Two Boys Kissing

Two Boys Kissing

Bibliography

Levithan, David. 2013. TWO BOYS KISSING. New York, NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780307931900

Plot Summary

This book follows the lives of a cast of young gay men, ones in relationships, ones at the start of a relationship, ones seeking a relationship, with the narrator being the gay men that have come before them, having perished from AIDS. Each story ends up intertwining in some way, with the center of it being an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest kiss. 

Critical Analysis

David Levithan's book, Two Boys Kissing, is a book that is a celebration of being gay and about the stages that can come in a relationship. While the book's main focus is on two former boyfriends, Harry and Craig, that try to break the record for the longest kiss, Levithan also explores those that are affected by this moment and where they are in the different stages of their journeys.

Throughout the book, we see the events unfolding through the eyes of the Chorus, who we come to find out are the spirits or souls of gay men that have died from AIDS. They express their interests in the boys that we are following and lament on what they have missed out on in this present day. The readers find themselves joining the Chorus in rooting on the characters, sympathizing with them and hoping that they will find fulfilment in their respective paths. Levithan's deep and moving language touches on ours hearts and makes this cast of characters more than just a part of a book. 

We see the highs and lows of humanity and kindness, from Harry's family support and Neil's sister's acceptance, to the scathing comments from the radio and the egg throwing from the unknown assailants. We see that love is stronger and can overcome adversity, even if that love comes in ways that we have and probably will not experience ourselves. This book has lots of heart, and Levithan has done an excellent job of sharing it with others.

Review Excerpts

2014 Stonewall Honor Book for Children's and Young Adult Books

Horn Book Guide: "Narrated by a ghostly chorus of past generations of gay men who died of AIDS, Levithan's latest novel weaves together an informed (sometimes melodramatic) perspective on the past with the present-day stories of seven boys constructing their own sexual identities."

School Library Journal: "Although Levithan has a tendency toward didacticism, his characters are likable, with some more developed than others. The story will engage readers, both female and male."

Connections

More by David Levithan: Every Day series

                                          Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist with Rachel Cohn

                                          Every You, Every Me

If You Liked Two Boys Kissing: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

                                                    How to Survive a Summar by Nick White

                                                    Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Activity: Research the history of AIDs and how it changed the idea of health care for gay men,