Nandan is completely unsure of himself throughout the entire novel. He has had sex with both girls and guys and finds a lot of the time he has trouble being sexually interested in either. He likes kissing and making out, but becomes bored or disgusted when it comes to actual sexual intercourse. His narrative delves into the topic of finding ones self, and how sexuality plays a key role. Specifically there is a label for everything, but Nandan finds himself not fitting into any of the categories, thinking he must bend to fit these tight constructs. He cannot figure out if he is gay, straight, bisexual, aromantic, asexual, or simply having a singular gay experience. Nandan has no clue and the reader must delve into these uncharted waters with him. I was very frustrated with Nandan as a character, and as the narrator of this novel. His voice was very disjointed; the writing style kept throwing me off, as though there were bits in between missing or skipped. Often during important conversations Nandan would stop relaying the conversation and simply state that the conversation went round and round, or on and on. This was strange and confusing, and completely unnecessary. I enjoyed some of the side characters, but found others were one-dimensional. Avani was cold, but for some reason everyone put up with her nonsense and wanted to be her friend. Nandan continuously stuck up for her, wanting desperately for her to admit him into her friend circle, when there were no redeeming qualities about her and he seemed to dislike her. A couple other characters were not important to the plot, but would come in at awkward moments. As well, Nandan would get angry at a character for coming into a room and being quiet or changing the dynamics of a situation he had put into play (which made him seem like a dick). I really liked Dave, he was the most honest and understanding of all the characters. He was also quick to forgive and while he put up with the elite crowd, he was happy also just being with Nandan or his 'less cool' friends. He was proud of his nerdiness and did not let anyone make him feel bad about himself. He was pulled and pushed by Nandan, but he took it all in stride. His coming out seemed more genuine. I felt the ending was rushed and too tidy/unrealistic, compared to the rest of the novel. Especially in terms of Nandan and Dave's relationship. I wanted a bit more explanation and depth. Nandan's about face was jarring and completely out of character, it did not mesh well with what he had been feeling only moments before. I think there should have been more of an exploration of feelings and less of a sudden 'oh, I changed my mind'. Overall an enjoyable and interesting read, full of reflection and trying to find ones self.
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