Getting It

by Alex Sanchez

He clicked on Queer Eye, a show where five gay dudes gave some grungy straight guy a makeover -- plucking his nose hairs, redecorating his apartment, and teaching him to bake a quiche -- so he could confidently propose marriage to his girlfriend and she'd tell him "yes." Which, of course, she did. On TV the guy always gets the girl.

As Carlos watched, he recalled Sal, the supposedly gay guy at school. It was then that the idea first popped into his brain: If Sal truly were queer...could he possibly help Carlos?...Not to propose to Roxy, of course -- at least not yet -- but to get her to maybe like him?

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT, Fiction, Gay, Contemporary, Queer, Teen

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 26, 2006

About the author

Alex Sanchez is the author of the Rainbow Boys trilogy of teen novels, along with The God Box, Getting It, and the Lambda Award-winning middle-grade novel So Hard to Say. His novel, Bait, won the Florida Book Award Gold Medal for YA fiction. Alex received his master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Old Dominion University and for many years worked as a youth and family counselor. His newest book is a graphic novel from DC Comics, You Brought Me the Ocean. Find out more about Alex at www.AlexSanchez.com

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, where the gay teenager is well adjusted and the straight teenagers need life lessons. Certainly, we all need lessons in self-esteem, boundaries, identifying and expressing feelings, and asking for what we want (want to spend time with your father? Tell him.)

However, this is the sort of YA novel where fantasy is reality. When you learn to express your feeling everything works out. The character Carlos does not get the girl of his dreams, who was sexy but not really for him, but he does learn more confidence.

The main character is straight, however (just like Gay Straight Alliance clubs themselves) the book is classified as gay and probably found on YA GLBT lists. In fact, this book, and GSAs, are for everyone.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope that many of my male, teenage students will be open-minded enough to read this book and get out of it all they could/should. Alex Sanchez has written an incredibly realistic main character (Carlos Amoroso) who learns some of the most important lessons a teen could possibly learn, and he "gets" these lessons from his new friend, Sal, the only out gay boy at Carlos's high school. For example:

"Do you think I'm a loser? Carlos blurted out, without even thinking. "My friends think I'm a loser for not just hooking up with someone and getting it over with."

"It?" Sal's eyebrows rose up. "Getting what over with?"

"You know--getting laid."

Sal peered at him. "Is that what this is about? I thought you wanted a girlfriend."

"Well, I do, but--" Carlos plopped down on the bed, his thoughts spinning. "I get confused. Sometimes I don't know what I want."

"Maybe...." Sal shrugged. "That's because life isn't about what you get, it's about what you give."

Carlos peered up, not exactly sure what Sal meant. After all you didn't give laid, you get laid. And you get a girlfriend.

"Look," Sal said softly, "you're not a loser. A slob maybe, but not a loser." He cracked a smile. "If you want a girlfriend, then I think you should have one. Just don't settle for less, okay?"

Carlos makes a lot of wrong turns before he figures out what Sal really means here, but he is a dynamic character who learns from his mistakes :-) While I think Sanchez did an admirable job bringing some serious teen issues to light (homophobia, bigotry, the shallowness of "hook-up" culture, sexual attraction, machismo, peer pressure, divorce, friendship), I was disappointed by the one-dimensional female characters that were the objects of these boys' attentions. Even the female characters that were meant to be sympathetic seemed to be worthy only for their attractiveness as hook-up and/or girlfriend potential.

Overall, I think that there is a lot of merit to this book, especially for young male readers who might be struggling with similar issues as Carlos. On the flip-side, though: I don't know if I want young female readers to view themselves in this light. Instead, I want them to see themselves as so much stronger and worthy of so much more than these male characters seem to be willing to offer. There are guys out there who will respect girls for their minds and not just for their bodies. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that Carlos or any of his friends are quite there yet...maybe they need a sequel? I am intrigued enough, however, to want to read Alex Sanchez's other books and see how they compare.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting It by Alex Sanchez was a quick, light read, but it had a very positive message—a message that teens as well as adults could stand to receive. Getting It revolves around the life of Carlos, a fifteen-year-old guy who comes to understand that getting something isn’t nearly as important as giving.

Carlos wants a girlfriend. Bad. His buddies all brag about their latest hookups, but Carlos is a virgin, and he doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. He’s obsessed with gorgeous Roxy, but he knows he has no shot at her. He’s a slob with bad skin and no confidence. Is there any way to change his image and get the girl of his dreams? There just may be…

Carlos decides to seek the help of the only openly gay guy in school, Sal (because everyone knows that guy guys know about being clean, neat, and fashionable). Sal agrees to help Carlos in exchange for a little cash and his assistance in starting a Gay-Straight Alliance at their school. Even though Carlos worries that everyone will think he’s gay, he agrees to Sal’s terms.

