Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan is a heartfelt, funny and thought-provoking read

Straight Expectations is the first YA book by author Calum McSwiggan which has been published via Penguin Random House. Calum was recently placed in the Guardian‘s list of the 50 most influential LGBTQ+ figures. Putting LGBTQ+ stories at the heart of everything he does, he’s produced award-winning films that have been showcased at film festivals around the world and racked up over 10 million views on his online videos. He has also written for Metro, Gay Times and PinkNews.

I want what the straight kids have. Even just for a couple of days . . .’

Seventeen-year-old Max might be out and proud but he’s usually too busy checking his nail polish to check his privilege.

So when he says he wishes he could have the ‘easy’ life straight kids enjoy, Max gets more than he bargained for. He wakes up to find his wish has come true – not only have his feelings for boys vanished, so has his lifelong best friend Dean.

With his world turned upside down and relationships in tatters, can Max find his way back to the life he took for granted, and maybe even win the heart of the guy he thought could never be his . . . ?

Straight Expectations is one of those wonderful reads that you plan to read just a few chapters of on your commute to work or before bed but find yourself utterly captivated by it and reading it in one sitting.

Max is a loveable character who you fall for from the very first page and who makes it very easy to understand why he feels how he does. It’s a testament to Calum’s skill as a writer that he can balance a character like Max who has multiple layers to him and the humour and pop culture references throughout the book without making it feel cliche.

Straight Expectations is a book that would make a wonderful TV series as Calum has crafted a real, relevant and vivid story that many can and will fall in love with.

You can get a copy here!

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