A Teenage Love Story, New York, and Rufus Wainwright: My Wheelhouse

I have never been a 14-year old American-born Armenianboy who’s questioning my sexuality. I’m sure this will come as a shock to no one, especially my husband. It didn’t stop me, however, from fiercely identifying with Alek Khederian, who is exactly that. We meet Alek as he is out to dinner with his parents and perfect older brother. It’s clear from the get go that the Khederian’s expect nothing less than the best from their children, from manners to education to pride in their heritage. This is why instead of spending a summer playing tennis and going on vacation, Alek is going to summer school. It’s not that he failed, it’s just that he didn’t do well enough to make it into the honors track and that is simply unacceptable. Summer school is also where he meets Ethan, so not all is lost. It’s an exploration of starting to grow into your own skin and figure out who you are, which is why I could identify with him. I remember that time of my life well.

Ethan is everything Alek is not. He’s older, outgoing, self-aware and, most importantly, out and comfortable with his sexuality. One Man Guy isn’t necessarily treading any new ground in terms of YA relationship books. First love, sexual awakening, discovering oneself are all part and parcel. The two skip school to venture to New York City and Alek begins to see the world outside the strictly controlled view his parents gave him. I found a B plot involving Alek’s brother and his girlfriend to be almost more interesting than that of Alek and Ethan. It was a different exploration of the prejudice people can hold and how hard it can be to start to let go of that.

The novel was an easy, light read; I finished it in the course of two sittings. It’s also very well written and the characters were given enough time and material that I felt like I knew then by the close of the book. It’s an absolutely enjoyable book for a lazy summer afternoon when you want something that will make you think, but leave you with a satisfied smile in the end. An absolute pleasure.