As Sal works his magic, and Carlos begins to notice changes on the outside, it seems the inside might be changing as well. Yes, he’s still obsessed with Roxy, but he’s also coming face to face with homophobia among his friends and classmates. His time with Sal has made him realize the power of words, and how gay slurs, even when directed at straight people, are not okay. But Carlos is still uneasy about his friendship with Sal and forming a GSA at school. Can he overcome his own issues and step up for the friend who has helped him so much, or will he always be worried about what other people think? Will Carlos ever get the girl, and, if he gets her, will it really make him happy? Join Carlos on his journey of self-discovery when you read Getting It by Alex Sanchez.

Even though some of the pop culture references in this book are a little dated—particularly the nods to Queer Eye for the Straight Guy—and some stereotyping of gay men, the book’s message is really timely. If you keep up with current events at all, you know that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people are fighting alongside their straight allies for equal rights. There have been great strides recently, but there is still work to be done. Getting It brings that fight to a high school setting. Even teenagers, gay and straight alike, can do their part to battle against homophobia (and they might just teach us adults a few things along the way).

If you’d like more information about Getting It or author Alex Sanchez, visit http://www.alexsanchez.com/default.asp.

[Eternallyfab · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've liked a lot of Alex Sanchez's books before, so I thought I'd check out this one. Didn't like it nearly as much. My biggest problem was that there was a lot of unchecked misogyny coming from Sal, and it felt like because he was gay, he was untouchable and could therefore get away with calling female characters "sluts." While there was a lot of criticism of the straight male characters' homophobia (and rightfully so), it seemed to be perfectly fine for the gay characters to spew misogynistic, girl-phobic language. So that rubbed me the wrong way. And it's not like all gay male characters have to be written like this - I've read plenty of novels that featured gay men who emphatically stated that they preferred men without dissing women in the process.

The other thing that bugged me was the character of Carlos - or rather, how he was portrayed. Throughout it all, I felt like I was supposed to be rooting for Sal rather than him. But the thing is, Carlos's homophobia was resolved by the end of the book, and it was always pretty mild. Sal's misogyny, on the other hand, wasn't taken care of, so it felt like a much bigger deal to me. Plus, Carlos never came across to me as a convincing straight guy. He just didn't ring true to me. And the ending was unsatisfying, I found. Overall, in my opinion, it's not Sanchez's best work. Two stars for the entertaining side characters (who weren't Sal and Carlos) and the writing, which was still pretty good.

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The focus of this book is about a young man who wants to attract the prettiest girl at his school. He feels ordinary and overlooked, so he thinks if he can get the school gay guy to help him fashion-up his appearance, then he can be the perfect guy for her. By being around Sal (the gay guy), Carlos soon learns that being perfect really isn't as good as it sounds. Soon Carlos is having to decide is the perfect girl worth not being your true self with your real friends. A very real book that has characters that are true to life. I great read for preteens, teens, and adults alike. Every library should have this book in their collection.

[Douglas Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cliche and simplistic, but has a great message for a younger audience. The plot admittedly borrows from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and to make it clear that the idea is borrowed, Queer Eye is annoyingly referenced every other page.

[Becca Robertson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I get what is was trying to do….still though like what?

[Christa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of the book was definately cute. As an individual who LOVED watching "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" I loved how the main character Carlos believed that Sal, a gay student at his school, could help him gain style (much like the men from "Queer Eye") to catch the attention of his crush. If you want a quick and easy read this is a great story. However, if you want something with a little meat to it, this one leaves much to be desired. The story line is very predictable and a bit preachy at times. Sal often corrected Carlos on how he refered to homosexuals and treating them with respect. Unfortunately, Sal often referred to Carlos' crush Roxie as a "slut" and this was perfectly acceptable. Albeit Roxie was, it was still hypocritical. On the other hand, I did enjoy how Sal corrected Carlos on using derogatory terms, even ones he didn't think were derogatory, such as "fag." I have gay friends who also find this term offensive so it was nice that it was addressed. Overall, this story is informative for young readers and also very fun to read. Unfortunately, if you are looking for a book that will stun and amaze you with its genius, this is not it.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carlos is a 15 year old low-income Mexican-American kid who’s got his heart set on a girl who is out of his league. To get her to notice him, he asks for makeover help from Sal a senior gay boy, so he can be his "Queer Eye". Sal agrees to do it if Carlos helps him start a GSA at their school.

“Why are you really doing this – helping me?”
“I told you,” Sal said, his voice unwavering. So you’ll help with our GSA. You’re right. There’s another reason. All through school, almost every straight guy I’ve known has called me ‘fag’ and treated me like shit. I’m curious to see: are you really any different?”

This book has got language that will not please all parents and children and heterosexual sex that will not please the same demographic as well. What it's also got is some very accepting and wonderful kids who grow up and mature in this short, sweet book. But the real drawback (I think) is that "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy" hasn't been on the air for two or three years which is a lifetime to a teen. But I guess it'll be on hulu forever...

