Lucky by Eddie De Oliveira
Lucky
by Eddie De Oliveira
Sam Smith finally admits to himself that he is attracted to both boys and girls. At least, that's what he thinks. But he can't tell anyone he knows because he doesn't want to lose his friends and his mother wouldn't understand and his mates on the football (soccer) team definitely would take the piss if they knew. Besides, it's not like he's gay. He just... doesn't know exactly what he is anyway. But then he meets Toby... and he's attracted to Toby. And Toby is "gentle" just like him. And just when Sam thinks he's getting somewhere, they meet Lucy. And even though Sam sort of saw her first, Toby's the one who goes after her like he and Sam are nothing. And Sam is confused and without anyone to confide in. So he does the only thing he can do: he comes out and tries to figure out what he is.
This is a great story about the danger of trying to put labels on people (or on yourself). It's wonderful watching such a self-confessed thoughtful character sort himself out just to find that he doesn't need to figure everything out in order to have friends and family. I loved his friend, Brenda, for pushing him to do the hard things like go to a gay club for the first time. I loved watching all the different parts of his life come together.
When I started this book, it was because of the LGBT aspect. I didn't expect it to be set in England; what a treat, as I love British fiction! And I love YA. This was a great read for me.