Book Review: Absolutely, Positively Not

Absolutely, Positively Not by David LaRochelle

SUMMARY: In a touching, sometime hilarious coming-out story, Steven DeNarski, 16, tries to deny he is gay. He covers his Superman posters with pictures of women in skimpy bikinis and lacy lingerie, and he follows the aversion therapy prescribed in a parents' handbook for getting over his "deviant" desires and awakening his sluggish interest in girls. He hangs out with the hockey players and tries to start dating (even kissing), to the delight of his fussy mom and macho dad. It doesn't work. When he reluctantly tells his friend Rachel that he is gay, he has to restrain her from celebrating it to the world and "empowering" him at school. (from the Booklist review)

OPINION: This book is a totally frivolous, funny read. So many books featuring gay teens are heavy-handed or take things very seriously, but this is not one of them. Steven is a typical teen who is trying to figure out what is going on with himself. He obsesses over getting his driver's license. He tries dating girls (if you call playing Scrabble and helping clean out garages "dating"). He even takes a dog to the school dance, after an outragous lie to his mother completely backfires! Pick up this book if you need a quick and fun read.