"There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one's head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people's pain." 
 I'm astonished by how much I loved this book. I went into it blind, which I highly recommend you do too. The synopsis gives a large slice of this book away and robs you of coming across certain moments first-hand. This book follows David's journey through sexuality and identity: the inner conflict he has with falling for someone society says he shouldn't, the shame and regret he feels over the things he has done, the things he feels he must do, and the things he so desperately wants to do. 
 Baldwin's prose was breath-taking. He painted ambience, moments, and characters beautifully. You (albeit kind of creepily) feel like you're lying on Giovanni's bed with Giovanni and David. You see the browned news-papers scattered on the table, and smell the aroma of the spilled red wine. 
 Everything else I begin to type ends with a spoiler so I'm just going to abruptly bid adieu, and hope my inadequate "review" was enough to sway you, or at least peak your interest. 
 Regardless of identity, this book is an absolute must. 
 Overall rating: 4.5