Another great book by Alex Gino. The story of Rick will help others who might be questioning their sexuality. If only the real world was as accepting as the worlds of literature. This is a great addition to any library. ( )

What a wonderful story about finding out who you are and being okay with that. It is also a wonderful story about seeing how someone in your life isn't good for you and standing up for yourself. ( )

Soooo this is the 2nd book I've read by this author, is just everything they write utterly fantastic? Cause that's what it feels like. Great, great book. ( )

A book about Rick, who, now in middle school, begins to realize that he's not interested in anyone and also realizes that his once best friend is both a bully and a nasty person. This is a book about growing up and starting to understand more of the world around you, whether you want to or not.

On the whole, given this is a book aimed at younger readers, it's a good example of how to approach the subject of asexuality and, though not much touched on, aromanticism, while also introducing concepts like cross-dressing (Rick's grandpa goes to a con with Rick dressed as his favorite female character from a SF show they both love), transgender terms, and the other terms common in the LGBT community.

On the other hand, the constant use of LGBTQPA in the text is rather clunky. The Rainbow Spectrum sponsor, the club Rick joins out of curiosity and some inner urging for some common bonds with others, tries to introduce the term QUILTBAG as an alternative, but, like the other terms used in this book, leaves a lot to be desired. (Personally, I'm all for simplifying things and going with GSM [Gender & Sexual Minorities] as a term.)

Like most books written in this era, I found a bit of my experience in middle school represented, though to be sure, I was no where near as aware of myself, much less the LGBT community, as these kids are, at that age. I knew when I was 13 that I would never participate in interpersonal relationships of an intimate kind, and I was 15 when I realized romance would never happen either, but the terms, though they existed even in the 80s were not ones I knew nor would have understood. Also, the internet didn't exist the way it does now, so, there is that too.

I enjoyed listening to this book all-in-all and do recommend it for younger folk who might be exploring new concepts about life, growing up, and their own personal boundaries. ( )

Rick

I Picked Up This Book Because: Following the characters from Melissa

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: CC Public Library
Dates Read: 2/25/22 - 2/26/22
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Alex Gino

The Characters:

Rick:
Jeremy Sauer:
Jeff, Mom, Dad, Grandpa Ray aka Gamma Ray

The Story:

I’m really liking exploring this world that Alex Gino has created. I wish everyone had these safe spaces that will accept you just the way you are and parents and friends that support the exploration of you. Yes there are still bullies and jerks but we also have people like Rick who are willing to stand up to them even when they once considered them to be a best friend. Standing up to someone you once felt very close to is not easy. It takes tremendous courage and character. Also I really loved Grandpa Ray.

The Random Thoughts:

Challenges:

Goodreads Book Bingo 2022 - N4 - A LGBTQIA+ book ( )