A review by haley_b
Flamer by Mike Curato
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
Flamer tells the story of 14 year old Aiden’s last week at boy scout camp the summer before starting high school. Camp has always been a source of solace compared to Aiden’s tense home life and repressive Catholic schooling, but this year he struggles to fit in with his patrol while staying true to his gentle nature. Add to the mix a new fascination with his handsome, athletic cabin mate, and Aiden’s social challenges stack one on top of the other.
This graphic novel was an insightful look into adolescent boyhood for the “different” kid. Aiden is Filipino, fat, and discovering his sexuality may not align with the majority, but readers from many walks of life will find his journey relatable. Anyone different will eventually find themself in the position of having to participate in their own repression to stave off bullies, or risk worsening the bullying by being true to themself. This tension leads Aiden to a very dark, very lonely place, but concludes with a level of acceptance despite uncertainty that I’m sure hits home for young readers.
Importantly, this is a story of self-acceptance, not a coming out story. Aiden doesn’t need to fully understand himself or announce an identity to the world. He only needs to accept that he can love himself no matter what. This isn’t the usual path for an LGBT novel, but an absolutely vital theme that applies even beyond LGBT experiences.
Flamer was the 4th most banned book in America in 2022 for LGBT themes and sexually explicit content. Needless to say it is undeserving of this censorship; Flamer belongs on shelves in classrooms and libraries. Young readers of any orientation need to hear these stories, especially boys. I would recommend this book to teens as a solid coming-of-age graphic novel.