Not So Pure and Simple

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"Hysterical. I couldnt put it down. (Nic Stone) "I laughed, I gasped, I church grunted through every chapter." (Tiffany D. Jackson)"Heartfelt and hilarious on every page!" (Justin A. Reynolds)

4 starred reviews! * An Indie Next List Pick! * Named one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Childrens Books of the Year!

Two-time Edgar Award finalist Lamar Giles spotlights the consequences of societal pressure, confronts toxic masculinity, and explores the complexity of what it means to be a real man.

Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, shes finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Dels right behind her. Though he quickly realizes hes inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge.

His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesnt believe any girl is worth the long game. But Dels not about to lose his dream girl, and thats where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgers questions...about sex ed.

With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move fast. But as he plots and plans, he neglects to ask the most important question: What does Kiera want He cant think about that too much, though, because once he gets the girl, itll all sort itself out. Right

"With true-to-life characters and a straightforward handling of sex, including often ignored aspects of male sexuality, Giless thoughtful, hilarious read offers a timely viewpoint on religion, toxic masculinity, and teen sexuality."(Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")

Reviews

A compelling story of young people sorting through conflicting messages and social pressures around sexuality and relationships. Powerful. School Library Journal (starred review) The novel takes on teen attitudes toward sex and relationships and gender power dynamics in a way that is appealing and thought provoking. Hilariously necessary. Kirkus Reviews(starred review) Giless thoughtful, hilarious read offers a timely viewpoint on religion, toxic masculinity, and teen sexuality. Publishers Weekly (starred review) "With a fresh perspective, Giles takes care to flesh out his full cast of characters, creating an intricate, multifacetedweb of misogyny and its detrimental impact." Booklist (starred review) This is a deeply funny and searingly honest look at teen sex, adults anxieties around it, and the toxic masculinity that so often shapes it. Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books Holy hell! This was perfect timely read! I laughed, I gasped, I church grunted through every chapter. Giles is a master at writing realistic characters that are both flawed and relatable. Tiffany D. Jackson "Heartfelt and hilarious on every page!Giles is not only adept at storytelling, he understands what makes us human. Justin A. Reynolds Realistic...hysterical. I couldnt put it down. Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin Lamar Giles continues to prove hes untouchable when crafting unforgettable characters. Readers will laugh hysterically but will lean in to the novel when Giles takes an honest look into masculinity and flips the ol premise of boy gets girl. Lilliam Rivera, author ofDealing in DreamsandThe Education of Margot Sanchez Not So Pure and Simple manages to put real issues in the spotlight, like toxic masculinity and societal pressures on youth while still being a funny, heartfelt, and wildly charming read! Get ready to hug this book as youll be cheering for Del along the way! Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here Lamar Giless writing is smart, funny, and lit. And he does it while taking on toxic masculinity. Not since Chris Lynchs Inexcusable have I read a more thought-provoking, pull-no-punches take on what our nice boys learn from us as a society. This book is excellent. Tracey Baptiste, author of The Jumbies. I love this book! With a voice thats original, hilarious, and so, so real, Lamar Giles Not So Pure and Simple is an exceptional treat from the moment itbegins, and delivers a satisfying story all the way to the finish. And I didnt want it to end. OlugbemisolaRhuday-Perkovich, author of Two Naomis With realism and humor, Giles paints the complicated, messy reality that many teens face in navigating sexuality, relationships, and the conflicting messages they receive from society. Horn Book Magazine

Author Bio

Lamar "L. R." Giles writes stories for teens and adults. He's never met a genre he didn't like, having penned science fiction, fantasy, horror, and noir thrillers, among others. He is a Virginia native, a Hopewell High Blue Devil, and an Old Dominion University Monarch. He resides in Chesapeake, Virginia, with his wife.