The Dangerous Art of Blending In

First off, I’m not a huge book reader but I was really intrigued by the cover AND the short summary of this book and decided to give it a shot. I also wanted to check this book out because I’ve read “All The Bright Places” by Jennifer Niven and seeing her support this new author let’s just say I became VERY excited about it. So I picked up this book and the rest is history... I COULDN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN because I was immediately invested in the storyline and most importantly the main character, Ev!This book is incredibly touching, and confronts so many uncomfortable challenges that society doesn’t want to discuss with such a unique perspective - a young immigrant questioning every single aspect of his life. From topics like homophobia, mental illness, abuse, and self-discovery, the author does a great job of taking the reader directly into the subject matter, tastefully. I laughed, I definitely cried (shocker for me), and at times became very frustrated with specific characters in this book, but I think that’s what makes any reader want to keep reading! You will read this book and have things you’ll want to think about/discuss in your own life - guaranteed! Do yourself a favor and buy this book, but actually READ this book!P.S. - You may have the sudden need for donuts before you get to the end!

I first heard about The Dangerous Art of Blending In while researching upcoming teen and young adult books for LGBTQ youth. I work with young LGBTQ people, and I'm always on the lookout for literature that speaks to the uniqueness of coming out. This book provides insight to the shared fear that comes with the coming out experience. At the same time, it underlines the effect trauma has on the human experience. Through it all, the author peppers in lighthearted insight into Evan Panos' life. Overall, Evan's story is one for everyone who has overcome life-altering struggles (i.e., EVERYONE!) The Dangerous Art of Blending In is a must-read book!

A heartbreaking, but yet beautiful story of Evan, a young man and son of Greek immigrants, trying to find his place as he grapples with being gay. Evan's life at home is far from easy--his mother is abusive and doesn't believe in his dreams, his father is passive toward his mother's behavior. His life at school becomes harder as suspicions arise regarding his sexuality and that of his friend. His safe place is an abandoned monastery and his greatest secrets are in his notebooks. His fear of being outed as gay becomes his saving grace when it happens--it sets him free to move on, love and accept himself, and pursue his dreams.

Probably the best book I have read in years! The characters stay with you and draw you in immediately... the dialogue is BRILLIANT... I found myself rereading pages just to fully take in the intense world that was created. The unfortunate truth of this book (as it is drawn from the authors personal life story) makes it hard to read in parts - but I can assure you that they are worth absorbing as the message is hopeful - and as the author has thrived in life, we know it is possible to come from such a dark place - and then to create a light so bright you can't help but cheer Evan and Henry on! This book is not only helpful for those going through a difficult upbringing, but also for those without such a challenge... we on the coasts tend to think this sort of thing does not happen in 2018... but it does and it is important to pick up on the warning signs and to reach out... ASK QUESTIONS and get those in need HELP! GET INVOLVED!!! Do not act as if it is not your place... it IS YOUR PLACE... I will have to read this book again... I'm sure I missed a lot as I powered through it in only two days... I had to find out what happened... I needed to know he was okay... it's the kind of book you can't put down.

I could not put this book down, I literally read it in about four hours. This story will tear at your heart but leave you with a lot of hope at the ending.Evan has a lot to go through in this book. The abuse he suffers is terrifying and will have you worrying about the character.Seeing this trauma just makes you imagine how often this happens in the real world too.Evan figuring out who he can trust is vital to the story. The relationships, even the bad ones are all done extremely well.Best Part: Now that, that was quite a coming out scene.Seeing Evan be true to himself and the end of the book makes you imagine a very bright future.

I started this one evening and finished it the next morning. I love it when I find a book that draws me in like that and makes me want to keep reading! The story is told from 17-year-old Evan's POV. He's been brought up in an ultra-strict and religious Greek household and has suffered appalling abuse from his mother since a young age. Not only is she physically abusive, but she is also constantly telling him she wishes he would die. His father tries to intervene when he can but largely turns a blind eye. On top of all this, Evan is gay, kissed a boy for the first time at Bible Camp and is falling in love with his best friend Henry. Evan tries very hard to keep all the elements of his life separate. He doesn't want anyone to know he is gay and he doesn't want anyone to know how his mother treats him. But when Henry starts flirting with him and eventually comes out as gay, everything gets increasingly hard to separate. Evan is terrified of his mother finding out, but also terrified of losing Henry, the one good thing in his life. I wanted to reach into his book and pull Evan out into a hug. He was such an endearing character, trying so hard to please everyone. He escaped his life through art and through pouring his heart into endless journals, which when filled, he buried. A truly touching and emotional read, I was with him all the way, willing him to stand up to his parents, willing him to hang onto the happiness he found with Henry. I almost felt proud as his character developed and the ending was very satisfying. A great read, which made me tearful and made me smile. Can't wait to read more from this author.

I don't know if there are words to describe this book. I don't have a gift with them like the author does. It's a masterpiece that comes from the depths of the soul and is very special. I'm very cautious these days with picking up books from authors I've not read before as so often they disappoint lacking depth and emotions. Not this one. I'm not one to read "heavy" books and knowing that this book was portraying some very difficult and heavy, painful subjects, I was hesitant, but I'm glad I plucked my courage and started to read. It's beautiful, it's "real" and, if books about homosexuality would stand a chance the same way as "hetero" books do, this would have many, many well known book awards. It's sad that being as enlightened and free in today's society we still have subjects so many pretend don't exist. Read it, if you have courage. Read it, even if you are scared and uncomfortable. I guarantee that you will get some points to your emotional intelligence.

A thought-provoking and powerful story, which seems almost unbelievable, were it not based on the author's own experience of growing up. Very well written, it was a good example of how the power of words can affect you and force you to think about a subject from a new perspective. Mercifully free of graphic sexual content it gives the reader an insight into the real problems faced by some young people and how they deal with them as best they can. I recommend it.

This is an strange book. It reads as though Panos is much younger and unable to break free. That said it is gripping and worth reading. It will not leave you unmoved. Well done.

Great story and lovable characters 5*Sequel please? 😂 :D