Cut Both Ways by Carrie Mesrobian

Cut Both Ways by Carrie Mesrobian

A TOP 10 RAINBOW LIST BOOK

William C. Morris YA Debut Award nominee Carrie Mesrobian delivers a "raw, sympathetic coming-of-age story [that] uncovers the messy, painful, yet vitally important process of self-discovery" (Booklist, starred review) when a high school senior comes to terms with his attraction to both his girlfriend and his male best friend.

It took Will Caynes seventeen years to have his first kiss. He should be ecstatic...except that it was with his best friend, Angus, while they were both drunk and stoned. Will's not gay, but he did sort of enjoy whatever it was he felt with Angus. Unsettled by his growing interest in Angus, Will avoids his friend and even starts dating a sophomore, Brandy. When he's hooking up with her, he's totally into it, so he must be straight, right? Then why does he secretly keep going back to Angus?

Confusing as Will's feelings are, they're a welcome distraction from his complicated home life. His father has started drinking earlier each day when he should be working on never-ending house renovations. And his mom--divorced and living in a McMansion with her new husband--isn't much help, unless she's buying Will a bunch of stuff he doesn't need. Between the two of them, neither feels like much of a parent--which leaves Will on his own in figuring things out with his girlfriend and best friend. He loves them both, but deciding who to be with will ultimately hurt someone. Himself, probably the most.

• Bisexual Romance: Will knows he's into his girlfriend, Brandy. So why can't he stop thinking about that kiss with his best friend, Angus?
• Friends to Lovers: One drunken moment is all it takes to shatter seventeen years of friendship with Angus. Now Will has to figure out if they can ever go back--or if he even wants to.
• Coming of Age: Between his father's drinking and his mother's emotional distance, Will feels completely on his own as he tries to figure out who he is and who he loves.
• YA LGBTQ+ Read: A raw and authentic story about questioning your identity, discovering your sexuality, and the messy, heartbreaking journey to self-acceptance.

Carrie Mesrobian is a Minneapolis-based educator at the Loft Literary Center. Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly named her debut novel, Sex & Violence, one of the finest books of 2013, and it was a finalist for the American Library Association's William C. Morris Award. The Morris Award for Best First Young Adult Novel is given to the author of the best debut young adult novel. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, daughter, and dog.