him to be hot, interesting and luring. The one thing that I didn’t like was the ending. I still don’t know who grabbed Tyler’s hand! It all indicates that it was Billy, but it left me with doubts. This novel needs a sequel and fast!
I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants a fun read or have a very random sense of humor. You will laugh, cry and laugh some more.
November 21, 2011
3.75 - I love teen finding themselves stories. Tyler is irreverent and lovable and you just will want to whisk him away to some big gay island for lost boys. There is a lot of really funny moments in this book and those are countered with some really dark moments as well. We forget while teens are trying to be so independent and adult, that they are really vulnerable as well.
The only reason why this did not get 4 stars is due to the editing. It took some of the enjoyment away.
I will be waiting for more from Anthony Paull. In fact, I have been reading his columns from the Windy City Times over the last couple of days and really do enjoy his style.
The only reason why this did not get 4 stars is due to the editing. It took some of the enjoyment away.
I will be waiting for more from Anthony Paull. In fact, I have been reading his columns from the Windy City Times over the last couple of days and really do enjoy his style.
November 26, 2011
It's great to see new gay fiction, especially where the protagonist is not just sharing a coming out story. Tyler is out and proud, self confident, with a personal moral compass he uses to navigate multiple challenges. Not only does he have to face the customary high school difficulties, but overcome family issues as well as friends in crisis, all while trying to find a boyfriend worthy of his attentions. The book is sweet, funny, and touching. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
December 10, 2012
I gave it a good try, really I did. I doggedly stuck it out to 33% even though I wanted to quit long before. I didn't like the MC, I didn't like the SCs (I hated the BFF). I just didn't like it. I will retire it for now and maybe give it another go in the future.
December 27, 2011
This story is a young adult book that follows a few events in the life of an openly gay high school student, Tyler Morris. Tyler has a crush on one of his classmates and unabashedly pursues him. Joining the school theater group where BIlly Greske is the most popular thespian, Tyler hopes to get close to his crush to woo him. At the same time, an older skater boy is pursuing Tyler and offering him the physical relationship that Tyler is dying to try. Tyler has to decide if chasing a straight crush or going for the sure hook-up will make him happier.
Tyler is a pretty amazing kid. He is so self-aware for someone his age. Although he does have some insecurities which come out during pursuit of his "first time" with another boy, his directness and in-your-face personality is awesome to see. A lot of these coming of age stories depict teenagers who fear coming out, but Tyler is just who he is and I love him. Billy on the other hand, could have been any other character. He was neither here nor there for me. That's not a negative to the story, in my opinion, it just showcases how dynamic Tyler was. I wanted to know about Tyler and whether his romantic interest was BIlly or (insert other closeted gay teenager here), I don't think it would have mattered. Billy was almost a secondary character to me.
Tyler's best friend Jenny is interesting. They are the best of friends, but at times she seems extremely selfish and self-centered. I didn't always like the way she treated Tyler and I didn't like the way Tyler made excuses for her. But ultimately it becomes clear that all is not as it appears with Tyler's promiscuous friend.
The sub-plot with Tyler's mom was the least interesting part of the story in my opinion. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't something that I think added to the overall plot and I would have enjoyed the story without that additional storyline. I also never connected with his mom at all. I felt her actions and her personality detracted a little bit from the overall flow of the book.
I liked the ending of this book and I enjoyed Anthony's writing style. I think that I would love to learn more about Tyler and what happens next in his interesting and colorful life. If there is a sequel I would definitely read it, and I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Tyler is a pretty amazing kid. He is so self-aware for someone his age. Although he does have some insecurities which come out during pursuit of his "first time" with another boy, his directness and in-your-face personality is awesome to see. A lot of these coming of age stories depict teenagers who fear coming out, but Tyler is just who he is and I love him. Billy on the other hand, could have been any other character. He was neither here nor there for me. That's not a negative to the story, in my opinion, it just showcases how dynamic Tyler was. I wanted to know about Tyler and whether his romantic interest was BIlly or (insert other closeted gay teenager here), I don't think it would have mattered. Billy was almost a secondary character to me.
Tyler's best friend Jenny is interesting. They are the best of friends, but at times she seems extremely selfish and self-centered. I didn't always like the way she treated Tyler and I didn't like the way Tyler made excuses for her. But ultimately it becomes clear that all is not as it appears with Tyler's promiscuous friend.
The sub-plot with Tyler's mom was the least interesting part of the story in my opinion. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't something that I think added to the overall plot and I would have enjoyed the story without that additional storyline. I also never connected with his mom at all. I felt her actions and her personality detracted a little bit from the overall flow of the book.
