Thank you, Athmosphere Press, for allowing me to read The You I See early.

Although I read a lot of queer YA titles, I hadn't heard of this story before. I love YA books set in the late eighties and early nineties, and I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading The You I See. The author immediately drew me into the story. I loved how the friendship between Alex and Brandon developed into something more and that Alex had such supportive parents back then. This book was so much more than I expected beforehand. I’d love to read more by Danny Freeman in the future!

I received this from Netgalley.com, this did not influence my review.

Some books are just incredibly sincere, earnest, and genuine. This was one of those books. The author deftly captures so much of the drama and uncertainty of growing up gay and the drastic highs and lows of first love; the uncertain line between close friendship and something more and the terrible apprehension of voicing that longing. There are definitely some elements of fantasy and escapism however, Alex and Brandon's relationship is almost cinema perfect at times and Alex's parents are understanding and kind almost to a perhaps unrealistic ideal. Yet even these elements have their place in the story and serve to enhance the book over all, (e.g. showing what a positive influence supportive parents can and should be).

There were a few things I felt got in the book's way, the writing at times seemed predictable and the dialogue sometimes didn't seem genuine. But, these few shortcomings are easily overlooked and the novel's depth, earnestness, and central themes of maturity, acceptance, and love win out easily. As a whole this book was a fantastic read that drew me in from start to finish, made me care about the characters, and provoke some very strong emotions. I was invested very early on and read most of it in one sitting, I would be interested to see what else this author creates.

This is technically an historical fiction (set 1980’s - early 1990’s) of two boys meeting and figuring out that they are in love. Cute romance with themes of religious bigotry.