Openly Straight

Listener Reviews

1. 5.0(1)

   Rafe is interesting and the premise is refreshing

   Is the idea of a gay kid choosing to act Straight weird? For some people, including advocates and "out Proud" crowd, I can see why. However, as a gay guy with a decade of experience under his own belt, I can understand why Rafe did what he did. I am not saying I don't judge his attempt at reinvention to be stupid or childish, when even he himself admits it after reflection, but I get why he wanted to "fit in with the guys".
   As we grow older, somethings come into clearer focus. I wasn't out in high school, because I told myself "why add drama", despite actually being in Boston and openly befriending gay/bi/lesbian friends. I also hung out with Jocks, nerds, and Anime geeks, because I didn't really want that part of me define who I am. However, it does eat at you to hide that part of yourself like Rafe does in the novel, not sharing that part of who you are with others, including your best friends. I came out to my friends after college, there was disbelief at first, but I think the thing they and me regretted most was that I couldn't share earlier and be comfortable with myself.
   That's why this book is so powerful, it's not about liberal politics scaring gay kid back into the closet to belong, but something far more fundamental. Even in an open environment with plenty of gay people, many of us are just afraid to be ourselves and share like Rafe to lesser extents. We create a closet, even when it is not needed for safety or protection.
   I like Bill Konigsberg take on Rafe and the attitude about being afraid to showcase yourself as gay, despite being gay. The closet is tempting not only to people in conservative areas, it's tempting for those who just want a sense of commonality with others and fears of exclusion by introducing this distinct differentiating variable of sexual attraction.
   I know some have given this a negative review due to repeatability and maybe the hatred for Rafe's spoiled "privilege" that so many other gay guys growing up did not have. I can see that point and I respect those opinions, but as a gay man from a liberal area who created his own closet not out of need, I think those readers fail to realize that we all struggle with our own issues with being who we are. Being gay isn't a "One Size" fits all concept, Rafe's experience and mine maybe privileges denied to others who have to live in the closet out of fear, but at the heart of it, the closet exist because we all wanted to belong and accepted into our own groups.

   Racheal Cobb · August 13, 2021

2. 4.0(1)

   Cool

   Tbh the book didn't really interest me so i guess i can't really form a well constructed opinion, but i do have to say the i enjoyed the the way that the author was able to so effortlessly convey the story without it feeling forced. At times i did feel like i might have even been over descriptive and maybe should have been toned down but im really glad too that it was like this because i dont think i would have been able to fully embrace these characters and Raf, the main character's, feelings/ emotions. Overall i think as always this author did very well and even though it was not that interesting to me it was so well read and written. :))

   Maribel Polk · February 26, 2021

3. 4.0(1)

   I like this one!!

   The story developed at a great pace, well defined characters and storyline, but I wasn’t happy at the end.. I mean, it’s a great ending, but I kinda wanted more.

   Riley Hill · July 12, 2020

4. 5.0(1)

   Three thumbs up!

   I did not want this book to end! Such a great emotional roller coaster. Also this hit a little to close to home reminding me of younger past friendships.

   Cara Cain · August 24, 2019

5. 4.0(1)

   wasn't the best, but it made me think.

   To me this book seeks to bring perspective to a common issue that most of us have, how do we try feel normal in society. While I dont entirely agree with the broad message of the book, it is a lovely character piece that will leave you thinking about your personal perspectives.

   Latoya Bean · April 10, 2019

6. 5.0(1)

   Terrific story with even better narration

   The story is interesting and a nice twist on coming of age - kid tries going back in closet, though he denies it, and finds a new set of problems. While some parts seem a bit out of line (convincing his old friends and family to help him hide) and some dialogue is maybe too unrealistic, it overall weaves thoughtful contemplation of who he is and was, with social interaction with all its complexity in a boys boarding school that claims tolerance, but can't avoid the fact that teenage boys will be as they tend to be good, bad and ugly.

   What is truly impressive is the narration that carries out teen inflections and expressions and excellent character voices that really keep you going. You feel Rafe's joy, frustration, anger and his confusion and you hear clearly the responses of others. Overall, great job makes it all work.

   Taryn Hayden · January 31, 2019

7. 5.0(1)

   what a rollercoaster of emotions

   I wish i would have had this book when i was coming out and growing up. It was excellent to listen to; then performance was great and the style and character he gave to each voice was nice.

   Aaliyah Godfrey · December 19, 2018

8. 5.0(1)

   love

   I love this book ❤ Would highly recommend. It's definitely in my top 10 faves.

   Francesca Mathis · October 5, 2018