Ryan, Tom. Way To Go.

Ryan, Tom.  Way To Go.  Orca  214p  $12.95      978-1-4598-0077-9       hs Good       Realistic Fiction    

When Dan’s friend Kierce berates him for his lack of sexual experience, Dan must decide whether his attraction to males means that he is gay.  A summer job at a new restaurant brings Lisa into his life, and he develops a friendship with her and proves to himself once and for all that he is not attracted to women.  Once he has recognized his sexuality, the next step for Dan is to decide who to tell.  When Dan first shouts out, "I am gay!" to his friend Maisie in a dramatic scene at the beach, her acceptance is easy, natural and authentic.  This gives Dan confidence, although not enough to announce his homosexuality to his family.  There are many positive sides to this book as well as solid conflicts between friends, between Dan and his father, and between Dan and himself.

Thankfully, the message of this novel is not overshadowed by some stereotypes that appear, such as that of a gay person enjoying cooking or that of a gay-bashing friend (Kierce) who cannot reconcile that his best buddy could be uninterested in women.  Dan’s story is one that will entertain and educate; all young readers need to understand not only the importance of trust but also how to navigate the dangerous waters of who and when to trust.   Ryan definitely has something to offer young adults who might be pondering how best to navigate the murky waters of sexual self-discovery.        

Sexuality-Fiction, Friendship-Fiction                  --Martha Squaresky