Two Boys Kissing

Bibliographic Information

Levithan, David. Two Boys Kissing. New York: Knopf, 2013. Print. 

Summary

Two Boys Kissing  gives the reader a broad overview of the experience of gay men (and boys) in America. As the title states, it revolves largely around Craig and Harry, who decide to break the Guinness World Record for longest kiss. They are supported by a myriad of voices through the text. It is narrated by a chorus of men who died of AIDS before medication became widely available. They give us the stories of 6 other gay high school boys- two other couples in different stages of knowing one another and two who feel alone. They also serve to remind the reader of the struggles, fears, and unknowns of the previous generation of gay men. 

Analysis

This book’s greatest strength is in its ability to give the stories of the boys real feeling and depth. Levithan does a wonderful job (in his writing in general) of bringing the high school boys into focus. He respects their doubts and fears about their communities accepting them as gay and gives the reader great insight into how each boy relates to himself and others differently. For some readers, I think the chorus style commentary may be confusing, although it could be a good introduction to the style of greek plays and other works that utilize a chorus. This chorus could be a weakness, depending on the reader, as could the multiple stories interlaced in the book. At times, it is difficult to remember which boys are which as the stories continue to develop simultaneously. 

I feel like this story would appeal to most teens- and especially to teens whoa re struggling with their own sexuality. Most young adults understand the feeling of being left out or unaccepted, a core conflict these boys are facing. It is developmentally appropriate, as most teens now know a friend or family member that has come out. Especially with the chorus of men reminding the reader of the past, it gives a clear vision into what the gay community has had to survive without being morbid or too detailed. Two Boys Kissing is a great example of an up and coming genre. It represents the LGBTQ genre of teen literature well, both in current experiences of teens and those of the men who came before. It deserves a place in the canon and will hopefully remain a core piece of literature for every reader interested in the growth of the gay community. 

Activity

Have students think of a cause they would like to make a statement for. Maybe they were convicted through this reading and want to be an advocate for LGBTQ rights. Maybe they see the race issues happening in the news every day now and decide to speak for them. Maybe they want to speak out on gender equality. Next, have them think up innovative ways to gain awareness for their cause. Craig and Harry think up an interesting and entirely different way to garner attention- perhaps your students can too! 

Related Resources

For readers looking to learn more about the history of gay culture in America, there are a number of books worth referencing, both non-fiction and fiction. While a bit older, Alsenas’ Gay America is a pictorial representation of this history and serves as a good introduction for a reader who may not be as interested in non-fiction.  Another book in the same vein as Two Boys Kissing that may appeal to readers is 2014’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. It also explores the expression and budding understanding of a teen boy’s sexuality and the implications it has on his life as a whole. 

Alsenas, Linas. Gay America: The Struggle for Equality. New York:Amulet, 2008. Print. 

Sáenz, Benjamin Alire. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. New York:Simon and Schuster, 2014. Print. 

David Levithan is an author worth sticking with, as well, if a reader is interested. He writes in many different styles and formats, so each book is a very different reading experience than his others, though he maintains his voice throughout his writing. He has also been proliferate in co-authoring books, many of which are entirely worthwhile and may even introduce some new authors!

Levithan, David. Every Day. New York: Ember, 2012. Print. 

Levithan, David. Boy Meets Boy. New York: Ember, 2003. Print. 

Levithan, David & John Green. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York: Dutton, 2010. Print. 

Published Review

"Reviews: Two Boys Kissing." Kirkus Reviews, vol. 81, no. 14, July 2013, p. 182.