I liked the ending of this book and I enjoyed Anthony's writing style. I think that I would love to learn more about Tyler and what happens next in his interesting and colorful life. If there is a sequel I would definitely read it, and I would definitely recommend this book to others.
March 5, 2012
I read a review on Outtakes of a Walking Mistake, quoting it to be engaging. I agreed with that. It was a book difficult to put down. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not entirely crazy about the main characters. In fact, none of the characters were perfect. They were either self-centered, confused, lost or different.
There was Tyler, who cared for no one else, except for his own love life, and lust life, which did not really take off. He did care for one, Jenny, his girl best friend, who interestingly was also portrayed as self-centered semi-diva. Her character got me curious, although I did not want to care much, because I was trying to read about a gay teenager's struggle and not a lost girl. Tyler's father was still much hoping for Tyler's mom to return. Tyler's mom did return and talked to ocean. Billy - lost between staying safe in his quiet zone or befriending Tyler and be exposed. Eric - wanted no labels for his sexual preference and led a much screwed-up life.
There were things I did not understand. Maybe because I was bias. Why would a manly Billy want to hang out with a guy who talked and walked like a girl, according to a kid who observed Tyler? Thank goodness the book did not remind me much of that feature, and so I proceeded not being turned off by that factor. Why would Tyler imagine all the guys, whom he suspected to be straight, to be eager to hold his hand, open the door for him or to buy him flowers? Why he would want eagerly to be near such guys and yet demanded for things like these which would keep insecure guys away? Well, thank goodness the guys in the story were pictured as someone who did not hesitate long to react not-negatively to Tyler's daring teases...
The characters in the book were likable. It kept me going through the book in a matter of hours. I was made to be interested to know what would happen next. Not much was spent on the chemistry between Billy and Tyler, but still, I found myself rooting for the two. I wished for more moments between them, and less diva-emotional Tyler. I liked that the author was able to make Tyler stand out, irritating or not.
There was Tyler, who cared for no one else, except for his own love life, and lust life, which did not really take off. He did care for one, Jenny, his girl best friend, who interestingly was also portrayed as self-centered semi-diva. Her character got me curious, although I did not want to care much, because I was trying to read about a gay teenager's struggle and not a lost girl. Tyler's father was still much hoping for Tyler's mom to return. Tyler's mom did return and talked to ocean. Billy - lost between staying safe in his quiet zone or befriending Tyler and be exposed. Eric - wanted no labels for his sexual preference and led a much screwed-up life.
There were things I did not understand. Maybe because I was bias. Why would a manly Billy want to hang out with a guy who talked and walked like a girl, according to a kid who observed Tyler? Thank goodness the book did not remind me much of that feature, and so I proceeded not being turned off by that factor. Why would Tyler imagine all the guys, whom he suspected to be straight, to be eager to hold his hand, open the door for him or to buy him flowers? Why he would want eagerly to be near such guys and yet demanded for things like these which would keep insecure guys away? Well, thank goodness the guys in the story were pictured as someone who did not hesitate long to react not-negatively to Tyler's daring teases...
The characters in the book were likable. It kept me going through the book in a matter of hours. I was made to be interested to know what would happen next. Not much was spent on the chemistry between Billy and Tyler, but still, I found myself rooting for the two. I wished for more moments between them, and less diva-emotional Tyler. I liked that the author was able to make Tyler stand out, irritating or not.
October 25, 2011
Anthony Paull, a newcomer to the world of m/m YA fiction brings us a veritable feast in his novel, Outtakes Of A Walking Mistake. The story centers around a snapshot view of Tyler, a 16 year old gay high school whose life is anything from dull. We are immediately drawn to this quirky, sassy and, yes, wounded young man. Paull draws us in with humor, fast paced dialogue and an emotionally gripping story that delivers one bold surprise after another. To give you much of a summary of this story would be to give too much away and so I will simply tell you that this is a multi-layerd tale handled by a deft hand. We meet Tyler who is currently determined he will date and woo the lovely Billy. Does it matter to Tye that Billy is possibly not gay? Heavens no--Tyler is in love and nothing is going to stand in his way to winning Billy's heart. And so begins a story that is fueled with humor, touched more than once by deep sorrow and loaded with enough action to keep even the most hardened amongst us alternately laughing and crying. There is so, so much here.
