Kiss & Tell
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Adib Khorram's Kiss & Tell is a romance about an out, gay teen in a boy band that explores serious issues like stereotyping and conforming to others' ideas of what you must be like. There's lots of frank talk about sexuality, and specific descriptions of some actions during kissing and making out. No one has sex in the story, but some specifics about sex between male teens in the past are mentioned. Strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "d--k," and being called "f-g." A few instances of teens drinking to excess, one in a dangerous nightclub situation, have emotional and plot-related consequences.
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What's the Story?
KISS & TELL is the name of a boy band that Hunter Drake and his friends started after they put up a spoofy, goofy music video that went viral. They quickly met with huge success, and now have management, a record label, and are setting out on an arena tour of North America. Just as well for Hunter, who's coming off a messy, and very public, breakup with Aidan, his boyfriend of two years. Hunter soon meets Kaivan, a member of the opening band, and sparks start flying fast. But a few weeks into the tour, Aidan suddenly appears on Kiss & Tell's tour bus, along for the ride for who knows how long? Hunter and Kaivan are knocked for a loop by this development. Can their love survive?
Is It Any Good?
On the surface, this story seems like a sigh-worthy romance set in the world of boy bands that promises to be a light and entertaining read. And Kiss & Tell is very successful on that level. But fans of author Adib Khorram will be looking for something more than just that, and Khorram doesn't disappoint.
Amid the fun, humor, and excitement of romance and fame, it quickly becomes obvious that Khorram is also seriously exploring issues like stereotyping, exploiting talent, friendship, loyalty, identity, and being true to yourself. Mature teens who can handle the frank sexuality and strong language will relate to all this, and have fun rooting for Hunter and (no spoilers!) along the way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sexy stuff in Kiss & Tell. Is it too much? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, games, etc.? Why, or why not?
What about the strong language? Is it realistic, and does it matter if it is or not?
In what ways are the members of both bands stereotyped? How do they handle it, and how does it affect them?
Book Details
- Author: Adib Khorram
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Empathy, Humility, Integrity, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Dial Books
- Publication date: March 22, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 10, 2022
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