Review
An e-arc of the book has been provided by the publisher, Penguin Random House International, in exchange for an honest review.
Date Me, Bryson Keller is a story that follows an unexpectedly adorable queer relationship that all started with a challenge. It all happened when the love interest of our main character was dared to do a challenge with which the first person who asked him out, he will date for a week.
What I loved about this book is that not a single page of it was boring. Every page is a page-turner. There wasn’t a moment when I did not feel the butterflies in my stomach go wild for the pure and unsolicited feelings our main character develops throughout the story.
There was so much to learn from these characters. From being an understanding human being to even the simplest and most cliche ‘do not judge a book by its cover’ belief. The reality of it all is all too real to pass through and I believe that this book, although purely revolving around a cute queer romance, is relevant and timely. It is a reminder for every single one of us. That there are people who are still suffering from fear, rejection, and worst, discrimination.
Date Me, Bryson Keller is by no means perfect. You may be wondering why I gave it a full 5-skull rating when it isn’t. It is because the book is enjoyable, fun, and truly relatable. This book has been coloured with so much controversy that I even doubted it at first and I am ashamed of that. I believe that if every book that started with an inspiration can be dragged down by such, then I don’t think anyone should write at all. Inspiration is the one great thing that makes us want to pursue our goal and I think that this book, inspired by a story, is just as valid as any other story inspired by another.
About the Author
Kevin van Whye is a writer born and raised in South Africa, where his love for storytelling started at a young age. At four years old, he quit preschool because his teacher couldn’t tell a story. Kevin’s love affair with stories led him to film school to study script writing. Kevin currently lives in Johannesburg. Find him at: www.kevinvanwhye.com