Paull's novel is not just for the young adult; for it touches a chord in all of us--young or old. Who doesn't remember a time when they ached to love and be loved so fiercely that it became an all consuming need? And so this story does--consume the reader bit by bit until you are left loving Tye and those he loves and despising those who would make any young gay man or woman feel that they should be content to remain tucked away in the closet.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who has dared to say, I am important, I deserve to be loved. More importantly, I recommend this novel to anyone who needs to be reassured of the same. Mr. Paul gets it--he really does. I look forward to hearing more from this new and inspiring voice in young adult fiction--much more!
Paull's novel is not just for the young adult; for it touches a chord in all of us--young or old. Who doesn't remember a time when they ached to love and be loved so fiercely that it became an all consuming need? And so this story does--consume the reader bit by bit until you are left loving Tye and those he loves and despising those who would make any young gay man or woman feel that they should be content to remain tucked away in the closet.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who has dared to say, I am important, I deserve to be loved. More importantly, I recommend this novel to anyone who needs to be reassured of the same. Mr. Paul gets it--he really does. I look forward to hearing more from this new and inspiring voice in young adult fiction--much more!
February 2, 2012
I really wanted to love this book. I feel like I should be giving it more stars just for the context, for what the author was trying to do.
The problem was I just didn't like any of the characters. I didn't want to read about them. They all treated each other like crap, even the ones who were supposed to be kind. And Tye was the absolute worst. I don't care if a character is straight, gay, bi... whatever. I do care if they are a pervert. And not in the cute, 'awe, your such a perv' kind of teasing way. No, this was 'should have a restraining order against you' kind of pervert. . I wanted to like him, I kept waiting for him to reach a point where he would see the truth, that he's an ass. It wasn't just the perv stuff. It was in how he was always so blinded by his lust that he missed important things going on around him. Again, when he realized he missed these things, I kept waiting for him to go 'shit, I'm totally self-centered' and he just never did. Life altering things were happening in his life and all he could think about was boys.
I know, at 16 we all think about who were attracted to. We're walking hormones, but I just expect to have moments of real depth in a book like this. Um, warning: Glee fan here... take Kurt, he's a gay high school kid. He's boy crazy. But when his dad was in the hospital he wasn't sitting there going, 'Oh whoa is me, everything would be better if I was getting kissed by a boy'. It was quite disappointing.
Such a teasing last line though. I mean, I just gotta know! Was it ?!
The problem was I just didn't like any of the characters. I didn't want to read about them. They all treated each other like crap, even the ones who were supposed to be kind. And Tye was the absolute worst. I don't care if a character is straight, gay, bi... whatever. I do care if they are a pervert. And not in the cute, 'awe, your such a perv' kind of teasing way. No, this was 'should have a restraining order against you' kind of pervert. . I wanted to like him, I kept waiting for him to reach a point where he would see the truth, that he's an ass. It wasn't just the perv stuff. It was in how he was always so blinded by his lust that he missed important things going on around him. Again, when he realized he missed these things, I kept waiting for him to go 'shit, I'm totally self-centered' and he just never did. Life altering things were happening in his life and all he could think about was boys.
I know, at 16 we all think about who were attracted to. We're walking hormones, but I just expect to have moments of real depth in a book like this. Um, warning: Glee fan here... take Kurt, he's a gay high school kid. He's boy crazy. But when his dad was in the hospital he wasn't sitting there going, 'Oh whoa is me, everything would be better if I was getting kissed by a boy'. It was quite disappointing.
Such a teasing last line though. I mean, I just gotta know! Was it ?!
October 24, 2011
Tyler Morris is a gay 16 year old Junior in highschool. He's mostly invisible among his classmates and his only real friend, Jenny, is bipolar. The story follows his thoughts as he crushes on a cute actor, Billy Greske, tries to deal with the attention of local bad-boy, Eric Bryant, struggles with his mom coming back after abandoning him and his father to join the circus, and tries to find a place to fit in through all this hell.
And now for the actual reviewing part:
I thought it was interesting and unusual how the story followed a 'stream of consciousness' format. It wasn't just the story, it was Tyler telling the story. It actually felt like I was in the mind of a 16 year old boy. I loved how he had a bunch of random thoughts mixed in with the action. I would have thought it would be distracting, but it wasn't at all. I found it highly entertaining.
Tyler had a very interesting way of talking to people. It was like, half the stuff he said was so awkward it made me cringe. I don't know if that was done on purpose or not, but I thought it fit. It helped build the character, once you got used to how quirky he was.
