Review: David Inside Out

Author: Lee Bantle
Started reading: November 19th 2018
Finished the book: November 21st 2018
Pages: 184
Genres: LGBT, YA
Published: May 12th 2009
Source: Got a physical copy from the publisher
Goodreads score: 3.80
My score:

Synopsis
David Dahlgren, a high-school senior, finds solace in running with the track team; he's a fast runner, and he enjoys the camaraderie. But team events become a source of tension when he develops a crush on one of his teammates, Sean. Scared to admit his feelings, David does everything he can to suppress them: he dates a girl, keeps his distance from his best friend who has become openly gay, and snaps a rubber band on his wrist every time he has "inappropriate" urges. Before long, Sean expresses the thoughts David has been trying to hide, and everything changes for the better. Or so it seems.

My thoughts

This is a great book by Lee Bantle. It's easy to read and I love the way coming of age is a thing in this book, and also finding yourself. It's pretty hard topics for some people, but I really like how easily you can read about them in this book.

Pros

• Growing up: I like it when YA books have topics that are sometimes harsh to handle and topics that many people grew through. David is growing up in this book and I love how he changes for the better in this book. He's getting to know himself, he learns what real friendship is, he loses and he wins. It's a very strong YA book.
• The mom: In so many YA books, the moms are awful and not understanding towards their children at all. I LOVED the mom in this book and she really added another layer in this story.
• Emotions: Raw, real emotions is what made the book come alive for me. It's just there and you read about David learning to deal with all the emotions. I love how it's not overly dramatic, it's just feelings, they're real and it's okay to have them.
• Good as it is: This book is good as it is. It's the perfect length to tell this story about David. It has a good pacing and it's easy to read and to finish within a day or two. I'm glad the story isn't longer and that some of the scenes aren't dragged out. It's a good job by the author.

Cons

• Lousy friend: What made me dislike David at the beginning of the book is that he's a lousy friend, or just doesn't know who his real friends are. I like the fact that he learns the hard way how to maintain friends, but it made me dislike him in the beginning of the book as well.

Overall

I think that this is a book that could be very relatable for people in the LGBT community. I just like the fact that certain subjects and emotions are described the way they are, and are not over exaggerated. I liked to have a little look in David's head and it was nice to read how he's finding himself. He's really growing up in this book and it was satisfying to be a part of it.

Other opinions on this book

"The writing is meaty and full of well-conceived characterizations, believable plot devices and plenty of wisdom for teens trying to understand themselves."

- Kirkus Reviews

"Bantle's writing is crisp and spare, with no sentimentally or long-winded introspection; his novel is a refreshing contribution to the 'coming out' genre and a powerful example of an honest teen voice."

- The Horn Book Magazine

Memorable quotes from this book

"What if you still get spooked during thunderstorms? These are not things you want to share with others. Being yourself might make people reject you. People you desperately care about. Being yourself only works if you're basically cool. Which I'm not."

Thanks for reading!

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