Review: Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

Publication Date: June 17, 2014
Page Count: 368
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When the picture tells the story…

Senior year is almost over, and Jamie Peterson has a big problem. Not college—that’s all set. Not prom—he’ll find a date somehow. No, it’s the worst problem of all: he’s fallen for his best friend.

As much as Jamie tries to keep it under wraps, everyone seems to know where his affections lie, and the giggling girls in art class are determined to help Jamie get together with Mason. But Jamie isn’t sure if that’s what he wants—because as much as Jamie would like to come clean to Mason, what if the truth ruins everything? What if there are no more road trips, taco dinners, or movie nights? Does he dare risk a childhood friendship for romance?

This book is about what happens when a picture reveals what we can’t say, when art is truer than life, and how falling in love is easy, except when it’s not. Fan Art explores the joys and pains of friendship, of pressing boundaries, and how facing our worst fears can sometimes lead us to what we want most.

I loved this book so much that I don't even know what to talk about first. Have you ever read a book that was so enjoyable that you didn't want it to end? That's how I felt about Fan Art. It was such an ADORABLE story that was thoroughly entertaining.

I loved everything about Jamie. He was beyond cute and adorable, and just so confused. Jamie is gay and is out at home, but not at school, and definitely not to his best friend, Mason. Jamie had to hide the huge crush that he was developing on Mason because he was terrified what the truth will do to their friendship. Jamie was a little clueless and quite naive at times, and he really tried my patience more than once because I wanted him to have the confidence to admit how he was feeling. But I still found myself laughing and groaning and tearing up just a bit as Jamie struggled with coming out to Mason.

Jamie had the best parents ever! They were so supportive and encouraged him to be himself. His step father even threw him a coming out party! How cool and utterly awkward is that? And just wait until you read about how he acted around his 2 little sisters. The cuteness might just make you swoon! Jamie also had the best guy and girl friends that anyone could ask for. They were always ready to lend an ear and offer advice, even if Jamie wasn't ready to hear what they had to say. You could tell they really just wanted him to be happy. Of course, what would high school be without a bully? Jamie attracted the attention of one of the meanest homophobes in school who finds joy in going out of his way to make Jamie's life hell.

One aspect that I really liked was Jamie working on the school's literary magazine. Because he had a hand in choosing the content, we got to see the students' poems that were submitted, which I especially enjoyed. I also really liked the short story fan art that turned out to be so controversial and spurred Jamie into wanting to take action.

I thought the romance was so worth waiting for. Jamie and Mason had been friends for years. They were so comfortable with each other and it was nice to see how well they got along. I could never tell if Mason somehow knew Jamie's secret all along, so it kept me guessing as to how and when things would progress between them.

My goodness, the cuteness factor in this book is off the charts! I adored Jamie and Mason because they were SO easy to like. I loved the complexity of their relationship, and how the underlying tension between them made things so awkward at times. Their story was light and heartwarming, a bit cliché at times, but still very entertaining. I was satisfied with the way the story played out, and even though it was a bit predictable at times, I still loved every second of it! No doubt this book will leave you all warm and fuzzy inside with a big smile on your face. At least it did me!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars