If you want a quick read that packs an undeniable punch, look no further. In Two Boys Kissing, Leviethan shows us the lives of gay boys in all different places in their lives, as well as stages of relationships. We have a couple that have dated for an extended period of time, and are navigating what that level of comfort and knowledge of the other person means in their relationship going forward. We see the beginnings of a new couple. We see a couple that are broken up, but still friends. We see a boy alone and looking online for companionship, even if only for a couple of minutes or a night. We see accepting parents, parents trying to accept, and those that can't. There is a transexual character. This book runs the gamet without ever feeling contrived for covering everything. 
 All of this is given to the reader through the lense of their guardian angels, gay men who died of AIDS in the eighties. This use of narration was one of the buzziest things about this novel, and it works beautifully. From the beginning they say, "you don't know us, but..." and their story becomes laced in, showing progress and how far we still have to come. They say they are characters in a Kushner play, and while most teens won't get this reference (I know I wouldn't have as a teen), it is vital. I've seen blurbs from the book call them a Greek chorus narrator, because they are many and they narrate on the main action. This description doesn't completely fit for me, but the narration does. 
 This is a look how far we've come, but look how far we still have to go. It's about the issues, but it's also about the people. It becomes about the issues when it hate or prejudice impede on our characters. This is good writing. It doesn't feel didactic, and that is an easy pitfall for a novel of this ilk, especially with the narration. But the prose rises above this by being poetic and touching. 
 On the surface, this is a novel about two boys attempting to beat the Guiness world record for longest kiss. But, its really about souls striving for something greater, something more, trying to figure out themselves and the world. What teen, what person, doesn't need to hear that story?Don't be fooled this is an absolutely necessary story for everyone. It is beautiful, and heartbreaking. 
 Earlier this fall I finally got around to reading Boy Meets Boy. I think Two Boys Kissing far surpasses that work. I can't wait to delve into some further worlds with this author.