'Rainbow' Series Overview

I have read many books and book series. Some about geology, some about love and romance, even some interesting biographies about major celebrities and survivors of Cancer, AIDS, as well as various disabilities. I do not believe I have read a more truly inspiring and exceptionally compelling saga as the 'Rainbow' series by a brilliant author named Alex Sanchez. As one of my favorite authors of all time, by far, Alex has a style of writing that tends to pull you into the words on paper and feel everything that the written situation calls for. Whether the story is fictional or not, Alex's stories are ultimately brilliantly written, his characters precisely conceived, and his style of writing, compelling in such a captivating way. I very highly recommend reading the Rainbow' series consisting of the initial book named 'Rainbow Boys.' A story about three class mates in a suburban community school that are different in ways of ethnicity, upbringing, and extra curricular activities.

Rainbow Boys is all about coming to terms with acceptance in school and in the home, involving one character specifically, Jason. A popular, tough athlete, heavily involved in Basketball at his school, who's Hispanic father is abusive toward Jason, his little sister and Jason's mother. Tired of feeling trapped in such an unforgiving and abusive lifestyle, Jason decides after being abused for far too long, that he has had enough and stands up to his belligerent father risking his parents' divorce for the sake of acceptance, affection and love, or lack there of. This wonderfully brave character is a very fine example of what far too many kids have gone through for decades. Then there is Kyle. Born an only child to an upper middle class family in a gated community in the suburbs. Kyle is more of a very intelligent 'teacher's pet' type of clean cut and proper young man with an incredibly bright and promising future ahead of him. Kyle's family is ademat about getting him into a highly reputable ivy league school once high school is over and gets accepted to a few colleges before graduating high school. Kyle realizes he is harboring feelings for Jason ever since they met years ago and even though the two have a few classes together, Kyle does not get enough nerve to talk to Jason as often as he would like until Jason starts to let his domestic problems affect his grades and needs Kyle's tutoring help. Also supporting these characters is Nelson. A very excentric and real character in this series who not only is a fellow friend and classmate of Jason and Kyle, but is wild, full of life and as openly gay as a teen can possibly be. Nelson has a very open minded mother, who is not only supportive of Nelson, but still maintains her stern, responsible motherly role. Nelson has shy feelings for Kyle, but soon realizes that the two are better off with holding on to a strictly platonic relationship.

As the story progresses, each character faces very relatable and and unfortunate situations that so many people of any age face every day such as, discrimination, bullying, abuse, divorce, lust, love, admiration, courage and achievement. The second book, Rainbow High, continues exactly where the first book leaves off. Staying true to the story each character not only ages slightly, but experiences more than the average teen does. Experiences such as unprotected sex with a person who happens to be HIV positive, peer pressuring alcholol, and becoming important pillars in the community. My favorite book of the series is the last book, Rainbow Road. In the final part of the saga, Jason and Nelson discover that Kyle is asked to give the graduation speech at a school further up north. Kyle refuses to go through with it, but Jason and Nelson talk Kyle endlessly into taking the opportunity. The three take a road trip up north to the school far away and along the way Kyle, Jason and Nelson all discover new and interesting things about each other. The boys run into many problems along the way from running out of money, to meeting new and interesting passers by on the way to their destination. True love blossoms between two of the three, one decides to not return home on account of finding the love of his life, and the three discover manhood, independence and experience life to the fullest with fun, friends, love and freedom.

More about the brilliant Author, Alex Sanchez has been praised by many reputable sources such as Lambda Book Report, USA Today, Time Out New York and is a graduate with a Master's Degree in guidance and counseling from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Alex has written several other popular books including So Hard To Say, The God Box, Bait, and Getting It. Alex supports various programs such as The Trevor Helpline ( a gay teen suicide hot line), Youth Guardian Services Inc. (a gay and lesbian teen services on the internet), and many anti Violence programs across the United States. Alex writes from the heart, from experience and with youth in mind for the purpose of allowing many introverted and outcast teens to feel understood, welcome and worthy in a sometimes harsh society. Alex Sanchez is a very respected author and has had many invitations and offers to take the Rainbow series to the big screen. Alex Sanchez also has a new novel coming out this April of 2011 called Boyfriends With Girlfriends.

I write this overview to help awareness, acceptance and to help promote these absolutely amazing books. I very much recommend these books for anyone at all from all walks of life. Your outlook on acceptance and misunderstood youth may very well change.