The ending drove me insane! It was like The Giver, how it ends, but it doesn't really end, and even though you desperately want to know what else happened, a sequel would ruin it. The reader gets to decide what happens next. I can't give away much more than that
All in all, very good book. It was very refreshing and insightful, hitting a lot of tough, contraversial topics right on the head. The characters were all well developed, and they all had specific quirks. Definitely worth reading!!
And now for the actual reviewing part:
I thought it was interesting and unusual how the story followed a 'stream of consciousness' format. It wasn't just the story, it was Tyler telling the story. It actually felt like I was in the mind of a 16 year old boy. I loved how he had a bunch of random thoughts mixed in with the action. I would have thought it would be distracting, but it wasn't at all. I found it highly entertaining.
Tyler had a very interesting way of talking to people. It was like, half the stuff he said was so awkward it made me cringe. I don't know if that was done on purpose or not, but I thought it fit. It helped build the character, once you got used to how quirky he was.
The ending drove me insane! It was like The Giver, how it ends, but it doesn't really end, and even though you desperately want to know what else happened, a sequel would ruin it. The reader gets to decide what happens next. I can't give away much more than that
All in all, very good book. It was very refreshing and insightful, hitting a lot of tough, contraversial topics right on the head. The characters were all well developed, and they all had specific quirks. Definitely worth reading!!
February 10, 2012
I'm having some difficulty describing this one. It's a Young Adult slice-of-life. It's fiction, but it could easily be a gay boy's life. It takes place over the course of maybe a month at the most, and it deals with some pretty hefty issues from a teen's perspective.
I wasn't sure I liked the voice of this piece at first. It's told from Tyler's point of view. His thoughts are sometimes delusional, making his fantasies into perceived reality. And there are so many times I wanted to crawl through the floor for him, just like when I was in high school. (Truth be told, after reading this, my time in HS was NOT that bad, even as alone as I felt, which wasn't really true. I was really normal. And thank God I didn't have to put up with half the crap that goes on anymore. Teens have it rough!)
It started off a bit slow, but by about 15-25% in, I was really captivated by this enigmatic kid. He's a good kid, and he makes bad choices just like the rest of us have. (I was cringing at some of his bad decisions.) But for as much as he feels put down and put upon by this world and the people in it, he's actually grounded pretty well.
If you're looking for an HEA or an HFN though, that's not what this is. Not to say that it ends badly. It just ends. Like any other day might end. This really is more slice-of-life. And that last line really irked me. =)
It's a good story. Several typographical/editing issues, and perhaps a bit long in places, but overall really pretty good.
I wasn't sure I liked the voice of this piece at first. It's told from Tyler's point of view. His thoughts are sometimes delusional, making his fantasies into perceived reality. And there are so many times I wanted to crawl through the floor for him, just like when I was in high school. (Truth be told, after reading this, my time in HS was NOT that bad, even as alone as I felt, which wasn't really true. I was really normal. And thank God I didn't have to put up with half the crap that goes on anymore. Teens have it rough!)
It started off a bit slow, but by about 15-25% in, I was really captivated by this enigmatic kid. He's a good kid, and he makes bad choices just like the rest of us have. (I was cringing at some of his bad decisions.) But for as much as he feels put down and put upon by this world and the people in it, he's actually grounded pretty well.
If you're looking for an HEA or an HFN though, that's not what this is. Not to say that it ends badly. It just ends. Like any other day might end. This really is more slice-of-life. And that last line really irked me. =)
It's a good story. Several typographical/editing issues, and perhaps a bit long in places, but overall really pretty good.
January 29, 2014
I loved this book, it was so funny. As a protagonist Tyler was good, I know some might not get his character. But he shows kind of the typical teenager, with an atypical life. The way this book is written suits the story. I have heard about this book for a long time, and only now have I read it.
The story itself is pretty basic, a teenage boy who wants to find a boyfriend. But there are twists in the story. I loved how the issues in the book were dealt with and how Anthony Paull made his character likeable (to me anyway).
The two love interests Billy and Eric were good, I prefer Billy though. His character is decent for the story and I am not a fan of Eric. Tyler's best friend Jenny was a great character and I loved her during the book.
I really think this book needs a sequel because it ended in a way that leaves everything open. Hopefully there will be one because I cannot decide whether its a different character at the end or if its Billy or Eric. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens, but I have my fingers crossed.
I highly recommend this book :)
The story itself is pretty basic, a teenage boy who wants to find a boyfriend. But there are twists in the story. I loved how the issues in the book were dealt with and how Anthony Paull made his character likeable (to me anyway).
The two love interests Billy and Eric were good, I prefer Billy though. His character is decent for the story and I am not a fan of Eric. Tyler's best friend Jenny was a great character and I loved her during the book.
