Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for the opportunity to read this book.

I read this book in one sitting. This was my first read by Dean Atta, and I'm now eager to read his other works.

This was such a fast read, especially since it’s written in verse. The lyrical and captivating style made it even more engaging.

In this novel, we follow Kai, a biracial queer teenager who has just come out to his friends at school. This is his journey of self-discovery—understanding his own and others' perspectives and stories—while also navigating self-acceptance, doubts, and flaws.

The book also explores themes of discrimination against Black teenagers, racial profiling, strict parenting, SA, the importance of consent, and homophobia.

I truly enjoyed seeing the group of boys at school being so receptive and accepting of Kai’s coming out. Their support ensured there was no room for discrimination, which was refreshing to read.

Kai's relationship with his best friends was heartwarming. Vass, his non-binary childhood friend, was funny, witty, and unapologetically themselves. It’s so inspiring to read about a teenager who is confident, knows who they are, and isn’t afraid to show it. Shouldn't we all be like them?

I also loved reading about Matt. In the beginning, you wonder if he’s truly a good friend, but as the story unfolds, you grow to understand him. It must be incredibly difficult to be gay in a religious and homophobic household. Matt accepts who he is, but he knows he won’t receive that same acceptance from his church or family. The only time he feels like himself is when he’s with Kai.

Kai's voice felt authentically teenager, so if you don’t enjoy coming-of-age YA books, this may not be for you.

The book briefly touches on the theme of sexual assault (SA), though it is only mentioned, not described in detail.

It highlights the importance of having open, supportive relationships with parents—being able to talk to them about difficult experiences and receive the help needed. As a mother, this is what I aspire to have with my children.

This book felt more like a short story, and I wished some of the themes had been explored in more depth. I also wanted to see more of the dynamics with some of the side characters who were mentioned.

Overall, this was an insightful and important read—an excellent book for queer teens struggling with identity and acceptance. But beyond that, it’s a meaningful read for anyone, showing the beauty of understanding, support, and unconditional acceptance.

As always, Dean Atta has crafted an utterly wonderful YA novel in verse. I loved Kai as the MC and how he perceived and was perceived by other characters - from The Boys to his teachers to his family to his friends.

I enjoyed how the story touched upon so many different experiences that teen readers may have encountered themselves, or be looking to better understand - from the way The Boys were stereotyped and assumptions made about them by the police and teachers to how Vass' assault was handled. I thought having The Boys go against the expectation of what such a lad-ish group would be like to be real allies and supporters or Kai (and Matt) was so good; and how Kai had his own guilt over fancying Adonis to contend with when he learnt what he'd done to Vass.

I also enjoyed the romance element of this book. I liked how, for one, Matt's need to stay closeted wrestled with Kai's desire to be out - how it was made clear that Matt wasn't right to force Kai to stay closeted but also how Kai wouldn't be right to out Matt. I thought that was handled really well and how both sides were really shown in the text through Kai's angel and devil. I enjoyed how Kai went out with Obi - how having someone out and publicly interested in him made him feel and how that made him realise more what he wanted with Matt. I also liked how Matt's discomfort and internalised homophobia was touched upon with how he acted around Kai's out friends (Vass, Obi & Obi's friends). I liked how Kai called Matt out and how clearly Matt has his own journey as we followed Kai's - how Matt was able to slowly open up and reach a point of being out to his friends and starting a relationship with Kai.

I also loved the callback to The Black Flamingo! I love when standalones get brought into an idea of taking places in the same world and I just loved how Vass had Black Flamingo posters. It's so nice to know that Michael is out there doing drag and doing well.

All in all, another incredible novel from Dean Atta. Would highly recommend.

⭐⭐⭐
Rep : Gay MC, Non-Binary SC

"I only act straight when I can concentrate on it. The rest of the time, I'm pretty camp, and a bit of a clown."

