Boy Meets Boy.

BOY MEETS BOY. David Levithan. 2003/2005. Full cast. 6 cds. 6 hrs. Full Cast Audio. 1-93332233-0. $45.00. Vinyl; plot, author notes. S

Paul is a lucky guy--he lives in a town where there's nothing odd or uncomfortable, or even particularly noteworthy, about being gay, and where the homecoming queen and the star quarterback are one and the same person named "Infinite Darlene." However, even in this idyll Paul encounters problems ... especially romantic problems. He's got a serious crush on Noah, the new boy in town, but is caught kissing his old boyfriend, driving away the new one; one of his closest friends has started dating a dominating jerk and can't be brought to realize the error of her ways; and another gay friend is being held prisoner in his own home by his deeply religious parents. It's an uphill path to true love for Paul, but he perseveres with the steady help of family and friends.

25 actors are used to bring the wide variety of characters to vivid life. Several of the lead roles are performed by YAs still in high school or just barely graduated, so the narration is mostly authentic and lively, although the character of Paul does come across as a little breathily earnest and starry-eyed. Don't overlook the bonus track at the end, in which several of the main actors relate their high school experiences to those in the book. Carol Reich, Youth Svcs., Hilbboro PL, Hillsboro, OR