📖 Overview
Brent Hartinger is an American author, playwright, and screenwriter born in 1971 in Washington state. He is particularly recognized for his contributions to LGBTQ+ young adult literature and his groundbreaking novel "Geography Club."
After graduating from Gonzaga University and studying psychology at Western Washington University, Hartinger began his writing career focusing on stories about gay teenagers. His debut novel "Geography Club" (2003) became a significant work in the young adult genre and was later adapted into a feature film in 2013.
Hartinger has written fourteen novels, including several companion books to "Geography Club" that follow the characters into adulthood. His work spans both young adult and adult fiction, with titles such as "The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know," "Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams," and "Three Truths and a Lie."
Beyond novels, Hartinger has expanded his creative work into different media formats, with his writing being adapted for both film and television. His continued influence in LGBTQ+ literature has helped pave the way for greater representation in young adult fiction.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Hartinger's authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ teen experiences, particularly in the Geography Club series. They note his ability to balance serious topics with humor and highlight his straightforward writing style that connects with young adult audiences.
Common praise focuses on:
- Relatable characters dealing with realistic high school situations
- Positive representation without making sexuality the only character trait
- Quick pacing and engaging dialogue
Main criticisms include:
- Plot predictability in some books
- Character development feeling rushed or superficial
- Writing style too simple for adult readers
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- Geography Club: 3.8/5 (15,000+ ratings)
- The Order of the Poison Oak: 3.9/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Geography Club: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)
- Project Sweet Life: 4.2/5 (30+ reviews)
Reader quote: "Shows real teens dealing with real issues without getting preachy or melodramatic" - Goodreads review
📚 Books by Brent Hartinger
Geography Club (2003)
A group of LGBTQ+ high school students form a secret support group disguised as a geography club.
The Order of the Poison Oak (2005) Russel Middlebrook becomes a summer camp counselor for burned survivors while navigating new relationships.
Double Feature (2007) Russel and his friends work as extras on a zombie film while dealing with relationship complications.
The Elephant of Surprise (2013) Russel becomes involved with a group of freegans who practice an alternative lifestyle of minimal consumption.
The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know (2014) Twenty-three-year-old Russel navigates post-college life in Seattle while searching for career and relationship direction.
Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams (2015) Russel pursues screenwriting in Los Angeles while his boyfriend works toward becoming an actor.
The Road to Amazing (2016) Russel prepares for his wedding while dealing with family dynamics and personal growth.
Grand & Humble (2006) Two seemingly unconnected high school students discover their lives are linked by a childhood incident.
Project Sweet Life (2009) Three fifteen-year-old friends devise elaborate schemes to avoid summer jobs while still earning money.
Shadow Walkers (2011) A teenager discovers astral projection abilities while searching for his missing brother.
Three Truths and a Lie (2016) Four teenagers at a remote cabin face deadly consequences during a game of deception.
The Order of the Poison Oak (2005) Russel Middlebrook becomes a summer camp counselor for burned survivors while navigating new relationships.
Double Feature (2007) Russel and his friends work as extras on a zombie film while dealing with relationship complications.
The Elephant of Surprise (2013) Russel becomes involved with a group of freegans who practice an alternative lifestyle of minimal consumption.
The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know (2014) Twenty-three-year-old Russel navigates post-college life in Seattle while searching for career and relationship direction.
Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams (2015) Russel pursues screenwriting in Los Angeles while his boyfriend works toward becoming an actor.
The Road to Amazing (2016) Russel prepares for his wedding while dealing with family dynamics and personal growth.
Grand & Humble (2006) Two seemingly unconnected high school students discover their lives are linked by a childhood incident.
Project Sweet Life (2009) Three fifteen-year-old friends devise elaborate schemes to avoid summer jobs while still earning money.
Shadow Walkers (2011) A teenager discovers astral projection abilities while searching for his missing brother.
Three Truths and a Lie (2016) Four teenagers at a remote cabin face deadly consequences during a game of deception.
👥 Similar authors
David Levithan creates YA novels centered on LGBTQ+ teens navigating relationships and identity. His books like "Boy Meets Boy" and "Two Boys Kissing" share similar themes with Hartinger's work about finding acceptance and community.
Bill Konigsberg writes contemporary YA fiction focusing on gay teen protagonists dealing with sports, family, and coming out. His novel "Openly Straight" explores themes of identity and authenticity that parallel Hartinger's "Geography Club."
Alex Sanchez crafts stories about gay and questioning teens confronting real-world challenges. His "Rainbow Boys" series deals with similar coming-of-age experiences and social dynamics found in Hartinger's work.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz writes about young gay characters discovering themselves while navigating cultural and family expectations. His books explore complex relationships and self-discovery in ways that connect with Hartinger's narrative approach.
Robin Reardon focuses on gay teen protagonists dealing with family, religion, and self-acceptance. Her novels address similar themes of finding one's place in society while maintaining authenticity that readers of Hartinger's work will recognize.
Bill Konigsberg writes contemporary YA fiction focusing on gay teen protagonists dealing with sports, family, and coming out. His novel "Openly Straight" explores themes of identity and authenticity that parallel Hartinger's "Geography Club."
Alex Sanchez crafts stories about gay and questioning teens confronting real-world challenges. His "Rainbow Boys" series deals with similar coming-of-age experiences and social dynamics found in Hartinger's work.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz writes about young gay characters discovering themselves while navigating cultural and family expectations. His books explore complex relationships and self-discovery in ways that connect with Hartinger's narrative approach.
Robin Reardon focuses on gay teen protagonists dealing with family, religion, and self-acceptance. Her novels address similar themes of finding one's place in society while maintaining authenticity that readers of Hartinger's work will recognize.