Peter (original 1993; edition 2001)

A young adult novel, told from the first person perspective of a 15 year old boy exploring and questioning his sexuality. Something about the voice didn't ring true with me, but admittedly I know very little about 15-year-old boys, and I don’t read a lot of YA fiction. I think what I'm perceiving is that the author had a point to make (that there are all sorts of variations of "normal"), and felt it was best made from the point of view of a 15 year old boy, but perhaps she isn’t quite as clear on how they think as she ought to be either. Peter is a sensitive boy, sometimes sounding much younger than 15, and sometimes displaying insight beyond his years. His older brother seems a bit too teenager-ish for a university student, too. For that matter, none of the characters quite worked for me. They all felt just a bit too tailored to their roles, not quite stereotypes, but mighty close. I think the book, while it does have a lot to recommend it, suffers from a cultural disconnect---it was written almost 20 years ago (Original publication date is 1993), when maybe the subject of accepting the possibility of one’s own homosexuality was less talked about than it is now.
NOTE: Review written in 2007 Minor editing before posting in 2012 ( )

This is a wonderful little book. The first chapter almost put me off the book but once I got past it the rest unraveled well and had me turning pages non-stop. It's the first book that is written with an Australian vibe to it so some of the jargon I came across was much different than what I'm use to but by the time I was done with this book - I think it took two hours, if that; it's a very little book - I was disappointed that there wasn't more. This is a young adult book so there is only one story here not a couple twined together. We only see a part of Peter's life, but a crucial part. Go, Peter. Best of luck. ( )

Kate Walker's Peter is a coming-of-age story told from the first person perspective of 15 year old Peter Dawson, who starts to question his sexuality after meeting his older brother's gay friend, David. David is tall, good-looking, perfectly dressed; everything that Peter is not. Peter hides his sensitive side and his love of photography from the local boys by joining them in their dirt bike races, and is increasingly concerned by his disinterest in girls; something the other boys only ever talk about. After meeting David, Peter begins to understand that you can't be the person that other people think you should be, that you can only be the person you yourself are meant to be.

I was surprised by Kate Walker's portrayal of the confusion and sometimes self-hatred that can come with discovering your sexuality may not be the "norm." Having gone through many of these same emotions myself, I could relate to Peter and sympathize with his character. I think this would be an excellent book for any young person who is questioning their sexuality to read. ( )

Like The Blue Lawn, Walker's book mixes self-discovery with the harsh reality of being young and gay. But unlike Taylor's book, Peter has a slightly different twist. Cute, hilarious and sad, Walker's book is, as the reviews state, a refreshingly honest looking at both coming of age and being young and gay. My only complaint was that the book just wasn't long enough. ( )

Interesting book primarily aimed at mid teenagers. Peter, a 15 (nearly 16) year old guy is like other guys...into girls, dirt bikes, and maintaining his good face in the eyes of his mates. One day, his older brother brings home a friend to hang out. When Peter seems bent on impressing the older guy, his brother informs him that the friend is gay. Peter has lots of questions, and no one to ask. His best bud Tony sets them both up with girl dates which is a turn off for Peter when his girl gets too aggressive and Peter pushes her away. His mates call him a fag for being seen in the company of his brother's friend, now this? What does it all mean?

Presented in an honest fashion this book is a great read for teens questioning their orientation. Never preachy, honest in action and language, the author conveys the many, many problems and worries gay teens face. I found the characters engrossing and well developed. Difficult situations get realistic solutions. I could not put it down. ( )