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.
REVIEW
David Levithan has been a favourite author of mine since my youth, although he doesn’t hold that status anymore, simply because my taste has changed as I’ve grown older.
Ryan and Avery was an interesting read, showcasing Levithan’s accessible and comforting writing style without compromising lyricism, making it welcoming for new readers—a notable achievement but one that Levithan is well versed in. The characters, especially Avery’s parents, positively caught my attention, though they seem to good to be true. They added depth and served as the voices of reason for the story, alongside Ryan’s aunt.
The opposite can be said about Ryan’s parents; they felt lacking, seemingly written solely for conflict without depth. In a narrative focused on coming of age and self-acceptance, they appeared robotic and it was as if they were there just to add texture but the author completely forgot that they even existed.
Regarding the pacing, the text flowed smoothly despite the non-linear narrative. However, the dramatic sequencing of timelines, while not confusing led me to believe that a more linear approach could have enhanced the story. Nevertheless, acknowledging that the author’s choices are unique to his creation, I won’t claim to know better.
In summary, Ryan and Avery was an okay read, not sparking eagerness for a revisit anytime soon. I’m more inclined to reach for a previous book from Levithan, perhaps driven by nostalgia.
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