Openly Straight

Written by Bill Konigsberg

Narrated by Pete Cross

A witty, coming-out-again story follows teenage Rafe’s journey through being different, fitting in, and finding what it means to be himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media
• Release date: Mar 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781666599220

Bill Konigsberg

Bill Konigsberg is from New York City. Konigsberg was a sports writer and editor for years, earning a GLAAD Media Award for his ESPN column Sports World Still a Struggle for Gays. He won the Lambda Literary Award in 2007 for his first novel, Out of the Pocket. Konigsberg lives in Arizona with his husband, who is clearly too good for him, and their dogs, Mabel & Buford.

Reviews for Openly Straight

[マリMary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm not sure if it was the writing or my inability to understand the american school system, but at the beginning of the book I thought the main character was switching colleges, not high school. But I was pleasantly surprised to find out he was younger because he made so many stupid decisions and his inability to see how big those were made more sense. It was a fun but also frustrating book to read. Maybe I am too old for this one. Next book I'm reading the characters better be at least 27

[Dan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

For a highly esteemed novel, I was left relatively unimpressed. this might hit the right heart buttons amongst middle graders and teens..the story is charming but lacks depth. The relationships within the book are heartfelt and special but not in a unique way. But there's a lack of added rawness, realness, relatability or even emotion that I didn't love. I listened to the book all the way through; that says something. I was invested, albeit halfway, in Ben because it's literally impossible (isn't it?) not to have a crush on him and his gentle nature set against his gigantic stature. But otherwise, I could have survived this life on earth without this book. I was going to say it but dang it, I'm going to say it...Rafe is irritating and doesn't even present as a strong protagonist or good friend.

[Andy Alexander · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sweet. Compelling concept and character was well drawn. Strangely, I felt like it was kind of racially simplistic. The characters of color definitely could use some more agency.

[Bekah · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Some of the dialogue and actions of the people were cringy, but given the relationship between the two main characters, it made up for it. I loved that guys could express their feelings and openly tell each other they loved each other. “Those footsteps. I know those footsteps.” Made me SOB. Excited to listen to the sequel!