Not So Pure and Simple

By: Lamar Giles

Narrated by: Korey Jackson

""Hysterical. I couldn’t put it down.” (Nic Stone) ""I laughed, I gasped, I church grunted through every chapter."" (Tiffany D. Jackson) ""Heartfelt and hilarious on every page!"" (Justin A. Reynolds)

4 starred reviews! * An Indie Next List Pick! * Named one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Children’s Books of the Year!

Two-time Edgar Award finalist Lamar Giles spotlights the consequences of societal pressure, confronts toxic masculinity, and explores the complexity of what it means to be a “real man.”

Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, she’s finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. Though he quickly realizes he’s inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge.

His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe any girl is worth the long game. But Del’s not about to lose his dream girl, and that’s where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgers’ questions…about sex ed.

With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move fast. But as he plots and plans, he neglects to ask the most important question: What does Kiera want? He can’t think about that too much, though, because once he gets the girl, it’ll all sort itself out. Right?

""With true-to-life characters and a straightforward handling of sex, including often ignored aspects of male sexuality, Giles’s thoughtful, hilarious read offers a timely viewpoint on religion, toxic masculinity, and teen sexuality."" (Publishers Weekly, ""An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List"")

W BOOK

it's was very easy to dive into the book from start to finish. and there was a good lesson at the end

Loved it!

Not even sure how the author wrote on such poignant subject matter with such humor, relevance and entertainment.

Relatable

Growing up in the south some of topics discussed in the book was prevalent within my life such as church changing and more young people starting to come into the church. I felt as if i was on a constant rollercoaster with the plot and character emotions.

Absolutely fantastic

Love love love. The best by Lamar Giles yet! His ability to voice so many characters is amazing. I felt for each person especially Del. I do think he was a nice guy. Just a bit confused. Loved the mention of so many of the great YA authors, and towns in Virginia. Special shout out to Hopewell.

Powerful story

This story was amazing and so much more than a guy using church to get to a girl.