Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

[bi_janus]

David Levithan's latest, Two Boys Kissing, has a number of plot lines connected by the device of a sort of Greek chorus, in this case a group of ghosts all of whom died of AIDS-related illnesses in the anni horribilis. The main plot element is an attempt by two high school students to break the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss. Short and worth a look.

[Marius]

An interesting story about this book at a VA high school via Towleroad: http://www.towleroad.com/2014/04/va-school-committee-votes-unanimously-to-keep-two-boys-kissing-on-shelves.html

A parent complained about the book being on the shelves of the school library saying that "...she believed that the cover of the book condoned public displays of affection, which are against school policy…" Apparently no mention was made that the display of affection was between two boys. Other parent's objected to the use of "the F-word" again apparently not saying anything about the gay content.

One teacher stated the obvious when she said: “If the focus of this book was on heterosexual teen relationships, it would not be the subject of a book challenge…" Of course it wouldn't The review committee voted unanimously to keep the book on library shelves however the decision may still be subject to appeal.

[Merkin]

I hope the Review Committee rethinks this. The best form of publicity and boost to sales, especially in a state like Virginia, is to have your book banned.