(Some of) Best of Wattpad

The Art of Faking Straight

Another story I consider a stepping-stone in my exploration of gay Wattpad. One of the first (of many) that I read repeatedly, back to back, because it took me on such an emotional rollercoaster, I low-key felt like I was high... on life- don't do drugs kids, unless it's herbal... all that pharmaceutical bullshit is probably doing worse than good to your body; fellow sufferers of cramps, paracetamol isn't the way to go, a top tip- hot water bottle and a couple mugs of fennel tea with plenty of rest is the way forward, maybe some dark chocolate too, I understand some have unimaginable pain but if you're a bit lower on the agony spectrum, resist the painkiller and choose a natural remedy- again I sound like a cult leader... maybe it's a sign. 

Ok, got way off topic there, this is review of a gay story, no one wants to know about the ladies time of the month, especially gays, probably falls into the trauma section of their minds. 

Anyway back to the story; the way Dezzypants describes Connor makes you wish he were real; he's a breath of fresh air for the protagonist and us. Connor Hawkins doesn't really fall into a specific box, he is a mix of characteristics that we don't normally see, specifically on Wattpad. At first you believe he's going to be another Pete Wentz type, all edgy and cool with the bracelets and guy-liner but that's thrown out the window the minute you find out his car is yellow and he deemed it appropriate to wear a pink shirt with blue skinny jeans when it's time to meet the parents, not to say he doesn't rock the outfit but what self respecting Fall Out Boy fan wears anything but black? But then, Connor is more of a Bowling for Soup kind of guy. 

Throughout the story, Connor's actions move you to tears from laughter as he tries to win over Liam Kingsley; with the story being in Liam's perspective, it's even funnier when we hear all his rambling and uncontrollable word vomit, particularly around Connor. While Connor is a ball of fun, though shaped more like a bean sprout than a Brussels sprout, Liam is a bit more uptight but soon lightens up with the help of Connor.

Liam battles with a few insecurities regarding his popularity at school and his own internalised fears of accepting who he is; as he struggles he does end up making a few shitty choices, as does Connor, but their love for each other by the end is heart warming and just cute, like a toddler hugging a puppy cute, actually, quite sickening. 

All jokes aside, I believe this story is one of the best coming of age stories I've ever read, packed with light heartedness that makes it easy to read but also addressing major issues that most, if not all, teens experience; you may not be gay but Liam's internal conflict is so relatable, we've all struggled with fitting in and peer pressure, especially in high school; if you haven't, honestly, good for you, I wouldn't wish that kind of strife on anyone. I hope this story simultaneously entertains as Dezzypants intended and also helps many of you onto a path of acceptance.

(Sorry, got a bit deep at the end there).