I Can’t Even Think Straight: A Heartfelt Journey of Self-Discovery
From the moment I opened I Can’t Even Think Straight by Dean Atta, I knew I was in for something special. A tale that weaves the struggles of identity, acceptance, and friendship through lyrical verse instantly drew me in. The charm of the writing and the authenticity of the characters resonated deeply, making this not just a book, but an experience. Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and of course, Dean Atta, for the opportunity to dive into this journey.
In this captivating narrative, we follow Kai, a biracial queer teenager who bravely comes out to his friends at school. What unfolds is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery as Kai learns to navigate not only his own identity but the perspectives and experiences of those around him. The lyrical style in which Atta writes makes it a fast read; I devoured it in one sitting! Each verse felt like a window into Kai’s world, allowing me to connect with him on a profound level.
The themes of discrimination, racial profiling, and the struggles against societal norms are delicately handled. It’s refreshing to see the boys at Kai’s school respond with acceptance and support during his coming-out journey—a hopeful contrast to so many narratives that dwell on negativity. My heart swelled witnessing friendships like those between Kai and his best friends, especially with Vass, his non-binary childhood friend. Vass is a whirlwind of humor and unapologetic confidence that inspires not just Kai, but readers like me as well.
One standout character is Matt, who initially seems ambiguous in his support for Kai. As the layers peel back, we discover that his struggles with being gay in a rigidly religious household transform him into one of the most relatable and profound characters. His journey of self-acceptance, though fraught with challenges, unfurls beautifully alongside Kai’s, revealing the complex lives so many navigate in silence.
As a mother, I particularly appreciated the message around supportive parent-child relationships. The narrative highlights the importance of open conversations about difficult topics—something I aspire to with my own kids. The novel briefly touches on sexual assault without delving into graphic details, which I found tastefully done, yet I longed for deeper exploration of some of the more nuanced themes and side characters.
Though the story felt more like a short tale at times, I couldn’t help but admire the depth it provided in such a condensed format. It sparked feelings of nostalgia, reminding me of the struggles we faced as teenagers trying to find our place in the world.
Ultimately, I Can’t Even Think Straight is not just for queer teens grappling with their identities; it’s a timeless reminder for everyone about the power of friendship, understanding, and acceptance. It’s a book that encourages readers to embrace their true selves while supporting others in their journeys. I emerged from the final pages feeling hopeful, inspired, and eager to explore Dean Atta’s other works. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, impactful read that speaks to the beauty of self-acceptance and community, this one is definitely for you.
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