Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

     Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan is the teenage love story of Paul who meets Noah. Paul is blessed in the way that his community and family is more open and accepting than most from my personal experience. Reading this was a nice vacation from my reality where things would play out quite differently.

     It's not easy for all of Paul's gender and sexually diverse friends despite the general community's feelings of equality. Tony comes from a very religious family and is basically on house arrest for his parents' fear the devil will influence Tony's soul in a homosexual manner and bind him to eternal damnation. Unless a girl is involved in an adventure, it's unlikely Tony is going anywhere.

     Infinite Darlene, formerly a Daryl, is a homecoming queen/star quarterback hybrid of a student who can be overly dramatic but acts with the best of intentions from a big heart.

     Joni has been friends with Paul for what seems like "forever" but things go sour when Joni begins dating a guy that Paul (and many others) can hardly stand.

Author David Levithan

     Noah, perspective love interest of Paul's, is the newest addition to the community. He recently moved his easels and photography equipment into a home not far from Paul's. They first meet in a bookstore and things are looking good until Paul's past catches up with him.

     Kyle, Paul's ex, is struggling with his identity and pulls Paul into a situation previously thought laughable at best. Life has a funny way of mending their relationship as friends while simultaneously causing problems between Paul and Noah.

     I think I found this book fascinating because it takes place in an atmosphere of acceptance, love and progressiveness I'm not used to. I dream of a comfortable enough time to hold hands with my husband whenever and wherever or talk freely with my peers about gay relationships and culture without feeling the all-too-familiar marginalization that comes with living in areas such as the one I reside in. I should take a lesson from Tony and his courageous spirit.

You can find Boy Meets Boy at your local library. You can also purchase it on Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or audiobook.

Albert Nobbs Starring Glenn Close

     My husband and I just finished watching 'Albert Nobbs' starring Glenn Close and based upon the novella by George Moore. To be able to say "my husband and I" after watching a film such as this carries with it a personal impact I couldn't possibly describe to you. We are truly blessed to be a part of the 21st century.

     The story of Albert Nobbs is touching and is sure to engage your heart throughout the film. Albert Nobbs, a woman acting as a man to get by in the 19th century, works in a hotel as a waiter and is challenged to conceal his gender secret constantly. After a significant event, Albert knows he must follow his heart, work for his dreams and find love. He doesn't forget his secret - in fact, he still debates on when would be the appropriate time to let his love interest know the truth.

Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs

     Without revealing much more of the story, I leave you to consider a world without gender, sexual desire or physical appearances. Perhaps you're left with souls co-existing, able to acquaint themselves with one another based on the great mystery of love itself and all it entails? I often wonder how great it would be to live in a world where love took precedence over physical appearance and sexual desire. Perhaps it would be better? Perhaps not. I do know, however, that my heart sympathizes with the main character of this must-see film and I wish for my readers to watch for themselves the story of Albert Nobbs.

And should you be inclined to check out George Moore's novella, it's a one-sitting quick read which goes through the very same experiences and provides perspective to the origin of the film and the story from which it blossomed.