I couldn’t put it down.” ( Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin) This book is excellent.” ( Tracey Baptiste, author of The Jumbies.) Not since Chris Lynch’s Inexcusable have I read a more thought-provoking, pull-no-punches take on what our ‘nice’ boys learn from us as a society. And he does it while taking on toxic masculinity. “Lamar Giles’s writing is smart, funny, and lit. And I didn’t want it to end.” ( Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of Two Naomis ) “I love this book! With a voice that’s original, hilarious, and so, so real, Lamar Giles’ Not So Pure and Simple is an exceptional treat from the moment it begins, and delivers a satisfying story all the way to the finish. “NOT SO PURE AND SIMPLE manages to put real issues in the spotlight, like toxic masculinity and societal pressures on youth while still being a funny, heartfelt, and wildly charming read! Get ready to hug this book as you’ll be cheering for Del along the way!” ( Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here) Readers will laugh hysterically but will lean in to the novel when Giles takes an honest look into masculinity and flips the ol’ premise of “boy gets girl.” ( Lilliam Rivera, author of Dealing in Dreams and The Education of Margot Sanchez) “Lamar Giles continues to prove he’s untouchable when crafting unforgettable characters. Heartfelt and hilarious on every page! Giles is not only adept at storytelling, he understands what makes us human.” ( Justin Reynolds) Giles is a master at writing realistic characters that are both flawed and relatable.” ( Tiffany Jackson) “Holy hell! This was perfect timely read! I laughed, I gasped, I church grunted through every chapter. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. 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 get the girl, it’ll all sort itself out. With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move fast. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgers’ questions.about sex ed. But Del’s not about to lose his dream girl, and that’s where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe any girl is worth the long game.

Though he quickly realizes he’s inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. And now, during their junior year, she’s finally available. In his first contemporary teen novel, critically acclaimed author and 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.”ĭel has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten.

Not so pure and simple book