Fangirl meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this funny and poignant coming-of-age novel from New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren about two boys who fall in love in a writing class–one from a progressive family and the other from a conservative religious community. Three years ago, Tanner Scott’s family relocated from California to Utah, a move that nudged the bisexual teen … move that nudged the bisexual teen temporarily back into the closet. Now, with one semester of high school to go, and no obstacles between him and out-of-state college freedom, Tanner plans to coast through his remaining classes and clear out of Utah.
But when his best friend Autumn dares him to take Provo High’s prestigious Seminar–where honor roll students diligently toil to draft a book in a semester–Tanner can’t resist going against his better judgment and having a go, if only to prove to Autumn how silly the whole thing is. Writing a book in four months sounds simple. Four months is an eternity.
It turns out, Tanner is only partly right: four months is a long time. After all, it takes only one second for him to notice Sebastian Brother, the Mormon prodigy who sold his own Seminar novel the year before and who now mentors the class. And it takes less than a month for Tanner to fall completely in love with him.more
I loved this one so much. Terrific, sensitive writing and a great story.
Really loved Tanner and Sebastian’s romance against the odds, and Sebastian’s struggle to reconcile his faith and his sexuality. Would love a sequel!
Courageous and wise, this wonderfully written, sensitive coming of age novel explores sexuality and identity in the context of family and society. Engrossing, moving, unpredictable and ultimately hopeful and uplifting. I loved it.
I was NOT expecting this book at all.
Honestly, when I got the email asking me to review it, all I saw was the name Christina Lauren and I was signing up. I went in mostly blind, expecting a light-hearted but fantastic book that I would definitely love. I didn’t understand the depth at which the words would reach my very soul.
Tanner and Sebastian’s story was like nothing I’ve ever read before. This book explored so many new-to-me worlds that I couldn’t help but to cling to every page and soak up every word in hopes of fully grasping on to all the information.
I know that YA isn’t everyone’s cuppa, but this book is exactly why I choose to pick one up every once in a while, even at the ripe old age of 41. There is just something to be said about a good coming of age romance. An exploration of complicated, messy first love. Of falling for someone who is the exact opposite of who you should be falling in love with but it being completely and utterly worth it. To be taken back to a time where things are supposed to be uncomplicated but prove to be anything but.
There was so much of this book that just sucked me in and gave me a whole new perspective on living an authentic life. I adore how confident and sure of himself Tanner is. It’s kind amazing and even makes me a little jealous that he has no doubt in his mind who he is and how we wants to live his best life at such a young age. This is where his parents absolutely blew me away. The way that they were able to parent so perfectly with a blend of understanding, patience and freedom but by also instilling the need to be nurturing of all of the different aspects of his life was inspiring. We need more families that communicate the way that this family does, openly and honestly.
I’m trying to keep my thoughts tidy in this review, but honestly, there is so much about this story that keeps replaying in my head that I’m finding it hard to bundle them up into a nice little package. I actually don’t want to say too much about the story itself because I think this is just one of those books you have to experience for yourself. Expect tears and gut-wrenching heartache for everyone involved but also expect to walk away with a full understanding that love is love is love and a hope that one day soon, everyone else will see it too.
*This will absolutely be a book that I will read again and that I’m passing on to my 17 year-old daughter to read ASAP.
Audible Review:
Overall 5*
Performance 5*
Story 5*
“LoveIsLoveIsLoveIsLoveIsLoveIsLove”
Where does Autoboyography rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Oh my gosh, right up there with my favorites!
I started out with Audible, only listening to books that I’ve already read, but this one I did the audiobook first. I was worried that I wouldn’t be focused enough to really appreciate everything that was happening, but I was so completely engrossed- I love this story so much!!!
Who was your favorite character and why?
Tanner of course! He’s adorable and so comfortable with who he is, I just loved him! But that’s not to say Sebastian or Autumn, or even Tanner’s parents are any less wonderful. It’s just, since this is Tanner’s story you can’t help but be pulled to him.
What about Deacon Lee and Kyle Mason ’s performance did you like?
I loved Deacon’s narration! I really enjoyed listening to him bring Tanner to life- and he really did bring him to life. I could have listened to his voice all day. This was the first book I’ve lheard him narrate but I am definitely going to be on the lookout for others.
Kyle sounded just a little too old for Sebastian, but since he didn’t narrate a large part of the book I could deal with the section he did.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes! I listened to this in my car, on my commute to and from work, and when I’d be out running errands. But I had to know how it ended and didn’t want to wait until tomorrow, so tonight when I got home I put my earbuds in and listened while I worked out, and then while I cooked and ate dinner. It was so good!
