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52 pages 1 hour read

Two Boys Kissing

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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David Levithan

Two Boys Kissing

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

780L

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Super Short Summary

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan follows eight gay high school boys over a weekend, centered around ex-boyfriends Craig and Harry's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss, inspired by an anti-gay hate crime against their classmate, Tariq. A chorus of deceased men from the 1980s AIDS crisis narrates the story, observing the boys as they explore love, relationships, and identity. This book contains mentions of HIV/AIDS, suicide, and anti-gay violence/slurs.

Emotional

Romantic

Hopeful

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

49,014 ratings

75%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

David Levithan's Two Boys Kissing is praised for its lyrical prose and innovative narrative style, offering a poignant and hopeful take on LGBTQ+ issues. Critics laud its emotional depth and multifaceted characters but note the omniscient narration can feel detached. The novel successfully blends contemporary struggles with a universal message of love and acceptance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Two Boys Kissing?

Readers who enjoyed Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz or Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan will appreciate Two Boys Kissing. Ideal for those interested in LGBTQ+ themes, coming-of-age stories, and contemporary fiction that explores identity and relationships.

4.3

49,014 ratings

75%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Craig Cole

A determined young man who leads a project to break a world record, wanting to raise awareness and acceptance of queer love while contending with his closeted status and complex motivations.

An openly gay teenager who supports Craig in the project, sharing a deep friendship with him and enduring physical challenges for the cause, driven by commitment and solidarity.

A Black gay student who survives a hate crime and becomes a key figure in the record-breaking event, facilitating a global outreach through his technical and creative efforts.

A confident, transgender individual with an affirming family background, navigating the world’s hostility while forming a meaningful relationship with Ryan.

A bold individual with blue hair who is not fully open about his orientation to his family but finds solace and acceptance with his aunt and in his connection with Avery.

A closeted young man whose family insists on ignoring his sexual orientation, affecting his relationship with his boyfriend Peter.

Neil's boyfriend who enjoys a supportive family environment, providing stability in their relationship despite struggles in understanding Neil’s emotional world.

A young man facing disconnection and isolation in his small town, grappling with rejection and seeking solace in transient encounters while concealing his identity.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

780L

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