I really think this book needs a sequel because it ended in a way that leaves everything open. Hopefully there will be one because I cannot decide whether its a different character at the end or if its Billy or Eric. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens, but I have my fingers crossed.
I highly recommend this book :)
October 13, 2015
The book is very polarizing. On one hand, I think this was way over the top. I have no problem with a flamboyant narrator. But god, what a drama queen. To be honest, I found it annoying especially the parts when Tye tried to inject humor in his POV. On the other hand, I think that if I put myself in Tye's shoes, I can understand how he feels. I won't really know, but I think I can try to understand. A dysfunctional family, a bipolar best friend, bad choices in boys. A f*cked-up life is what it is. What I genuinely like, though, is Tye's subtle growth -- how he evolved as the story progressed. I think it was intended that he doesn't know, but I admire the author's take on how Tyler matures. It's timidly done and yet it works well with the story buildup. And I think my takeaway from this one is: no matter how many mistakes you make as you go through life, you try to learn from it and know that as the main actor, you are entitled to do more takes to right those mistakes.
June 20, 2012
I loved this! Sharp, witty, hilarious & heartbreaking all in one. I cringed, laughed, cried & gasped more than a few times. Filled with more words/phrases of wisdom than maybe even Perks of a Wallflower, this story of a truly original, outgoing out 16 year old boy & his crazy life is more realistic than it sounds. Tyler's heartbroken dad refuses to believe his son is gay. His mom ran off to be a circus clown. His pill popping bipolar best friend Jenny loves to cause scenes. His crazy old guy neighbor has a habit of interrupting everything. The neighborhood bad boy is exactly just that, but so cute as well. He falls for the cute class thespian & yeah, basically tortures him & himself over his idea of how love should be. What a moving ride his adventures are as he learns about life.
January 14, 2012
WOOOOOOOW !! that was the first thing i thought of when i read this book .
At first in the few chapters in the beginning i was thinking that kid remind me of someone i didn't know who but there was something annoying about it , i can feel it in my bones then i realized that it was me .
It's the most realistic story i have ever read , Tyler is a real teen it's like i can see my self in him , but he was very strong and brave i'll be out of my mind if i was him .
The story is talking about almost everybody's problem *LOVE* , Tyler is a teenager gay boy who's trying to find love , the love that he fantasise , read and saw movies about all his life . it's not a coming out story like almost all the GLBTs , it's the real life of a teen .
I loved every word of it , enjoyed reading it and i definitely recommend it .
At first in the few chapters in the beginning i was thinking that kid remind me of someone i didn't know who but there was something annoying about it , i can feel it in my bones then i realized that it was me .
It's the most realistic story i have ever read , Tyler is a real teen it's like i can see my self in him , but he was very strong and brave i'll be out of my mind if i was him .
The story is talking about almost everybody's problem *LOVE* , Tyler is a teenager gay boy who's trying to find love , the love that he fantasise , read and saw movies about all his life . it's not a coming out story like almost all the GLBTs , it's the real life of a teen .
I loved every word of it , enjoyed reading it and i definitely recommend it .
November 1, 2011
I love young adult LGBT fiction and Anthony Paull has delivered a winner. An engaging main character with a distinct voice, out, proud and not ashamed to show it. At the beginning of the book I found the main character's voice a but too loud but as the character matured and progressed throughout the book his voice did as well and it was nice to see the growth.
Also our lead is not perfect, crushing on a "straight" boy while be pursued by the local bad boy and also dealing with his best friend Jenny's messed up life.
Eagerly awaiting the next book to see how Tyler, Jenny and Billy's tale continues.
Also our lead is not perfect, crushing on a "straight" boy while be pursued by the local bad boy and also dealing with his best friend Jenny's messed up life.
Eagerly awaiting the next book to see how Tyler, Jenny and Billy's tale continues.
January 3, 2016
NPR Best Teen Novel Ever Finalist
'Charming...an honest tale about creating a scene and living one's truth, even if it seems both fantastic and familiar.' Instinct Magazine
5 Hearts: MM Good Book Reviews
5 Hearts: Hearts on Fire Reviews
'Amusing Debut Novel...a high school teen as spirited and outspoken as Tye hasn't come along in awhile.' EDGE Media Network
'Charming...an honest tale about creating a scene and living one's truth, even if it seems both fantastic and familiar.' Instinct Magazine
5 Hearts: MM Good Book Reviews
5 Hearts: Hearts on Fire Reviews
'Amusing Debut Novel...a high school teen as spirited and outspoken as Tye hasn't come along in awhile.' EDGE Media Network
December 15, 2011
After reading this novel, one of my favorite quotes by J.R. Ward popped into my head:
“Life is such a glorious trauma, is it not?”
