Love Drugged

I just received this book and cannot put it down. It is thoughtfully written by a talented author and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Though this book is fiction, it is about an extremely important topic that is often swept under the rug. Gay teenagers can feel isolated and depressed -- which can lead to suicide. Kudos to Mr. Klise for bringing teen homosexuality into the light and making it something we can read about, talk about, and learn from. I have recommended this book to all of the other therapists I work with who might have clients struggling with their own sexuality. I look forward to future works from this author.

TAKE A DOSE OF "LOVE DRUGGED"! Side effects include: laughing out loud, insomnia (from wanting to finish), and being one step closer to finding your identity. Jamie Bates may seem like any other teenage guy on the outside, but deep down he knows he is far from it. His constant attraction to other guys could be a huge hint that he's gay, yet Jamie does not want to come to this conclusion. In a world where phrases like "no homo" and the word "queer" can be thrown around jokingly, guys like Jamie fear it, understanding the torment and consequences that would result if their peers knew of their sexuality. At first, Jamie finds solace with his homosexuality in an online forum, being able to discuss his interests without being ridiculed. Unfortunately, his one escape is nixed once he discovers a fellow user just so happens to go to the same school. Panicked, Jamie tries to find a way out of the island he and his online friends would be exiled to once everyone knew the truth. Jamie's savior comes in the form of his fellow service club member, Celia Gamez. Extremely gorgeous, rich, and smart, Celia is the girl every guy would want. Jamie and Celia eventually are paired up to work on the Valentine's Day Carnation sale. With her flirtatious manner towards him, Jamie takes this as an opportunity to be put on the straight path. The idea seems to backfire in an instant though, as the physical attraction is absent, at least for Jamie. Out of the blue, Jamie is introduced to a pill called Rehomoline, a drug that is meant to suppress the feelings one has for the same sex. When all else fails, Jamie takes this second chance to live like every other guy, without knowing the side effects that will ensue. Before he knows it, Jamie's relationship with Celia veers in a direction that he never expected, his actions become completely out of character, and the drugs begin to have serious consequences. And yet, is this all okay if it means he will end up being straight? With having to worry about his best friend, Wes, and his own pill problem, dreams that haunt his mind, crushing on a blue-eyed classmate, and having a family that is all too plain and unsuccessful, Jamie must quickly figure out if this drug is what will cure him and give him the life he so desperately yearns for. Every now and then a novel is published that will change the lives and minds of whoever reads it, and LOVE DRUGGED just so happens to be the one. James Klise creates a realistic character who some will fear because he is all too easy to relate to. Just like Jamie, those who are gay are sometimes unsure whether they will be accepted, mainly because a picture of a perfect, normal guy who is meant to play sports and marry a woman is painted and loved by family and friends. Little do they know that they will still be loved for who they really are. An intriguing, perceptive, and heartwarming novel, LOVE DRUGGED may seem like any other simple coming-of-age novel, but with its twists and pag

Love Drugged is suspenseful and addicting, with a great message to people of all ages. This book is an excellent read for High Schoolers, as the characters are relate-able and the story engaging. Jamie was dear to my heart as I traveled through his school year with him, and I rejoiced with him as he came into his own. Also, now I want to own a coffee shop in Lincoln Square.

I got this book yesterday and stayed up most of the night reading it. If you're looking for a smart, insightful, suspenseful, funny/sad book, this is IT! The story centers on a gay teenager trying to pass for straight. But like any good book, LOVE DRUGGED is much more than what it's *about*. It's a touching and realistic look at what it feels like to be different--and the lengths we go to fit in. Every teenager should read it. And that goes double for parents and teachers. It's my pick of the year for teen book clubs. I look forward to more books by James Klise!