The story was predictable (clichéd at times) but also funny. Comical may be a better word. The characters were likeable and I am so glad it wasn't all about the teacher leading Steven along the Path of Knowledge. I'm glad Mr. Bowman fell off his pedestal and that Steven had to come to terms with his teacher's imperfection. I did have some issues with Rachel. She was just about too earthy Type A for me; her actions were extreme and unrealistic at times.
Favorite part: after Rachel cheers Steven for finally telling coming out and starts getting all squidgy on him, (pg. 126) she continues:
"Which guy in our class do you think is the sexiest?"
"I have no idea."
Actually, it was Victor Sanchez.
Steven's answer is so quick, so definite; he's obviously put some thought into the subject. That still makes me laugh! I think it is the "actually" that makes the line. Hysterical.
I did not like how the story ends just before the complicated part begins. Or not so much where it ended as much as where Steven was. The central point of the book: Steven wants all the "answers" -- the ones that any person wants for instant relationship/life success. He thinks that if he just looks hard enough or talks to the right person and asks the right questions, he'll be enlightened. I don't think Steven figured out that that's a pipe dream, which left me without a feeling of closure. I think Steven still expects Mike to have the magic words to "fix" him (or he's expecting red-hot romance).
Then again, there's a lot to be said just for finding someone in the same boat.
Other opinions?
