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kalebd_2125's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I thought the bisexual male rep was done well (we get so little of it in literature). The commentary on Mormonism was interesting too. But what really set me over the edge was the fact that this was a borderline teacher-student relationship. Disregarding that, I didn't find the romance that compelling anyway.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, and Religious bigotry
ruby_g's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jchaun1s's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ilovereadingsmut13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
hj2023's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
legobitar's review against another edition
4.0
This was pretty nice. I VERY MUCH enjoyed these things:
- main character is explicitly bisexual. As in: he says, several times, that he is bisexual. It’s also shown, not just told. Basically: SUPERB bi rep. Well done
- Tanner’s parents are super-supportive AND they have personalities. I often find that parents either have personalities OR are whole-heartedly supportive, and if they are supportive, that’s their only feature. So, it was truly refreshing to have actual people as parents. I think it made the sister a bit flatter, but I don’t mind.
- it was pleasantly grey (meaning: not black-or-white) on the religion-thing. I’m not religious, and while this book deals HEAVILY with religion, it did not feel weird for me at all, I barely got exasperated, which is kind of unusual.
I have no energy, I’m tired always, I can’t figure out plot twists. I really did not know where this book was going. I’m okay with where it ended up. I’m not sure I enjoyed the whole way there, but it was okay.
Characters where very good, story maybe a tiny bit too long.
- main character is explicitly bisexual. As in: he says, several times, that he is bisexual. It’s also shown, not just told. Basically: SUPERB bi rep. Well done
- Tanner’s parents are super-supportive AND they have personalities. I often find that parents either have personalities OR are whole-heartedly supportive, and if they are supportive, that’s their only feature. So, it was truly refreshing to have actual people as parents. I think it made the sister a bit flatter, but I don’t mind.
- it was pleasantly grey (meaning: not black-or-white) on the religion-thing. I’m not religious, and while this book deals HEAVILY with religion, it did not feel weird for me at all, I barely got exasperated, which is kind of unusual.
I have no energy, I’m tired always, I can’t figure out plot twists. I really did not know where this book was going. I’m okay with where it ended up. I’m not sure I enjoyed the whole way there, but it was okay.
Characters where very good, story maybe a tiny bit too long.
bmzhang's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Extremely beautiful. Well written. Mature kids without major miscommunication issues. Model of a loving family with real people. Although I really need to start reading the summary and finding out what I'm in for bc the fundie LDS stuff was really personally difficult for me to read
madelynowil's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Loooove to read a book based in Provo. More, please
angelo_vossen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
„Autoboyography“ by Christina Lauren is a profoundly moving and heartfelt coming-of-age novel that explores love, identity, and the complex intersection of faith and sexuality. Set against the backdrop of a conservative Mormon community in Utah, the story follows Tanner, a bisexual high school senior who has recently moved from progressive California. Encouraged by his supportive family, Tanner enrolls in a writing seminar where he meets Sebastian, a devout Mormon and the teacher’s assistant for the class. Their immediate connection quickly blossoms into something deeper, forcing both boys to confront the harsh realities of their respective worlds.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is the way it captures the intensity and vulnerability of first love, particularly for queer teens navigating environments that may not accept them fully. Tanner’s voice is sincere and witty, but there’s an underlying tenderness and uncertainty that makes him relatable. His struggles to reconcile his feelings for Sebastian with the pressures of secrecy and fear ring true, especially as the tension between desire and religious doctrine mounts.
Sebastian’s character is equally compelling, as he is torn between the expectations of his faith and the undeniable pull of his emotions. His internal struggle is portrayed with compassion, allowing readers to empathize with the painful choices he faces. The authors skillfully handle sensitive issues such as the impact of religious beliefs on personal identity, while avoiding clichés or easy answers. Instead, they present a nuanced exploration of how love can challenge, transform, and sometimes complicate one’s understanding of self and community.
What makes „Autoboyography“ stand out is its balance between heartache and hope. While it doesn’t shy away from the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative settings, it also celebrates the beauty of love, acceptance, and personal growth. The writing is lyrical, with descriptions that evoke the emotional highs and lows of falling in love for the first time. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and the romance feels organic and genuine, never rushed or contrived. I really enjoyed the addition of religious themes to this otherwise „generic“ love story since it brings another deep layer to the novel.
Overall, „Autoboyography“ is an emotional, thought-provoking, and ultimately uplifting novel. Christina Lauren have crafted a powerful narrative that not only highlights the challenges of being queer in a faith-based community but also speaks to the universal experience of finding yourself through love and loss. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to be true to themselves in the face of external pressures, and it leaves a lasting impact.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is the way it captures the intensity and vulnerability of first love, particularly for queer teens navigating environments that may not accept them fully. Tanner’s voice is sincere and witty, but there’s an underlying tenderness and uncertainty that makes him relatable. His struggles to reconcile his feelings for Sebastian with the pressures of secrecy and fear ring true, especially as the tension between desire and religious doctrine mounts.
Sebastian’s character is equally compelling, as he is torn between the expectations of his faith and the undeniable pull of his emotions. His internal struggle is portrayed with compassion, allowing readers to empathize with the painful choices he faces. The authors skillfully handle sensitive issues such as the impact of religious beliefs on personal identity, while avoiding clichés or easy answers. Instead, they present a nuanced exploration of how love can challenge, transform, and sometimes complicate one’s understanding of self and community.
What makes „Autoboyography“ stand out is its balance between heartache and hope. While it doesn’t shy away from the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative settings, it also celebrates the beauty of love, acceptance, and personal growth. The writing is lyrical, with descriptions that evoke the emotional highs and lows of falling in love for the first time. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and the romance feels organic and genuine, never rushed or contrived. I really enjoyed the addition of religious themes to this otherwise „generic“ love story since it brings another deep layer to the novel.
Overall, „Autoboyography“ is an emotional, thought-provoking, and ultimately uplifting novel. Christina Lauren have crafted a powerful narrative that not only highlights the challenges of being queer in a faith-based community but also speaks to the universal experience of finding yourself through love and loss. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to be true to themselves in the face of external pressures, and it leaves a lasting impact.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Racism, Sexism, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, and Alcohol
cassidyalainebull's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25