In this short novel based on a true story, Harry and Craig are determined to break the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss. Their story also has an impact on the lives of several gay teens.
Publisher’s Description:
New York Times bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.
While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.
Genre: Contemporary
Representation:
Gender:
Cis boys: Harry, Craig, Peter, Neil, Ryan, Cooper, Tariq
Trans boys: Avery
Sexuality:
Gay/Queer: Harry, Craig, Peter, Neil, Ryan, Cooper, Tariq, Avery
Romantic Orientation:
Not mentioned in the book. Presumed to be the same as the characters’ sexual orientation.
Race/Ethnicity:
Black: Tariq
White: Harry, Craig, Neil, Ryan, Avery, Cooper
Asian: Peter
Disability:
Cooper has depression.
The story is told from the perspective of two men who died from AIDS related complications.
Trigger Warnings:
Homophobic bullying
Physical Assault
Suicidal ideation
Suicide attempt
Parental abuse
Ownvoices: Ownvoices for gay rep.