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Paint
How do you navigate your life when you can finally make your own decisions?
As Tucker Peterson moves away from home for the first time to attend college in Orlando, this is a question he must ask himself. He still hasn't told his family he's gay, he has no idea what he wants to do with his life, and now that he can do whatever he wants, he hasn't the slightest clue what should come next.
Tucker, with the help of his new assertive friend Kiara, must learn to balance his newfound freedom with school and a job, and if he meets a cute boy on the way, then that's just an added bonus. Paint is a story of self-discovery, of queerness outside the family-friendly safety net of a high school drama, and of drag queens when you need them the most.
If you grew up enjoying coming of age stories like Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower and John Green's Looking For Alaska, then you will enjoy the similar themes expressed through a more adult and queer lens in Paint.
As Tucker Peterson moves away from home for the first time to attend college in Orlando, this is a question he must ask himself. He still hasn't told his family he's gay, he has no idea what he wants to do with his life, and now that he can do whatever he wants, he hasn't the slightest clue what should come next.
Tucker, with the help of his new assertive friend Kiara, must learn to balance his newfound freedom with school and a job, and if he meets a cute boy on the way, then that's just an added bonus. Paint is a story of self-discovery, of queerness outside the family-friendly safety net of a high school drama, and of drag queens when you need them the most.
If you grew up enjoying coming of age stories like Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower and John Green's Looking For Alaska, then you will enjoy the similar themes expressed through a more adult and queer lens in Paint.
- GenresQueer
278 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 26, 2022
Tucker is one of the most realistic protagonist. He is such a mess but you have to love him. The ending was really satisfying and even though I went in expecting something different. This is a real treat. Happy Pride ✨
June 29, 2021
Fun drag novel with a side-helping of emotion
This was an enjoyable exploration into the world of being a baby gay & a baby drag queen.
Tucker is a likeable & relatable character - he doesn't always make the best decisions but who does at 19?
The side characters are all interesting - but somewhat flawed - too.
And it really hits home the pain & anger that comes from your parents not accepting you, but also how much it can mean if they then make the effort to try.
All in all, a great read!
This was an enjoyable exploration into the world of being a baby gay & a baby drag queen.
Tucker is a likeable & relatable character - he doesn't always make the best decisions but who does at 19?
The side characters are all interesting - but somewhat flawed - too.
And it really hits home the pain & anger that comes from your parents not accepting you, but also how much it can mean if they then make the effort to try.
All in all, a great read!
November 5, 2022
This was such a nice read. I loved getting to know the world through Tuck’s eyes, and seeing how not only he, but everyone around him grew.
❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
April 10, 2026
Paint by Colin Brooks is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded coming of age story that explores identity, independence, and the uncertainty that comes with stepping into adulthood. Through Tucker Peterson’s journey, the novel captures the quiet complexity of self-discovery in a way that feels both personal and widely relatable.
What stands out most is the authenticity of Tucker’s internal struggle. His transition from a structured home life into the openness of college is portrayed with honesty, highlighting the tension between freedom and direction. Brooks handles themes of queerness, belonging, and self-acceptance with a natural ease, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels genuine rather than forced.
The supporting characters, particularly Kiara, bring energy and contrast to Tucker’s more introspective nature, helping to shape his growth while adding moments of humor and perspective. The inclusion of queer spaces and experiences, including the presence of drag culture, adds richness to the narrative and reinforces the theme of finding community beyond familiar boundaries.
A sincere and engaging read that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven coming of age stories, LGBTQ+ narratives, and explorations of identity shaped by both uncertainty and possibility.
What stands out most is the authenticity of Tucker’s internal struggle. His transition from a structured home life into the openness of college is portrayed with honesty, highlighting the tension between freedom and direction. Brooks handles themes of queerness, belonging, and self-acceptance with a natural ease, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels genuine rather than forced.
The supporting characters, particularly Kiara, bring energy and contrast to Tucker’s more introspective nature, helping to shape his growth while adding moments of humor and perspective. The inclusion of queer spaces and experiences, including the presence of drag culture, adds richness to the narrative and reinforces the theme of finding community beyond familiar boundaries.
A sincere and engaging read that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven coming of age stories, LGBTQ+ narratives, and explorations of identity shaped by both uncertainty and possibility.
January 3, 2025
PAINT is a YA Queer coming-of-age story with a relatable main character, a well-told story, and plenty of heart.
Tucker Peterson is a small-town Florida kid starting college in Orlando, having not yet come out to his family. In addition to dealing with homesickness and some tough professors, he also has to find his place in a new community.
That community develops over the course of the book. Kiara, a confident fellow freshman, strikes up a friendship. There’s David, the cute and kind co-worker. And when a group of drag queens adopts Tucker into their circle, he discovers a new and exciting culture and art form.
