“We are the boys who wear pink. We eat trauma for breakfast, we puke it out to fit into our skinny jeans and leather jackets.”High school reunions were always a bitch. Especially if you’re one of the boys invited to Ryan’s party. Do you live it up with King and the Trouble Twins? Are you still cool enough to chug beer with basketball jocks Si and Badger? Or do you cower in the corner with … with mild-mannered Reyes and Angelo, the social outcast?
Also, who hired the stripper?
The night is endless. Watch twenty-four stories tangle as the boys reconnect, fight, reminisce, fall in love, fall out of love, get drunk, get high, get laid, and deal with a shared tragedy in their past.
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*This book contains TRIGGER WARNINGS such as profanity, sex, suicide, abuse, violence, rape, and death*
Honestly, when I started this book, I didn’t know what to expect. The title and the cover, both suggested being a Coming of Age novel and, as I’ve never read one before, I was eager to start this one. As it was a short piece of writing, the length of it also made me choose this book. It seemed like a light read, and oh boy, it wasn’t (I am not saying this in a wrong way, I enjoyed this novel).
So now, the story is about 8 friends with some pretty strange nicknames. Some of them are Eyes, Joule, Sugar and Ueilton. A fun thing I understood after reaching 50% of the books, was that each nickname told something about each character, even if you don’t see it at first. I found that bright. The chapters are about each character, their backstory, but also the present time. To be honest, until the fourth chapter, I didn’t understand much. Friendly advice, don’t read this while tired, I’ve done that, not one of my most excellent decisions. Throughout the book, you understand that the characters haven’t seen each other in a while (since high school) and they gathered to a birthday party. They talked, had a good time, shared some drinks, some memories even, but at this point, we learn something significant that will turn the story upside down. The party is for one of their dead friends. Mindfuck yet? If you were like me (not convinced about this book in any shape or form), now your attention is finally waking up. You finally understand what is happening. Although my attention came back to life, I still had difficulty in keeping up with all of the characters. This is why the rating for this book falls at four stars out of five.
I have always had a soft spot for the trigger warning novels, and oh dear Lord, ‘To the Boys Who Wear Pink’ has a lot of sensitive content. It covers any kind of subject you can think of: suicide, death, sex, rape, abuse (of any sort) and of course, violence. Throughout the party, we witness every character doing something prohibited or at least, around illegal. At this point, we learn how hard and how many problems all of them are going through. It was easy for me to connect with them. I liked all of their stories, but two, in particular, touched my heart. Zeke and Mickey’s story almost made my cry (that is something, giving the fact that I don’t cry while reading) and Si’s story. The twins’ story wasn’t a bid deal, I think that the author could have made their story a bit more heartfelt, but giving the fact that is Raven’s debut novel, we can cut some slack, can’t we?
Last but not least, the ending was explosive! Confusing as always, but it makes you think, and those are the best endings in the word. I am not going to say anything more, as I might give a spoiler, but you’ll see for yourself.
Overall, this book has been something I have never expected. While reading, I felt like slapping some of the characters, hug others and cry for the rest. This is why this novel has been one of the best books I have ever read. I need to mention that the book contains a lot of sensitive content and if you don’t have a problem with it, you should definitely give this book a try. I highly recommend it!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wonderful Story
Badingham pens a remarkable story in To The Boys Who Wear Pink. First, I loved the references (track list) to the music artist P!nk. And second, I loved all of the characters. Ryan and Percy along with their friends were amazing, and non-stereotypical. I just loved this story. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and a depth that makes them realistic and flawed. This isn’t a story that is for the faint of heart, as there are curse words and other situations in this book. This is a story that needs to be read. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). Magnificent story, kept this reader turning the pages. A definite attention grabber. The author makes this reader want to learn more about the characters and follow their journey of life. Yes, it’s an LGBT story, and this one definitely needs to be read. This story is realistic, the characters have triumphs and tragedy, and are all connected in a way that makes sense. I have fast become a big fan of (this author). I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews.