Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books 
 It takes a while for Draw the Line to hit its stride, but once it does, this book tells a great story about a closeted gay teen, the importance of community, and the power of art to communicate, to destroy, and to heal. There is a romance -- although, as is somewhat appropriate for a story about teens, it's probably a "Happy for Now" as opposed to a "Happily Ever After." 
 The book gets off to a slow start with a lot of stereotypes. There's a rural Texas town full of corrupt and macho good ol' boys. There's a Sassy Black Best Friend and a Sullen Goth Teen and bullies on the football team. The characters are written broadly. 
 As the story progresses, the characters and the setting open up and become much more nuanced. Yes, Adrian's town is lacking in LGBT resources, but it's a short drive from a thriving LGBT community in Dallas. I also liked that many adults and students are open to supporting LGBT students - but Adrian has been too afraid of bullies to reach for that kind of support. It moves from a story about a stereotypical small town full of bigots to a small town full of different people with different views. Some people are awful, some aren't, and some are confused about where they stand. 
 As much as I liked the romance, its main purpose was to serve as an example of a theme that runs through the book: communities can make you or break you. Part of Adrian's romance with Lev involves blending his best friends with Lev's best friends. Part of Adrian's ability to gain some autonomy from his parents involves him finding work (with help from Lev and Audrey and Trent) at the LGBT Center in Dallas. Adrian helps Kobe by reminding Kobe's friends to go see him (they think Kobe doesn't want visitors, but Adrian, who is concerned about Kobe's mental health, tells them to go anyway, with excellent results). The people who act the worst have the lowest level of support despite sometimes having the highest levels of popularity. We need people around us who help us become the best versions of ourselves, not the worst. 
 When I started this book I was afraid that it would deal in stereotypes and be an unremitting saga of angst. Instead, the book deconstructs stereotypes and, while it does have a lot of angst, it also has humor, friendship, love, and joy. I'd love it if Adrian's comic book was published as a graphic novel - plenty of the art is included in the book and it's wonderful, with flowing, sweeping lines and graceful movement. More Graphite, please! 
 - Carrie S.