Reading this book wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
I don't consciously shy away from LGBT books but I did notice that I've only read a few and in those books, the romance isn't the central theme. But LGBT books do intimidate me a little, or at least makes me hesitant. Not that I have anything against LGBTs. I know a lot of gay people but no one that I'm actually close to so you can say I don't fully understand how they think or act or feel.
That said, it was surprisingly easy to go into this book once I psyched myself into thinking that it was just like any YA romance novel I've read -- except the characters are gays. So I read it... and I enjoyed it.
Both Craig and Lio are confused. I think being gay doesn't have much to do with that. Being a teenager has a LOT to do with that. Lio's confusion, I can understand. I mean, he's in love and has a dead brother and a mother who left her family. But Craig, ugh, I felt frustrated with him several times. He talks too much and thinks even more! His thoughts are a jumble. A few times I felt like he overcomplicates things. He has this need to protect Cody and Lio and I thought it's unhealthy. Lio was the one taking therapy but it felt like Craig should be the one doing it.
But see how affected I sound right now? Yeah, that's because Hannah Moskowitz is a good writer. Writing alternate POVs is not an easy task but she made it seem so seamless. You'd easily know whether it was Craig talking or Lio, just by how they *sound*. The voices, the characterization, were very distinct. I was slightly miffed at Craig, and felt more connected to Lio because he sounded more normal, in a way.
And then there were the 9/11 and sniper shootings. Total BUZZKILL. But writing that couldn't have been easy, especially since those things actually happened. So props to Hannah Moskowitz for being able to put into words how scary that time had been.
When it comes to the pacing, I'd say it was good enough, although there were some slow parts. You can read this in one seating, if you're not easily bored (or annoyed by Craig's drama). During the latter part of the book, I was just hurrying up to get it over with and see who Craig ends up with.
Overall, Gone, Gone, Gone is a good and enjoyable book.
1. Is this your first time to read an LGBT genre in the YA?
Not really. I've read Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green, Perks of Being a Wallflower (which has LGBT elements), and Every Day by David Levithan.
2. Do you think you would be interested to read more such kind of books in the future?
Yes! This was an eye-opener.
3. Can you suggest any other books and other authors that have such kind theme?
Every Day by David Levithan has LGBT bits but not necessarily focused on that. It's underlying message is more about how you can love someone, regardless of gender, sexual preferences, appearances, etc.