Thank you so much to the publishers, Scholastic, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Barney’s a shoo-in for his school’s LGBTQ+ Society President at the club’s next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention. How low will the candidates go to win? Buckle up for some serious shade, scandals and sleazy shenanigans. It isn’t long before it’s National Coming Out Day – for everyone’s secrets!
But when the group faces an unexpected threat – and a big opportunity – can the club members put politics aside and stand united?
If you were to ask me which author I would recommend as someone whose books make you laugh out loud. But, also discusses important topics and brings awareness to LGBTQ+ issues, I would recommend Simon James Green books right away!
Gay Club! is Simon James Green’s latest book and it is everything you expect from his novels and more. It is funny, inclusive, witty and as British as you could imagine. On top of this, the book discusses some incredibly important issues for LGBTQ+ people.
We follow Barney Brown who is certain he is going to be the next president of his school’s LGBTQ+ club. But, when his rival decides to open the voting out to the whole school, a spanner is put in the works. Following that there is drama, politics, pranks and a lot of sly shenanigans.
This book has all of Simon James Green’s classic humour which made me laugh out loud at so many points. It also has realistic British high-school antics that keep you hooked on the story. You unsure of where it may go next and you are always watching your back to see what sly shenanigans happen next.
I adore the characters in this book! Barney is so lovable and hilarious. I just wanted him to be my friend for the entirety of the book. It is so lovely to see how he grows throughout the book too. George and Maya are two characters you would love to have as friends too. They stand up for what is right and would do anything for their friends. Also, Danny is the unlikely character who stole my heart in this book. I started the book despising him but I promise, give him some time and you will love him too. So many of the side characters are incredible too but you need to read the book to find out more about them all.
There is a constant underlying thread of some very important topics throughout this book. They are the core of each plotline throughout the story. Queerphobia is one of these main undercurrents. Simon ensures that this issue is tackled head-on and in a raw and honest way. It can be difficult to read at times but it is also incredibly powerful to read. All the topics that Simon covers in Gay Club! showed me just how strong, resilient and amazing the LGBTQ+ community is.
The message of standing up for what’s right and being true to yourself is such a stand out message from Gay Club! I hope that this book is placed in school libraries and libraries up and down the country because everyone needs to read this. You will take something away from this book no matter your age or your sexuality. There are so many moments that will make you feel, laugh out loud and open your eyes.
Overall, I would highly recommend Gay Club! for everyone. Be that if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, you will take something from this book. If you enjoy, loveable characters, British humour, friendships and celebrating who you are then this is the book for you!
Loisreadsbooks 