🏳️‍🌈Coming out story
❤️‍🩹Messy relationships and friendships

What I Liked
1) I liked Vass talking about their experience of coming out as non-binary as different to coming out about your sexuality as trans/non-binary people are way more attacked at the moment. I think this could make a lot of teens feel seen.

2) Important conversations were brought up about black teen boys hanging out being mistaken for a gang and how racist that is.

3) I liked how the author handled the MCs feelings about his relationships and that red flags can be different to different people. This story can show teens that if a relationship makes them uncomfortable, even if the other person hasn't technically done anything wrong, you should still leave and that the right person will feel safe.

What I Disliked
1) I think the characters needed way more development. Certain characters felt more like they were there to get a message across rather than the character feeling like a real person while also getting the themes and messaging to the reader.

Thank you to Netgalley, Hatchette Children's Group and Dean Atta for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

There's something about Dean Atta's writing that always appeals. I think it's the realism of his stories and the way you can find a way to link to the characters in some way. The Black Flamingo was my introduction to Atta for example, and I've re-read the book several times because it's just that good.

I Can't Even Think Straight is Atta's newest work - due for release May 29th of this year, and it was another wonderful read. Malachi or Kai as he's more often called throughout the book is our main character and I immediately liked his voice as his story unfolds. His story is captivating, with an honesty that Atta has made relatable regardless of the reader’s age, there's a natural blend of humour as well as moments of the story that are thought-provoking and unfortunately all too relatable to many.

This is a story of growth, of self acceptance of someone's sexual identity and place in the world. Kai goes on a journey that begins as many do in the LGBTQ community of being ‘in the closet’ to being himself to both friends and family. As I've said, this is a story that is at its heart, one that has a heavy focus on the realities of the world we're in and I think many teenagers who read the book, will find the journey Kai is on as a recently out, young gay man with all its ups and downs is both joyous and one they too may have begun too or are hoping to begin when ready.

However, it's not just a story of Kai; Atta has given us many other characters who again have a realism to the story. I welcomed the diversity of the characters both in their nationality, gender, sexuality and society/wealth. All of these have an effect on the person you are, and you become as you grow but especially in the case of I Can't Even Think Straight? How each of them sees the world around them as our story unfolds.

The world building is perfect, and even at my age, I recall school especially being one that was hard to be in, how the various cliques can cause issues and how there is always a group like we encounter known as ‘The Boys'. Atta however does offer some refreshing moments alongside the stereotypical and hurtful moments of hostility and homophobia faced in an academic setting. I also welcomed the insight to teachers who make assumptions based on these groups, and how there should be less presumption and more insight by people in authority…

My favourite character is Vass, the nonbinary best friend of Kai. They're perfectly written with none of the stereotypes we often have and I think I'd love a story about them at some point because Vass shines brightly throughout the book.

I will caution early on we do have talk of SA, although the act itself isn't described at all. I feel it is prudent to mention it however as even indirectly it can cause upset to people.

I love this book, I think many will too because once again, Atta has shown his brilliance as an author and storyteller.

TW for reference to a supporting character's sexual assault but in the main 'I Can't Even Think Straight' is a lovely, warm verse read. The Boys felt like real teens, their acceptance & compassion for each other was gorgeous. #KidLitUK #UKYA pub.s in May by @hachettechildrens.bsky.social! #netgalley

This is a cute, fun and fast-paced queer romance from a writer who doesn't seem to be able to put a foot wrong when it comes to writing vibrant young adult characters. The novel explores themes around coming out, found family and racial prejudice and would be an excellent addition to any school library.

This was a great exploration of sexuality, finding yourself and first loves in a witty free verse novel that leaves a warm feeling.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of 'I Can't Even Think Straight' by Dean Atta in exchange for an honest review.

As a fan of Atta’s previous book, The Black Flamingo, I was eager to dive into this one. I had certain expectations regarding its form and themes, and Atta absolutely delivered.

