A parent might reach for this book for a teen navigating the pressures of their public image and questioning how to be true to themselves in a first relationship. It follows Hunter, a member of a global boy band, as he deals with a messy public breakup with his closeted ex and a budding new romance, all under the microscope of fame and social media. The book thoughtfully explores themes of queer identity, media scrutiny, online harassment, biphobia, and racism in the entertainment industry. For older teens (14+), it provides a sharp, funny, and heartfelt look at the complexities of love and identity when the whole world is watching, making it a great choice for fostering conversations about authenticity and healthy relationships.
Direct discussions of racism, microaggressions, homophobia, and biphobia.
Substance ReferencesMild
Scenes depict underage characters drinking alcohol at parties.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses LGBTQ+ identity, specifically featuring a gay protagonist, an asexual side character, and discussions of biphobia from both straight and queer communities. It also explores racism and microaggressions faced by the protagonist as a person of Persian descent in the music industry. The approach is secular and realistic, with a focus on personal growth. The resolution is hopeful, championing self-acceptance and finding community.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14 and up, who loves music, romance, and celebrity culture. It's especially resonant for queer teens seeking representation, particularly those interested in seeing joy and identity explored in a high-stakes setting. It would also connect with any teen feeling the pressure to curate their own identity for public consumption, whether on social media or at school.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware the book contains some profanity, mentions of underage drinking at parties, and frank discussions of queer identity, including biphobia and online harassment. The romantic content involves kissing and emotional intimacy but is not explicit. The book stands on its own, but it can be a great springboard for conversations about online behavior, healthy relationships, and what it means to be an ally. A parent hears their teen expressing frustration about a breakup, feeling misunderstood by their peers, or stressing about their online persona. The trigger is a teen's struggle with public perception versus private self.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely be drawn in by the boy band setting, the drama, and the swoony romance. An older teen (16-18) will more deeply appreciate the nuanced critique of celebrity culture, fandom toxicity, industry manipulation, and the intersectional exploration of being both queer and a person of color in the public eye.
What Makes It Special
While other books cover queer romance or boy band life, this book's unique strength lies in its combination of the two with a sharp, witty voice. It offers an authentic insider’s perspective on the curated world of pop stardom while providing specific and meaningful representation for a gay, biracial (Persian) protagonist and an asexual character, tackling complex issues like biphobia and microaggressions within that context.
Read plot summary
Hunter is a gay, half-Persian member of a wildly popular Canadian boy band. The story kicks off as he navigates a very public, very messy breakup with his first boyfriend, who happens to be in the band's new opening act. While dealing with the fallout, intense media scrutiny, and pressure from his management to maintain a certain image, Hunter meets and falls for Kaivan, another artist on the tour. The narrative follows Hunter as he grapples with how to be his authentic self, manage a new, healthy relationship, and use his voice in an industry that often tries to silence him.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Hunter feels pressured by his management to be the 'palatable' gay member of the band. How does this pressure affect his actions and his relationship with Kaivan?
2
The book explores different fan reactions online, from supportive to toxic. How does fandom culture shape the story, and what does Hunter learn about setting boundaries with his public?
3
Compare Hunter's relationship with his ex-boyfriend, Ashton, to his new relationship with Kaivan. What specific moments show the difference between a performative relationship and a genuinely supportive one?
4
One of Hunter's bandmates, Zain, is asexual. How does the book portray his identity, and how does his perspective contribute to the story's overall themes of identity and acceptance?
