Ryan and Avery

When I read Ryan and Avery, my expectations were high. David Levithan is one of my favorite authors, and his queer novels are always amazing. But this specific book blew me out of the water. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. The book was full of sweet quotes, heartfelt and honest moments, and good takes on tough topics. All in all, it was an outstanding five stars.

There is a quote on the back of the book that ended up convincing me to read it, and it is personally one of my favorites. “Ryan once heard the phrase Leave a light on for me and thought it was one of the most romantic requests ever made. He liked the idea that when you fall in love with someone, the other person becomes your lighthouse keeper, even if it means staying up all night, even if it means staring out into the darkness until the darkness assumes the shape of your love and comes back to you.” It sums up the theme of the entire book for me, and it was a perfect choice.

Ryan and Avery is a book about the first ten dates of two boyfriends, and their journey over a few months learning to grow and change for each other. The dates are rearranged in an order that shows how even one week’s span can completely change a person and their opinions. Ryan and Avery work together through these dates: meeting parents, introducing friends, working through arguments, and trying to love each other through it all.

It stands out to me, even now, and I’ve reread the book dozens of times. Each reread leads me to new conclusions about the boys, and I’ve experienced every emotion possible while reading the book. I cried, laughed, and yelled as if every character was real. The way David Levithan writes is so expressive, and he shows emotion in such a unique way.

Ryan and Avery is a perfect example of the troubles that queer teens face in their daily lives, as well as the joy and community that can be found within those experiences. During their sixth date, Grounded, Avery says, “It’s a really big deal, and I need to know it means a lot to you, too, because I haven’t done this before, not like this, and I think I need you to know that. You need to know that I have been thinking about it constantly, ever since you left my house, and it scares me to want something so much.” 

This book is perfect for any teen, even if you aren’t a part of the LGBTQIA+ community because it is a sweet love story that details the struggles of juggling family, friends, and partners, all while trying to do the things you love and create a life for yourself, which is something that everyone goes through at least once in their life.