Malachi was a fantastic character to follow—his voice was engaging, full of heart, humor, and thought-provoking moments. He felt incredibly real, and experiencing the beginning of his journey as an out, gay young man—complete with all its excitement and turbulence—was a joy. The story itself is easy to fall into, and just as easy to re-engage with after a break.

That said, the reason this one falls just shy of five stars for me is that, while I enjoyed it whenever I was reading, I didn’t feel a deep longing to pick it back up once I had set it down. It wasn’t that I lost interest per se, but rather that it lacked that irresistible just-one-more-chapter quality I love in a book.

Overall, a really great read!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

“I’m ready to catch you now...The Question is: Are you ready to fall for me?”

I absolutely love Dean Atta; every single book has been wonderful and this one is no different. Once again told in true Atta writing style this novel takes place in verse and is completely engrossing and mesmerising. The illustrations and format of the book are gorgeous, and I adored the little easter egg nod to “The Black Flamingo”. The plot is fantastically paced and developed, and each character is beautifully written and relatable, plus those found family vibes that “The Boys” give off is wonderful.

Kai felt like such a realistic character, and the friendship group he has is wonderful, it's refreshing to read a book in which 90% of the characters are accepting in what can feel like a very unaccepting society and world. I love that Kai is able to be accountable for his actions, and that there are various themes that take place throughout the book that are handled delicately whilst building those friendships and relationships between the characters. Each of Kai’s relationships in tender and caring, and they always seem to have his best interests at heart, and it is lovely to see such a supportive and caring child/parent relationship play out on page, the book expresses just how much love and support can provide a safe space for anyone.

This is a gorgeous coming of age story in which the MC is able to grow and understand the world around him, as well as himself, it is a honest and authentic read, with a romance that feels inspiring and cute, witnessing it bloom across the pages, and silently cheering the characters on as you witness friends become so much more to one another, with the relationship developing at a tender pace, with respect and support on both sides. This is definitely a read I would recommend to young adults; it very much feels like a beacon of light in a sometimes-dark world.

I devoured this in one sitting! I’m going to start an “I can’t even think straight” reading list and read every book Kai talks about throughout.

I think a lot of queer teens will see themselves in this short and sweet story - the experiences are incredibly relatable, from the awkwardness of coming out, especially when you’re taken by surprise, to the person who isn’t happy for you because they are not comfortable with their own sexuality.

Overall a wonderful tale of queer joy, coming of age and coming out!

I can’t even think straight by Dean Atta

4/5 Stars 🌟

This book was interesting to me, I found it hard to rate but I think my 4 stars will stay.

The book covered a lot of topics like SA, Strict Parenting, discrimination and homophobia and more.

Everything worked well but I noticed it was a slow start and my investment in the story grew throughout.

The asking for consent and being able to say how you’re feeling and what they were comfortable within this book was extremely well done when it came to Kai and Obi.

Some characters were mentioned but we never met or saw interactions which would have been nice to see. Kai’s relationship with the characters we did meet definitely helped show how he was raised and proved the point of ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’

This book was laid out in Verses and the little bits of illustration made it an easy read and enjoyable!

I suggest having a read and I look forward to reading other book by this author.

I really wanted to love this, but I felt it was very surface level. It skates around a lot of problems, but doesn't really delve into them in any real detail. I'd have liked to see our characters confront some of the problems in the book.

The writing was lyrical and was really promising. We meet a diverse and eclectic mix of characters, some of which you really love and would love to get more of.

It was okay. I think I had high expectations because Black Flamingo was fantastic - this just wasn't in the same category.

2.5

I want to start by saying that I didn't hate any if the characters, I think they were all well written, even if at times Kai annoyed my, however I didn't love any of the characters. They all felt two dimensional and rushed.
I felt bad for Obi as I felt like Kai treated him terribly, always judging him for everything he did and said and it wasn't written as if Kai was just a teen who didn't know how to act it was written like Obi was in the wrong just for how he was. The part that I really didn't like was when Kais friend Kass ended up getting SAd by a character we meet in the first chapter, it added nothing to the story, the plot or the characters and was largely forgotten after being mentioned at most three times. It was unnecessary.

