David Levithan's Two Boys Kissing is praised for its lyrical prose and innovative narrative style, offering a poignant and hopeful take on LGBTQ+ issues. Critics laud its emotional depth and multifaceted characters but note the omniscient narration can feel detached. The novel successfully blends contemporary struggles with a universal message of love and acceptance.

Readers who enjoyed Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz or Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan will appreciate Two Boys Kissing. Ideal for those interested in LGBTQ+ themes, coming-of-age stories, and contemporary fiction that explores identity and relationships.

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan follows eight gay high school boys over a weekend, centered around ex-boyfriends Craig and Harry's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss, inspired by an anti-gay hate crime against their classmate, Tariq. A chorus of deceased men from the 1980s AIDS crisis narrates the story, observing the boys as they explore love, relationships, and identity. This book contains mentions of HIV/AIDS, suicide, and anti-gay violence/slurs.

Emotional / Romantic / Hopeful / Inspirational / Contemplative

David Levithan

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Two Boys Kissing and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Two Boys Kissing Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-40

Two Boys Kissing Pages 1-40 Summary & Analysis

Pages 41-60

Two Boys Kissing Pages 41-60 Summary & Analysis

Pages 61-83

Two Boys Kissing Pages 61-83 Summary & Analysis

Pages 84-121

Two Boys Kissing Pages 84-121 Summary & Analysis

Pages 122-138

Two Boys Kissing Pages 122-138 Summary & Analysis

Pages 139-161

Two Boys Kissing Pages 139-161 Summary & Analysis

Pages 162-196

Two Boys Kissing Pages 162-196 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Two Boys Kissing Character Analysis

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Themes

Two Boys Kissing Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Two Boys Kissing Symbols & Motifs

Index of Terms

Two Boys Kissing Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

Two Boys Kissing Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Two Boys Kissing Essay Topics

Two Boys Kissing

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Two Boys Kissing?

Reading Age

Book Details