Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Absolutely Positively Not

Absolutely Positively Not
Absolutely Positively Not
Author: David LaRochelle
ISBN-13: 9780439591096
ISBN-10: 0439591090
Publication Date: 6/1/2005
Pages: 224
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 6

3.8 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

havan avatar reviewed Absolutely Positively Not on + 138 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Steven's got a secret as he admits in the first sentence of this book. But by the second sentence we know that his secret is that he enjoys square dancing. He's also got ANOTHER secret that he's not so forthcoming with. In fact he can't really admit it to himself yet, he's gay.

As one would expect from a book released under the Scholastic imprint, there's nothing too disturbing or too depressing in this book. Aimed squarely at teen readers, it's a basically happy, basically fun-filled, tale of the early stages one young man's coming out. Certainly there are plenty of heavier, more depressing books out there dealing with this topic but this book gives it a light-hearted aspect that is more in keeping with today's sensibilities.

The book is well written, the characters are likable, and the events are entertaining, particularly Steve's accidental foray into inter-species dating. At 219 pages, this is a fast, fun and positive read that entertains and lightens the mood surrounding an event that is too often fraught with unpleasantness. I recommend it.
virago avatar reviewed Absolutely Positively Not on + 267 more book reviews
I'm not really sure how to describe it. It was funny and a little sad. I felt so bad for Stephen for being so clueless as to his own mind and for trying so hard to prove that he wasn't what he was. I suppose what makes it sad is that people struggle with this kind of thing everyday. I wanted to smack his best friend Rachel, because whether or not you knew before he did, and even though you were supportive, you don't out anyone. I don't care if her family had already figured it out, it was up to Stephen to tell them he's gay. And his parents *sigh* they were so clueless, but in the end they were a good mom and dad. I think the best part was poor Stephen trying every idiotic thing he could to prove he wasn't gay.