Publishers Weekly: "Klise has created an empathetic protagonist ... and a thoughtful story
about identity, sexuality, and learning to accept oneself."
Time Out Chicago: "Delightful...Simultaneously captures moments of possibility and angst in the story of a Chicago gay teenager."
Booklist: "Klise's first novel succeeds in capturing the terrible anxiety of a teen discovering the truth of his sexual identity... An excellent novel for both classroom and gay-straight alliance discussion."
The Advocate: Klise
"elicits both laughs and suspense with this tale of closeted high
school freshman Jamie, who just wants to fit in and keep his
orientation a secret."
VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates):
"This coming-of-age gay novel includes the basics of learning to accept
who you are and adds a touch of intrigue... This is a great choice for anyone questioning
their sexuality or for teens who like a little twist in their mystery."
ALAN (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents): A July 2010 Pick! “This book exemplifies the struggles young teens may feel with their sexuality and the decisions they make to repress their feelings... Jamie’s experience is authentic, and his feelings are presented in a way that is relatable for teens.”
David Purse for Lambda Literary Foundation: “One of the most accomplished aspects of this terrific debut is Klise’s portrayal of the emotions that people go through while being in the closet. The fear, the confusion, and indeed the feeling of not really belonging will definitely resonate with readers who are or have been in a similar situation. LOVE DRUGGED is a dramatized coming out story that many teens will relate. With a rather fairytale-like ending, the book shows that the most damaging lies can be the ones that we tell ourselves and that after we come to terms with who we really are, there is an opportunity for things to get better.”
TeensReadToo.com: “Every now and then a novel is published that will change the lives and minds of whoever reads it, and LOVE DRUGGED just so happens to be the one. James Klise creates a realistic character who some will fear because he is all too easy to relate to. Just like Jamie, those who are gay are sometimes unsure whether they will be accepted, mainly because a picture of a perfect, normal guy who is meant to play sports and marry a woman is painted and loved by family and friends. Little do they know that they will still be loved for who they really are.”
Some of my favorite reviews from the blogosphere:
Bibliophilic Book Blog
Kelly at Stacked Books
DJ's Life in Fiction
Brent at Naughty Book Kitties
Abby the Librarian
Sarah's Random Musings
Book Chic Blog
Page Turner's Blog