Finding Comfort and Disappointment in Ryan and Avery
An e-copy of the book has been provided by the publisher, Penguin Random House International, in exchange for an honest review.
“The first dates are all practice. You’re allowed to stumble and search to get to the way it’s supposed to be”
Ryan and Avery was an interesting read, showcasing Levithan’s accessible and comforting writing style without compromising on lyricism, which makes it welcoming for new readers—a notable achievement that Levithan is well-versed in. The characters, especially Avery’s parents, positively caught my attention, even though they seem almost too good to be true. They added depth to the narrative and served as the voices of reason for the story, alongside Ryan’s aunt, providing a nice balance to the overall dynamics.
The opposite can be said about Ryan’s parents; they felt lacking and seemed written solely for conflict without any real depth. In a narrative focused on coming of age and self-acceptance, they appeared robotic, as if their only purpose was to create tension, while the author completely overlooked their potential for development.
Regarding the pacing, the text flowed smoothly despite the non-linear narrative structure. However, the dramatic sequencing of timelines, while not confusing, led me to believe that a more linear approach could have enhanced the overall storytelling experience. Still, I recognize that the author’s choices are unique to his creative vision, so I won’t claim to know better.
In summary, Ryan and Avery was an okay read that didn’t spark any eagerness for a revisit anytime soon. I find myself more inclined to reach for one of Levithan’s previous works, perhaps driven by nostalgia for the stories that initially drew me to his writing.