From: G Gallagher <gglibrarian>
Date: Mon, 05 May 2003 09:23:02 -0400

I thought that Keeping You a Secret was a great example of "edgy YA lit" but the honesty and candor that make it edgy are why it is so effective. If she glossed over the family's reactions and the sexuality, it would have been much less compelling as a story. p o s s i b l e s p o i l e r I think that the most effective part of the novel is the way the two girls families react to their daughter's sexuality. While Holland is completely rejected by her mother, Cece's parents are understanding and concerned for the right reasons- they worry for their daughter's safety rather than what the neighbors will think. Holland's discovery of and support from the gay community add a realistic look at the harsh reality that often faces gay teens who are kicked out of their parent's houses and do not know where to go to find the support they are looking for. Although the frank sexual situations make this "edgier" than some, they're also what make it so realistic and why I think it will reach out to teen readers whatever their orientation.



Genevieve Gallagher Youth Services Librarian Orange County Public Library Orange, Virginia


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Received on Mon 05 May 2003 08:23:02 AM CDT