Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

The Cover: I adore the cover of this YA contemporary. It has everything that captures me - great font for the title, some simple, yet sweet illustrations. You don’t really think it before you read the book, but it’s fitting that you can see both the stars and the town, since Tanner talks about how you couldn’t see the stars in his old hometown.

The Plot: So, this little book is about Tanner Scott, who’s moved to Utah with his parents and sister. Going from vibrant, open-minded California, to conservative, Mormon-friendly Utah, is a bit of a backstep for bisexual teens, but Tanner is making the most of it. It’s kind of hard to hide a part of you from your best friend, but that’s how it has to be, according to his normally accepting, outgoing parents. All is fine. And then Sebastian Brother.

Sebastian is basically the Mormon Prince. His father is the bishop and he’s been raised in their beliefs, are soon on his way to his Mission. He is the mentor of the prestigious Seminar-class, where you’re supposed to write a book in four months. And Tanner just got in to a looooot of trouble, because he can’t seem to think, or write, about anything other than Sebastian.

What happens: What happens is basically what the plot indicates. Tanner is bisexual, so he’s been with his share of girls in school and sternly avoided looking at other guys. It hasn’t been a problem until he meets Sebastian, who’s smile “ruins” him. They start out as mentor and student, working on Tanner’s book, then turn to friends, but it seems like Sebastian is hiding something. It seems like Sebastian has an equal hard time looking away.

What I think: This is not a hard book to decipher. You kinda know what will happen before the ending (although you really don’t know with YA-books anymore...=), but that’s okay. It is really such a sweet, touching love story! And, also, I felt that it took to heart some of the heavier subjects in life - identity, family, friendship and love. I felt for both Tanner and Sebastian, even though I had to remind myself at times, that they're teenagers and those don't always make the best decisions.

This is also the first book I've read that involves any Christian faith (I think?) and I liked the way it was portrayed. Not with rose-colored glasses or an endless burning-at-the-stake. It showed the good and the bad and the terrible (because some parts are terrible, I have to say that).

I liked Tanner and Autumn's relationship - she's such a clever, rocking best friend, despite some obstacles. I also loved that none of the characters are perfect - neither love interest, friends or family. It made for a more interesting read. My only fault in this book is that it wasn't longer - I have issues with endings nowadays and I would have liked this one to have been not as rushed.

You're in for a sweet and funny ride if you read this, but this is also a story that makes you hope in every chapter and sometimes curse at the injustice of it all.

Quote of the book: “My brain is such a traitorous beast.”

Autoboyography on Goodreads

/ Denise