But there are plenty of bumps along the road. Can Tucker find love, happiness and a place he truly feels celebrated? Author Colin Brooks expertly draws you in and keeps you guessing!
I’ve heard many YA Queer authors say they “Write the books they wish they’d had as teenagers.” Unquestionably, PAINT fits that bill. But it’s also important for straight people to read these books. PAINT and similar stories build empathy and understanding—two things the world could use.
Tucker Peterson is a small-town Florida kid starting college in Orlando, having not yet come out to his family. In addition to dealing with homesickness and some tough professors, he also has to find his place in a new community.
That community develops over the course of the book. Kiara, a confident fellow freshman, strikes up a friendship. There’s David, the cute and kind co-worker. And when a group of drag queens adopts Tucker into their circle, he discovers a new and exciting culture and art form.
But there are plenty of bumps along the road. Can Tucker find love, happiness and a place he truly feels celebrated? Author Colin Brooks expertly draws you in and keeps you guessing!
I’ve heard many YA Queer authors say they “Write the books they wish they’d had as teenagers.” Unquestionably, PAINT fits that bill. But it’s also important for straight people to read these books. PAINT and similar stories build empathy and understanding—two things the world could use.
June 3, 2021
OMG, the best coming of gay age stories I have read in a very long time. An amazing cast of characters that are SO relatable, so enjoyable and you are just rooting for. Tucker as the main character who juggles the first year of college, becoming a drag queen and BOYS is every-darn thing! Jamie, as his Mother of drag is ripped right out of classic noir gay fiction and is the epotime of GREAT drag. Colin Brooks IS the new Armistead Maupin and "Paint" could very well be the NEW "Tales of the City" franchise that Maupin is revered for. If this is Colin's first book, he has an amazing career of him as a writer, author and incredible story teller. This is MUST read gay fiction! And "Paint" needs to be on every bookshelf of everyone who has ever loved anybody that is LGBTQIA+! BRAVA Colin, BRAVA!
January 7, 2023
Although I have not been to a university, I have been to college and this is pretty spot on. Highschool doesn’t usually properly prepare individuals for being on their own, choosing their own work loads, etc. I did get some Burlesque vibes (if you haven’t seen it, it’s a coming of age musical with Cher & Christina Aguilera).
I have very little knowledge about drag, so regardless if it’s fully accurate, I wanna be able to go to the club that Tucker finds. The costumes, the flair, the acceptance. The romance is a side plot, and I always enjoy a good slow fall. Reading this has inspired me to be look into reading more books involving drag 🥰
I have very little knowledge about drag, so regardless if it’s fully accurate, I wanna be able to go to the club that Tucker finds. The costumes, the flair, the acceptance. The romance is a side plot, and I always enjoy a good slow fall. Reading this has inspired me to be look into reading more books involving drag 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
I got this as a free download during pride month and it was quite good! It's not a romance genre book, though it has some romance elements in it, but more character exploration. Tucker is our protagonist as he goes through his first year at college and experiences life away from home for the first time, including going to a gay club for the first time, his first job, learning drag, crushes on boys, and the woes of taking on too many classes at once.
It's a fun read and Tucker is quite relatable and easy to root for.
It's a fun read and Tucker is quite relatable and easy to root for.
March 25, 2026
Paint is a heartfelt and relatable coming-of-age novel that captures the uncertainty and excitement of stepping into independence. Colin Brooks thoughtfully explores Tucker’s journey of self discovery, identity, and personal growth as he navigates college life, friendships, and queerness beyond familiar boundaries. The characters feel authentic, and the balance between humor, vulnerability, and real life challenges makes the story engaging. With its honest voice and emotional depth, this novel offers a meaningful and resonant exploration of finding one’s place in the world.
August 8, 2021
A beautiful and engaging debut novel I found difficult to put down.
Tucker is a realistically flawed protagonist that’s exciting to watch come into their own.
The pain and love in this well written novel about drag, self acceptance and growth felt fresh and exciting.
I loved how the story rounded out, and I’m excited to read more of Colin’s work in the future.
Tucker is a realistically flawed protagonist that’s exciting to watch come into their own.
The pain and love in this well written novel about drag, self acceptance and growth felt fresh and exciting.
I loved how the story rounded out, and I’m excited to read more of Colin’s work in the future.
April 6, 2023
Beautifully penned
This is not a novel. This is a journey about college life, friends and family dynamics and coming of age.The narrative flows and you get invested in the MC's story. Will he find acceptance? Will he find love? Will he find himself?
This is not a novel. This is a journey about college life, friends and family dynamics and coming of age.The narrative flows and you get invested in the MC's story. Will he find acceptance? Will he find love? Will he find himself?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews