Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) - L.C. Rosen

"My first time getting it in the butt was kind of weird. I think it's going to be weird for everyone's first time though."

  Jack is seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys - sometimes all at once. His sex life makes him the talk of the school, but who cares? Until Jack starts writing an online sex column and he begins receiving creepy love letters, lusting over Jack but hates his unashamedly queer lifestyle. And if Jack won't curb his sexuality voluntarily, they'll force him, taking it to dangerous levels...

  I have to give my biggest THANK you to Simon Armstrong and the team at Penguin Random for this advanced proof copy, I was gripped from page one and was up way into the early hours of the morning in order to finish it. This was truly, one of the best YA books I have ever read. Never has a book talked so frankly, honestly and hilariously about queer sex or even subjects that SHOULD be talked about in YA books. I don't think there has ever been a character like Jack depicted before, so unashamedly queer and proud to be who he is, refusing to conform to people's perceptions or stereotypes. Rather than most books on the market that tackle the traditional 'coming out' story, L.C. Rosen decides to break the mould with a story that most wouldn't want to talk about or bring up. In the first few pages, there are very explicit comments and references to foreplay, anal sex and so on. Some may find this to be too lewd and crude, but let's face it, teenagers, especially queer teenagers will start having sex at some point and books like this give a brutally honest take on the matter, more so than what you learn in school these days (i.e NOTHING). 

  If I had to compare myself to Jack, I'd say we were the complete opposites of each other. Jack is a very confident, assured young man, unafraid to wear crop tops, wear make up and be his authentic self. Seventeen year old Kieran was an introverted, shy, awkward teenager, not knowing anything about the gay world, and if this book had been published when I was Jack's age, it would have meant the world to me. Though someone like Jack would terrify seventeen year old Kieran, his story, his support and love for his family and friends is something that can resonate with millions of people around the world. He takes down the idea of what a 'good gay' or 'bad gay' is, what tribe you may be, if you want to be a tribe at all etc. The book celebrates individuality, and the message of simply 'being'. You can be you without feeling you have to what's refreshing is the advice column that Jack runs, he gives hilariously frank, sometimes brutal, but necessary advice that everyone can take something from. It's not all smut! I can imagine booksellers having conversations with concerned parents or guardians, but ultimately, this book is necessary for young queer people that maybe feel like they aren't represented in literature when they are in need of assuring who they are. Sex is topic people tend to avoid or repress, or often in literature it is gloriously romanticised when sometimes you need someone to really take you through the whole story, warts and all.

   The story of Jack facing a stalker that has the potential to disrupt not only his life at school, but also his personal life with his Mum, is also highly well written, making you feel on edge and nervous for Jack, just trying to keep everything afloat. This also very cleverly encompasses the feeling of many kids at school, perhaps suffering with bullying or psychological abuse but not wanting it to branch out. Sometimes, it's okay to speak out and tell someone. Sometimes it's okay to ask for help. But despite these serious issues, the book is incredibly funny because it's real-life high school drama. Character interactions are natural and feel like you could genuinely get involved with any conversation and when it comes to the sex stories, you'll cringe and laugh out loud at the same time. 

   Jack of Hearts is an incredibly frank, bold and refreshing book that is necessary amongst YA greats. Tackling subjects of queer sex and identity may prove to be too crude and lewd for some, but all the more reason to get it out and read by the world. I just wish this book had been around for me when I was seventeen.

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Publishing by Penguin Random House; February 2019