The Gay Club

Author Simon James Green's book Gay Club tackles the concepts of acceptance, camaraderie, and self-discovery. The narrative follows Barney Brown, a sixteen-year-old self-described nerdy gay candidate for president of his school's LGBTQ+ society, as he makes his way through high school and tries to accept his sexuality.

Barney's battle with insecurity and worry is one that many youngsters all over the world can identify with. His close network of friends, who go to the same school and deal with their sexuality in the same ways, provide him with comfort. The intricacies of young friendships, including the inevitable disputes and misunderstandings that arise, are brilliantly portrayed by Green.


The book's portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community is one of its strong points. Although Green delicately addresses the problems encountered by LGBTQ+ people, such as prejudice, bullying, and the fear of coming out, some sequences serve as a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go in terms of acceptance. The narrative also features characters who are LGBTQ+, which is crucial for young readers who are unsure of their sexuality or seeking representation.

Overall, Gay Club is an engaging and heartwarming story that tackles important themes in a sensitive and thoughtful way. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the story is well-paced and entertaining. It's a great read for anyone looking for a story of self-discovery, friendship, and acceptance.

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? No

Would this book work as a read aloud? Yes