The World of Normal Boys

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Adolescents and Adults, Gay or Straight
Review: I generally dislike the "coming-of-age" genre, but Soehnlein's novel "The World of Normal Boys" is an exception to that distaste. First, the fact that the novel involves a thirteen year old discovering his gay tendencies for the first time, while obviously overt, do not limit this novel to the gay interests only. What is craftily recorded in a plurality of ways involves all the typical emotions, reactions, distances, frustrations and alienation that a typical adolescent experiences, and is, I suspect, universally experienced, whether one is gay or straight. Second, Soehnlein is adept at conveying both healthy and unhealthy emotional responses by parents, family, friends, antagonists, and fantasies that carry themselves well into adulthood. Exposing these emotions for what they are, whether good and bad, is often helpful to one coming to terms with those emotions that often stigmatize one's life well beyond adolescence. Nearly the whole spectrum of emotions is raised at one point or another, allowing the reader not only empathy, but also compassion, for the predicaments that all of the characters find themselves situated. Third, Soehnlein craftily weaves into the novel a variety of human dynamics that are true of the world that all of us, to some extent or another, find ourselves in. "The World of Normal Boys" successfully depicts the vagaries of experience and the varieties of people we encounter, whether as a child, a friend, a parent, or beloved. Displaying these types of individuals and their capacity to help and harm us makes the novel insightful and provocative - making not only for interesting reading, but self-examination at the same time. Finally, I could not determine who this book is designed for, as it seems to be too sophisticated for a pre-adolescent audience, but not especially literate for an adult audience. It's kind of in between - a sort of "Lord of the Flies" type of novel. Certainly, an adult who has a troubled youth could find this novel especially insightful. Also, older adolescents may find much to relate to as they process their experiences toward adulthood. Finally, because of its overt gay themes, those individuals who have had difficulty coming out, coming to terms, and coming of age with their special sexuality will find solidarity with the main character. Being different at an earlier age often stigmatizes one for the rest of his life; this novel demonstrates that being unique or different actually adds color and zest to the pluralism of life. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing, in-depth and readable
Review: This story rings so true that it must be the real growing-up tale of the author, K.M. Soehnlein, or at least parts are true. It's the story of a 14-year-old boy growing up in the suburbs of New Jersey in what seems like a very normal family. Robin just wants to fit in.

Soon he finds a new world when he experiments sexually with one male friend, then a neighbor guy. New feelings emerge just when other things are coming out about his family--his mother's heavy wine drinking, his brother's seemingly favored status. He grows up fast. He finds out his friend is being abused. Then his brother is in a frightening accident that tilts the whole story in yet another direction.

I appreciated the gradual change of Robin from a meek, sissified 14-year-old to a boy with raging hormones and rages as well. As he begins to understand what he is, he gets the courage and drive to take on all that challenges him. The story isn't bleak, but it's not easy. It's got action, but much thoughtfulness. It's certainly not predictable. A captivating, highly-readable book.

Rating:
Summary: Wow.
Review: I read this novel in one weekend, unable to put it down, mesmerized by the characters. It all felt so real, so familiar. Although in truth I had little in common with the characters and their adventures, it was somehow, startlingly, scarily, well, about me.

I can't recommend this novel enough - for someone that just likes to read, for a young person dealing with his sexuality, for a middle aged guy like myself who just remembers how difficult it felt to be a teenager - and not like "normal boys."

Rating:
Summary: Robin. The boy I wanted to be!
Review: Once you start to read this book, it's hard to put it down until you are finished. Soehnlein has drawn some very believeable characters. At first, I did not like his writing style, but that's just being picky. The narrative is compelling.

The central figure, Robin, is a 13-year-old high school freshman, having skipped the fourth grade. Robin is blonde haired, slight of build and not very masculine. Another 9th grade boy, who is actually a grade behind his age in contrast to Robin being a grade ahead, says Robin is "the cutest boy in the 9th grade."

Even though this book is set in 1978, the story is timeless. A 13-year-old experiencing his awakening sexuality and realizing that he thinks about boys in the way he's supposed to be thinking about girls.

I don't want to say I enjoyed this book, because it does not really have a happy ending. Does any gay fiction ever have a happy ending? But it's a thought provoking book to read and it's one I recommend.

If you are young and gay, you might consider giving the book to your parents to read, along with a copy of Kirk Read's "How I Learned to Snap."

There's nothing easy about being a gay teenager, and most gay teenagers have no one they can talk to about it.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best "gay" novels in a long time
Review: This book is just wonderful. The story is so honest and real, that it moved me much much more than many recent gay novels. The story is multi-faceted and highly emotional, but it never puts you off. In an era where so much gay fiction is reduced to silly murder mysteries and circuit-boy fluff, this is a great big breath of fresh air! HIGHLY recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Wow!!! I didn't want it to end.
Review: The reason I got this book was it had some good reviews and also because it is partly about a gay teens coming of age in NJ in the suburbs of New York City. Well, that was me, so I got it. This is the kind of book that once you get into it and you have to put it down because you have to go to work or actually have to sleep then you can't wait to get back to it. I have woken up at 4am before and picked up the book, I read some the other day before going to work just because I wasn't able to get to it the night before. There's SO much happening in this book. I recommend it for a reading salon, too. A great deal to talk about. Just go get it already! :)