Review: Two Boys Kissing by David Leviathan

Two Boys Kissing by David Leviathan
Publisher:Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published on: August 27, 2013
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

New York Times  bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.

While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.

My Thoughts:
I don't even know where to start with this review.  This book was nothing like I expected and it was much more than I could have ever hoped for.  David Leviathan is a mad genius and if I ever see him I will bow before his awesomeness.

Two Boys Kissing is not just a story about two boys kissing to top the world record for longest kiss, it is about the struggle others have experienced and the people who have paved the way for Craig and Harry to be able to do this in public.  We the reader get to hear the thoughts of so many people who passed on and it made me really think about the people I have lost throughout the years.  What are they thinking?  Are they still with me?  What do they think of my choices?  I found out while reading this that everybody has a purpose and every struggle no matter the outcome will directly influence another person.  Deep right??!!  This is what Levaithan did in this book and I can't say I have ever thought things like this after reading.

When I started this book I had no idea what I was getting into and my goodness this book pulled at my heartstrings. I have no idea how even to describe the intensity I felt throughout this book.  I know I am a bambling mess but I honestly have no idea how to go about explaining how amazing this book is.  It is my top favorite read of the year and I know without a doubt it will be in my top favorite of all time list.  That is a very hard list to make and I only have 3 books on it, but Two Boys Kissing is on it.

Okay I am just going to leave this review begging people to read it.  I have sat at my computer trying to think of what to say about this and I can't find the words so please PLEASE go out and read this book.  It will make you think, cry, scream, and jump for joy.  It is everything a book is supposed to be and more.

Oh and this quote will make any book reader swoon.  This has to be my favorite thing ever and it comes from book titles..

"I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This
Just Listen
Stay
You're the One I Want
So Much Closer
Where I Want to Be
The Difference Between You and Me
Positively
Matched
Perfect 
Wonder
You Are Here
Where I Belong
I'll Be There
Along for the Ride
The Future of Us
Real Live Boyfriends
Keep Holding On"

Simply amazing in my opinion! 

5 HUGE Snowflakes...Actually I am going to start something new. This book deserves way more than 5 snowflakes so thanks to A.G Howard and her wonderful suggestion a while back I am going to make this my first ever blizzard read!

Trillion Billion Million snowflakes = Blizzard read!

Author Event & Giveaway: David Levithan & Rachel Cohn

David Levithan and Rachel Cohn visit Southern California to promote
Every Day and Beta.

My Author Event Experience:

On Monday, October 22nd I had the pleasure of meeting two great authors, David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, when they visited a local independent bookstore by me. I love Mrs. Nelson’s bookstore because I get the chance to meet amazing authors in such an intimate setting. Not to mention, I also get myself in trouble by browsing their book collection and spending a bit too much!

But I digress. :)  Back to the signing… It was great to meet both of these authors. They were funny, witty and very entertaining from the moment they sat down to talk to us. They joked about the treats on the table, the awkward silence they’ve learned to embrace at signings, and their love of writing to name a few topics.

David Levithan

David Levithan started off the event by reading from his book Every Day, which is about a soul with no body named A. I was immediately mesmerized, whether it was because of his narration or the actually story, I don’t know, but I was glued to every word he said… the story sounds amazing and I can’t wait to read it.

Rachel Cohn

Next, Rachel Cohn treated the crowd by reading an excerpt from her novel Beta, which we learned is a four book series. Coincidentally, her story is about a body with no soul named Elysia. Keep in mind, these two books were independent works for both of them, so you can’t ignore how in tune these authors are with each other even when they aren’t co-writing.

It was great to hear these two authors banter back and forth, and their natural camaraderie was refreshing. So it’s no surprise what a perfect pair they make when co-authoring hits such as Nick & Norah, Dash & Lily, and Naomi & Ely. A fun fact they shared about their writing process is that they typically don’t have a set outline and stream of events when starting a book together. They have an idea, one of them gets to pick the names, and then they tag team back and forth to bring it to life. They were asked if any other books would possibly be hitting the big screen. David and Rachel shared that their experience with Nick & Norah going Hollywood was epic, and they have hope that their other books will have the same experience, but nothing to report as of yet.

David and Rachel also shared their writing techniques for aspiring authors with regards to writing groups and getting feedback from fellow authors. Where Rachel started off in a writer’s group, she’s since moved away from that to write on her own. David relies on his editor of 10 years for feedback, and she’s typically the first person that will read his book once it’s complete.

Overall, I had a fabulous time! I was able to enjoy this author event once again with my Goodreads/bloggy friend Rachel from The Readers Den. It was nice to see that I’m not the only one that gets excited when it’s my turn to get my books signed. :) We were both a bit giddy and smiley when it was our turn to get our bundles signed. I really enjoyed my time at this signing and to be able to hang out with another book friend made it even more awesome! Thanks Rachel!

As I mentioned, I was able to get a few books, some of which I’ll be offering as a giveaway today to one lucky WinterHaven follower. Also I have another surprise, which I’ll be sharing during our WinterHaven Sleigh Tour. So, if you like surprises, visit our WinterHaven Sleigh Tour and either mark your calendar or join the fun because there’s more book fun to be had during the holiday season (~whispers~ during week one of the event ~wink.wink~) where these two authors are concerned. =}

For today’s giveaway, one lucky WinterHaven follower will receive the following bundle and all THREE books were signed by the David Levithan and Rachel Cohn. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter and share a thoughtful comment on my visit, the authors or the books… anything will do. I’d just love to hear from you. :D  Good Luck!!

Signed Copy of Every Day by David Levithan

Signed Copy of Beta by Rachel Cohn

Signed Copy of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

a Rafflecopter giveaway