Not So Pure and Simple

Design by Jor Ros. Resembles the stained glass in church windows with colors in cerulean, gold, salmon, black. Four black teenagers are prominently feature in varying hues. Tight Reads NOT SO PURE AND SIMPLE by Lamar Giles.

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A Project Lit YA Selection for the ‘20 - ‘21 School Year

The Brown Bookshelf Generations Book Club Pick

Winner of The Black Caucus of the American Library Association's Youth Literary Award 2021

Two-time Edgar Award Finalist Lamar Giles delivers his first contemporary YA—an eye-opening novel that spotlights societal pressures, confronts toxic masculinity, and begs the question: what does it mean to be a “real man”?

Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since forever, and now she’s finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. His best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe any girl is worth the long game. But Del’s not about to miss his shot. Again. That’s where Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word, and with other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move ASAP. With all this plotting and scheming, Del never really stops to think what does Kiera want? No matter, though—once he gets the girl, he’s sure it will all sort itself out. Right?

  • “Hilariously necessary.” - Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

  • "A compelling story of young people sorting through conflicting messages and social pressures around sexuality and relationships... a believable, relatable story." - School Library Journal (Starred Review)

  • “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 (Starred Review)

  • ”With a fresh perspective, Giles takes care to flesh out his full cast of characters, creating an intricate, multifaceted web of misogyny and its detrimental impact.” — Booklist (Starred review)

  • “…engaging and often hilarious…” - BookPage (Starred Review)

  • “Realistic…hilarious. I couldn’t put it down.” - Nic Stone, New York Times Bestselling Author of DEAR MARTIN

  • "...Vibrant and authentic…” - Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of 8th GRADE SUPER ZERO

  • "Heartfelt and hilarious on every page! Giles is not only adept at storytelling, he understands what makes us human." - Justin A. Reynolds, author of OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS

  • “Holy hell! This was perfect timely read! I laughed, I gasped, I church grunted through every chapter. Giles is a master at writing realistic characters that are both flawed and relatable." - Tiffany D. Jackson, author of MONDAY’S NOT COMING and LET ME HEAR A RHYME

  • “…a funny, heartfelt, and wildly charming read!” - Jay Coles, author of TYLER JOHNSON WAS HERE

  • “…smart, funny, and lit.” - Tracey Baptiste, author of THE JUMBIES

  • “...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