RAINBOW BOYS 25th Anniversary Edition
by Alex Sanchez
Available now
Rainbow Boys was originally published in 2001, and it's been lauded as a powerful YA novel. I was in college when this one came out, deep in Victorian and Arthurian literature, so I did not read this one at the time. The 25th anniversary printing is now available, and I can see why people are so into it.
The story follows three high school boys coming to terms with their identities. Nelson is very vocally gay, campaigning for a Gay-Straight Association at his high school and surviving (if not thriving on) his classmates' mockery. His best friend and crush Kyle is still coming to terms with his own sexuality, as well as his crush on school jock Jason. And Jason, despite his very serious relationship with Debra, is starting to think he might be, at the very least, bisexual. When Jason visits a support group and sees Kyle there, he begins to worry about how he will be perceived.
The big thing I like about this book is that its characters are actually multifaceted. One of my biggest gripes with books that claim to have "representation" is that its characters are cookie-cutter at best, stereotypical and potentially several steps backwards at worst. Our three leads are fully realized characters with lives, problems, and worries beyond the central theme of the book. Nelson has a supportive mother but often neglects to support his friends; Kyle wants the best for the people in his life but struggles with speaking up; and Jason wants to learn to be honest but buckles (understandably) in the wake of his alcoholic father.
A lot of this story is brutal and unforgiving, in a way that might strike younger modern readers as a bit too harsh. It's a rough read, but that's all part of it. Overall, it is very well written, and while the experiences of the leads is rather outside my own, they're presented in a way that makes them relatable on enough of a level to legitimately care.
TEA PAIRING: Vanilla Creme Herbal
This caffeine-free blend from Plum Deluxe is one of two very calming drinks that suits the quieter, more contemplative moments of this book. It's made with honeybush and has a wonderful vanilla flavor. Check it out along with other teas from Plum Deluxe!
DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Serenity
I love mixing Velvet Hammer elixirs into my tea, including and especially the Elixir of Serenity. This sparkly blue powder has a hint of dark cherry flavor, as well as L-theanine, GABA, and other things to help you sleep. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other elixirs from Velvet Hammer!
FEATURED CANDLE: Fictional Crush
Considering how much of this book operates on unspoken crushes, this sweet blend of sandalwood and musk seems like a perfect fit. Use the link to be notified when it's available again, and check out more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!
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