Picked up at the Book Thing of Baltimore, MD.

Sam Smith finally admits to himself that he is attracted to both boys and girls. At least, that's what he thinks. But he can't tell anyone he knows because he doesn't want to lose his friends and his mother wouldn't understand and his mates on the football (soccer) team definitely would take the piss if they knew. Besides, it's not like he's gay. He just... doesn't know exactly what he is anyway. But then he meets Toby... and he's attracted to Toby. And Toby is "gentle" just like him. And just when Sam thinks he's getting somewhere, they meet Lucy. And even though Sam sort of saw her first, Toby's the one who goes after her like he and Sam are nothing. And Sam is confused and without anyone to confide in. So he does the only thing he can do: he comes out and tries to figure out what he is.

This is a great story about the danger of trying to put labels on people (or on yourself). It's wonderful watching such a self-confessed thoughtful character sort himself out just to find that he doesn't need to figure everything out in order to have friends and family. I loved his friend, Brenda, for pushing him to do the hard things like go to a gay club for the first time. I loved watching all the different parts of his life come together.

When I started this book, it was because of the LGBT aspect. I didn't expect it to be set in England; what a treat, as I love British fiction! And I love YA. This was a great read for me.

Adding to my LGBTQIA Bookbox so it can find a new reader. Enjoy!

How could I resist such a rave review? I'm claiming this from the bookbox!

Later: I enjoyed the book, though I admit that, early on, narrator Sam's account of his dismissal of schoolmate Josh's interest was pretty painful. [Especially for poor Josh, who suffered terribly at the hands of school bullies, which led Sam to be so very timid about even thinking of coming out himself.]

By the events of this story, Sam's older and a little bit more mature, but he's still uncomfortable dating, and is very much afraid of what would happen if his soccer-team mates knew he fancied boys. The ups and downs of his new relationships felt a lot like the often-awkward relationships I had in college - that is, believable and sometimes exciting but not always happy {wry grin}.

I LOVED the bit with his mother near the end of the book. All parents should be so loving...

I left this book, bagged against the elements, on the new sculpture in Fields Grove Park at around 2; hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2015 Keep Them Moving release challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2015 Allergic to A challenge. ***