52 pages • 1 hour read
David LevithanTwo Boys Kissing
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan follows eight gay high school boys over a weekend, centered around ex-boyfriends Craig and Harry's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss, inspired by an anti-gay hate crime against their classmate, Tariq. A chorus of deceased men from the 1980s AIDS crisis narrates the story, observing the boys as they explore love, relationships, and identity. This book contains mentions of HIV/AIDS, suicide, and anti-gay violence/slurs.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Levithan's Two Boys Kissing is praised for its lyrical prose and innovative narrative style, offering a poignant and hopeful take on LGBTQ+ issues. Critics laud its emotional depth and multifaceted characters but note the omniscient narration can feel detached. The novel successfully blends contemporary struggles with a universal message of love and acceptance.
Who Should Read Two Boys Kissing?
Readers who enjoyed Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz or Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan will appreciate Two Boys Kissing. Ideal for those interested in LGBTQ+ themes, coming-of-age stories, and contemporary fiction that explores identity and relationships.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
780L