Name: Honestly Ben
ISBN: 9781338281941

Bill Konigsberg

In the companion to Openly Straight, Ben confronts pressure at school, repression at home, and his passion for two very different people in figuring out what it takes to be Honestly Ben.

Honestly Ben

Ben Carver returns for the spring semester at the exclusive Natick School in Massachusetts determined to put his relationship with Rafe Goldberg behind him and concentrate on his grades and the award that will mean a full scholarship--but Rafe is still there, there is a girl named Hannah whom he meets in the library, and behind it all is his relationship with his distant, but demanding father.

Lara Engle

While I was thrilled to read the further adventures of Ben and Rafe, I just didn't find this story as compelling as Openly Straight. Ben isn't as fun and he's a hard guy to get to know, even in his own head. As a reader, I had a hard time adjusting to the change in first person point of view, as well, although this may be minimized for readers who had more time and space between readings. Really, the biggest issue is that Ben is generally withdrawn, and he is much more insecure and wishy-washy than you would have thought from the outside. This one just isn't as satisfying, especially with the clunky sink or swim metaphor. The author has hinted on his blog that there will be a third book focused on Toby. That's one that should be really good.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book, so this review is based on the uncorrected proof. I do not know if there is any significant difference between this version and the final publication.

Ethan Hill

Tiffany Robinson

I really enjoyed this and finally being able to see Bens side of things. Some of the book was frustrating but it was still a good read. I wasn't the biggest fan of the ending though. I felt like it left so many unanswered questions.

Mati

Maria youngberg 

Stefan R. Schmid

Mackenzie Mossop

CJ Osborn-Clark

midnightjelly

Louise

Dany Chel

Kristina Sanders

Pedro Assis Cadavez

kayla

maren

Nassiba 

The companion to the award-winning Openly Straight, called "remarkable...deeply satisfying and as honest as its appealing protagonist" (Booklist). Perfect for fans of David Levithan, Andrew Smith, and John Green! Ben Carver is back to normal. He's working steadily in his classes at the Natick School. He just got elected captain of the baseball team. He's even won a full scholarship to college, if he can keep up his grades. All that foolishness with Rafe Goldberg the past semester is in the past. Except... There's Hannah, the gorgeous girl from the neighboring school, who attracts him and distracts him. There's his mother, whose quiet unhappiness Ben is noticing for the first time. School is harder, the pressure higher, the scholarship almost slipping away. And there's Rafe, funny, kind, dating someone else . . . and maybe the real normal that Ben needs.