Poor Tye. Just when he thinks he's got life even a little figured out, it kicks him in his pink gay virgin balls. I found this book more amusing than funny, but I still adored it. It's real, if a little overtly 'gay', but still very much real.
Speaking of endings.....What. The. Hell.
I could keep going on with the review...blah...blah...blah... But alas, I will end with saying it's a great book. Read it.
“Life is such a glorious trauma, is it not?”
Poor Tye. Just when he thinks he's got life even a little figured out, it kicks him in his pink gay virgin balls. I found this book more amusing than funny, but I still adored it. It's real, if a little overtly 'gay', but still very much real.
Speaking of endings.....What. The. Hell.
I could keep going on with the review...blah...blah...blah... But alas, I will end with saying it's a great book. Read it.
February 20, 2012
Not since Ordinary People have I read a book that speaks so well of what it feels like to be a teenager, or even just a person. I love books, and authors, that aren't afraid to acknowledge that life is HARD, that people can be awful to each other, and that in spite of that there is so much good that makes it all worth it.
Tye officially became one of my all-time heroes at that dance at the end. His reactions to everything that had happened are just so inspiring and hope-giving.
Tye officially became one of my all-time heroes at that dance at the end. His reactions to everything that had happened are just so inspiring and hope-giving.
November 21, 2011
Oh the heartaches of being a teen! This story was full of truth, humor, and poignant moments. I enjoyed reading about Tye's realization of who he wanted to be and how he wanted to be treated and recognized. He was such an in your face character that had you shaking your head at times, but reminding you that during the teen years, everything can only be learned through trial and error. Very enjoyable read!
January 21, 2012
NEEDS a sequel immediately.
This book was wonderful, a really tragic, unconventional gay love story. If you know me, you know I love, love and especially young love! You have Tyler the queen, Jenny the bipolar drug dealer, and a love triangle between Eric and Billy.
The sidestory with Tyler's clairvoyant, clown (literally) mother was a nice addition.
This book was wonderful, a really tragic, unconventional gay love story. If you know me, you know I love, love and especially young love! You have Tyler the queen, Jenny the bipolar drug dealer, and a love triangle between Eric and Billy.
The sidestory with Tyler's clairvoyant, clown (literally) mother was a nice addition.
February 14, 2012
I love Tye his attitude and strength. I really liked this book, it was my kind of funny (sarcastic) the characters evoke some response in you and I like reading books that does that. I thank my fellow readers for recommending this book. Thanks!!
January 25, 2014
There is so much in this book that is just Not Okay.
From the beginning it's obvious where everything is going, which is fine. I love a good trope-filled book and that's what I was expecting. It's not really what I got.
I usually love sassy/bitchy/funny first person narration. This was tolerable, but ultimately Tyler just came off like a jerk. I was expecting some revelation about how he really just annoys/pervs/creeps as a defense mechanism. That moment never came (though there are times when it almost comes close). So what we're left with is he's just a jerk, I guess. And, yeah, a lot of teens are jerks, but Tyler does some really TSTL things and just cruel things.
At the same time he really does have it hard. I was expecting some kind of breakdown where he'd freak on all the people who keep failing him. But it always ended up going back to someone else. No one in Tyler's life actually has any interest in him or his feelings. He has several days where awful things happen to him one on top of the other and even if he's crying people just shrugged it off and told him to move on to the next plot point.
He never tells his supposed BFF about any of the familial betrayals or any of his other problems. Everyone keeps saying that he was a shitty friend to her, but really she never shows him any caring at all through the whole book. I don't know how he even considered her a friend. I know she was going through something really horrible and I understand how Tyler blamed himself after he found out, because that's something that happens to a ton of people in that kind of situation.
Here's where Tyler's the biggest jerk though-- With Billy. He just kind of stalks him into submission even when he knows that he's making him super uncomfortable. I don't really understand why Billy came around to liking Tyler. Even if Tyler was the hottest dude ever I'd be creeped the fuck out. Once they're together he's bent on pushing Billy too far out of his comfort zone, which is good for some things, but not good when it's a closeted high school kid who, at heart, is kind of sweet and shy. And then Tyler throws a fit when it doesn't work out.
