Despite the cover, and that it doesn't reflect the main character
or plot at all, I had high hopes for this book due to the response from Ellen
Hopkins. Many of her stories are gritty and edgy - these focus on real,
difficult issues facing teens and usually involve illegal activities simply to
survive. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with The Vast Fields of Ordinary, since the story didn't seem plausible at all. Dade is gay, and during this summer before college, he finally comes out to a new, trustworthy friend and, eventually, to his parents.
He has an unhealthy relationship with Pablo, a football player at school who hangs with football players and also has a girlfriend. Pablo, though, is unable to admit he is gay nor treats Dade with respect. Dad simply takes the harrassement he receives at school, and there is no support.
Dade develops a healthy relationship with a guy slightly older, but they both know it's just for the summer. How they meet and are able to have such an open relationship among so many other gay and lesbian individuals in a small town just does not seem to be something that would or could really happen.
I probably won't recommend this book because of the lack of substance of characters, realism of plot, and the cover that few guys will select to read.