I can see why someone would like this book as it is a real look on queer youth and coming out.
I also loved the nod to Dean Attas previous book The Black Flamingo when we see that Vass' favourite drag queen.

A wonderful return to YA literature for Dean. I was lucky to chat to him about personally about this book over a couple of pints following an event. Dean’s passion for this story and its characters really does shine through in the writing, every piece of verse feels delicately placed to tell a story close to the author’s heart. The influence from his own Greek-Cypriot Jamaican family and upbringing is very prevalent throughout, though I would have liked to see a bit more of Kai’s home life. His Bapou and Yiayia are mentioned but we never actually get to meet them as readers, they’re always standing off in the distance whilst Kai and Vass chat on the swings. It would have been interesting to see how Kai interacts with them in contrast to how close he is with his Granny.

This book is a love letter to YA fiction, making many references to other beloved teenage novels throughout. I enjoyed the nod to Dean’s previous work, it is nice to know that years after The Black Flamingo, Michael has made a name for himself in the drag-scene.

I loved that this book explored a queer character with a strong support system around him, the consistent theme of it taking a village to raise a kid was nice. All the side characters felt well developed and thought out, none of them felt one-note.

Overall a very enjoyable read, one I’m excited to recommend to customers, I know a good few who will really enjoy this one!

Dean Atta has done it again - I am in love with his writing style and prose
I cannot wait for what he writes next

Kai is a teen trying to comes to terms with himself in a complicated and often heartless world. He has a best friend who is not ready to come out, a best friend recovering from an assault, a single mother who can't be there when he needs her (understandable, but it aches) and his first boyfriend. It's a lot and Dean Atta punches a lot into the verse format. The emotions of Kai as he's processing it all and how he had to deal with it with the world judging him for the colour of his skin and how he walks. It's almost enough to make someone insane. Luckily, he does have a solid support form and people to look out for him.

The start was a little slow, but as I relaxed into the format, I got more and more invested in Kai's story. There is a lot here to talk about. The bit about consent, in particular, touched with me. I had a lot of emotions throughout the book, and I hope others feel the same.

I Can’t Even Think Straight is a YA novel from the Stonewall Award-winning writer, Dean Atta, that tells the coming-of-age, coming out story of Kai. Kai is back at school after the summer holidays and he feels like it’s time to come out to his peers, but his best school friend, Matt, isn’t ready yet. Encouraged by family friend, Vass, Kai wants to start telling his own story and show his true self, but the world around him is messy and as he tries to navigate a new relationship with Obi, he also has his friendships and family bonds to balance. Matt is scared to come out of the closet due to his family, while Vass reveals a secret that will shake those around them.

With short, snappy chapters, Atta packs a lot into this quick and easy-to-read novel spanning queer joy and friendship, and delving into more complex issues including colourism and racism, transphobia, and homophobia; in particular how they manifest in more covert ways. The book also includes a plotline surrounding sexual assault so readers who find this difficult may wish to avoid this novel, however, Atta tackles it with care and compassion.

A great read for fans of happy-ending queer stories, such as Heartstopper, I Can’t Even Think Straight is a novel about family, love, friendship, crushes, coming out, and the complexities of queerness. Atta even finds a way to perfectly weave his story ‘The Black Flamingo’ into this novel which gives fans of his writing an intertextual, nostalgic moment.

Heartfelt and sensitive, with many layers. Loved the references to Skellig and Black Flamingo. I also enjoyed how the popular group of boys, turned out... not as the narrator expected.
Another wonderful verse novel from Dean Atta. Loved it.

This was a very short book. Despite how short it was, it did pack quite a lot in. I really enjoyed the format.
The main character was pretty grating at times, but I still had a pretty good time overall. I just didn't understand how he thought and his decision making process.
Still, I really enjoyed this overall and will be reading whatever Dean Atta writes next.