Tony Santorella's Bored Gay Werewolf is a hilarious and poignant coming-of-age story for the modern era. Brian, a directionless college dropout and newly minted werewolf, struggles with minimum-wage jobs, messy roommates, and the complexities of his own burgeoning sexuality. His accidental werewolf transformations – and subsequent near-misses – attract the attention of Tyler, a self-proclaimed were-mentor with a surprisingly effective, albeit questionable, self-help approach. As Brian navigates Tyler's ambitious (and potentially sinister) plans, he grapples with toxic masculinity, the power of friendship, and the challenges of finding his place in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Part buddy comedy, part monster movie, Bored Gay Werewolf is a witty and heartfelt exploration of identity, belonging, and embracing your inner beast, however shaggy.
Review Bored Gay Werewolf
Oh my gosh, Bored Gay Werewolf was such a delightful surprise! Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect from a book with that title, but I was immediately charmed by Brian's relatable struggles. He's not your typical heroic werewolf; he's a mess, a lovable, frustrating, utterly human mess navigating the complexities of early adulthood, a minimum-wage job, and the occasional accidental werewolf rampage. His apathy, his sarcasm, his genuine desire to just figure things out – it all resonated so strongly. I found myself laughing out loud at his internal monologues, completely understanding his blend of exhaustion and exasperated acceptance of his chaotic life.
The supporting cast was equally fantastic. Nik and Darby, Brian's friends, provided a much-needed anchor of normalcy and hilarious banter amidst the werewolf shenanigans. Their friendship with Brian felt genuine and heartwarming, a true testament to the power of supportive connections, even (especially?) when life throws unexpected furry curveballs your way. I particularly appreciated how the story highlighted the importance of chosen family and the comfort found within those bonds. The author deftly captured the nuances of friendship, showcasing its messy, imperfect, yet ultimately sustaining nature.
While the werewolf elements were certainly fun and added a unique twist to the story, they never overshadowed the core themes of self-discovery and navigating the complexities of modern life. The book cleverly uses the werewolf transformation as a metaphor for Brian’s journey of self-acceptance, grappling with his identity, and finding his place in the world. It's a clever commentary on toxic masculinity, the pressures of societal expectations, and the absurdity of trying to fit into a mold that doesn't quite fit.
The pacing was perfect; it felt like a breezy, easy read, even with the heavier themes subtly woven throughout. There were moments of genuine laughter, heartfelt connection, and surprising tension as Brian’s increasingly erratic behavior starts catching the attention of a predatory pack leader. The plot, while not overwhelmingly complex, kept me engaged and curious to see how Brian would navigate the increasingly bizarre circumstances he found himself in.
My only complaint? I wanted more! I genuinely wished the book was longer, providing even more time to delve into the characters and their relationships. While the ending felt satisfying, I was left craving more of Brian’s journey, more moments of self-discovery, more interactions with his friends. The story felt complete but left me hungry for more of this unique and charming world. Despite its brevity, Bored Gay Werewolf is a highly enjoyable read, a quirky and relatable story that tackles serious themes with humor, heart, and a whole lot of furry chaos. Highly recommended!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 7.75 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 272
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Atlantic Books
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