Any additional comments?
I really loved this book! As soon as I finished the audiobook I got online and ordered myself a copy of the hardback. I can’t wait to read it and meet Tanner and Sebastian and the rest of the crew all over again!
There is so much packed within what should be a gay coming of age trope, of a boy meets mentoring boy, but it keeps opening up well beyond any stereotypes. There are things in here for every teen and adult alike, in a well-researched exploration of the inner working of the LDS church, and the hope that while family relationships may be difficult, they should never be thrown away. I will have to investigate other books from the writing duo of Christina Lauren – they will have a lot to live up to.
I’m a huge fan of these two writers. I love all of their books, but this one is one of my favorites. I love the characters, and how the story dives into real-world issues. Great insight into love and romance with non-traditional characters.
SO CUTE
Beautiful, well written book that explores the subject that we all deserve a true shot at life.
Amazing coming of age story. I loved Tanner and Sebastian’s relationship and how they both grew throughout the book. Very realistic emotions and interactions between friends and family. Great romance and contemporary YA novel.
Love this book because it shows the struggle of being a closeted gay in a religious family.
I really enjoyed this book but I was left wanting so much more. Idk I would recommend but I would also love a sequel lol
This book is like a breath of fresh air. It’s creative and allows a glimpse
of life from a completely different perspective. The authors are among my very favorites! I recommend this book 100%
Autoboyography is a compulsively readable Young Adult triumph. Maybe I’m just old and jaded, but I tend to shy away from most Young Adult fiction because teen drama frequently seems inconsequential or manufactured to me. This story, however, addresses contemporary concerns that feel genuine in every way.
A bisexual half-Jewish high school student moves to a Mormon town. It almost sounds like the beginning of a joke but for Tanner, being forced back into the closet is an unfortunate reality. He could easily be a bitter, self-destructive character, but he adapts while maintaining his naturally friendly nature.
A model student and son of a bishop, Sebastian is the small town’s golden boy. He is generous with his time, devout in his faith, and always eager to do the right thing. He willingly carries the weight of his parents’ high expectations, but my heart continually ached for him. Whereas Tanner proudly came to terms with his sexual orientation long ago, Sebastian grapples to define his sexual identity. The struggle is equally painful for them both.
Tanner’s progressive parents are a joy. They shower him with acceptance, but also exhibit concern. I’m pretty sure I developed a soft spot in my heart for Tanner’s mom from the moment she enters the scene with her inspirational bumper stickers and gay pride pajamas. Tanner’s dad is a huge teddy bear, and he offers a nonjudgmental ear and sound advice. I also enjoyed the complexity of Tanner’s relationship with his best friend Autumn.
I appreciated the way the story explores the tenants of the Mormon faith in an open and honest way, and it debunks many preconceptions. It doesn’t demonize those who believe homosexuality is a sin; however, it doesn’t sugarcoat their opinions and behavior, either.
Tanner and Sebastian’s tender journey hit me with all the feels. I didn’t expect it to be so profoundly moving. I am infinitely glad this book exists in a world where so many LGBTQ teens feel confused, scared, alone, or ostracized. Maybe this fictional story will bring them real comfort.
WOW. Read that blurb, now imagine everything that could be amazing about it… Well, you GET IT. I know little about the LSD church, but the portrayal seemed well-balanced and both religious feelings and atheism were respected. Autoboyography also explores the intersections between inborn personality and choice–albeit not explicitly–and it’s simply an all-around-perfect young adult romance.
It’s also part of a strange subgenre of LGBT YA–the Unbecoming of the American Liberal. Or queer kid moves south where they get shoved or walk back into the closet. Bear in mind my rather poor knowledge of geography but I feel these all fit:
“Openly Straight” (Pretty sure it’s set in Boston? It’s a boarding school and MC moves to a prestigious all-boys-school. Super amazing.)
“Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit” (Don’t bother)
“The Miseducation of Cameron Post” (TBR)
I LOVE THIS BOOK! A beautiful, funny, realistic, touching story of two closeted teens who yearn for love and friendship in a small minded town.
I absolutely loved this book! There are no words I can say that haven’t been said. This is some of their best work!
Loved the voice of the main character in this book, and it was such a sweet, touching story.
One of the best books I’ve read in ages! Fabulous characters and a wonderful story!
Loved this story! Loved the characters hope I can meet them again!