Rainbow Boys

First off, the book is a very easy, simple read. I read it in one setting. It is definitely geared towards kids and teens. Not exactly complex. The book has a somewhat fast pace and leaves the feeling that you're missing out on key character development - it seems the characters just jump from one viewpoint to another almost spontaneously, without much in-depth thought or build-up. At times it seems portions were just completely omitted to save space (like Nelson and Jeremy's date for a glaring example). Just a few homophobic slurs, some denial, and then bam - their mind's made-up.With that aside, the book is actually very entertaining and opens the eyes of those who aren't gay or that don't know anyone that's gay and some of the struggles that they deal with. I actually think the books gives a somewhat lighter example of reality; but then again, it is geared towards kids and teens.I would recommend this to Gay or Questioning teens and teens who are simply interested. It's not exactly a great adult read (or romance), though.

This is the best book I've read all year. Mr. Sanchez is truly a gifted writer and proved it with this debut work. I immediately fell in love with all three of his characters (okay, I mostly fell in love with Jason). The drama that Sanchez so beautifully built into this story had me teary-eyed at just about every other chapter. That's the kind of story I love the most: one that can make me feel exactly what the characters are feeling. What an amazing love story he portrayed, what with Jason struggling to come out, with Kyle trying his best to get Jason to love him, and Nelson trying to get Kyle to understand that he loves him. I'm so glad everything turned out on a positive note. In addition to the storyline, I really like Sanchez's writing style: the use of concise phrases, and some very witty ones as well, to convey a lot of information was right on target. I can't wait to read something else by this author.

As a coming of age story written for a young readership, "Rainbow Boys" achieved everything it tried to do. It was definitely educational in a way that managed to avoid too much preachiness, and it didn't really shortchange any of the issues it addressed. (The danger of contracting HIV, for instance.) For a more mature reader, it was good, but not excellent. The plot was solid, but there were some distractingly cringeworthy moments of dialogue and description. (I winced over 'A trickle of saliva glistened...' during what should have been a very sweet moment. Yuck.) But I do think that the shifting point of view worked well, which surprised me. Definitely worth a read if you're interested in the genre.

The first time that I read this book I was in high school, so reading about three kids in high school dealing with these issues was really cool. The book is about Kyle, Nelson and Jason, three teenage boys who are in various stages of coming out. The characters aren't perfect, which made me like them even more. They seem like kids I could've gone to school with. I've read the series a few times since then and all three of the books still hold up really well. I would recommend this for anyone who is dealing with coming out, or to families and friends of gay teenagers.

Well my book arrived on time and in great condition I bought mine used but in hardcover (because they hold up better than paperback for rereading) along with the authors signature undue. It was from a public library so it came with the dust jacket and the library slip pocket but with time and patience I was able to remove them and looks great.As for the actual content I loved it! The fact that it was told in the different points of view really was enjoyable and it wasn't difficult to follow at all.The boys diversity and unique home life made them feel real and relatable I definitely recommend this for anyone whose finding themselves or anyone in search for a good read

I have just finished Rainbow Boys and am completely shocked. I have never thought that I could feel so much better about myself after one book. Sanchez is a very talented author and I hope will continue writing books like these. Anyone can relate to this book as he has plotted three completely opposite characters and bring them together off of one topic: homosexuality. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling as well with my sexuality and after reading this book and  The God Box also written by Alex Sanchez. Have felt so much better. I recommend this to anyone struggling, wondering, or even just wanting to read this book out of curiosity to read it. It's compelling and you won't regret it.

While my 16-yr old son was hospitalized, he found this series. He read the first two books of the series within 3 days! He's never read a book cover to cover, even for book reports. Great to see a series bringing light to issues of gay teens. Not a book for everyone, but definitely should be recommended to those struggling with sexuality and/or coming out.Book arrived quickly in like-new condition.

Alex Sanchez really hits it with this introduction to Jason, Kyle and Nelson. He captures the various struggles of gay youth and brings them all together through growing friendship. Being a teenager is difficult enough. Most every teenager just wants to fit in. These very interesting characters discover that being true to yourself is far more important than fitting in. Every teenager needs to learn this valuable lesson. This is a great book for anyone who is questioning, anyone who can't manage to fit in, or anyone who just wants to understand the challenges of those who are different. After all, who among us isn't different?

青春物です。内容がゲイの人が主人公なんで、抵抗ある人もいるかも知れないけど普通によかったです。ホロリと来ました。続きがあるみたいなので、また読んでみようと思いました。あまりゲイの方の世界とか、そういった事はよく知らないのですが、普通の人よりやっぱ生きるの大変だったりするのかなーとか 思いました。全体的には、高校生のさわやかな青春物ですが、いろんなこと、きちんと考えようね。みたいな内容は日本のティーンエイジャー向けの青春物より深い気がしました。

I expected Rainbow Boys to be an authentic look at the lives of the three main characters who were all dealing with being gay in their own ways while trying to navigate the high school minefield. Thankfully I pretty much got that.Authenticity was something the book seemed to aim for and there weren't any groundbreaking events or huge plot twists, instead the story focuses more on relationships and decisions.The characters were likeable and individual, the narrative alternates perspectives between the three main characters: Jason the unsatisfied jock who has a girlfriend but lusts after men, Kyle the easygoing swim team star who is hopelessly in love with Jason & Nelson the out and proud opinionated best friend of Kyle.Kyle and Nelson's friendship dynamic was fun and light even though they go through some crap throughout the book.I wasn't overly keen on Jason if I'm honest. I know he was in a weird place where he's confused about who he is and what he wants and he does have some other issues going on at home but he was just too hot and cold for me. He seemed to mess people around a bit too much and was very indecisive which was pretty frustrating. Then again, Kyle's endless hopefulness and Nelson's desperation got a little tiring too so they were all as bad as each other! But i did still enjoy the book and it touched on some very difficult and sensitive issues.This is the first in a trilogy I believe so I think I'll pick up the next one - Rainbow High - and see how their stories develop further.Definitely worth a read for fans of LGBT fiction.

19 female.It's a good book but it is very quick and abrupt in places you can't really tell where the story goes very easily but it does have a lot of HIV reference and it petrified me so much I'm going to have a test done and the guy doesn't even have the virus! This book really scared me if you don't like being frightened of things like that then please don't read.However the book is good a bit predictable and the 'scenes' are not too powerfully written. For a first novel it's alright, I was expecting better after reading the reviews but I can't complain it's an entertaining read about some very silly high school boys.I was shocked at how much homophobia really goes on I hope life isn't really like this.

Brilliant story - had me gripped through-out!! Found it very difficult to put down and desperate to find out what came of Nelson, Kyle and Jason! Although it's an American High School story i felt very close to the characters and recognised what was going on. If you are/were a teenager, gay a or straight, then I suggest that you read this book for an insight into the lives of three very different characters.

a good first part of a trilogy sensitive and fun