It Looks Like This

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2016

Review

Mittlefehldt's debut novel takes us on a painful journey through discovery, parental disapproval, tragedy, and finally, on to hope. Mike has a small group of friends, a strictly religious family, and an avid interest in classmate Sean. Mike has no romantic history, but accepts the fact that he is attracted to boys. When he and Sean get partnered on a project, it seems that Sean might share his interest. They have a passionate, but sadly brief secret relationship (per Sean's request). When a school bully records and outs them, both boys' worlds fall apart. Mike's family sends him to a camp to re-program him to straight. What happens after this event is the real meat of the story. Mike deals with a tremendous amount of guilt and desolation by hiding away, but when he finally comes out on the other side of it, he's strong and certain in himself and in being gay. He even gets his family to come around. This book is an excellent addition to the LGBTQ genre. It shows the uglier side of being gay and coming out, but still gives us a happy(ish) ending.

Overall Book Score: excellent