A huge thanks to Dave and crew over at TheWriteReads for organising this ultimate book tour and to Calum McSwiggan, Penguin and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis
The brilliant debut novel from author, presenter and LGBTQ+ advocate Calum McSwiggan!
Seventeen-year-old Max has always been out, proud and just a little spoiled. Frustrated by the lack of romantic options in his small-town high school, during an argument with his lifelong best friend Dean, Max lashes out and says he wishes he had never been born gay.
Max gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up to find his wish has come true – not only have his feelings for boys vanished, but so has Dean.
With his school life turned upside down and his relationship with his family in tatters, Max sets out on a journey of rediscovery to find a way back to the life he took for granted, and the romance he thought he’d never have.
A deliciously romantic YA debut that’s What If It’s Us and One Last Stop!
Genre: Young Adult, Queer, LGBT, Contemporary
Length: 272 Pages
Publishing: 4th May 2023
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ordinary-Boy-Calum-McSwiggan/dp/0241551145
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61335651-straight-expectations
My Thoughts
Straight Expectations is such a fun read and I loved it! It’s an interesting take on the ‘careful what you wish for’ trope.
17 year old Max has everything in life, except a romance. He has fantastic best friends, his mum is supportive and he is a proud and out gay. After an attempt to ask out his dream date goes wrong, Max makes a wish that turns his life upside down. Is life really easier and better straight?
My favourite thing about Straight Expectations is that is shows how teen life can be difficult regardless of sexuality and how much difference the right people around you can make in life. Although there are some instances of homophobia in the book and conversations around suppression and rights, on the whole – it celebrates the LGBQTIA+ community and I would love to think it shows people who are struggling to come out the love, support and positivity that is out there (I know this is not the experience of everyone).
Max is a fun character. He is 17, very spoiled and supported and generally has all the angst of a typical teen. However, he is unaware of hardship and difficulties due to how spoiled and supported he is. I enjoyed seeing him mature and come to some realisations during the alternate timeline and that he works towards accepting how privileged his life was.
I loved the character of Dean; talented, the best friend you could ask for and a little more aware of struggle and not belonging than Max. Often the voice of reason and I missed him when he wasn’t around. Alicia is also a fabulous friend and ally and I loved how supportive she was. Everyone needs an Alicia and Dean in their lives!
Straight Expectations is a cute and light romance with some serious themes scattered on. It’s a story of friendship, love and captures the teen angst but also teen attitudes so well.
A very enjoyable young adult, gay romance that I had a lot of fun reading.
Author Bio – Calum McSwiggan
Calum McSwiggan (born 21 May 1990) is a British YouTuber, blogger, and online radio presenter. McSwiggan creates video content on LGBT+ issues, mental health, and sex and relationships.[2][3][4] He began creating YouTube videos in 2013 and began hosting The Calum McSwiggan Show on Fubar Radio in 2017.
Herding Cats 