Yeah, Billy sucks for dating a girl and trying to be with Tyler at the same time, but then at the very end of the book Tyler does his worst. When a human you like comes up to you in a public place the thing you do not do is rub their so bluntly in their face and ask them why they lied about never having been kissed before. ()What in the bloody fuck. He makes Billy cry in public. And Billy automatically thinks that Tyler is blackmailing him, which says a shitload. And it's all because he's trying to force a freaking high school student out of the closet because of some imaginary moral high ground. And again, teenagers do dumb and cruel shit all the time, but that doesn't excuse it. He's a dick.
And then Tyler walks away with his head held high, because if Billy can't come out of the closet so Tyler can get at his goods which he so righteously deserves, then Tyler will just have to go do his own damn thing.
I don't know why I kept reading it, but when I got to the (very vague) end I really wished I hadn't.
From the beginning it's obvious where everything is going, which is fine. I love a good trope-filled book and that's what I was expecting. It's not really what I got.
I usually love sassy/bitchy/funny first person narration. This was tolerable, but ultimately Tyler just came off like a jerk. I was expecting some revelation about how he really just annoys/pervs/creeps as a defense mechanism. That moment never came (though there are times when it almost comes close). So what we're left with is he's just a jerk, I guess. And, yeah, a lot of teens are jerks, but Tyler does some really TSTL things and just cruel things.
At the same time he really does have it hard. I was expecting some kind of breakdown where he'd freak on all the people who keep failing him. But it always ended up going back to someone else. No one in Tyler's life actually has any interest in him or his feelings. He has several days where awful things happen to him one on top of the other and even if he's crying people just shrugged it off and told him to move on to the next plot point.
He never tells his supposed BFF about any of the familial betrayals or any of his other problems. Everyone keeps saying that he was a shitty friend to her, but really she never shows him any caring at all through the whole book. I don't know how he even considered her a friend. I know she was going through something really horrible and I understand how Tyler blamed himself after he found out, because that's something that happens to a ton of people in that kind of situation.
Here's where Tyler's the biggest jerk though-- With Billy. He just kind of stalks him into submission even when he knows that he's making him super uncomfortable. I don't really understand why Billy came around to liking Tyler. Even if Tyler was the hottest dude ever I'd be creeped the fuck out. Once they're together he's bent on pushing Billy too far out of his comfort zone, which is good for some things, but not good when it's a closeted high school kid who, at heart, is kind of sweet and shy. And then Tyler throws a fit when it doesn't work out.
Yeah, Billy sucks for dating a girl and trying to be with Tyler at the same time, but then at the very end of the book Tyler does his worst. When a human you like comes up to you in a public place the thing you do not do is rub their so bluntly in their face and ask them why they lied about never having been kissed before. ()What in the bloody fuck. He makes Billy cry in public. And Billy automatically thinks that Tyler is blackmailing him, which says a shitload. And it's all because he's trying to force a freaking high school student out of the closet because of some imaginary moral high ground. And again, teenagers do dumb and cruel shit all the time, but that doesn't excuse it. He's a dick.
And then Tyler walks away with his head held high, because if Billy can't come out of the closet so Tyler can get at his goods which he so righteously deserves, then Tyler will just have to go do his own damn thing.
I don't know why I kept reading it, but when I got to the (very vague) end I really wished I hadn't.
January 11, 2013
There are so many things to say about this book that it's hard to decide exactly where to begin. By my rating, it's obvious that I loved it, yet I also don't view it as perfect. I'm a tad bitter about the ending and probably will be for a long, long time. I wonder why literary critics insist that the only good fiction are the stories that don't have happy endings. I'd have been content if even one aspect of the plot was resolved in a way that resulted in an HEA. Why couldn't Billy at least have danced with Tye? Why couldn't Jenny's mother come around and supported her? Why couldn't Tye's dad have had an epiphany and accepted that his kid was gay? Why couldn't Tye's mom have stayed? Any ONE of these things would have been cool. It kind of irked me that EVERY hope I had for Tye was ultimately dashed.
Okay, with all that being said, I loved Tyler! I loved his voice, his humor, his sensitivity, and his personality. He reminded me of a young version of Will and Grace's Jack, and his best friend Jenny was his Karen. Jenny is an over-sexed, pill-popping fag hag that basically runs Tye's life. She's bossy, selfish, materialistic...like I said, very Karen-esque.
And to be honest, I loved all the characters. The characterization in this story was brilliant. Even Eric, though a predator who should have been thrown in jail, was someone I believed in. When I say that, I mean I found him believable. Who doesn't know a "straight" guy like this? On the down-low he seeks out sexual encounters with other guys yet maintains a tough, bad-boy image. The entire hetero population is in denial that these types of men exist. He defies the stereotype of men who have sex with men. Yet he represents a very real segment of society. Sure, he is despicable, yet I had my share of encounters with creeps like this. They're so easy to love and hate at the same time.
