Review: The Boy I Love by Nina de Gramont

The Boy I Love by Nina de Gramont

Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Page Count: 288
Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Wren has been content to stay in her best friend Allie’s shadow. It doesn’t bother her that Ally gets the cutest guys, the cutest clothes, and even a modeling gig—Wren is happy hanging with the horses on her family’s farm and avoiding the jealousy of other girls. But when Tim, the most intriguing guy in school, starts hanging out with Ally and Wren, jealousy is unavoidable, but not the kind Wren expects. Because even though Ally is way into him and Wren hasn’t flirted, not one little bit, it becomes increasingly clear that Tim prefers Wren’s company above anyone else’s.

Tim’s unexpected devotion comes at the exact time Wren’s home life is about to be turned upside down. But at least there is Tim...always a gentleman and ever dependable. But as his own seemingly perfect world comes spiraling down around him and he tells Wren his biggest secret, Wren must decide what she’ll really do for love.

I really kinda loved this book. From Tim navigating his way through a tough time and trying to be true to himself, to Wren and her emotional attachments, this story really had a lot of heart.

The characters are what made this book so special. I really liked Wren. She had such a big heart and was a strong character despite struggling with the weight of her family's many problems. Wren was dealing with some important changes in her life, but all she really wanted was for everything to stay the same.

Is it okay if I admit that I loved Tim just as much as Wren did? He really was the perfect boyfriend. Well, except that... you know. He was an all around nice guy and well liked by everyone. I felt sympathetic towards his situation, and I can't imagine how difficult it was for him to keep things inside. I just wanted him to feel free enough to be himself without any repercussions.

I never did like Wren's friend Allie. Her unpleasant disposition and petty jealousy made her a terrible friend. She came off as selfish and immature, and I felt that Wren was better off without her.

Family was a very important part of this story. I was glad to see both sets of parents present, even though I wanted to run Tim's parents out of town for the horrible way they treated him.

Tim and Wren found each other at exactly the right time. Their friendship came about because they both needed someone they could be themselves with. Tim was able to trust and confide in Wren, and his confession to her helped ease his burden. Tim was able to be there for Wren when she felt that her entire world was being upended.

This is a beautiful story about being yourself and finding your place in life. It might not be the most unique story, but I loved the complexity of this emotion filled LGBT book. It felt incredibly real, with all of the pain and heartbreak that goes along with being a teenager.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars