Wide Awake by David Levithan

Title: Wide Awake

Author: David Levithan

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 12, 2006

Date Read: January 6 - 9, 2011

Rating: 3/5 stars

Goodreads

Summary

In the not-too-impossible-to-imagine future, a gay Jewish man has been elected president of the United States. Until the governor of one state decides that some election results in his state are invalid, awarding crucial votes to the other candidate, and his fellow party member. Thus is the inspiration for couple Jimmy and Duncan to lend their support to their candidate by deciding to take part in the rallies and protests. Along the way comes an exploration of their relationship, their politics, and their country, and sometimes, as they learn, it's more about the journey than it is about reaching the destination.

Only David Levithan could so masterfully and creatively weave together a plot that's both parts political action and reaction, as well as a touching and insightfully-drawn teen love story.

Review

Oh wow! I've had this new habit of not reading anything about the books I'm about to read so the plot and characters are a surprise. I honestly had no idea what this would be about, though I presumed LGBTQ rights would be involved at some point. Loved it! Such a range of topics from politics, gay rights activism, religion, consumerism, teenage behaviour, etc. I hope that everyone who reads this book can sympathize/empathize/relate to at least one character or situation in this novel. My favourite part was the descriptions of Kansas during the rallies, not only did it make me feel like I was present but it inspired me to participate in such rallies when I'm older. Great book!

Recommended: Little Brother (Cory Doctorow), How They Met & Other Stories (David Levithan), Keeping You a Secret (Julie Anne Peters), Brave New World (Aldous Huxley). If you want more recommendations, post in the comments or send me an email!