Brooklyn, Burning

Among the many, many Young Adult novels that I’ve read, *Brooklyn, Burning* is unique in two distinct ways. First—and most obviously—it refuses to gender its protagonist, Kid, or the object of Kid’s affection, Scout. Initially, this (intentional) failure to identify the gender of the two characters at the center of the novel evoked anxiety and discomfort in me—how could I imagine these characters, I thought, if I don’t know their respective genders? As I became more acquainted with Kid and Scout, however—and this is largely due to Brezenoff’s skill as a storyteller—their genders no longer mattered to me. I was more concerned with their happiness. And this reading experience, I realized, brilliantly reflects one of the show more novel’s prominent themes—love, affection, and genuine emotional connection transcends gender (whether socially constructed, biologically determined, ambiguous, definite, known, or unknown).

This novel’s other unique characteristic is its focus on homelessness and the impact of gentrification on urban neighborhoods and the queer youth who inhabit them. Kid and Scout—as well as their friends Konny and Jonny (and Felix—a spectral yet significant presence whose past is crucial in understanding Kid’s character)—lack any sort of nurturing home environment (whether in the conventional sense or any other sense), and the circumstances that resulted in their homelessness are directly related to their ambiguous gender identities and sexual orientations.

Employing a contemporary setting and featuring current cultural realities in a story that depicts a quest for the quintessential source of happiness, Brezenoff has woven a masterful and original tale of displaced urban youth in search of love and family. show less

I like this book even more than its awesome cover. Understated prose, deliberately ambiguous gender and sexuality and love and pain and hope, music that doesn't overpower or date the book, and a setting that feels like a living, breathing part of the story...all ingredients for a truly interesting read.

I read Brooklyn, Burning this summer and never got around to writing a review for it. That has nothing to do with how I felt about the book since I adored it. I just didn't know how to express how much i loved this book.

What really through me for a loop at first is the major switch in point of view. A lot of it is Kid's narrative in first person but whenever Kid is telling Scout's story, there point of view switches to second person. It took some time to get use to it but even though second person is usually a terrible idea, Brezenoff definitely did it right.

I really liked how this book was really open ended and really up for interpretation. Kid's gender is never revealed. A ton of LGBTQ are addressed in this book. Kid was kicked out of show more his house because of as his dad says, "I’ve got the only kid I know who doesn’t know whether to be straight or gay or a girl or a boy or what" and Kid's dad couldn't accept that at all.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very well developed and I could relate to each of them in someway. It's a book about love and lost and just longing to be accepted. Beautiful really. I definitely recommend this book. show less

I wasn't sure what to make of this novel where there are very few pronouns and it seems like every other person is selling something or doing something (someone) they shouldn't. In the end I was fascinated by the author's ability to tell the story of two teens who fall in love during one of the most tumultuous summer's of their lives.

Brooklyn, Burning is first and foremost about Kid. Is Kid a boy or a girl? After reading this book I still don't know the answer to that question but I think that's what the author was intending. We, the reader, don't know who/what Kid is because I don't think Kid does either. This is a story about identity, even when your parents may not understand.

This novel consisted of interwoven and non-chronological stories, told from Kid's perspective, about two summers in Brooklyn. Each summer is focused on Kid's current love interest. And while at first I found the style of how the stories are woven together confusing and unappealing, after I finished the book I took a step back and could really appreciate the way the entire overall novel was show more written. Steve Brezenoff had it right in the way that he chose to present Kid's story.

I think one of the stronger and simultaneously weaker points of the book for me was the setting. Brooklyn, New York is a place that I have never been before and therefore it was hard for me to imagine it just as it is and was described in this book. At the same time, I feel like Brooklyn was described so accurately (with street names, etc) that if the reader had been there, then the entire map would have been laid down crystal clear. I could appreciate the setting, while at the same time having it be a little ambiguous.

Brooklyn, Burning is a good book but it took me more than half of it to get into it. So if you do pick up this book, make sure to read the whole thing before coming to a conclusion. show less

I wanted to read this for two reasons: 1) I'd heard a lot about theme of androgyny in this novel, and how the protagonist is never identified as male or female, gay or straight, and that really intrigued me; and 2) It's set in Brooklyn. You guys know I'm a sucker for local geography.

It definitely delivered on both of those counts, but I don't know how much more I got out of it. If the main character had a less unique or ambiguous identity, or the setting lacked those familiar landmarks, this would just have been an average YA novel.

Sadly, my favorite thing about this novel was the cover. Brooklyn, Burning and I were just not a great match.

I may have been missing something, but I was constantly confused by the writing style. I feel dumb to admit it, but for an absurd amount of time, I didn't know which characters were boys and which were girls. I really don't think it was that clear... Also, I was confused by what was taking place in the present and what was taking place in the past since the scenes were switching back and forth all the time. There were a few other aspects that just didn't mesh well with me, but I'm not going to sit here and tear apart the book - we just didn't match up.

I will say though, I did like the setting. I liked how Brooklyn was portrayed show more in the way it actually is. Filled with bland buildings, bars, and colorful characters. The setting seemed to take on the role of a character in a way. Brooklyn is what kept me reading.

So, I didn't like it. I'm sorry. It happens. But maybe you will? Check out the other reviews along this tour and make up your own opinion. This book wasn't terrible, it just wasn't for me. The book was published, someone liked it - there's a chance you will too. show less