
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with their place in the world or seeking a deeper connection to LGBTQ+ history beyond just the present moment. This novel follows two seventeen year olds, Harry and Craig, as they attempt to break the world record for the longest kiss. Their 32 hour marathon becomes a focal point for various other teens dealing with love, identity, and the search for belonging. It is narrated by the collective voice of gay men who died during the AIDS epidemic, providing a bridge between generations. This is a profound choice for older teens (14+) who are ready to explore the weight of history alongside contemporary themes of resilience and self confidence. It offers a compassionate, honest look at the spectrum of the queer experience, from supportive families to those struggling with acceptance, ultimately serving as a beacon of hope and continuity.
Significant focus on kissing, physical intimacy, and teenage relationships.
Narrated by spirits of men lost to AIDS; explores grief, loss, and legacy.
The narration includes reflections on death and the AIDS crisis. One character experiences a digital crisis involving a predatory encounter and a subsequent suicide attempt (overdose). There are instances of homophobic harassment and physical assault (a hate crime). A character experiences a family crisis when their parents react poorly to their identity.
A high schooler who feels disconnected from their own history or who is struggling with the weight of being "the first" or "the only" in their community. It is for the teen who needs to feel that they are part of a larger, enduring lineage.
Parents should be prepared for the storyline involving Cooper, whose intense isolation leads to a suicide attempt. It is a book that benefits from conversation about digital safety and the importance of community support. A parent might reach for this when their child expresses loneliness or feelings of isolation, or after a child has encountered online bullying or harassment.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the romance and the physical challenge of the kiss. Older readers (17 to 18) will better grasp the historical weight of the narrators and the metaphorical significance of the "bridge" between the living and the dead.
The collective narration of the generation lost to AIDS is a singular literary device that elevates the book from a contemporary romance to a profound work of historical and spiritual connection.
Harry and Craig, former boyfriends who remain friends, attempt to break the world record for the longest kiss by locking lips for 32 hours. Their endurance test is broadcast online, drawing the attention of other queer youth: Peter and Neil, who are navigating a steady relationship, Cooper, who is spiraling into isolation and online danger, and Ryan and Avery, who are beginning a new romance. The story is narrated by a Greek Chorus of men who died during the AIDS epidemic, watching over the current generation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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