Book Review 2: Absolutely, Positively Not

LaRochelle, David. Absolutely, Positively Not. New York, NY; Arthur A. Levine Books, 2005.
If there’s one thing Stephen learns in high school, it’s that being a ladies man may entail more than he expected. Absolutely, Positively Not by David LaRochelle brings laughter to the journey through high school and personal acceptance. Sixteen year old Stephen loves to square dance with his mom and spend time with his best friend Rachel. When a new teacher arrives at his school his world gets turned upside down. Stephen’s daydreams have a new lead role featuring his teacher who just happens to be male. Sneaking a peak at an old library book, Stephen learns that in order turn away these thoughts he must make everything in his life more masculine. Through rubber band therapy, hanging with the manly clique and dating as many girls as possible Stephen explores a variety of experiences on his journey of self-denial. After realizing that all his efforts are not fixing his “problem”, he must face his fears, tell Rachel and begin to embrace who he truly is. To Stephens’s surprise, Rachel knew all along and is glad that he finally admitted it to her and himself. When Stephen realizes that maybe his sexuality has been obvious to more than just him it becomes his choice to deny his identity or accept it.

LaRochelle tells the story of a teenage boy learning to not only accept but also embrace his identity. Through Stephen’s fights with Rachel about starting a Gay/Straight Alliance at school, getting talked into bring a dog as a date to the school dance and meekness towards gay jokes at school, LaRochelle adds a combination of humor and sensitivity to a subject that tends to be over stereotyped. As readers follow Stephen through his journey of self-discovery they will be able to laugh with Stephen at his misunderstandings yet they will also be able to see that beyond the fluff of humor, Stephen does face real struggles in accepting his identity. No matter your sexuality, you will be able to relate to the awkward stages of adolescence, the crushes and the struggle in figuring out who you are .LaRochelle does an absolutely, positively great job covering a vast array of issues that are in some way relatable to all.