[Jon O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlos want to get Roxy's attention but does not know how to do it. Under the impression that gays know how, thanks to Queer Eye TV series, Carlos approached gay Sal for help. This was particularly difficult for Carlos, growing up knowing that his father despise anything maricon and friends who seem to be homophobic. [return][return]In return, Sal wants Carlos to help him to set up Gay-Straight Alliance in the school. Already uncomfortable to be seen in public with Sal, this request is particularly more difficult for Carlos.[return][return]Sal steps into Carlos's life and transform not only his appearance, but his view of the gays.[return][return]I am surprised I enjoyed this book more than Sanchez's other writings. I thought this book had nothing much to offer, compared his first Rainbow Boys and the sensitive The God Box. I think Alex Sanchez got daring with his generous description. However, I am also aware his description was more on boy-girl and nothing on male-male.[return][return]Still, I liked what I have read.

[Bridgette Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read and was really great. Two things were particularly quality from my perspective: Carlos as a believable, round, and sympathetic character (you really feel bad for him at times, get a sense of the multiple levels of his identity, but also get annoyed with him too) AND the lack of usual predictability in the plot (there are a few good turns in here that keep you guessing).

I found the mix of realistic teenage language & sexual content with polite respect for the audience to be comforting. As I was reading, I was definitely rooting for both Carlos and Sal; hoping that both of them would have their goals met! I loved the fact that this book was mostly about what it's like to be a teenage Latino boy worrying about normal HS stuff!

I definitely want to read "The God Box" after reading this book!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times I was put off by the amount of reckless behavior with "hooking up" and derogatory name-calling, but then again, I'm not a teenager reading this book either. Casual hooking up is part of their lives and so is homophobia, which is part of the reason I picked it up.

I found the message to be strong about "getting it" as the title implies when it comes to life: how to treat yourself with respect, how to treat others with respect, how asking for things may seem hard to do, but need to be done.

Overall, this is definitely a high school book with the depictions of oral sex, the gay-bashing (which leads to acceptance, but nonetheless are present), and adult themes. What other character in YA lit approaches their mother to say "Stop screwing your boyfriend in the next room, I can hear you. Marry him because you're setting a bad example for me." Anyone?

[Menglong Youk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlos has three best friends since childhood, Toro, Pulga and Playboy. He also has a crush on Roxy, one of the most popular girls in school, but he feels so ordinary and unattractive, so one day after watching a TV program called Queer Eye, he decides to gather up nerve to ask Sal, a gay guy, to help him with on how to get Roxy. As the story develops, Carlos starts changing his opinion toward his problems and his every day's life.

This is the seventh book of Alex Sanchez's I've read so far, and none of his books get less than five stars from me. I mean, C'mon. He has talent on how to write a story that can catch teenagers' interest outside in or inside out. Each time I pick up his book to read, all my stresses seem to disappear and I start giggling with what happens in the story. He has never let me down with his books. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did.

[Heidi]

I tried, I really tried.

But even in the first couple of chapters, the boys were just too much like the boys I spend every weekday trying to deal with. I did like the main character's interaction with his parents, and the way that his ethnicity is unavoidable (no whitewashing this character). But high school boys are high school boys, and I deal with them during the day and don't want to deal with them when I'm reading. Or at least not ordinary high school boys (apparently CHERUB is sufficiently different for me to cope.)

I'll still give The God Box a go, though.

[Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is decent--a straight teenager gets inspired to ask a gay classmate for a makeover after watching an episode of Queer Eye--and there are some nice touches of humor and sweetness in the story. The subplots exploring the main character's relationships with his divorced parents are also quite well done.

Unfortunately, there were a number of less positive elements, too. I'd have liked the book a lot more if it were a little less didactic, if the characters didn't label girls who engaged in casual hookups "sluts," and if the resolution to the plot didn't happen quickly enough to give the reader whiplash.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this novel with very low expectations. The plot description didn't thrill me, but I've become a fan of Sanchez, so I gave it a chance.

I'm glad I did. It turned around and surprised me, turning out to be a delightful little book. I'm not sure how I missed the double meaning of the title, but I did, which just further delighted me as I was reading.

The characters were all rather enjoyable, even when they were being ***. I think what I liked most is they were very human and made mistakes and then struggled to correct them. The ending verged on being cheesy, but it almost felt like a necessary cheese, so it's forgiven.

