Review: Two Boys Kissing

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan


Every once in a while, a book comes along that is so profoundly beautiful, so emotionally evocative, so special and important that I simply must buy a hardback copy to keep on my shelf. (And the kindle copy to travel everywhere with me in my purse)

 Leviathan wrote such a unique and touching story that I struggle to even find another book to compare it to. The story surrounds two high school aged boys who set out to break the world record for longest kiss. They do so publicly in the lawn outside of their high school. Much preparation must go into this kiss and the rules of the world record must be followed. Their kiss is broadcast via live video feed which slowly gains interest until they become a Internet sensation. The story is not
just about these boys, and in fact, they don't do much but stand there kissing for the majority of the book. Instead, we get a peek into the lives of other gay teenage boys who have been in some way influenced by this kiss through the watching of the live feed or even being able to watch it take place in person.

 The part of the story that is most profound is the choice of narrator. It is narrated in the first person by someone who isn't even part of the story. The ghosts of all the gay men who have died of AIDS tell the story of these two boys and all the boys watching as if they are the fly-on-the-wall observer. Their inability to interact with the characters while delivering touching narrative is the most emotional narration I have ever read. This is a beautiful piece of YA Literary Fiction. Just as the genre suggests, it focuses more on the characters than a fast moving plot. Really, you only see into a little over a day in time. But it is a very monumental day, for sure.