And Billy! OMG, he's the classic closet-case. Of course he's gay. You know it immediately. Everyone knows it, really, except for him. And it is so frustrating that it takes him so damn long to evolve. Why can't he just admit, at least to himself, who he is? Why does he have to send all these mixed signals? I just wanted to storm into the story and rip his closet door off at the hinges.
Both of Tyler's parents loved him. There was no question about this, and even though his dad was suffering from serious denial, he did have his son's best interest at heart. To me, it would have been believable (and nice) for him to have at least taken some baby steps toward acceptance of his son's sexual orientation. Oddly, though, I did like the guy. I liked that he was responsible, that he cared so much about young Tye. I kept hoping his friend James would knock some sense into his thick skull, though.
I can't rate this book less than five stars, in spite of my misgivings. It was just so well written. The pacing was spot-on, and I flipped through the pages, laughing and crying, with an eagerness that I seldom experience when reading. The story was so funny, at times exaggerated, but almost perfectly-so.
This is an awesome YA book, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Okay, with all that being said, I loved Tyler! I loved his voice, his humor, his sensitivity, and his personality. He reminded me of a young version of Will and Grace's Jack, and his best friend Jenny was his Karen. Jenny is an over-sexed, pill-popping fag hag that basically runs Tye's life. She's bossy, selfish, materialistic...like I said, very Karen-esque.
And to be honest, I loved all the characters. The characterization in this story was brilliant. Even Eric, though a predator who should have been thrown in jail, was someone I believed in. When I say that, I mean I found him believable. Who doesn't know a "straight" guy like this? On the down-low he seeks out sexual encounters with other guys yet maintains a tough, bad-boy image. The entire hetero population is in denial that these types of men exist. He defies the stereotype of men who have sex with men. Yet he represents a very real segment of society. Sure, he is despicable, yet I had my share of encounters with creeps like this. They're so easy to love and hate at the same time.
And Billy! OMG, he's the classic closet-case. Of course he's gay. You know it immediately. Everyone knows it, really, except for him. And it is so frustrating that it takes him so damn long to evolve. Why can't he just admit, at least to himself, who he is? Why does he have to send all these mixed signals? I just wanted to storm into the story and rip his closet door off at the hinges.
Both of Tyler's parents loved him. There was no question about this, and even though his dad was suffering from serious denial, he did have his son's best interest at heart. To me, it would have been believable (and nice) for him to have at least taken some baby steps toward acceptance of his son's sexual orientation. Oddly, though, I did like the guy. I liked that he was responsible, that he cared so much about young Tye. I kept hoping his friend James would knock some sense into his thick skull, though.
I can't rate this book less than five stars, in spite of my misgivings. It was just so well written. The pacing was spot-on, and I flipped through the pages, laughing and crying, with an eagerness that I seldom experience when reading. The story was so funny, at times exaggerated, but almost perfectly-so.
This is an awesome YA book, and I enjoyed every second of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2011
This book started off amazing. Super funny, witty, charming, and sweet, and then randomly it started to drag on in places. I wish the writing had been tighter from the middle on. There were a lot of tough situations thrown into this book that I frankly didn't really see coming, and some felt a bit forced. However, they were real situations that happen to young adults. I'm just not sure all of them needed to be pushed into this book from the middle on. I have major problems when a book just pushes drama situation after drama situation in a book because it always pushes the line of drama for drama sake. Plus, there were quite a bit of typos that took me out of the story at times.
However, I fell in love with Tyler. He makes no apologies for who he is and acccepts nothing but the best for himself. I wish others, including myself, could have his bravery at times. He's whiplash smart and deep down has the best heart. He has a troubled friend, but they both need each other so much.
I'm a sucker for a "complete" ending, and the reader didn't really get that. Not sure if there is a plan for a sequel or not.
Overall though, Tyler is an amazing character and there were numerous laugh out loud moments. Great read.
However, I fell in love with Tyler. He makes no apologies for who he is and acccepts nothing but the best for himself. I wish others, including myself, could have his bravery at times. He's whiplash smart and deep down has the best heart. He has a troubled friend, but they both need each other so much.
I'm a sucker for a "complete" ending, and the reader didn't really get that. Not sure if there is a plan for a sequel or not.
Overall though, Tyler is an amazing character and there were numerous laugh out loud moments. Great read.
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