Absolutely Positively Not Bad

By Theodore R.

Over the past couple of weeks I have read Absolutely Positively Not by David LaRochelle. This book is a fictional comedy while at the same time being somewhat dramatic. It is about a young man who is trying to prove to everybody and himself that he is not gay.

Steven DeNarski is a 16 year old high school student who is desperately trying to become a man. He is very flexible, creative, and suave when it comes to situations he needs to get out of. From secretly going square dancing every week with his mother to keeping his manhood intact, Steven has a lot of personal stuff going on. He is friends with future activist Rachel who is Steven's main person to talk to. He has a tendency to "severely observe men" and to mess up his driving test.

One day a substitute teacher comes in his class that Steven becomes interested in but he doesn't want to admit it. The whole book is about him trying to conform to society by doing his best to act straight.

The book itself is very witty, charming, and full of social commentary. Although the plot in some parts gets kind of sluggish and the ending felt really rushed. The dialogue is spot on with sharp humor and in jokes. The characters are very likable and unique and each serve as a symbol in the book.

Overall I give this this book 7 out of 10 stars. I would recommend this book to all of those who are trying to conform to society for an unknown reason. This books teaches that it's ok to stand out and be yourself.