Also, I wish I had a friend like Sal.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise of this story was original- a sloppy teenage boy watches "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and gets inspired to ask the gay guy at school to help him make over his life. Carlos asks, and Sal accepts- if Carlos will help him start a GSA group at school. A sensitive but funny look at today's teens- how a gay friend can affect your social circle, how friends fro the past can change, how the hook-up culture affects the dating scene. Both Carlos and Sal are great characters to carry the story.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun and heartwarming (and sometimes tearjerking) story about a boy who is trying to decide who he is as he grows toward manhood. Taking a page from the show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," 15-year-old Carlos asks senior Sal, who is rumored to be gay, to help him become more like somebody who would date his crush, Roxy. In return Sal asks Carlos to help form a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) club at their school. Carlos fumbles as a friend sometimes but as he gains confidence in himself he begins to know who he is as a member of society and what his personal beliefs are.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a teen but more teen boys should definately reed this book. There is in this book some real life lessons,

carlos just doesn't get it, so he ask the gay guy in school to help him in a queer eye style make over.

the hardest makeover is not on the outside, its realising the type of guy you are on the inside thats hard

but the hardest lessons you have to learn yourself, when someone gives you friendship you don't just throw it away, because you might never get it back.

[Dusty · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author's heart is in the right place, but I have two major problems with this book: First, it reads more like a lesson than a novel -- like something you would find on the shelf next to the Berenstain Bears. Second, by focusing on the protagonist's makeover, it perpetuates a lot of stereotypes about gay men and seems to argue that straight people should be friends with gay people because the friendship comes with perks like free advice about fashion and facial moisturizers.

[Kellam Venosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been waiting to read this book for a couple of years now and I finally was able to read it tonight in a matter of hours. I've always liked Alex Sanchez as an author, but his honesty and insights have got to be what I appreciate the most.

This is more than a story of growing up for one person, but the struggles that arise with friends going through life together.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even finish this book. I got about 50 or so pages in and this book was just terrible. Stupid plot. Stupid characters.

[Ziggi Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like much of Sanchez’s work, the story does not tie up LGBT issues in pretty boxes with perfect endings. I fully understand when many LGBT reviewers negatively react to certain themes and characters in Sanchez depictions, but would challenge that only to say, “are our interactions in real life not just as flawed, and in need of change for the better?”

Sanchez does a great job in my opinion, of approaching LGBT topics in an educational manner toward those not necessarily in the community, or struggling to accept themselves on their “coming out” journey.

Admittedly, Sanchez writes characters that are flawed, and includes scenes reflective of the real, and unfortunately prevalent misconceptions that LGBT persons such as myself have encountered many times throughout our lives. This makes it hard for me to judge his work as negatively as I see some of my peers do.

In my opinion, the best way to break through the armor that people yet to accept LGBTQ+ people have around their beliefs and misgivings is to drive a thousand wedges into every little crack until the light can shine through. Corny as that may sound, I find Sanchez to be great at showing the light through, and around the flaws his characters have to overcome, and “Getting It” does this just as well as several of his other works.

[Dusty Folds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlos is a straight guy who wants to date the popular girl in school, but she doesn't even notice him. So, inspired by Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, he employs the only rumored gay guy at his high school to give him a make over. In the end, Carlos (and even a couple of his friends) learn more about themselves, thus growing as people and friends. This is truly an entertaining YA book that made me laugh and cry.

As you might tell from the description, the novel leans into stereotypes about both gay and straight people. It also employs the "gay guy is all knowing" stereotype. Also, the ending, while idealized, was a bit abrupt. In honestly, I thought the book could have used another twenty pages or so.

With that being said, I will be rereading this book in the future. I also love Sanchez's Rainbow Boys trilogy, so now I am eager to read his other books. He is definitely going to be an instant buy in the future.

[Val Pristera · Rating 3 out of 5]

A YA novel about a teenaged boy who enlists a gay student to help him win the girl of his dreams. Based on the idea of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy", the gay student agrees for a fee and the involvement of the straight boy in starting a "Gay Straight Alliance" club at school. The impacts on the boy, his cadre of friends, his divorced parents keep the story involving and thought-provoking. I would recommend the book to any teen seeking insight on the topic.

[Bob Foote · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet little Ya book I had leftover from my classroom library. It tells the tale of an awkward straight kid enlisting the aid of a gay peer to help he get a girl he likes. It’s a quick read , somewhat unrealistic and predictable but still kind of heartwarming. I appreciate the authors writing and the message he sends out.

[Kellam Venosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been waiting to read this book for a couple of years now and I finally was able to read it tonight in a matter of hours. I've always liked Alex Sanchez as an author, but his honesty and insights have got to be what I appreciate the most.

This is more than a story of growing up for one person, but the struggles that arise with friends going through life together.

[Ray Pond · Rating 5 out of 5]

GSA

Great book especially for the teenagers. This book helps explain some of the mixed up feelings that I as a teenager felt. If you know a mixed up teenager this could very well be a great gift to give them.

[theStorykeeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He felt like the proverbial butterfly, about to burst from its cocoon. He wondered, though, what his caterpillar friends would say." - pg64

[Shawn Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, interesting read!